1 Thessalonians 2:18 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Here observe, 1. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, 1 Thess. 2:17. Such was the rage of his persecutors. He was unwillingly sent away by night to Berea, Acts 17:10. 2. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. 3. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. Time is short, all our... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

2:17-20 But, brothers, when we had been separated from you--in presence but not in heart--for a short time, we were the more exceedingly eager with a great desire to see your face. So we wished to come to you--I Paul longed for it once and again--but Satan blocked our way. For who is our hope or our joy or the crown in which we boast? Is it not even you, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For you are our glory and our joy. First Thessalonians has been called "a classic... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Wherefore we would have come unto you ,.... They not only had a will, and purposed in themselves, and entered into some resolutions to come unto them, but endeavoured to put them into execution: even I Paul : as well as Silas and Timothy; the latter of which had been with them, and the others had as good a will, and especially Paul: and that once and again : or "once and twice" so the Jews used F8 Maimon. in Hilch. Chobel, c. 5. sect. 10. to speak פעם ראשונה ושנייח , "one... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Even I Paul - He had already sent Timothy and Silas to them; but he himself was anxious to see them, and had purposed this once and again, but Satan hindered; i.e., some adversary, as the word means, whether the devil himself, or some of his children. There was, however, such a storm of persecution raised up against him, that his friends did not think it prudent to permit him to go till the storm had been somewhat allayed. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Verse 18 18Satan hindered us. Luke relates that Paul was in one instance hindered, (Acts 20:3) inasmuch as the Jews laid an ambush for him in the way. The same thing, or something similar, may have occurred frequently. It is not without good reason, however, that Paul ascribes the whole of this to Satan, for, as he teaches elsewhere, (Ephesians 6:12) we have to wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities of the air, and spiritual wickednesses, etc. For, whenever the wicked... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul . Paul distinguishes himself, because in all probability his companions, Silas and Timothy, had been at Thessalonica after he had left it. Once and again. Not used indefinitely, but referring to two separate attempts which Paul made to revisit the Thessalonians. But Satan hindered us ; denoting, not the enemies of Christianity, but the devil, the author of all the hindrances in the kingdom of God. Paul here recognizes the personality of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul - The phrase “even I Paul,” seems to be used by way of emphasis. He had a special desire to go himself. He had sent Timothy to them 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, and perhaps, some might have been disposed to allege that Paul was afraid to go himself, or that he did not feel interest enough in them to go, though he was willing to send one to visit them. Paul, therefore, is at much pains to assure them that his long separation from... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20. But we, brethren, &c. In this verse we have a remarkable instance, not so much of the transient affections of holy grief, desire, or joy, as of that abiding tenderness, that loving temper, which is so apparent in all St. Paul’s writings toward those he styles his children in the faith. This is the more carefully to be observed, because the passions occasionally exercising themselves, and flowing like a torrent, in the apostle, are observable to every reader;... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

After leaving Thessalonica (2:17-3:13)Having reminded the Thessalonians of his work and conduct while among them, Paul now outlines his thoughts and feelings for them since he left. In spite of what his opponents are saying, his failure to return does not mean that he has no interest in them. Several times he has tried to return, but each time something has stopped him (17-18). He wants to have joy, not shame, at Christ’s return, and for this reason he is eager to see his converts grow and... read more