1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

20 For you are our glory and joy.

taken away from you (v.17) = left as an orphan, separated from, left defenseless without a father’s care and affection

heart (v.17) — referring, by metonymy, to Paul’s thoughts

see your face (v.17) — 1 Thessalonians 3:10

I, Paul (v.18) — The three co-workers had separated (Acts 17:14); Timothy had visited Thessalonica again (1 Thessalonians 3:6), and, probably Silas had accompanied him (Acts 18:5), or had joined him there. — Vine, page 42.

Satan hindered us (v.18) — It may have been that Paul couldn’t return to Thessalonica because of the security taken from Jason, which may have included a guarantee that Paul would not return to the city (Acts 17:9). Paul might have been attempting, and failing, to get this security revoked.

joy (v.19) = chara, the noun form of “grace” — the awareness of God’s grace

crown (v.19) = wreath, like the ones awarded to the winners at the games

Is it not even you (v.19) — even if Paul was unable to return to Thessalonica to see the believers there face to face, he had the assurance that he would see them in the presence of Jesus Christ at the Rapture.

coming (v.19) = parousia, presence, an arrival of one who can deal with the situation, used of the coming of a king or emperor.

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