1 Thessalonians 2:20

“For ye are our glory and joy.] Or “our joy”, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; this is a repetition, and a confirmation of what is before said; and signifies that these saints were then the glory of the apostles, being the seals of their ministry; and whom they gloried of and rejoiced in, and hoped and believed they would be such, as would be their joy and crown in time to come, and for ever.”

“Emphatical repetition with increased force. Who but ye and our other converts are our hope, &c., hereafter, at Christ's coming? For it is ye who ARE now our glory and joy. Next: 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3”

“For ye are our glory and joy - The meaning is, that the source of happiness to a minister of the gospel in the day of judgment will be the conversion and salvation of souls. The object of the apostle in dwelling on this in a manner so tender and affectionate is, to show them that his leaving them, and his long absence from them, were not caused by any want of affection for them. Remarks On 1 Thessalonians 2:0 (1) Ministers of the gospel should be entirely sincere, and without guile. They should attempt to carry no measure - not even the conversion of sinners - by trick or management; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5. (2) They should not make it a point to please people; 1 Thessalonians 2:4, they do…”

“2:20 Paul views the Thessalonian believers—not his own accomplishments—as the source of his pride, or renown, and his joy (3:9).”

“Pro 17:6; Co1 11:7 Next: 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3”