1 Thessalonians 2:19

“For what is our hope, or joy, etc.] The apostle here gives a reason why they were so concerned at parting with the Thessalonians, and were so desirous of seeing them again, and attempted it so often, cause they were their “hope”; not the foundation of it, which was Christ; nor the thing hoped for, which was eternal life; nor the ground of their hope, which was the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ; but they were persons whom they hoped well of, and of whom their hope was steadfast; as of their election of God, of their redemption by Christ, of their effectual calling, of their perseverance in faith and holiness, notwithstanding all reproach and persecution; and of meeting the…”

“For--giving the reason for his earnest desire to see them. Are not even ye in the presence of . . . Christ--"Christ" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Are not even ye (namely, among others; the "even" or "also," implies that not they alone will be his crown) our hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing before Jesus, when He shall come (Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1)? The "hope" here meant is his hope (in a lower sense), that these his converts might be found in Christ at His advent (Th1 3:13). Paul's chief "hope" was JESUS CHRIST (Ti1 1:1).”

“For what is our hope - That is, “I had a strong desire to see you; to assist you; to enjoy your friendship; for you are my hope and joy, and my absence does not arise from a want of affection.” The meaning, when he says that they were his “hope,” is, that their conversion and salvation was one of the grounds of his hope of future blessedness. It was an evidence that he was a faithful servant of God, and that he would be rewarded in heaven. Or joy - The source of joy here and in heaven. Or crown of rejoicing - Margin, as in Greek, “glorying;” that is, boasting, or exulting. The allusion is, probably, to the victors at the Grecian games; and the sense is, that he rejoiced in their conversion…”

“Ye also - As well as our other children. Next: 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3”

“2:19 In the Greek and Roman world, a crown was given to those who received great civic honor or who were victorious in athletic games.”

“our hope: Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16, Phi 4:1 crown: Pro 4:9, Pro 12:4, Pro 16:13, Pro 17:6; Isa 62:3; Pe1 5:4; Rev 4:10, Rev 4:11 rejoicing: or, glorying, Th1 2:20; Rom 15:16-19 in: Th1 3:13, Th1 5:23; Co1 4:5, Co1 15:23; Co2 1:14; Phi 2:16, Phi 4:1; Th2 1:7-12, Th2 2:1; Ti1 6:14, Ti1 6:15; Ti2 4:1, Ti2 4:2; Tit 2:13; Jo1 2:28 our Lord: Jde 1:24 at: Rev 1:7, Rev 22:12 1 Thessalonians 2:20”