1 Thessalonians 2:19,20

A Deep Desire to See Them

Paul had been forced to leave, or orphaned as his word means, the newborn Christians in Thessalonica against his personal desire, as can be seen when he says, "having been taken away from you." While he was not physically with them, his heart never left them. He had a strong desire to return to them and was working hard to that end. In fact, Paul had tried over and over again to come to them. Somehow, Satan had prevented him from coming to them personally. Opposition to anything that would further the cause of Christ is ultimately motivated by Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18; Matthew 16:21-23).

Like an athlete who hoped for a victory wreath in which to rejoice, Paul saw converts to Christ as a trophy to be laid down at the Master's feet. As he looked forward to the day he would present them to Christ, becomes clear that Paul expected to recognize them in the resurrection and rejoice with them in victory (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).