Paul takes this opportunity to express his love for the church as he laments his absence; he misses them. He has wanted to return to them, but Satan has prevented it. Oh how I wish he would have mentioned the how and why of this, but since he didn’t, I guess we’ll never know exactly what Satan did to prevent his return to Thessalonica. It is interesting however to note that Paul clearly attributes his inability to return there to the work of Satan. Think about it: Paul left the city and persecution came upon the church, and now Paul cannot return. I can only assume that Paul had done a mighty work there, mighty enough that Satan was making a major effort to destroy it; thus goes the spiritual battle that still rages today.
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
1Thessalonians 2:19-20
The church in Thessalonica is Paul’s “glory” for in starting that body of faithful believers, he has indeed done the Lord’s work to build the Kingdom and give glory to God, so much so in fact, that Satan has found it necessary to become involved personally.
We should pay close attention to Paul’s words in 3:1-5, for in these verses he reveals something very interesting. It was driving him crazy that he couldn’t get back to Thessalonica, and when he could stand it no longer, he sent Timothy there to find out about their faith! If I had started a new church somewhere and then heard that it was under persecution, I would worry about their health, if anyone had been hurt or killed, but Paul was worried about their faith; would they falter and return to the old ways? Paul’s priorities were not the same as mine! Doesn’t that mean that I need to rethink my priorities?
Next Paul tells them of the occasion of his writing: Timothy has just returned to him with the news that their faith is secure. Notice that he doesn’t say anything about the physical effects of the persecution; was anyone hurt or killed… just that their faith is firm. Paul expresses quite intimately how thankful he is that their faith is secure, about his joy at the news, and how he prays that he may return to them so that he might provide for their spiritual needs.
I can’t recall the last time I heard anyone talk like that in my lifetime, can you?
Life Project Blog 
No. I can’t remember anyone talk like that but I can think of two people who would have prayed like that. Although they may not have said so. They were my former pastor, now in glory, and his wife. Two people who by far where the most spiritual people I have been blessed to know.
What a wonderful blessing they must have been
Yes, they were. The whole church was a blessing. Five years like no other in our lives.
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