Explanation of the Text 1 Thess 2 :19-20 Paul's Hope, Joy and Glory

1Th 2:19  For what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are you not even to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 

1Th 2:20  For you are our glory and joy. MKJV.

 Notes: For what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Despite all that Satan does to thwart the Will of God in our lives, Paul was aware that although he wanted to see the Thessalonians the fact that they would be present at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus was all that mattered to him.
Who gives us hope or joy, or who is our prize to boast of - it was all the Thessalonians present in Christ's presence.

 Our Crown: The head adornment indicating a king. Often for the Greeks it was woven and placed on the head. This is the meaning in Revelation as well. Stephanos  Thayer's Dicctionary
1a) a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank

1a1) the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games
Rev 2:10  Dismiss your fears concerning all that you are about to suffer. I tell you that the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison that you may be put to the test, and for ten days you will have to endure persecution. Be faithful to the End, even if you have to die, and then I will give you the victor's Wreath (crown) of Life. 
Rev 3:11  I am coming quickly: cling to that which you already possess, so that your wreath (crown) of victory be not taken away from you.
ancient greek olympic wreaths - Yahoo Image Ancient Olympic games ended in AD 393 after years when Theodosius converted to Christianity, since he viewed the ...

Are you not even to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 

1Th 2:20  For you are our glory and joy. 
In you we glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His Coming.

We glory : We boast  1Co 15:31  I protest, brethren, as surely as I glory over you--which I may justly do in Christ Jesus our Lord--that I die day by day. 
1Co 1:31  in order that it may be as Scripture says, "HE WHO BOASTS--LET HIS BOAST BE IN THE LORD." 


Paul looked forward to that day when the Thessalonians would be His Crown (stephanos) his wreath, in whom He will boast at the Coming of our Lord Jesus.  
This is what drove Paul to constant Pastoral care and teaching and prayer for these saints in Thessaloniki. What a spiritual bond he had for them

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