1Th 2:17-18 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 17. But we, brethren, being taken from you . There is more implied in the Greek word here rendered, "being taken from you"-- απορφανισθεντες--than appears from our translation. It properly has relation to the condition of an orphan , (comp. ,) or one who is bereaved of parents. Then it is used in a more general sense, denoting to be bereaved of ; and in this place it does not mean merely that he was "taken from them," but there is included the idea that it was like a painful bereavement. It was such a state as that of one who had lost a parent. No word, perhaps, could have expressed stronger attachment for them. For a short time. Gr., "For the time of an hour ;" that is, for a brief period. The meaning is, that when he left them he supposed it would be only for a short time. The fact seems to have been, ( ,) that it was supposed, when Paul was sent to Berea, that things would soon be in such a state that he could safely return to Thessalonica. He was "sent" there by those who thought it was necessary for the safety of some of his friends at Thessalonica, and he evidently purposed to return as soon as it could properly be done. It had, in fact, however, turned out to be a long and painful absence. In presence, not in heart , My heart was still with you. This is an elegant and touching expression, which we still use to denote affection for an absent friend. Endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face . Made every endeavour possible. It was from no want of affection that I have not done it, but from causes beyond my control. With great desire . Comp. .

1 Thessalonians 2:17-18

Verse 17. But we, brethren, being taken from you. There is more implied in the Greek word here rendered, "being taken from you"-- απορφανισθεντες--than appears from our translation. It properly has relation to the condition of an orphan, (comp. Jn 14:18,) or one who is bereaved of parents. Then it is used in a more general sense, denoting to be bereaved of; and in this place it does not mean merely that he was "taken from them," but there is included the idea that it was like a painful bereavement. It was such a state as that of one who had lost a parent. No word, perhaps, could have expressed stronger attachment for them.

For a short time. Gr., "For the time of an hour ;" that is, for a brief period. The meaning is, that when he left them he supposed it would be only for a short time. The fact seems to have been, (Acts 17:10,) that it was supposed, when Paul was sent to Berea, that things would soon be in such a state that he could safely return to Thessalonica. He was "sent" there by those who thought it was necessary for the safety of some of his friends at Thessalonica, and he evidently purposed to return as soon as it could properly be done. It had, in fact, however, turned out to be a long and painful absence.

In presence, not in heart, My heart was still with you. This is an elegant and touching expression, which we still use to denote affection for an absent friend.

Endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face. Made every endeavour possible. It was from no want of affection that I have not done it, but from causes beyond my control.

With great desire. Comp. Lk 22:15. Verse 18. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul. The phrase "even I Paul," seems to be used by way of/emphasis, lie had a special desire to go himself. He had sent Timothy to them, (1Thes 3:2,6,) and perhaps some might have been disposed to allege that Paul was afraid to go himself, or that he did not feel interest enough in them to go, though he was willing to send one to visit them. Paul, therefore, is at much pains to assure them that his long separation from them was unavoidable.

But Satan hindered us. Comp. 2Cor 12:7. In what way this was done is unknown, and conjecture would be useless. The apostle recognised the hand of Satan in frustrating his attempt to do good, and preventing the accomplishment of his strong desire to see his Christian friends. In the obstacles, therefore, to the performance of our duty, and in the hindrances of our enjoyment, it is not improper to trace the hand of the great enemy of good. The agency of Satan may, for aught we can tell, be employed ill the embarrassments that we meet with in life. The hindrances which we meet with in our efforts to do good, when the providence of God seems to favour us, and his word and Spirit seem to call us to a particular duty, often look very much like the work of Satan. They are just such obstructions as a very wicked being would be glad to throw in our way.