Paul's joy for the church
Paul’s joy for the church
The epistle does not lack joyful messages from Paul in hard times:
“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” (1:6)
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” (2:19-20)
“For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God (「因著你們甚是喜樂，為這一切喜樂，可用何等的感謝為你們報答神呢？」)” (3:9)
Paul is proud of the church of Thessalonica for their steadfast faith in times of affliction. As said, he hopes to present a holy and blameless church before the Lord at His coming—no greater joy than this for all the church ministers.