1 Thessalonians 2:20

KJV

For ye are our glory and joy.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye {G5210} are {G2075} our {G2257} glory {G1391} and {G2532} joy {G5479}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, you are our glory and our joy!

Berean Standard Bible

You are indeed our glory and our joy.

American Standard Version

For ye are our glory and our joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Thessalonians 2:20 serves as a tender and powerful capstone to Paul's defense of his ministry in Thessalonica, declaring the profound spiritual satisfaction and ultimate reward he, Silas, and Timothy derive from the Thessalonian believers' faith and perseverance. It encapsulates the deep pastoral affection and eschatological hope Paul held for this young church, viewing their spiritual flourishing as his greatest honor and source of joy, both in the present and especially at the coming of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in [1 Thessalonians 2](/1_thessalonians/2 "1 Thessalonians 2 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"), where Paul, Silas, and Timothy recount the nature and integrity of their initial ministry among the Thessalonians. From [1 Thessalonians 2:1-12](/1_thessalonians/2-1-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Paul's Pure Motives") Paul defends their pure motives, gentle conduct, and diligent labor, contrasting their genuine care with the manipulative tactics of false teachers. He emphasizes how they shared not only the gospel but their very lives ([1 Thessalonians 2:8](/1_thessalonians/2-8 "1 Thessalonians 2:8 - Sharing Life and Gospel")). Following this, in [1 Thessalonians 2:13-16](/1_thessalonians/2-13-16 "1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 - The Thessalonians' Reception of the Word"), Paul commends the Thessalonians for receiving the word of God not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which was effectively at work in them. The immediate preceding verses, [1 Thessalonians 2:17-19](/1_thessalonians/2-17-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:17-19 - Paul's Desire to Visit"), express Paul's intense longing to return to them, despite being hindered by Satan. He then poses a rhetorical question in [1 Thessalonians 2:19](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - Paul's Hope and Joy"), asking, "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?" Verse 20 provides the definitive, affirmative answer, solidifying their identity as his ultimate spiritual reward.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Thessalonica, as recounted in [Acts 17:1-10](/acts/17-1-10 "Acts 17:1-10 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"), was intense but brief, cut short by violent opposition from unbelieving Jews who stirred up a mob. Paul and Silas were forced to leave, leaving behind a nascent church facing immediate persecution ([1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Imitators of the Lord")). Despite the forced departure, Paul maintained a deep pastoral concern for their spiritual well-being, sending Timothy to check on them ([1 Thessalonians 3:1-5](/1_thessalonians/3-1-5 "1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - Timothy's Mission")). The letter itself was written from Corinth, likely within a year or two of his departure, after Timothy's positive report. In the Greco-Roman world, "glory" (doxa) often referred to public honor, reputation, or fame, especially that gained through achievement. Paul redefines this concept, grounding his "glory" not in worldly acclaim or personal success, but in the spiritual vitality and faithfulness of those he discipled, a counter-cultural understanding of true honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "1 Thessalonians - Themes of Faith, Hope, and Love"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Ministerial Reward and the Fruit of Labor**. Paul viewed the Thessalonian believers, their steadfast faith, and their spiritual growth as the ultimate vindication and reward for his arduous missionary work, far surpassing any material gain or earthly recognition. Their spiritual health was his "glory" and "joy." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Deep Affection and Spiritual Parenthood**. The verse reveals the profound, familial bond between the apostles and their converts, portraying Paul's genuine love and cherishing of these believers as his spiritual children. This echoes a similar sentiment Paul expresses for the Philippian church, whom he calls his "[joy and crown](/philippians/4-1 "Philippians 4:1 - Paul's Joy and Crown")" in [Philippians 4:1](/philippians/4-1 "Philippians 4:1 - Paul's Joy and Crown"). Finally, it strongly connects to the theme of **Eschatological Hope and Christ's Return**. The "glory and joy" are not merely for the present but are fully realized and consummated "at the coming" of [our Lord Jesus Christ](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - The Lord's Coming"). Paul anticipated presenting these faithful believers to the Lord, which would be his ultimate vindication and source of rejoicing on that Day.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of δοκέω (dokeō, to seem, to think), this word signifies glory as that which is "very apparent." In this context, _dóxa_ refers to the honor, prestige, or commendation derived from something. For Paul, the Thessalonians' faithfulness was his honor, a visible testament to God's transformative work through his ministry. It is a spiritual and eternal "glory," distinct from worldly acclaim. It reflects the honor bestowed upon the minister by God through the fruit of their labor.
* **Joy (Greek, _chará'_):** Derived from χαίρω (chairō, to rejoice), _chará_ denotes cheerfulness, deep, abiding gladness, or delight. It is often described as a divinely inspired inner satisfaction. For Paul, this was a profound inner contentment and delight that came from witnessing God's grace powerfully at work in the lives of the Thessalonian believers, seeing them stand firm in their faith despite persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye are":** This introductory phrase, using the Greek particle _gár_ (for), provides the reason or explanation for the preceding statement in [1 Thessalonians 2:19](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - Paul's Hope and Joy"). It directly answers Paul's rhetorical question, affirming that the Thessalonian believers themselves are the very essence of his hope, joy, and crown. The "ye" (Greek, _hymeîs_) emphasizes the believers' personal identity and collective existence as the object of Paul's affection and reward.
* **"our glory":** This phrase expresses that the spiritual flourishing and steadfastness of the Thessalonian church brought honor and commendation to Paul and his co-laborers. Their transformed lives and faithfulness were a visible demonstration of the effectiveness of the gospel they preached and the genuineness of their ministry. It was a "glory" not sought for personal aggrandizement, but as a reflection of God's power working through them.
* **"and joy":** Complementing "glory," this signifies the deep, profound delight and inner satisfaction that Paul experienced because of the Thessalonians. Their conversion, perseverance, and growth in Christ filled his heart with a spiritual gladness that transcended any earthly sorrow or hardship he endured in ministry. It was a joy rooted in seeing God's redemptive purposes fulfilled in human lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident as "glory and joy" stand in for the *source* of glory and joy. The Thessalonian believers are not literally glory or joy, but they are the cause and embodiment of these experiences for Paul. This highlights the profound impact they had on his spiritual and emotional well-being. The use of **Rhetorical Question** in the preceding verse ([1 Thessalonians 2:19](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - Paul's Hope and Joy")) followed by this definitive statement in [1 Thessalonians 2:20](/1_thessalonians/2-20 "1 Thessalonians 2:20 - Paul's Joy in the Thessalonians") creates a powerful **Answering Affirmation**, emphasizing the certainty and depth of Paul's conviction. Furthermore, the phrase "glory and joy" functions as a **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a single, comprehensive idea – in this case, the complete and utter satisfaction and honor derived from their spiritual children. Finally, the entire expression serves as a poignant **Apostolic Affection**, revealing the deep, personal, and parental love Paul held for the believers, transcending mere professional duty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration that the Thessalonian believers are his "glory and joy" profoundly shapes our understanding of true ministerial success and the nature of spiritual reward. It shifts the focus from external metrics of achievement to the internal transformation and faithfulness of those discipled. This perspective aligns with the biblical emphasis on the value of souls and the eternal fruit of righteous labor. It underscores that the ultimate reward for those who faithfully serve God is not earthly recognition or material gain, but the privilege of seeing lives transformed by the gospel, standing firm in faith, and being presented blameless before Christ at His coming. This spiritual fruit brings a joy that is deep, abiding, and eternal, reflecting God's own joy over His redeemed people.

