2:2a

In the Greek text, the conjunction alla (“but”) actually occurs at the beginning of the verse. Versions such as the English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, and NET Bible place it there. This makes it clear that what Paul was about to say in 2:2 connects to 2:1. Paul was saying that his visit had not been a failure but, on the contrary, it had been a success because, despite persecution, he had still preached in Thessalonica. However, other versions, including the Berean Standard Bible and the Contemporary English Version, New International Version (2011 Revision), and New Living Translation (2004 Revision), place this conjunction before 2:2b-c. This indicates the contrast between Paul’s boldness and the persecution that could have made him afraid. Place this conjunction where it would be natural in your language.

If you translated 2:1 using litotes, you could use an expression such as “on the contrary” here. If, however, you used a positive statement, you will need to use a word such as “indeed” to link the two verses.

As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi: See Acts 16:16–40 for details of Paul’s suffering at Philippi.

2:2b

in the face of strong opposition: The Greek is literally “in much struggle.” Most commentators and versions agree that Paul was referring to the people who had opposed him and tried to stop him preaching everywhere he went.

2:2c

we were bold in our God to speak to you: It was God who had enabled Paul and his companions to preach boldly in Thessalonica, even after they had been persecuted in Philippi.

our God: In some languages, using a possessive such as “our” with God might imply that God was in some sense possessed or owned. Clearly this is not the meaning here, since God cannot be owned by anyone. In other languages it might mean that Paul’s God was only one God among many. This is also not true, because Paul’s God is the only God. The meaning is “God whom we worship/serve.”

the gospel of God: God is the source of the good news concerning Jesus Christ. So you could translate the phrase the gospel of God as “the good news that God gave” or “the good news that came from God.”

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