19For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20For you are our glory and joy.
Christian ministry at its best—that’s the impression one gets from reading this letter. Paul was thrilled with the results of his work in Thessalonica as he reveals the reason why he desires to revisit them. The results of preaching don’t get any better than that! One commentator speaks of Paul “piling up words and phrases that powerfully express his deep devotion to the Thessalonian believers” (BECNT). His phrasing reveals an excited emotion! “Who is . . . is it not you?” The apostle was not only a master communicator of ideas and truth, but he was also an eloquent communicator of emotional impact.
What is not to be excited about? His readers not only accepted his teaching as the word of God, but believed it and lived it. Paul didn’t just notch up “salvations” in his gospel holster, but he rejoiced in their ongoing spiritual growth toward maturity. The evident change of life radiated out in their faith, love, and hope (1 Thess. 1:3). They had become imitators of Paul (1:6) and examples to believers elsewhere (1:7), they evangelized the surrounding areas (1:8), and their radical change of life—rejecting pagan ways and anticipating the Lord’s return—made waves in their communities (1:9–10). They believed despite persecution, their faith resting not on exalted oratory or smooth pulpit presence of well-choreographed church services (2:1–5). Paul and company had worked hard among them, sacrificially exhorting, encouraging, and imploring them as a father would his children (2:11). And they responded well!
Is it any wonder, then, that Paul would begin his letter by “giv[ing] thanks to God always for all of you” (1:2), and to repeat, “For this reason we also constantly thank God . . .” (2:13)? Is it any wonder why he can now write, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you . . . ?” Can you understand his elation?
Normally, Paul writes of hope in what God is going to do and in particular Christ’s return. But here he calls his readers “our hope.” In view of “the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming,” he is confident that his work among them will be rewarded. In like manner, we all look forward to the Lord’s return and the hope of our reward (our crown) for faithfulness. In some degree, he allows us to see the evidence of that hope now, as Paul sees in the Thessalonian believers. This brings him much joy and exultation. Seeing Christlikeness growing in others, truly, is sharing in the glory and joy of our Lord.
Lord, help me to be a believer who brings joy to those who minister to me.
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