Paavali
Paul longs to see the church, but Satan hinders him
Paul expresses his deep longing to see the church in Thessalonica again, but tells them that Satan prevented him from coming. He confirms that they are his hope, joy, and crown of glory before Jesus when he returns.
1. Tessalonikalaiskirje 2,17-20
17But we, brothers, torn away from you for a short time—in person, not in heart—made every effort, with great longing, to see you face to face.
Ἡμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί, ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφʼ ὑμῶν πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας, προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ, περισσοτέρως ἐσπουδάσαμεν τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ.
18For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.
⸀διότι ἠθελήσαμεν ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς, καὶ ἐνέκοψεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Σατανᾶς.
19For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως— ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς— ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ;
20Yes, you are our glory and our joy.
ὑμεῖς γάρ ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν καὶ ἡ χαρά.