1 Thessalonians 2:19
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For what is our hope - I can have no prospects from earth; I have forsaken all for the Gospel; and esteem every thing it can afford as dross and dung, that I may gain Christ. Why then should I continually labor at the risk of my life, preaching the Gospel? Is it not to get your souls saved, that ye may be my crown of rejoicing in the day of Christ? For this I labor; and, having planted the Gospel among you, I wish to take every opportunity of watering it, that it may grow up unto eternal life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--giving the reason for his earnest desire to see them. Are not even ye in the presence of . . . Christ--"Christ" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Are not even ye (namely, among others; the "even" or "also," implies that not they alone will be his crown) our hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing before Jesus, when He shall come (Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1)? The "hope" here meant is his hope (in a lower sense), that these his converts might be found in Christ at His advent (Th1 3:13). Paul's chief "hope" was JESUS CHRIST (Ti1 1:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For what is our hope, or joy,.... The apostle here gives a reason why they were so concerned at parting with the Thessalonians, and were so desirous of seeing them again, and attempted it so often, cause they were their "hope"; not the foundation of it, which was Christ; nor the thing hoped for, which was eternal life; nor the ground of their hope, which was the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ; but they were persons whom they hoped well of, and of whom their hope was steadfast; as of their election of God, of their redemption by Christ, of their effectual calling, of their perseverance in faith and holiness, notwithstanding all reproach and persecution; and of meeting the Lord, and being together with him for ever: and they were also their "joy"; their conversion was a matter of joy to them, because of the glory of God, Father, Son, and Spirit, displayed therein; because of the abundant grace bestowed on these persons; and because that hereby the kingdom of Satan was weakened, and the kingdom of Christ enlarged and his churches increased and beautified; and their own ministry was blessed and confirmed, and their hearts and hands strengthened, and they encouraged to go on in it: and they continued to be their joy, inasmuch as they stood fast in the Lord, walked on in the truth, and had their conversations as became the Gospel of Christ; and they were persuaded would be their joy hereafter, at the second coming of Christ; when they should give up their account of them with joy, and not with grief: and it is added, or crown of rejoicing; or of "glorying", or "boasting"; not that they gloried in them, for they gloried not in men, but in the Lord, in his righteousness, riches, wisdom, strength, and grace, in the person, blood, and cross of Christ; but they gloried of them, as trophies of divine grace, as a prey taken out of the hand of the mighty, and as lawful captives delivered from the power of Satan, and of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of Christ. The Alexandrian copy reads, as we render it, crown of rejoicing: which is but a stronger phrase, to press the joy they had in their conversion and perseverance, in allusion to crowns wore at times of rejoicing, as at marriage feasts, and the like: hence we read (i) of the crowns of the bridegrooms, and of the brides, which were forbidden the use of in the war of Vespasian; the latter were made of gold, in the form of the city of Jerusalem, and from thence called golden cities (k); and the former, some say, were made of salt and sulphur, to put them in mind of the destruction of the Sodomites, for their unnatural lusts (l); others of a salt stone as clear as crystal, or of the stone Bdellium, painted in the colour of sulphur (m); and some were made of myrtles and roses, but in the war of Vespasian only those made of reeds were used (n); these crowns at weddings seem to be the "beautiful crowns" in Eze 23:42 where the Septuagint use the same phrase as here, , "a crown of rejoicing", or "glorying": the Hebrew phrase , may be rendered "a crown of glory", as the phrase here is by the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions; but does not mean the crown of glory, life, righteousness, and immortality, the apostle expected at the hands of Christ another day; nor that his being an instrument of the conversion of these persons was the ground of such an expectation, or was what entitled him to such a crown; since he knew that conversion work was owing to the powerful grace of God, and the crown of eternal life was his free gift; but that it would be an honour to him, and give him abundant joy and pleasure at the coming of Christ, to be encircled with such a number of souls he had been useful to, and who were his spiritual children; just as children's children are the crown of old men, Pro 17:6 all this is put by way of question, which strongly affirms, are not even ye; or "ye also", as well as others, as the Corinthians and Philippians; see Co2 1:7. In the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? to judge the quick and dead, when both they and these should meet him, and stand before him with confidence, being clothed with his righteousness, and clad with robes of immortality and glory. (i) Misna Sota. c. 9. sect. 14. (k) Maimon. in Misna Sota, & in Sabbat, c. 6. sect. 1. (l) Ez Hechaim M. S. apud Wagenseil in Sota ib. (m) Bartenora in Misna Sota, c. 9. sect. 14. (n) T. Bab. Sota, fol. 49. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 In the Greek and Roman world, a crown was given to those who received great civic honor or who were victorious in athletic games.
