I Thessalonians 2:19
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After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
For--giving the reason for his earnest desire to see them. Are not even ye in the presence of . . . Christ--"Christ" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Are not even ye (namely, among others; the "even" or "also," implies that not they alone will be his crown) our hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing before Jesus, when He shall come (Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1)? The "hope" here meant is his hope (in a lower sense), that these his converts might be found in Christ at His advent (Th1 3:13). Paul's chief "hope" was JESUS CHRIST (Ti1 1:1).
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them (Th1 2:1-6). Then of the manner of his conversation among them (Th1 2:7-12). Afterwards of the success of his ministry, with the effects both on himself and on them (Th1 2:13-16), and then apologizes for his absence (Th1 2:17-20).
Open source ↗2:19 In the Greek and Roman world, a crown was given to those who received great civic honor or who were victorious in athletic games.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him.
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.