1 Thessalonians 2:17-20Desire to VisitWednesday, November 29, 2000
Introduction
1 Thessalonians was probably written during Paul’s stay in Corinth (cf. 3:6, Acts 18:5) after Paul had sent Timothy from Berea/Athens (Acts 17:14-15, 3:2) around 51-52 AD.
Several themes have been recurring in 1 Thessalonians so far:
a) Paul’s thanksgiving in 1:2, 2:13.
b) Their favorable reception of the Word in spite of affliction in 1:6, 1:9, 2:13-16.
c) Paul’s emphasis on his own proper behavior in 2:1-12. The indication is that Paul’s attitudes and methods were being attacked by some and he was calling the Thessalonians to remember what had actually happened during his stay.
After Paul was in the town for just about 3 weeks, the Jews kicked him out. This particular detail is the background for the present section where Paul indicates his desire to return to see the believers. Paul wants to continue the ministry in Thessalonica, so much so that he ends up sending Timothy to do that work. Therefore, it is important to see the present section within the context of the others. One suggestion is this: 2:17-20 speak of Paul’s desire to visit and 3:1ff speak of the ministerial purpose of such a visit. This purpose will be considered next time.
This section may seem to be a “tough nut to crack” at first because it is “fluffy.” But please note that each and every word and passage in the Bible is there purposefully. It is an important section from which we can learn something. Perhaps we can put it this way: there is not a wasted word in Scripture.
The Desire Mentioned – v. 17-18
There are four primary verbs in this section which help us outline it. Notice that it begins with the adversative “but”, indicating a change in topic. Certainly Paul is a different kind of person than the Jews that were persecuting the Thessalonians in 2:13-16.
1. Being taken – v. 17a
This verb is a powerful one - aporfanizw aporphanizo. It comes from “apo” and “orphanos”, so literally it means “from orphan” but the idea is to be torn apart or separated, to be bereaved, parentless, comfortless, fatherless. Orphanized, if you will.
This word is used only here in the NT but its root orphanos is used in two other places: John 14:18 and James 1:27. Check these out to help with the meaning.
This is especially meaningful in light of the illustrations Paul used earlier in chapter 2 regarding his being “gentle as a mother” and “exhorting as a father”. In a spiritual sense, Paul was a mother or father figure to the Thessalonians in his care and teaching of them (cf. 1 Cor. 4:15, 1 Tim. 1:2).
Paul had intended to stay at Thessalonica longer. So, the situation does not seem ideal. However, the Lord allowed him to be kicked out. Look what happened afterwards: Paul preached at a number of locations with effect. Many believed in Berea, some believed in Athens, and the Lord had “much people” in Corinth (Acts 17, 18). Furthermore, the situation prompted the writing of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, not only for the Thessalonian’s benefit, but ours as well!
Four phrases give more details as to the removal of Paul, et. al. from Thess.
a) location – from you
b) duration – a short time, season, or instant, with the idea of opportunity. Not long ago.
c) presence – in presence, literally “in face”. This is the same as “your face” in the second half of the verse.
d) affection – not in heart. The NAS translates this “spirit” but the Greek says kardia kardia (heart), not pneuma pneuma, (spirit). Love is conveyed here. Php. 1:7.
2. Endeavored – v. 17b
This interesting word spoudazw spoudazo means to use speed, make effort, to be prompt, to be earnest, to give diligence, to labor, to study. 2 Tim. 2:15 (study) and 2 Peter 1:10 (give diligence) are two uses of the same verb. There are 11 total uses in the NT. As if that is not enough, Paul again adds several phrases to strengthen the impact of this statement:
a) the more abundantly – this means more earnestly, exceedingly, super-abounding
b) to see your face – to be present with the Thessalonians
c) with great desire – with longing. Usually this word is translated lust or concupiscence (34 times) but there are three positive uses: Luke 22:15, Php. 1:23, and here in 2:17. It would be instructive to go find all the uses of this word. The Bible mentions it often so we should really have a grasp of the concepts associated with it.
Apparently Paul really wants to travel to see the Thessalonians. These are strong words, especially in combination.
3. Would have come – v. 18a
Paul intended to come “once and again”, meaning at least twice, probably repeatedly. Php. 4:16 has another use of this phrase. This was no empty intention either, because the verb carries with it the idea of a desire being pressed into action. Paul had really tried.
4. Hindered – v. 18b
Even so, he explains very simply that he has not been able to make it because Satan is hindering him.
The verb hinder means to impede, cut into, to be an obstacle. Here is ample evidence of the personality of Satan. No “evil force” makes effort to hinder the progress of someone. In this case, the verb is in the active voice—Satan is actively doing this impeding work. Of course Paul knows when the Holy Spirit doesn’t allow him to do something (Acts 16). This situation is different. See Rom. 15:22, Gal. 5:7.
Satan is the devil, accuser, adversary, opposer, prince of fallen angels, tempter, diabolos. He is a hindrance to the progress of the gospel and is doing that to Paul here.
The Desire Explained – v. 19-20
While Paul’s purpose will not be made entirely clear until the next chapter, here we have some indication of it. Paul asks several questions and then answers them. This explains the reasons for his desire to visit them. He asks about:
a) our hope – anticipation, expectation, confidence, faith, desire with expectation of obtaining.
b) our joy – The Greek is chara, from chairo, joy as a result of God’s grace; cheerfulness, gladness, rejoicing.
c) our crown of rejoicing - boasting or exultation.
The answer to Paul’s questions about his reason for all this joy and rejoicing is that the Thessalonians would be present before the Lord at his coming. I take this to be the rapture (we will address this more fully in chapter 4). This is what Paul longs to see—it is important! He says a similar thing in verse 20 only this time it is the Thessalonians themselves (not their presence before the Lord) that is the glory and joy.
This is an interesting concept. Paul desires and hopes and rejoices that the Thessalonians will be with the Lord at the rapture. But he wants to make sure of this so he desired to come to them and establish them in the faith (3:2). Timothy went instead.
The joy of the minister of the gospel is to see that the Word is having its effect. It was working effectually in the Thessalonian believers (2:13). Paul mentions this idea of presenting every man perfect in Christ in Col. 1:28 and Peter in 1 Peter 5:10. This is a motivational factor as well—it is all about the Lord Jesus Christ and HIS coming. It’s a certainty. Check up!
Conclusions
Paul’s care for the Thessalonian believers is evident. Do we care about our fellow believers as much? But this is not just a “warm fuzzy” feeling. It is an objective desire of Paul to continue the ministry in Thessalonica. He doesn’t just hang them out to dry. In other words, Paul doesn’t hold the idea that “they got saved so I can go on to the next place and forget them.” Continuing ministry is needed. More next time. MAP