CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Thessalonians 2:18 For we wanted to come to you--indeed I, Paul, tried again and again--but Satan obstructed us.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/52_1Th_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Thessalonians 2:18 - Paul's Longing to Visit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For we wanted to come to you--indeed I, Paul, tried again and again--but Satan obstructed us." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_thessalonians/">1 Thessalonians</a> > <a href="/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 2:17">◄</a> 1 Thessalonians 2:18 <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New International Version</a> For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. <a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us. <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore we wanted to come to you--indeed I Paul, both once and twice--and Satan hindered us. <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. <a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. <a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and Satan hindered us. <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For we wanted to come to you— I, Paul, more than once— and yet Satan hindered us. <a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan thwarted us. <a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. <a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered us. <a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. <a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. <a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us. <a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We really wanted to come. I myself tried several times, but Satan always stopped us. <a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us. <a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We wanted to visit you. I, Paul, wanted to visit you twice already, but Satan made that impossible. <a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> We wanted to return to you. I myself tried to go back more than once, but Satan would not let us. <a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> That is why we wanted to come to you. Certainly I, Paul, wanted to come time and again, but Satan blocked our way. <a href="/net/1_thessalonians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) but Satan thwarted us. <a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paul, once and again--but Satan hindered us. <a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Wherefore we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On this account we wanted to come to you--at least I Paul wanted again and again to do so--but Satan hindered us.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us. <a href="/web/1_thessalonians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for this reason we wished to come to you (I, indeed, Paul), both once and again, and Satan hindered us; <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore we wanted to come to you--indeed I Paul, both once and twice--and Satan hindered us. <a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> wherefore we wished to come unto you, (I indeed Paul,) both once and again, and the Adversary did hinder us; <a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore we would have come to you, I Paul, truly also once and twice; and the adversary hindered us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For we would have come unto you, I Paul indeed, once and again: but Satan hath hindered us. <a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For we wanted to come to you, (indeed, I, Paul, attempted to do so once, and then again,) but Satan impeded us. <a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> We decided to go to you—I, Paul, not only once but more than once—yet Satan thwarted us. <a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And we have wanted to come to you; I, Paul, tried several times but Satan hindered me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And we wished to come to you, I Paul, once and twice, and Satan hindered me.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For this reason, we intended to go to you, (I Paul) both once and again, but Satan hindered us. <a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Because we wish to come to you, I Paul indeed both once and twice; and Satan hindered me. <a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Therefore we wished to have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan prevented us. <a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> this I Paul have frequently attempted, but Satan has been my obstacle. <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On this account we wanted to come to you--at least I Paul wanted again and again to do so--but Satan hindered us. <a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Because we wished to come to you, even I, Paul, both once and again; and Satan hindered us. <a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Wherefore we would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again; but Satan hindered us. <a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=284" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Paul's Longing to Visit</a> 17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. 18<a href="/greek/1360.htm" title="1360: dioti (Conj) -- On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.">For</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelēsamen (V-AIA-1P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">we wanted</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthein (V-ANA) -- To come, go. ">to come</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you—</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Prtcl) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.">indeed</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I,</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">tried</a> <a href="/greek/530.htm" title="530: hapax (Adv) -- Once, once for all. Probably from hapas; one time.">again</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1364.htm" title="1364: dis (Adv) -- Twice, entirely, utterly. Adverb from duo; twice.">again—</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4567.htm" title="4567: Satanas (N-NMS) -- An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.">Satan</a> <a href="/greek/1465.htm" title="1465: enekopsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To interrupt, hinder. From en and kopto; to cut into, i.e. impede, detain.">obstructed</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us.