First Thessalonians 2:17-20: Paul's Glory, Joy and Crown
Today we finish up chapter two in our study of First Thessalonians. We are entering a section that discusses Timothy’s report and is quite an emotional part of the letter. As we have seen, Paul loves the Thessalonian church, and here he shares how deeply he desired to be with them again.
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.
We know from Acts that Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica because the situation had become unsafe for them to stay. The description of Paul being “torn away” is quite graphic and emotionally charged. You’ll remember that Paul had referred to himself as a mother and a father to these young believers. It’s as if the image we are to have is of a family being separated from each other as the children grapple for their parents and the parents grapple for their children.
But Paul is quick to point out that though they are no longer in each other’s presence physically, they have not been torn from his heart. He is still concerned for them, prays for them, longs for their growth in grace and looks forward to the day they will be together again. Perhaps we can relate to this more fully in our present circumstances.
It would seem that Paul sought to return to them “again and again,” but was prevented from doing so by Satan. In yesterday’s post, we saw that there are those who seek to hinder the gospel ministry. Bringing these together, we can see that those who are keeping Paul from returning to Thessalonica and hindering his ministry are in league with the crafty serpent, the great enemy of God’s people.
Paul knows that ultimately if God desired him to return to Thessalonica that nothing could thwart God’s plan. So this is not a declaration that Satan has thwarted God, but simply a recognition of the evil at work in the world that can create painful and difficult circumstances.
Now Paul speaks of the Thessalonians in a way that would relate to them how precious they are to him.
19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not also you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
It’s quite incredible for Paul to describe this church as his “hope, joy, crown and glory.” How might that encourage you if someone spoke about you that way? Imagine the voice of the reader echoing in the room where the church is gathered to hear that! Timothy came to visit and he’s great, but you miss Paul, and maybe you’ve wondered if he has missed you. At this point, you don’t have to wonder. You are his joy now and his joy when he stands before the Lord.
Now we might have a few questions here. Boasting before the Lord doesn’t sound right and I thought Jesus was my glory, joy and crown! At least, that’s what we sing in Fairest Lord Jesus.
Paul does speak about boasting in negative ways at times. If we were to boast before the Lord because we believe we have earned our salvation, that would be a problem. However, that is not what Paul has in mind. Paul is speaking of boasting with regard to his faithfulness to his calling and the great works of God in the lives of these Thessalonians.1 In this sense, the “crown of boasting” ultimately comes from the gracious hand of the Lord. But the message to the Thessalonians is how precious they are to Paul and how much joy they bring to his heart.
We know that Jesus is our hope, our joy, our glory and the crown he gives to us is purely of his grace. However, this does not preclude us from also having joy now in those whom we share life, nor does is prohibit joy in those same people on the day when we stand before the Lord with them. How great it will be on that Day to see those whom we have invested our time and energy in, and watched the Lord work his great work of grace in their lives.
Notice that, for Paul, that future great Day of joy brings him joy in the present. May we have a similar perspective as we seek to minister to those around us.
Here's a song that reminds us of that great and glorious Day that is still to come.
1 Robert Cara, Thessalonians, 80-81.