1 Thessalonians 2:19

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at His coming?”

“What”: Or “who” (NASV). '”Crown of glorying”? “Crown of exultation” (NASV). “When. king or conqueror came on. visit he was given. chaplet of glorying” (Robertson p. 24). “For these missionaries this will be the glory-wreath, the prided victor's chaplet” (Hendriksen p. 76). “Are not even ye”: Paul is continuing to respond to the accusation that he did not care about them. To the contrary, Paul likened the Thessalonian's to. victor's crown. We would say, “You are my pride and joy”. “Before your Lord Jesus at His coming?” “The dear friends are the objects of his highest hopes, the source of his deepest joy, and of them he is more proud than. champion is of his chaplet or. monarch of his crown” (Erdman p. 46).

The Thessalonians are. great source of joy and pride to Paul and his companions. John said the same thing (2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:4). To see the Thessalonians saved at the end, would mean that Paul's efforts have been worthwhile, it would be. great victory for the cause of Christ.