Keraia
1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2:17

Paul’s Longing to Visit · 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20
Read 1 Thessalonians 2

Translations

Modern
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
Traditional
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.
Literal
But we, brothers, having been bereaved of you for the time of an hour—in face, not in heart—were more abundantly eager with much desire to see your face.
Latin
Nos autem fratres desolati a vobis ad tempus horæ, aspectu, non corde, abundantius festinavimus faciem vestram videre cum multo desiderio:

Original

Greek
English
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 2:17

  • torn away: Paul talks about his unexpected departure from Thessalonica as depriving the new Christians of their spiritual parents (see Acts 17:10). However, this absence was not neglect. Paul's attempts to return to the church show the separation was not on purpose (compare Philippians 1:7; Colossians 2:5).

1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

  • his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and

  • his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians Heart

Topics

Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man