1 Thessalonians 2:19
Paul’s Longing to Visit
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?20You are indeed our glory and our joy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Crowns - Part 1
By Ken Baird93856:56MAT 24:42ROM 13:111CO 9:251TH 2:192TI 4:81PE 5:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Five Crowns mentioned in the Bible. They have already covered the incorruptible crown and the soul winner's crown in previous sessions. Now, they focus on the crown of righteousness, comparing the Christian to a warrior. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal righteousness in the life of a believer and encourages them to live in a way that aligns with their belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They also highlight the contrast between the things of this world and the things provided by God, emphasizing that the things of God are superior.
John 4:25-38. the Spiritual Harvest.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 126:5JHN 4:25JHN 4:361CO 3:6GAL 6:91TH 2:19HEB 4:13Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting her transformation from ignorance to belief in Him as the Messiah, and her eagerness to share the good news with others despite her past sins being exposed. Jesus, in His love and compassion, reveals Himself to her, showing that He knows all things about her. He emphasizes the importance of sowing the seeds of the gospel, even if we may not see immediate results, as God appoints some to sow and others to reap, ensuring that our labor in sharing His word is never in vain.
Part 26: Partial Rapture Theory
By John F. Walvoord0JHN 14:31CO 15:51EPH 4:301TH 1:91TH 2:191TH 4:141TH 4:161TH 5:4REV 22:12John F. Walvoord discusses the theory of partial rapture, where a small group of pretribulationists believe only faithful church members will be raptured before or during the tribulation, based on works rather than grace. The historical background of this theory is traced back to Robert Govett in the 19th century. Walvoord presents general reasons for rejecting partial rapture, emphasizing salvation by grace, unity of the body of Christ, and the clear teaching in Scripture that all true believers will be translated at the appointed time.
A Letter to a Bereaved Brother
By John Gifford Bellett0NEH 8:10PSA 16:11MRK 16:3LUK 2:10ACT 13:52ROM 5:11EPH 5:27PHP 4:41TH 2:19John Gifford Bellett preaches about the abundant joy found in God's presence, as seen in the opening of Luke where angels and filled human vessels express joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing sinners like Peter, the healed palsied man, Levi, and the children of the bride-chamber also exhibit this joy in different ways, showcasing the kingdom of God's feature of 'joy in the Holy Ghost.' This joy, experienced through our Lord Jesus Christ, is transformative, leading to actions like leaving behind worldly possessions and feasting in the presence of the Bridegroom. Believers are encouraged to find strength in the joy of the Lord and to delight in pleasing God, knowing that joy in God is the crowning experience of the soul.
That Blessed Hope
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JOB 19:25PSA 116:15JHN 14:1JHN 17:241CO 15:51EPH 1:191TH 2:191TH 4:13TIT 2:13Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, a revelation exclusively found in the New Testament. While Old Testament Saints knew of the resurrection of the dead, they did not know of the resurrection from among the dead, a unique aspect of 'that blessed hope.' The Apostle Paul received a special revelation about the manner of Christ's coming for His Saints, providing the full revelation of 'that blessed hope' in 1 Thessalonians, emphasizing the comfort, purifying power, incentive to service, sustaining strength, and comforting assurance it brings to believers.
Fruit Unto God
By G.W. North0FruitfulnessSpiritual ParenthoodGEN 1:28MAT 28:19JHN 15:5ROM 9:3ROM 12:11CO 4:15GAL 4:191TH 2:19HEB 2:131PE 2:2G.W. North emphasizes the divine mandate of fruitfulness and multiplication in both the physical and spiritual realms, asserting that this principle is essential for the Church. He draws parallels between the apostle Paul's deep longing for spiritual offspring and the sacrificial love of Christ, highlighting that true ministry involves a passionate desire to bear God's children. North illustrates how early Church leaders like Paul, John, and Peter viewed their relationships with believers not merely as converts but as spiritual children, born out of love and commitment to Christ. He stresses that being a servant is commendable, but the ultimate calling is to be the Bride of Christ, which entails a fruitful union that produces spiritual offspring. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their identity as the Bride, yielding to God’s desire for fruitfulness in their lives.
Homily 58 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 17:22MAT 18:2MAT 18:61CO 12:261TH 2:19John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of arrogance and the pursuit of worldly honors, highlighting the folly of seeking glory, wealth, and power as they lead to enslavement to passions and vices. He emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and freedom of the soul, using the example of a little child as a model for true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Chrysostom warns against offending the humble ones, stating that severe punishment awaits those who harm them, and encourages a focus on virtue and genuine love for others over the pursuit of worldly success.
