For what is our hope or joy or crown of rejoicing before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? — the Thessalonians are Paul's eschatological boast; they are the fruit of his labor and the evidence of his faithful apostleship. The 'crown of rejoicing' (stephanos kauchēseōs) awaits at the parousia; his ultimate vindication comes from the risen Lord, not from human acclaim. The church is both his present joy and his future reward.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse