Satan Hindered Us 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Although Paul and his companions were “taken from” the Thessalonians “for a short time in presence, not in heart”, they still “endeavored the more abundantly to see” their “face with great desire”. In chapter two and verse eighteen of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul shared more about coming to them and shared how “Satan hindered” them in the process. We read:

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

The verse begins, “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again;” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” which means “on account of, through which, consequently, therefore and for which cause”, and it is used as a conclusion word before the phrase “we would have come” or “Paul and his companions willed, had in mind, intended, resolved, determined and purposed” “unto who” which refers to the Thessalonians, “even I Paul” which means “truly and for certain Paul whose name means small or little” “once and again” which is the Greek phrase “kai hapax kai dis” which means “indeed, also and even twice”. Paul's desire was to see the Thessalonians, and if it were possible, he would have done so two times.

The verse goes on to say, “but Satan hindered us.” Paul added, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just said, “Satan” who is “the adversary and name given to the prince of evil spirits and the inveterate adversary of God and Christ” “hindered us” which means “to cut into, impeded, cut off” Paul and his men. Though Paul's purpose and drive was to see the Thessalonians, “Satan” prevented them from doing so.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, it is interesting to note the effect that “Satan” had upon Paul and his men as they desired to see the Thessalonians again. Though it was Paul's passion to make face to face contact with the church of Thessalonica, he was “hindered” from doing so. This brings us to think about our own desires. Are our Godly passions being prevented by “Satan” who wishes to keep us from accomplishing our pursuits? Are their people we would like to visit, minister to, help and gather with that seem to always have something blocking our seeing them? Perhaps we, like Paul, should realize from where this hindering comes and commit our ways unto the Lord Jesus that He may thwart any attempt by Satan to keep us from what He has put on our hearts. May the Lord Jesus help us to discern when our battles are “spiritual” and from wicked “Satan” and not just physical impediments.

Next time Paul writes about the Thessalonians being his “hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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