Ver. 17. “But we, being taken from you963 for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.” He has not said “separated,” but what was much more.964 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 they965 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 be- reavement, long for their parents, not only from the feelings of nature itself, but also on ac- count of their deserted state, so truly do we too feel.” From this also he shows his own des- pondency 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 superlative966 philosophy! This is truly fervent love; both to see, and to hear, and speak; and this may be of much ad- vantage. “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. Ver. 18. “Wherefore we would fain have come unto you.” Which is the part of love; yet here he mentions no other necessity but “that we might see you.” “I Paul once and again, and Satan hindered us.” What sayest thou? does Satan hinder? Yes, truly, for this was not the work of God. For in the Epistle to the Romans, he says this, that God hindered him (from Rom. xv. 22.); and elsewhere Luke says, that “the Spirit” hindered them from going into Asia. (Acts xvi. 7.) And in the Epistle to the Corinthians he says, that it is the work of the Spirit, but here only of Satan. But what hindrance of Satan is he speaking of? Some unexpected and violent 963 ἀπορφανισθέντες, “bereaved,” “made orphans.” 964 [This last clause is interpolated by some documents, but may be retained because it makes the meaning clearer to the English reader.—J.A.B.] 965 The Thessalonians. 966 Gr. superfluous. He means such as would make friendship quite independent of such helps. 588 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12