But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
Read it in contextSeparation and longing
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 1 Thessalonians 2:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul explains his desire to return and the hindrance he encountered, preparing the account of Timothy's mission in chapter 3.
2:17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
2:18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
2:20For ye are our glory and joy.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 1:1–3:13): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about its reception of the gospel, afflictions, and Timothy's report. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Separation and longing. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17 through 1 Thessalonians 2:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul explains his desire to return and the hindrance he encountered, preparing the account of Timothy's mission in chapter 3. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls the founding ministry and Timothy's report and addresses the church's present questions. It does not provide a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; Athens and Macedonia appear in the account of separation and ministry. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Separation and longing (1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 1 Thessalonians 2:20).
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The readers have turned to serve the living and true God and await His Son. The coming of the Lord grounds comfort concerning believers who have died and exhortations to holy living. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Encourage one another, work responsibly, and pursue holiness. Use the coming of the Lord for the comfort and watchfulness the letter calls for rather than speculative date-setting. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls how the team lived among the readers, presenting their conduct as evidence of genuine concern rather than exploitation.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his desire to return and the hindrance he encountered, preparing the account of Timothy's mission in chapter 3.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.