* [Philippians 4:1](/philippians/4-1 "Philippians 4:1 - Paul's Joy and Crown") – "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved."
* [3 John 1:4](/3_john/1-4 "3 John 1:4 - John's Joy in Truth") – "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
* [Proverbs 11:30](/proverbs/11-30 "Proverbs 11:30 - The Fruit of the Righteous") – "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Thessalonians 2:20](/1_thessalonians/2-20 "1 Thessalonians 2:20 - Paul's Joy in the Thessalonians") offers profound lessons for both spiritual leaders and every believer. For those in ministry or mentorship roles, it reorients our perspective on success: true reward is not found in accolades, numbers, or worldly influence, but in the genuine spiritual growth, perseverance, and faithfulness of those we serve. It calls us to cultivate a deep, selfless love for our spiritual children, mirroring Paul's heart, and to find our deepest satisfaction in their walk with Christ, even amidst trials and opposition. For all believers, this verse is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. Our individual growth in faith, our steadfastness in trials, and our commitment to living out the gospel bring immense joy and honor to those who have poured their lives into us, and ultimately, to God Himself. Your life, lived faithfully, can be a source of "glory and joy" to those who have discipled you, encouraging them and affirming their labor in the Lord. It inspires us to live lives worthy of the gospel, knowing that our spiritual health contributes to the collective joy and triumph of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Paul's declaration reveal about the true nature of spiritual reward in ministry?**
* **How does your own spiritual growth and perseverance bring "glory and joy" to those who have invested in your faith journey?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, actively strive to be a source of "glory and joy" to our spiritual leaders and fellow church members?**
* **How does the anticipation of Christ's coming impact our understanding of the "glory and joy" Paul speaks of?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "glory" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul refers to the Thessalonians as his "glory," he is not speaking of personal fame or worldly recognition. Instead, "glory" (Greek, _dóxa_) here signifies the honor, commendation, or spiritual prestige that comes from seeing God's work powerfully manifested in the lives of the believers. Their transformed lives, their steadfast faith amidst persecution ([1 Thessalonians 1:6-7](/1_thessalonians/1-6-7 "1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - Imitators of the Lord")), and their active witness ([1 Thessalonians 1:8-9](/1_thessalonians/1-8-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 - Thessalonians' Faith Spreads")) were a visible testament to the authenticity of Paul's gospel message and the effectiveness of his ministry. It was a glory that redounded to God, but also brought profound spiritual honor to His servants.