Luke 20:27-38. Christ Replies to the Sadducees Respecting the Resurrection.
By Favell Lee Mortimer01TH 2:19Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the eternal state and the glorious truth of the saints' existence in heaven, emphasizing that departed saints are equal to the angels of God and will have spiritual connections in heaven. Christ provides proof of the eternal life of the pious dead, ensuring that all the saints are actually in existence and their number continually increases. The sermon beautifully describes the heavenly chorus of redeemed souls singing praises to God, highlighting the unmatched joy and eternal bliss awaiting believers in the presence of the Lord.
Crowns
By H.J. Vine0JHN 16:13JHN 18:372CO 5:6PHP 4:11TH 2:192TI 4:81PE 5:4REV 2:10REV 19:12H.J. Vine preaches about the various crowns mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing different aspects of faith and rewards in Christ. The Holy Spirit guides believers towards heavenly wisdom, encouraging them to press forward towards the incorruptible crowns that await them in the presence of the glorified Lord. The significance of Christ's crown of thorns is highlighted, emphasizing the inseparable connection between His sufferings and our redemption. The sermon delves into the hereditary and won crowns, illustrating how believers share in Christ's glory and are promised crowns of life, glory, righteousness, and rejoicing.
Epistle 252
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityPSA 129:6ISA 40:4ISA 42:6JER 3:9ROM 10:8ROM 13:121CO 1:241CO 9:172CO 5:19EPH 6:12COL 4:61TH 2:191TI 4:12HEB 12:231JN 5:9REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious speech, remaining faithful to God's calling. Fox warns against division and encourages unity among believers, highlighting the need to demonstrate the new life in Christ to those still in darkness. He calls for ministers to be valiant for the truth and to preach the light of Christ to all nations, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand against unrighteousness. Ultimately, he reminds them that the Lamb will have the victory, and they should be each other's joy in the Lord.
Our Daily Homily - 1 Thessalonians
By F.B. Meyer0Hope in ChristSanctificationJHN 14:1ROM 8:182CO 4:17PHP 3:201TH 1:101TH 2:191TH 3:31TH 4:131TH 5:23HEB 10:23F.B. Meyer emphasizes the blessed hope of Christ's return as a source of strength and motivation for believers, urging them to maintain a spirit of eager anticipation that connects their present lives with the future glory. He highlights the importance of this hope in comforting believers through trials and bereavement, as well as in inspiring them to live a life of purity and service. Meyer also reflects on the apostle Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonian church, viewing their salvation as both his joy and crown, and encourages believers to find solace in the promise of reunion with loved ones in Christ. He reassures that while suffering is part of the Christian journey, it serves a purpose in spiritual growth and sanctification, ultimately leading to a glorious reunion with the Lord. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God is actively working in believers' lives to sanctify them, preparing them for His presence.
Epistle 194
By George Fox01TH 2:19George Fox preaches about choosing the eternal joy found in Christ as the source of true riches and blessings, encouraging believers to make Christ their portion and to fear not losing worldly possessions. He emphasizes the importance of fellowshipping in the gospel, worshiping the Father in spirit and truth, and living in unity to overcome worldly distractions and false worship. Fox reminds the congregation that those who worship God in spirit may face persecution, but they will ultimately reign with Christ, the victorious cornerstone of faith.
1 Peter 5:4
By John Gill0Eternal RewardsLeadership in the ChurchMAT 25:21JHN 10:111CO 9:24PHP 3:141TH 2:192TI 4:8HEB 13:17JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10John Gill emphasizes the role of Christ as the Chief Shepherd, encouraging church elders and pastors to fulfill their duties with faithfulness, humility, and joy. He explains that all pastors are under Christ's authority, receiving their commissions and gifts from Him to care for His flock. Gill highlights the accountability of these leaders to Christ, who will return in glory to reward them with an everlasting crown of glory, contrasting it with temporary earthly rewards. The sermon serves as a reminder of the eternal significance of their ministry and the joy that awaits faithful servants of Christ.
The Coming of the Crowning Day
By T. Austin-Sparks0Perseverance in TrialsCrowns of FaithfulnessROM 5:31CO 9:242CO 4:17PHP 3:81TH 2:192TI 4:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the crowns offered by God to His servants, which symbolize victory and honor through trials and tribulations. He discusses three specific crowns: the Crown of Righteousness, which represents God's rightful place in our lives; the Crown of Life, awarded to those who endure temptation and remain faithful; and the Crown of Glory, given to those who selflessly serve the Lord. Each crown is tied to the challenges faced in life, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Sparks encourages believers to strive for these crowns, recognizing the privilege of standing for Christ's Lordship in a challenging world.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For what is our hope - I can have no prospects from earth; I have forsaken all for the Gospel; and esteem every thing it can afford as dross and dung, that I may gain Christ. Why then should I continually labor at the risk of my life, preaching the Gospel? Is it not to get your souls saved, that ye may be my crown of rejoicing in the day of Christ? For this I labor; and, having planted the Gospel among you, I wish to take every opportunity of watering it, that it may grow up unto eternal life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--giving the reason for his earnest desire to see them. Are not even ye in the presence of . . . Christ--"Christ" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Are not even ye (namely, among others; the "even" or "also," implies that not they alone will be his crown) our hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing before Jesus, when He shall come (Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1)? The "hope" here meant is his hope (in a lower sense), that these his converts might be found in Christ at His advent (Th1 3:13). Paul's chief "hope" was JESUS CHRIST (Ti1 1:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For what is our hope, or joy,.... The apostle here gives a reason why they were so concerned at parting with the Thessalonians, and were so desirous of seeing them again, and attempted it so often, cause they were their "hope"; not the foundation of it, which was Christ; nor the thing hoped for, which was eternal life; nor the ground of their hope, which was the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ; but they were persons whom they hoped well of, and of whom their hope was steadfast; as of their election of God, of their redemption by Christ, of their effectual calling, of their perseverance in faith and holiness, notwithstanding all reproach and persecution; and of meeting the Lord, and being together with him for ever: and they were also their "joy"; their conversion was a matter of joy to them, because of the glory of God, Father, Son, and Spirit, displayed therein; because of the abundant grace bestowed on these persons; and because that hereby the kingdom of Satan was weakened, and the kingdom of Christ enlarged and his churches increased and beautified; and their own ministry was blessed and confirmed, and their hearts and hands strengthened, and they encouraged to go on in it: and they continued to be their joy, inasmuch as they stood fast in the Lord, walked on in the truth, and had their conversations as became the Gospel of Christ; and they were persuaded would be their joy hereafter, at the second coming of Christ; when they should give up their account of them with joy, and not with grief: and it is added, or crown of rejoicing; or of "glorying", or "boasting"; not that they gloried in them, for they gloried not in men, but in the Lord, in his righteousness, riches, wisdom, strength, and grace, in the person, blood, and cross of Christ; but they gloried of them, as trophies of divine grace, as a prey taken out of the hand of the mighty, and as lawful captives delivered from the power of Satan, and of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of Christ. The Alexandrian copy reads, as we render it, crown of rejoicing: which is but a stronger phrase, to press the joy they had in their conversion and perseverance, in allusion to crowns wore at times of rejoicing, as at marriage feasts, and the like: hence we read (i) of the crowns of the bridegrooms, and of the brides, which were forbidden the use of in the war of Vespasian; the latter were made of gold, in the form of the city of Jerusalem, and from thence called golden cities (k); and the former, some say, were made of salt and sulphur, to put them in mind of the destruction of the Sodomites, for their unnatural lusts (l); others of a salt stone as clear as crystal, or of the stone Bdellium, painted in the colour of sulphur (m); and some were made of myrtles and roses, but in the war of Vespasian only those made of reeds were used (n); these crowns at weddings seem to be the "beautiful crowns" in Eze 23:42 where the Septuagint use the same phrase as here, , "a crown of rejoicing", or "glorying": the Hebrew phrase , may be rendered "a crown of glory", as the phrase here is by the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions; but does not mean the crown of glory, life, righteousness, and immortality, the apostle expected at the hands of Christ another day; nor that his being an instrument of the conversion of these persons was the ground of such an expectation, or was what entitled him to such a crown; since he knew that conversion work was owing to the powerful grace of God, and the crown of eternal life was his free gift; but that it would be an honour to him, and give him abundant joy and pleasure at the coming of Christ, to be encircled with such a number of souls he had been useful to, and who were his spiritual children; just as children's children are the crown of old men, Pro 17:6 all this is put by way of question, which strongly affirms, are not even ye; or "ye also", as well as others, as the Corinthians and Philippians; see Co2 1:7. In the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? to judge the quick and dead, when both they and these should meet him, and stand before him with confidence, being clothed with his righteousness, and clad with robes of immortality and glory. (i) Misna Sota. c. 9. sect. 14. (k) Maimon. in Misna Sota, & in Sabbat, c. 6. sect. 1. (l) Ez Hechaim M. S. apud Wagenseil in Sota ib. (m) Bartenora in Misna Sota, c. 9. sect. 14. (n) T. Bab. Sota, fol. 49. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 In the Greek and Roman world, a crown was given to those who received great civic honor or who were victorious in athletic games.