1 Thessalonians 2:17

As for ourselves, friends, our having been bereaved of you even for a short time – though in body only, and not in spirit – made us all the more eager to see your faces again; and the longing to do so was strong on us.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

In Context

16for they try to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles with a view to their salvation, and so are always filling up the measure of their iniquity. But the wrath of God has come upon them to the full!

18That was why we made up our minds to go and see you – at least I, Paul, did, more than once – but Satan put difficulties in our way.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 2

Cross References

Genesis 45:28and he, Israel, said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Psalms 63:1O God, my God, you, you do I seek: my heart thirsts for you, my body faints for you in a parched and waterless land.

Acts 17:10That very night the followers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and on reaching that place, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

Romans 15:23But now there are no further openings for me in these parts, and I have for several years been longing to come to you whenever I may be going to Spain.

Philippians 1:22But what if the life here in the body – if this brings me fruit from my labors? Then which to choose I cannot tell! I am sorely perplexed either way!

Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 2:14-17

Effects of the Christian Ministry. ( a. d. 51.) 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judæa are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord… Read the whole commentary →

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