Bible Study
December 5, 2025
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – 3:2 (CSB)
“Message Is Most Important”
18 “So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 Indeed you are our glory and joy! 3 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,”
There is no question as to the sincerity of Paul’s ,message here about wanting to return. This church was a source of joy for Paul but also for the future return of Jesus. Paul had been hindered from returning because of Satan. Paul does not tell what the hindrance was but Satan was at the core of it.
Satan wanted to stop Paul like a military leader would hinder his enemy. He would go after Paul from many different angles with a goal of destroying Paul’s ministry of preaching Jesus.
What is meant by “crown of boasting?’ Scripture teaches that eternal life is like an athlete who earns a victory. “His coming” refers to two things: (1). His actual presence, or (2). Christ’s second coming prior to his 1,000 year rule on earth. Paul refers to Christ’s coming four separate times in 1 Thessalonians. We could surmise Paul is referring here to Jesus’ second coming.
This separation became unbearable for Paul. Paul and Silas would remain in Athens while Timothy returned,. This is the final time Timothy will go in Paul’s palce to visit a church. Paul’s message did not focus on wealth, self-esteem, or ease of life but on one’s spiritual quality of life. Their faith was of supreme importance to Paul, which was the foundation of doctrine.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 