Great Desire. 1st Thessalonians 2:17 In this final part of the chapter, as Paul addresses the "brethren," reaffirming his connection with them, he verbally expresses his appreciation and his longing to be with them. He had a father's heart for his converts. A soul-winner can't help it. When God’s grace saves people through our efforts, they hold a special place in our hearts. Their well-being, growth, and fruitfulness in God’s work motivate our desire to be with them. Paul was like a father mourning his children when he couldn't see them for five years.
Paul described his relationship with the Thessalonians as that of a mother, then a father, and now, in this verse, as an orphan. He is like someone who has been separated from those who were close to him. He had to leave them because of the opposition faced by the new believers, like Jason. He thought it would only be a short time before he could be with them again, but it was probably closer to five years.
Physical separation doesn't mean we have no connections with others. We don't have to be separated in mind, heart, and soul. When we think of the Lord’s people we know but haven't seen in a long time, our spiritual and emotional connection provides comfort and contact as we imagine them in their lives, service, and worship of the Lord. There is a sacred bond that connects us even though we can’t see them physically.
Paul would remember many God-fearing Greeks who believed in the Gospel when he preached there. Some Jews and quite a few leading women were among those who believed what he preached was true and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a result of his efforts in spreading the Gospel.
Sharing hardships and facing opposition together forges a unique and powerful bond of faith among those who understand the strength of Christian fellowship. As spiritual darkness grows heavier on this world, it is our duty as believers to remain in harmony, unity, and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.