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1 Thessalonians 2:14 "For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans."
The pattern of persecution that the Judean churches endured, was experienced by the Thessalonians. Where the Word is faithfully sown, "persecution arises because of the Word" (Matthew 13:21, 1 Thessalonians 1:6 ). The Thessalonians suffered at the hands of their own countrymen, but the persecution was planned by the Jews. The actual trial of affliction tested the genuineness of their faith - both of believers and their leaders. (2 Timothy 3:12 ).
The Jews killed Jesus and their prophets (1 Thessalonians 2:15 ), but their culminating crime was their anti-missionary spirit.
Paul points to the national consequences of the Jewish nation opposing the gospel. They completed the fullness of their wickedness against God by persecution of God's messengers of the gospel. The destruction of Jerusalem followed, and all the suffering to present times.
It will be ongoing till Jesus returns. Let those who oppose the gospel be warned there will come an outpouring of divine wrath upon them. It is also true that faithful messengers of the Word of life will suffer persecution.
His crown of rejoicing are those begotten in the gospel.
His deep affection for his children in Christ could not be weakened by absence, rather it intensified longing to see them face to face again. There could be no diminishing of his spiritual love for them.
The author of all the hindrances to the kingdom of God is Satan himself. Paul did not accept these obstacles but resisted "time and time again." Sometimes Satan succeeds in his hindrances because he is not resisted. On other occasions the obstacle is allowed to remain because God has planned a greater defeat for him. For Paul to be kept anywhere meant advancement of the gospel.
Paul turns from a hindered meeting (1 Thessalonians 2:18 ) to a reunion which all the powers of hell cannot prevent.
The great hope is our reuniting with loved ones and saints in glory. The great joy because salvation will be complete. The "crown of rejoicing" are the trophies of victory of the gospel preached by us. (Philippians 4:1).
"1 Thessalonians 2:19 may be paraphrased like this. 'What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Nothing, if you are not such in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.'" Ryrie
Not to Paul only but to all the apostolic team and in like manner to all who establish true churches, they can say with confidence:
Would you say the greatest sin is that of trying to prevent people from getting saved?
What will be the crown of rejoicing of soulwinners and faithful ministers, at the coming of the Lord?