17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul was a great herald to God’s truth. The greater part of the New Testament Scriptures was written by him, through the person and work of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Second only to the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul was/is the greatest theologian of the church.
However, in spite of his missionary work, his understanding of the biblical truths of salvation and his commitment to the gospel, Paul was a pastor. He possessed a pastor’s heart for God’s people.
This character trait of Paul is normally aligned with his letter to the Philippian believers, to whom he wrote one of his most personal New Testament letters. How many times have we shared these words to a dear brother or sister in Christ.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:3–11 (ESV)
Interestingly enough, Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had the same tender feelings for the Thessalonian believers. In today’s text, listen and mediate upon the emotion and tone of these words. “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,”
Do you sense the trio’s pain of being torn away from this loving church? The phrase torn away (ἀπορφανισθέντες; aporphanisthentes) is one lengthy Greek word. It means to become an orphan. It refers to the deep bereavement by a parent when separated from their child. This phrase conveys a real sorrow and sadness. Although the pain is deep, the physical separation cannot diminish what these three missionaries feel for these believers in their heart and soul. This church is close to them; as close as a congregation can be.
“Paul had been forcedly separated from his spiritual children (cf. Acts 17:5–9). His motherly (1 Thess. 2:7) and fatherly instincts (v. 11) had been dealt a severe blow. Lit., the Thessalonians had been orphaned by Paul’s forced departure,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
While Paul anticipates the separation to only be for a short time, there is the eager anticipation of reuniting with the Thessalonians. The word endeavored (ἐσπουδάσαμεν; espoudasamen) means to make haste, to be zealous, and to be diligent. The phrase the more eagerly (περισσοτέρως; perissoteros) informs us the haste, zealousness and diligence to be with this group of believers was abundant and to a great degree. Added to this strong emotional tone is the phrase great desire (πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ; polle epithymia). This refers to a large longing. Paul, Silas and Timothy earnestly long to see these Christians in person.
My wife and I are associated with a youth camp in northern Michigan. For many years, decades in fact, we have prayed, financially supported and brought campers to this summer place of lifelong memories and forever friends. We reunite there with Christian couples who have been as close to us as anyone could be. The joy of a week of fellowship and ministry satisfies the 51 weeks of anticipation for that week of joy and ministry. This is what Paul must have felt.
Who is there in your life who you need to contact and express your love for them? Do it today because we never know when the time to do so will be gone forever.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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