1 Thessalonians 2:18
Verse
Context
Paul’s Longing to Visit
17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.18For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Don Courville
Chip Brogden
John F. Walvoord
T. Austin-Sparks
St. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--The oldest manuscripts read, "Because," or "Inasmuch as." we would--Greek, "we wished to come"; we intended to come. even I Paul--My fellow missionaries as well as myself wished to come; I can answer for myself that I intended it more than once. His slightly distinguishing himself here from his fellow missionaries, whom throughout this Epistle he associates with himself in the plural, accords with the fact that Silvanus and Timothy stayed at Berea when Paul went on to Athens; where subsequently Timothy joined him, and was thence sent by Paul alone to Thessalonica (Th1 3:1). Satan hindered us--On a different occasion "the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus" (so the oldest manuscripts read), Act 16:6-7, forbad or hindered them in a missionary design; here it is Satan, acting perhaps by wicked men, some of whom had already driven him out of Thessalonica (Act 17:13-14; compare Joh 13:27), or else by some more direct "messenger of Satan--a thorn in the flesh" (Co2 12:7; compare Co2 11:14). In any event, the Holy Ghost and the providence of God overruled Satan's opposition to further His own purpose. We cannot, in each case, define whence hindrances in good undertakings arise; Paul in this case, by inspiration, was enabled to say; the hindrance was from Satan. GROTIUS thinks Satan's mode of hindering Paul's journey to Thessalonica was by instigating the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers to cavil, which entailed on Paul the necessity of replying, and so detained him; but he seems to have left Athens leisurely (Act 17:33-34; Act 18:1). The Greek for "hindered" is literally, "to cut a trench between one's self and an advancing foe, to prevent his progress"; so Satan opposing the progress of the missionaries.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 (h) to speak , "one time and a second"; that is, several times: but Satan hindered us. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions read, "hindered me"; by moving the mob which rose at Thessalonica, to go to Berea, and disturb the apostle there; which obliged him, contrary to his will, to go to Athens instead of returning to Thessalonica, as he intended; and when at Athens, from whence also he might purpose to return thither, he was hindered by the disputes the Jews and the Stoics, and Epicurean philosophers, had with him; and after that, might be prevented by the lying in wait of the Jews for him, of which he might be informed; or by disturbances raised in the church, or churches where he was, by the false teachers; which required his stay with them, to oppose and refute error and heresy and to make up differences that arose among true Christians, fomented by Satan and his emissaries; see Rom 1:13. Satan does all he can to hinder the preaching of the Gospel, the hearing of the word, the profession of religion, and the saints coming together, and having spiritual conversation with each other; being, as his name "Satan" signifies, an enemy to Christ and his interest, and to the souls of men: indeed he can do nothing but by divine permission, nor can he hinder the will of God, and the execution of that, though he often hinders the will of man, or man from doing his will; he hindered the apostle from doing what he willed and purposed, but he did not hinder the will of God, which was that Paul should be employed in other work elsewhere. (h) Maimon. in Hilch. Chobel, c. 5. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:18 again and again: Paul made repeated attempts to return to the Thessalonian church. Despite the opposition of Satan (see Rom 16:20; 2 Cor 2:11; Eph 6:10-12), both Timothy (1 Thes 3:2, 5) and Paul (Acts 20:1-3) were eventually able to visit the church again.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
Paul’s Longing to Visit
17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.18For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hindrances
By Jim Cymbala1.2K29:32HindrancesMAT 6:33ACT 20:27EPH 2:41TH 2:182TI 4:7JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a soldier for God and facing discouragements and hindrances with determination. He shares personal experiences of facing discouragement and wanting to quit, but ultimately persevering. The speaker also highlights the love and longing that a minister should have for their congregation, using the example of Paul's love for his disciples. Lastly, the speaker warns about the tactics of Satan, who tries to hinder believers from fulfilling their calling and encourages the audience to rely on the Word of God for faith and strength.
Christian Cannibalism - a Critical Spirit
By Don Courville57743:05JOB 42:7PSA 60:12MAT 11:281CO 15:57EPH 3:16EPH 4:291TH 2:18JAS 3:17JAS 4:111PE 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and avoiding criticalness towards others, God, and His ways. It warns against being consumed by distractions and possessions that hinder spiritual growth, using the analogy of a missionary carrying a growing monkey that eventually becomes a burden. The speaker urges listeners to be critical of themselves, manage their time wisely, and prioritize relationships, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and gratitude in all aspects of life.
Dealing With Difficulty
By Chip Brogden0PSA 27:14PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 26:41ACT 16:61CO 10:131TH 2:18HEB 5:14JAS 4:71PE 5:8Chip Brogden discusses the importance of spiritual discernment, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the leading of the Holy Spirit and the hindrances of the enemy. Using examples from Paul's experiences, he highlights the necessity of developing discernment through spiritual maturity and exercise. Brogden stresses the significance of discerning whether obstacles are from God, the devil, or natural circumstances, urging believers to resist the enemy and submit to God's will in various situations. He cautions against presumptuous actions and emphasizes the value of waiting on the Lord for clear direction, rather than relying solely on dreams or visions.
Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ACT 5:3ROM 3:24ROM 8:381CO 7:51CO 12:271CO 15:522CO 4:32CO 11:142CO 12:7GAL 3:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:191TH 2:181TH 4:162TH 2:91TI 1:201PE 5:81JN 3:81JN 3:10REV 20:1REV 20:4John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems like premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. The controversy between amillennialism and premillennialism has intensified, revealing significant theological implications. Amillennialism's impact on bibliology is explored, showcasing its figurative interpretation of Scripture and its potential dangers in undermining the inspiration of the Bible. The sermon delves into amillennial theology's influence on soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, emphasizing the differences between amillennial and premillennial views in these areas.
The Supreme Vocation (Daniel 10:1-21)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Vocational LoveHeaven-Affecting PrayerEZK 14:14DAN 9:2DAN 10:1ROM 14:171CO 4:20EPH 6:10COL 4:31TH 2:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's declaration to Daniel, 'O man greatly beloved,' illustrating that this vocational love transcends mere redeeming love, highlighting Daniel's unique relationship with God's purpose. He discusses the importance of spiritual intelligence and understanding God's intentions, which empower effective prayer that influences both Heaven and Earth. Sparks argues that true prayer must be rooted in a deep comprehension of God's purpose and the current spiritual state, urging believers to separate from worldly principles and personal interests to align with God's will. He concludes that Daniel's persistent and abandoned prayer life serves as a model for believers today, calling them to engage deeply with God's eternal purpose.
Homily 1 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0JOB 1:21ECC 2:1ISA 1:17DAN 3:17LUK 16:25ROM 8:181CO 15:321TH 2:18JAS 5:17John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of enduring tribulations and afflictions for the sake of God, highlighting the examples of saints like Job, Paul, and the Apostles who faced immense hardships yet remained steadfast in their faith. He emphasizes the need to give thanks to God in all circumstances, even when faced with losses or challenges, as it leads to a greater reward in the future life. Chrysostom urges the congregation to rebuke and correct blasphemers in the city, showing that Christians are the guardians and saviors of the community, and encourages them to emulate the zeal and courage of the saints in standing up for righteousness and truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--The oldest manuscripts read, "Because," or "Inasmuch as." we would--Greek, "we wished to come"; we intended to come. even I Paul--My fellow missionaries as well as myself wished to come; I can answer for myself that I intended it more than once. His slightly distinguishing himself here from his fellow missionaries, whom throughout this Epistle he associates with himself in the plural, accords with the fact that Silvanus and Timothy stayed at Berea when Paul went on to Athens; where subsequently Timothy joined him, and was thence sent by Paul alone to Thessalonica (Th1 3:1). Satan hindered us--On a different occasion "the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus" (so the oldest manuscripts read), Act 16:6-7, forbad or hindered them in a missionary design; here it is Satan, acting perhaps by wicked men, some of whom had already driven him out of Thessalonica (Act 17:13-14; compare Joh 13:27), or else by some more direct "messenger of Satan--a thorn in the flesh" (Co2 12:7; compare Co2 11:14). In any event, the Holy Ghost and the providence of God overruled Satan's opposition to further His own purpose. We cannot, in each case, define whence hindrances in good undertakings arise; Paul in this case, by inspiration, was enabled to say; the hindrance was from Satan. GROTIUS thinks Satan's mode of hindering Paul's journey to Thessalonica was by instigating the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers to cavil, which entailed on Paul the necessity of replying, and so detained him; but he seems to have left Athens leisurely (Act 17:33-34; Act 18:1). The Greek for "hindered" is literally, "to cut a trench between one's self and an advancing foe, to prevent his progress"; so Satan opposing the progress of the missionaries.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 (h) to speak , "one time and a second"; that is, several times: but Satan hindered us. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions read, "hindered me"; by moving the mob which rose at Thessalonica, to go to Berea, and disturb the apostle there; which obliged him, contrary to his will, to go to Athens instead of returning to Thessalonica, as he intended; and when at Athens, from whence also he might purpose to return thither, he was hindered by the disputes the Jews and the Stoics, and Epicurean philosophers, had with him; and after that, might be prevented by the lying in wait of the Jews for him, of which he might be informed; or by disturbances raised in the church, or churches where he was, by the false teachers; which required his stay with them, to oppose and refute error and heresy and to make up differences that arose among true Christians, fomented by Satan and his emissaries; see Rom 1:13. Satan does all he can to hinder the preaching of the Gospel, the hearing of the word, the profession of religion, and the saints coming together, and having spiritual conversation with each other; being, as his name "Satan" signifies, an enemy to Christ and his interest, and to the souls of men: indeed he can do nothing but by divine permission, nor can he hinder the will of God, and the execution of that, though he often hinders the will of man, or man from doing his will; he hindered the apostle from doing what he willed and purposed, but he did not hinder the will of God, which was that Paul should be employed in other work elsewhere. (h) Maimon. in Hilch. Chobel, c. 5. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:18 again and again: Paul made repeated attempts to return to the Thessalonian church. Despite the opposition of Satan (see Rom 16:20; 2 Cor 2:11; Eph 6:10-12), both Timothy (1 Thes 3:2, 5) and Paul (Acts 20:1-3) were eventually able to visit the church again.