1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

At first glance this passage appears to be little more than a personal expression from one friend to another. But it is more than that; it reflects the character of a godly heart, a character we can and need to develop. English Bibles generally fail to communicate the emotion of Paul in verse 17. The NASB uses “having been bereft of you,” while the NIV uses “torn away,” which is a little better. Literally what Paul says is, “We were orphaned from you.” The separation that was imposed was more than a mere absence; it was like losing a parent. Paul felt like he lost his mom and dad when he left the Thessalonians. He could not see their faces, but he held them in his heart. Some in the Thessalonian church, perhaps for their own agenda, may have made negative accusations about Paul's love and commitment to the church.

Paul explains his absence in terms of satanic activity. We are not told what kept Paul from returning; it may have been the politics of Thessalonica, illness, or troubles in his current ministry at Corinth. It is interesting to note that at least in this small skirmish, Satan won. Even against the Apostle Paul, Satan does win sometimes, even against the best of disciples. We have a tendency to say “it must not have been God's will” when good things don't transpire as we'd hoped. That fails to take into account a powerful, smart, active, and effective enemy. This enemy is no match for our Father, but he is more than a match for us, and he has many powerful allies.

When the King comes, what will be our reward? Paul uses the term “crown,” the laurel wreaths given to the winners at the game or to victorious generals, to describe our reward. What is the victor's crown for believers? Looking at verses 19-20, Paul says it is those we have led to Christ, the disciples we have made. Not our buildings, budgets, books, or attendance figures. Nothing other than disciples we have made. The word “coming” refers to royalty approaching a city and the population going out to meet him. Paul sees himself leading a delegation to meet the King when He comes. These people in the delegation are glory and joy for Paul; they are his crown. Many, indeed most, Christians will have no delegation with them when they meet the king. What a disappointment it would be to meet the king and to be alone.

“Lord, excite in me a passion to make disciples. AMEN”