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.
Interestingly enough, Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had 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,”
We can grasp a sense the trio’s pain of being torn away from this loving church. Paul’s words convey a real sorrow and sadness. Although the pain is deep, the physical separation cannot diminish what these three missionaries felt for these believers in their heart and soul. This church was close to them; as close as a congregation could be.
Paul continued to explain why he, Silas and Timothy and yet to return to Thessalonian believers. He wanted them to know for certain it was not because they did not love them. Rather, it was because of spiritual warfare and conflict. Paul wrote, “we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.”
Satan (Σατανᾶς; satanas), borrowing from the Hebrew and Aramaic, means adversary. It is a proper name for the Devil (Acts 26:18).
“Satan, had prevented the missionaries from carrying out their ardent wish to return to Thessalonica. Just how did Satan do this? By influencing the minds of the politarchs at Thessalonica, so that they would have caused Jason to forfeit his bond (Acts 17:9) in case the missionaries had returned? By bringing about a sufficient amount of trouble elsewhere so that neither Paul alone nor all three were able to return? We just do not know,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Moreover, it does not matter. The fact as such that Satan exerts a powerful influence over the affairs of men, especially when they endeavor to promote the interests of the kingdom of God, is sufficiently clear from other passages (Job 1:6–12; Zech. 3:1; cf. Daniel, chapter 10). Nevertheless, God ever reigns supreme, over-ruling evil for good (2 Cor. 12:7–9; Job 1-2). Even when the devil tries to chop up the road that lies ahead, thus apparently blocking our advance, God’s hidden plan is never wrecked. Satan may cut in on us, preventing us from doing what, for the moment, seems best to us, God’s ways are always better than ours.”
Affirming their fond affection for this church, Paul wrote, “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.”
Hope (ἐλπὶς; elpis) means confidence. Joy (χαρὰ; chara) refers to gladness and its reasons. Crown (στέφανος; stephanos) is a prize or accomplishment. Boasting (καυχήσεως; kaucheseos) refers to what one is rightfully proud (2 Cor. 7:4). Paul answered this multi-layered rhetorical question by his next statement;” Is it not you?” It certainly was.
Paul then wrote, “For you are our glory and joy. The Thessalonians were the missionaries’ source of praise and gladness.
“Paul’s affection rose to its climax in this almost lyrical passage. The Philippian believers were the only others who received such warm words of personal love from Paul,” writes commentator Thomas L. Constable in the Bible Knowledge Commentary.
“He voiced a rhetorical question to heighten the intensity of his fervor. In effect he asked what would be the greatest blessing he could possibly receive at the judgment seat of Christ. They were! They were everything that was worth anything to Paul.”
“They were his hope; their development was what he lived for as a parent lives to see his children grow up to maturity, to produce and reproduce. They were his joy, they filled his life with sunshine as he thought of what they used to be, what they had become, and what they would be by the grace of God. They were his crown; they themselves were the symbol of God’s blessing on his life and ministry. They were his glory and joy, and not only his but also the glory and joy of his companions in labor.”
“Paul said in essence, “When life is over and we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming, you Thessalonians will be our source of glory and joy; you mean that much to us.” This profession of affection should have removed any thoughts from the Thessalonian Christians’ minds that Paul had not returned because he was unconcerned or selfish,” concludes Constable.
Who can we contact today to say how much we love them in the Lord Jesus Christ? Whether they are near of far, a pleasant word is a blessed gift. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 