But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
All Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Go To 1 Thessalonians 2
John Chrysostom
AD 407
He has not said separated, but what was much more. He had spoken above of flattery, showing that he did not flatter, that he did not seek glory. He speaks here concerning love. Because he had said above, as a father his children, as a nurse, here he uses another expression, being made orphans, which is said of children who have lost their fathers. And yet they were made orphans. No— he says— but we. For if any one should examine our longing, even as little children without a protector, having sustained an untimely bereavement, long for their parents, not only from the feelings of nature itself, but also on account of their deserted state, so truly do we too feel. From this also he shows his own despondency on account of their separation. And this we cannot say, he says, that we have waited a long period, but for a short time, and that in presence, not in heart. For we always have you in our mind. See how great is his love! Although having them always in his heart, he sought also their presence face to face. Tell me not of your superlative philosophy! This is truly fervent love; both to see, and to hear, and speak; and this may be of much advantage. We endeavored the more exceedingly. What is more exceedingly? He either means to say, we are vehemently attached to you, or, as was likely, being bereaved for a season, we endeavored to see your face. Observe the blessed Paul. When of himself he cannot satisfy his longing, he does it through others, as when he sends Timothy to the Philippians, and the same person again to the Corinthians, holding intercourse with them through others, when he cannot of himself. For in loving them, he was like some mad person, not to be restrained, nor to command himself in his affection.
