1 Thess. 2:17. face, not in heart,
And moreover, it is not in heart, he says, that we were separated from you, but in face. But even carrying you constantly in our heart, we experience sorrow that we are deprived of the opportunity to see you bodily. Notice also that those who love intensely have a need to see their loved ones in person, from which their love is strengthened even more.
1 Thess. 2:17. with all the greater desire we endeavored to see your face.
Most of all he was eager to see those left behind for a short time. Pay attention to the love: not for any other reason, he says, do I desire to come, but to see your face.
1 Thess. 2:18. And therefore we, I Paul, both once and twice wanted to come to you, but Satan hindered us.
What are you saying? Satan hindered? Exactly so; for this was not a work of God. In the Epistle to the Romans he says that God hindered (Rom. 1:13, 15:22); and Luke says that the Spirit hindered them (Acts 16:6); and in the Epistle to the Corinthians he says that this was the work of the Spirit (see 2 Cor. 1:15, 22). But here it is simply the work of Satan, who brings about strong and sudden temptations, of course by God's permission. See how he boasts of his love, showing that he loved them more than all others, which is why he says: "I, Paul," that is, although the others with me also desired to come to you, I even resolved to do so.
1 Thess. 2:19. For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting?
Are not these the words of mothers burning with the tenderest love, speaking with little children? The word "crown" was not enough for him to show his fervor, but he added also "of boasting." For in you, he says, I hope that on account of you I shall be deemed worthy of great boldness before Christ, and of joy for the very reason that you both now are and then will be for me a "crown of boasting," that is, a crown of brilliant glory.
1 Thess. 2:19. Are not even you before our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
What then? Are the Thessalonians alone your hope, holy Paul? No, not they alone. Therefore he also said "you too," showing that there were others as well.
1 Thess. 2:20. For you are our glory and joy.
How glorious to bring such a church to Christ, and one so well-skilled at that!