</a> 19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/15-22.htm">Romans 15:22</a> That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14</a> And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Acts 16:6-7</a> After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a> or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1</a> Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. <a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Luke 22:31</a> Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. <a href="/john/13-27.htm">John 13:27</a> And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:3</a> But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. <a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a> Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ... <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a> One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ... <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.even.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-21.htm">1 Corinthians 16:21</a> The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.<a href="/colossians/4-18.htm">Colossians 4:18</a> The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-17.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:17</a> The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.once.<a href="/job/33-14.htm">Job 33:14</a> For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.<a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Philippians 4:16</a> For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.Satan.<a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1,2</a> And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him… <a href="/romans/1-13.htm">Romans 1:13</a> Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.<a href="/romans/15-22.htm">Romans 15:22</a> For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Account</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Attempts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Fain</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Least</a> <a href="/colossians/3-7.htm">Once</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-16.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Account</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Attempts</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Fain</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Least</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Once</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 2</div>1. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-1.htm">In what manner the gospel was brought and preached to the Thessalonians.</a> 18. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">A reason is rendered both why Paul was so long absent from them, and also so desirous to see them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_thessalonians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For we wanted to come to you— Paul expresses a deep desire to visit the Thessalonian believers. This longing reflects the apostle's pastoral heart and commitment to nurturing the early church. The Thessalonians were new converts, and Paul, having established the church during his second missionary journey, felt a responsibility to ensure their spiritual growth and stability. This desire to visit is consistent with Paul's pattern of revisiting churches he planted, as seen in <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36</a>, where he suggests revisiting the brothers in every city.indeed I, Paul, tried again and again— Paul emphasizes his personal efforts and repeated attempts to return to Thessalonica. This persistence highlights the importance he placed on personal presence and direct ministry, which he considered vital for the encouragement and edification of the church. The repetition of attempts suggests that Paul faced significant obstacles, yet his determination underscores his love and commitment to the Thessalonians. This aligns with his character as seen throughout his epistles, where he often speaks of his labor and struggles for the sake of the gospel (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">2 Corinthians 11:28</a>).but Satan obstructed us. Paul attributes the hindrance to Satan, indicating a spiritual battle behind the physical circumstances preventing his visit. This acknowledgment of Satan's interference is consistent with the New Testament's portrayal of spiritual warfare, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where Paul speaks of wrestling not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. The term "obstructed" suggests a military metaphor, akin to a roadblock or trench, indicating deliberate opposition. This reflects the broader biblical theme of Satan as an adversary who seeks to thwart God's plans, as seen in <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a> and <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>. Despite this opposition, Paul's reliance on God's sovereignty and ultimate victory over evil is implicit, as he continues to minister through letters and prayer, trusting in God's provision and timing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle and primary author of the letter to the Thessalonians. He expresses his deep desire to visit the Thessalonian church. 2. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a> A city in Macedonia where Paul had established a church. It was a significant location for early Christian evangelism. 3. <a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a> The adversary in Christian theology, often seen as the one who opposes God's work and hinders believers. 4. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of believers facing persecution and needing encouragement. 5. <a href="/topical/o/obstruction.htm">Obstruction</a> The hindrance or barrier that prevented Paul from visiting the Thessalonians, attributed to Satan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_warfare.htm">Understanding Spiritual Warfare</a> Recognize that spiritual opposition is a reality for believers. Satan actively seeks to hinder God's work, and awareness of this can prepare us for battle. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_ministry.htm">Perseverance in Ministry</a> Despite obstacles, Paul did not give up on his desire to visit the Thessalonians. We should persist in our God-given missions, trusting in God's timing and provision. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_hindrances.htm">Discernment in Hindrances</a> Not all obstacles are from Satan. Seek God's wisdom to discern whether hindrances are spiritual attacks or divine redirections. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a> Engage in prayer to combat spiritual opposition. Prayer strengthens us and aligns us with God's will, enabling us to overcome barriers. <a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a> Paul’s desire to visit the Thessalonians underscores the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement in the faith. We should prioritize building and maintaining strong Christian communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_thessalonians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 2</a> <a href="/q/does_1_thess._2_18_conflict_with_science.htm">Does the reference to Satan in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 conflict with scientific or rational explanations for obstacles in travel?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_fake_miracles.htm">What does the Bible say about counterfeit miracles?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_excommunication.htm">What does the Bible say about excommunication?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_your_biblical_adversary.htm">Who is your adversary according to the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) We would.--Not merely a conditional tense, but "we were ready to come--meant to come."Even I Paul.--Rather, that is to say, I; Paul, not as if it were a great thing that one like him should have such a wish, but showing that Silas and Timothy had not shared his intention. Why had they not? The answer shows the minute truthfulness of the Acts. Timothy, apparently, did not at first leave Thessalonica with St. Paul (<a href="/acts/17-10.htm" title="And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.">Acts 17:10</a>, where the Greek seems definitely to exclude him). Both Silas and Timothy were left at Ber?a (<a href="/acts/17-14.htm" title="And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus stayed there still.">Acts 17:14</a>). It was during this period that St. Paul felt so eager a desire to return to his persecuted children. We cannot tell on what two definite occasions the desire was almost taking shape; but possibly his longing may have been stimulated by seeing his messengers start for the north, first when he sent for his two companions (<a href="/acts/17-15.htm" title="And they that conducted Paul brought him to Athens: and receiving a commandment to Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.">Acts 17:15</a>), and secondly when he despatched Timothy himself to Thessalonica (<a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm" title="And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:">1Thessalonians 3:2</a>).But Satan hindered.--How, cannot be decided; but St. Paul has no doubt that his disappointment was a direct manifestation of the work of evil, not a leading of God to stay where he was. Elsewhere he is quite as clear that the obstruction of his own plans is owing to God. (See <a href="/context/acts/16-6.htm" title="Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,">Acts 16:6-7</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm" title="As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brothers: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.">1Corinthians 16:12</a>, where the will spoken of is not Apollos' will, but God's.) The difficulty is to tell in each case whether God is directly saving us from a worse course, in spite of ourselves, or permitting a momentary, and yet if rightly used a disciplinary, triumph of evil. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul. Paul distinguishes himself, because in all probability his companions, Silas and Timothy, had been at Thessalonica after he had left it. Once and again. Not used indefinitely, but referring to two separate attempts which Paul made to revisit the Thessalonians. But Satan hindered us; denoting, not the enemies of Christianity, but the devil, the author of all the hindrances in the kingdom of God. Paul here recognizes the personality of Satan, as the author of all evil, the great opponent of God and Christ. We are not informed by what instrumentality this hindrance of Satan took place. It may refer to the various persecutions against Paul, which prevented him returning to Thessalonica, and especially to that persecution raised against him in Beraea by the Jews of Thessalonica (<a href="/acts/17-13.htm">Acts 17:13</a>). In one sense, indeed, the hindrances arose in the way of God's providence, for under its direction all the journeys of Paul were placed, and Satan could not have hindered him from preaching the gospel in any quarter, unless by the Divine permission (comp. <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">Acts 16:7</a>; <a href="/romans/1-13.htm">Romans 1:13</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For διότι (dioti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1360.htm">Strong's 1360: </a> On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as. we wanted ἠθελήσαμεν (ēthelēsamen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to come ἐλθεῖν (elthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you— ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. indeed μὲν (men) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de. I, ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. [tried] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. again ἅπαξ (hapax) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_530.htm">Strong's 530: </a> Once, once for all. Probably from hapas; one time. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. again— δίς (dis) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1364.htm">Strong's 1364: </a> Twice, entirely, utterly. Adverb from duo; twice. but καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Satan Σατανᾶς (Satanas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4567.htm">Strong's 4567: </a> An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil. obstructed ἐνέκοψεν (enekopsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1465.htm">Strong's 1465: </a> To interrupt, hinder. From en and kopto; to cut into, i.e. impede, detain. us. ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Because we wanted to come to you--indeed (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>