**Why does Paul refer to the Thessalonians as his "joy"?**

Answer: The term "joy" (Greek, _chará_) here denotes a deep, abiding gladness and inner satisfaction. For Paul, this joy stemmed from witnessing the genuine conversion and spiritual perseverance of the Thessalonian believers. Despite the hardships and persecutions he endured in ministry ([1 Thessalonians 2:2](/1_thessalonians/2-2 "1 Thessalonians 2:2 - Paul's Suffering in Philippi")), the knowledge that these individuals had embraced the gospel and were walking in truth filled him with profound delight. It was a joy rooted in seeing God's grace at work, fulfilling His redemptive purposes in human lives, and knowing that these believers would stand firm "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming" ([1 Thessalonians 2:19](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - Paul's Hope and Joy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Thessalonians 2:20](/1_thessalonians/2-20 "1 Thessalonians 2:20 - Paul's Joy in the Thessalonians"), while expressing Paul's personal joy, ultimately finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's "glory and joy" in the Thessalonians is a reflection of Christ's own "glory and joy" in His redeemed people. Just as Paul anticipated presenting the Thessalonians as his "crown of rejoicing" at the Lord's coming ([1 Thessalonians 2:19](/1_thessalonians/2-19 "1 Thessalonians 2:19 - Paul's Hope and Joy")), so too will Christ present His church, "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church")). The Thessalonians' faith and perseverance were not merely a human achievement but the fruit of Christ's redemptive work in them, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/heb/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), and that joy was the multitude of believers He would redeem. The "glory" Paul receives is derivative of the ultimate glory that belongs to Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/col/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Thus, the Thessalonians are Paul's glory and joy because they are first and foremost Christ's glory and joy, purchased by His blood and being conformed to His image, awaiting the day when they will be "like him; for we shall see him as he is" ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:7

For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Proverbs 17:6

¶ Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers.