1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
For you are our glory and joy. – 1 Thessalonians 2:20
Click to read passage
In today’s passage, we hear the heartfelt wishes of a spiritual father who has been torn away from his children far too soon. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that his separation from them was not by choice. He describes it as being “orphaned” (NIV) from them — a word that captures not just physical distance, but deep emotional pain.
This image completes a rich sequence of family metaphors Paul has used in earlier verses: infant (v. 7), nursing mother (v. 7), father (v. 11), sibling (v. 14), and now, orphan. Paul is saying, “I have loved you in every way a family member could love.” Ministry for him was never transactional. It was relational, costly, and deeply personal. To be separated from the Thessalonians was not merely inconvenient; it was heartbreaking for him.
Though hindered from returning, he did not stop caring. He waited anxiously, prayed persistently, and sent Timothy to check on them (3:1). His concern shows that genuine Christian love does not end with physical separation. Distance does not cancel responsibility, affection, or intercession.
Paul then lifts our eyes from the struggle he experienced to the eternal hope he holds. He asks, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?” To him, the Thessalonians are his hope, because their faith testifies to God’s saving work and points toward resurrection hope. They are his joy, not merely because they encourage him now, but because their perseverance in Christ will result in shared rejoicing at Christ’s return.
Most strikingly, Paul calls the Thessalonians his “crown in which we will glory” at the coming of the Lord Jesus. Paul is careful with his words. Paul does not say that they will receive a crown, nor that he will receive a crown because of them. He says they are the crown themselves. This is not a ruler’s crown, but a victor’s wreath — the laurel awarded after a hard-fought contest or a decisive victory. The image is of an arena or battlefield, where Paul stands not pointing to his own efforts, but presenting the Thessalonians as evidence of God’s triumph.
Equally important is the nature of Paul’s “boasting.” His joy is not rooted in personal achievement, but in what God has done in their life. Their perseverance, faith, and growth in Christ are the victory he celebrates. At Christ’s return, Paul and the Thessalonians will share in that joy together, standing before the same Lord.
This probably reframes how we understand eternal reward: lasting glory is not measured by success or recognition, but by people whose lives have been shaped by God through faithful love and gospel investment.
Reflection:
1. Who are the people God has placed in your life for spiritual encouragement, care, or discipleship? Pray for them and give thanks to God for the impact they had on your life.
2. How does Paul’s view of “reward” challenge the way you think about success, ministry, or faithfulness?
Prayer:
Dear gracious Lord, thank You for the people You place in my life as gifts of grace. Spur me to love deeply, to invest faithfully, and to rejoice in what You are doing in others. Fix my hope on Christ’s return, and shape my heart to treasure what matters for eternity. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In today’s passage, we hear the heartfelt wishes of a spiritual father who has been torn away from his children far too soon. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that his separation from them was not by choice. He describes it as being “orphaned” (NIV) from them — a word that captures not just physical distance, but deep emotional pain.
This image completes a rich sequence of family metaphors Paul has used in earlier verses: infant (v. 7), nursing mother (v. 7), father (v. 11), sibling (v. 14), and now, orphan. Paul is saying, “I have loved you in every way a family member could love.” Ministry for him was never transactional. It was relational, costly, and deeply personal. To be separated from the Thessalonians was not merely inconvenient; it was heartbreaking for him.
Though hindered from returning, he did not stop caring. He waited anxiously, prayed persistently, and sent Timothy to check on them (3:1). His concern shows that genuine Christian love does not end with physical separation. Distance does not cancel responsibility, affection, or intercession.
Paul then lifts our eyes from the struggle he experienced to the eternal hope he holds. He asks, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?” To him, the Thessalonians are his hope, because their faith testifies to God’s saving work and points toward resurrection hope. They are his joy, not merely because they encourage him now, but because their perseverance in Christ will result in shared rejoicing at Christ’s return.
Most strikingly, Paul calls the Thessalonians his “crown in which we will glory” at the coming of the Lord Jesus. Paul is careful with his words. Paul does not say that they will receive a crown, nor that he will receive a crown because of them. He says they are the crown themselves. This is not a ruler’s crown, but a victor’s wreath — the laurel awarded after a hard-fought contest or a decisive victory. The image is of an arena or battlefield, where Paul stands not pointing to his own efforts, but presenting the Thessalonians as evidence of God’s triumph.
Equally important is the nature of Paul’s “boasting.” His joy is not rooted in personal achievement, but in what God has done in their life. Their perseverance, faith, and growth in Christ are the victory he celebrates. At Christ’s return, Paul and the Thessalonians will share in that joy together, standing before the same Lord.
This probably reframes how we understand eternal reward: lasting glory is not measured by success or recognition, but by people whose lives have been shaped by God through faithful love and gospel investment.
Reflection:
1. Who are the people God has placed in your life for spiritual encouragement, care, or discipleship? Pray for them and give thanks to God for the impact they had on your life.
2. How does Paul’s view of “reward” challenge the way you think about success, ministry, or faithfulness?
Prayer:
Dear gracious Lord, thank You for the people You place in my life as gifts of grace. Spur me to love deeply, to invest faithfully, and to rejoice in what You are doing in others. Fix my hope on Christ’s return, and shape my heart to treasure what matters for eternity. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.