1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (NKJV) But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
V17 “But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.” Even though Paul never returned to Thessaloniki, he was concerned. He loved, prayed for, and longed to fellowship with them again. One reason may have been: (NKJV Study Notes Full Color, 3rd Edition) “Contrary to what Paul’s accusers were asserting, Paul eagerly desired to return. But he may have been hindered (see Dan. 10:13), among other things, by the bond that Jason had deposited for him (Acts 17:9). If Paul returned and a riot ensued, Jason’s bond would have been forfeited (Acts 17:1–9).” Also: (Ryrie Study Bible Notes) “Paul planned several times to return to Thessalonica. Satan hindered us likely refers to the security taken of Jason (Acts 17:9), which probably included a guarantee that Paul would not return to the city.”
V18 “Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.”
Satan does hinder. How does he hinder?
How does satan hinder?
Some ways he hinders: 1) it might be his agents (those people who hate Jesus show up in our life to cause trouble, abuse, persecution, temptation, physical violence, etc., 2) it might be obstacles as sickness, flat tires, etc., 3) it might be false teachers of many types and motives, 4) it might be the demon possessed (Acts 16:19), 5) it might be those driven by envy (success, etc. see Acts 17:5), 6) it might be those who reject faith in Jesus (Acts 17:5), 7) it might be those who lose money selling idols, books of black magic, etc. (Acts 19:23-31), 8) it might be those who fall into false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1), 9) it might be scoffers and mockers (2 Peter 3:3), 10) it might be deceivers (Matthew 24:4), 11) it might be false messiahs (Matthew 24:5), 12) it might be false teachers that appear to be very holy (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), 13) it might be money lovers (easy way to get rich as in Titus 1:11), 14) it might be narcissists, that charm their way into our lives. The solution is to read and study the Bible, so we will know the truth. We need to know how to interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense.
“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.” –Dr. David L. Cooper
How can we respond to hindering?
We need to know the Law of Christ to recognize good from evil. We need to pray. We need to forgive and not remain bitter (sometimes bitterness is from abuse, especially if it is ongoing, then we must, if all possible, have no contact to low contract with abusers). We need to have fellowship with other believers. We need to avoid star preachers and evangelists. We should be a little skeptical about everything. But above all lies and deceptions can be recognized the more we know and believe truth–Psalm 25:10, Psalm 100:4-5, and Psalm 119:160. We need to confess our sins and make restitution if needed. We need the armor of God–Ephesians 6:11-18. We need to be alert at all times–1 Peter 5:8.
Why does God allow hindering?
Sometimes to test our faith. Sometimes to increase of faith. Sometimes to burn off our dross to purify us for greater service. Sometimes as a witness to others (look how they handle this problem; I think God can help me too). Sometimes as a witness to others in that, “If the Christian is handling this difficulty like this, maybe I should consider becoming a Christian”). Sometimes as a situation that will provide us wisdom to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Sometimes to increase our patience in difficulties (Romans 5:3).
V19 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” Crown of rejoicing is a soul winners crown. Note how we will recognize each other in heaven. Even though satan may be hindering, no one can hinder Jesus’s work or coming. Adam Clarke writes on this verse: “I can have no prospects from earth; I have forsaken all for the Gospel; and esteem every thing it can afford as dross and dung, that I may gain Christ. Why then should I continually labor at the risk of my life, preaching the Gospel? Is it not to get your souls saved, that ye may be my crown of rejoicing in the day of Christ? For this I labor; and, having planted the Gospel among you, I wish to take every opportunity of watering it, that it may grow up unto eternal life.”
V20 “For you are our glory and joy.”