The apostle Paul greatly loved his brethren! In his first letter to the Thessalonians he had this to say, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1Thessalonians 2:19-20).
I am especially enamored with the phrase “crown of rejoicing.” Paul was not repeating himself. He had already said they were his “joy.” The great zeal and character that the Thessalonians had shown made him very happy. He was eager to see their faces, because their fellowship as brethren was so pleasant to him. He said he “endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire” (17).
This phrase, however is perhaps a bit more appropriately translated, “crown of pride.” The word crown (stephanos) is indicates a crown of victory! Reserved for Olympic winners, or emperors who had won a war. The word translated rejoicing (kauchesis) is used to indicate boasting (in a good sense) or glorying. Paul was proud of these brethren because of their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1:3). He said, “so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth” (1:7-8). Consider: would the great apostle be as proud of you and me?
