<p>4:14 <i>A</i><i>nd though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as a messenger of God, as Christ Jesus</i><i>- </i>Perhaps it was a test in that like many today, people prefer their preacher to be dashing, handsome, healthy and successful. Not a sick man, through whom the very picture of the crucified Christ was placarded before their eyes (see on 3:1). It was by Paul's manifestation of the crucified Christ through his sickness that they were persuaded of Christ; and specifically, of salvation by faith rather than works. For Paul's sickness likely left him without the possibility of performing works for salvation.</p>