1 THESSALONIANS 2:17 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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.”
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly with great desire to see your face — separation intensifies affection; the forced parting (aporphanizō, rendered orphan-like) does not sever the apostolic bond. 'In person not in heart' reveals the indissoluble spiritual union even when physical presence is impossible. The desire to see them 'face to face' (prosōpon pros prosōpon) reflects the most intimate communion.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 2:17
He has not said “separated,” but what was much more. He had spoken above of flattery, showing that he did not flatter, that he did not seek glory. He speaks here concerning love. Because he had said above, “as a father his children,” “as a nurse,” here he uses another expression, “being made orphans,” which is said of children who have lost their fathers. And yet they were made orphans. “No”— he says — “but we. For if any one should examine our longing, even as little…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!