1 Thessalonians 2:17

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But brothers, after we were separated from you for a short time --- in person but not in spirit --- we became all the more eager [to come to you] and strongly desired to see you in person. [Note: The word “separated” here denotes the traumatic experience of a child being forcibly removed from its parents. It had been about six months since Paul left Thessalonica under adverse circumstances].

Cross References

Luke 12:58

And while you are on your way to court with your opponent, make every effort to be reconciled [to him] so that he does not drag you in front of the judge, and then the judge turns you over to the officer, and the officer throws you into prison.

Luke 22:15

And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover meal with you [men] before I suffer [i.e., torture and death].

Acts 17:10

The brothers [then] immediately sent Paul and Silas away at night to Berea [i.e., a town in Macedonia]. When they got there they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Romans 1:13

And I want you to be aware, brothers, of how frequently I [had] planned to visit you (but was prevented from doing so until now). I wanted to come in order to bear some fruit [i.e., make additional converts] among you, just as I have done among the other Gentiles [i.e., unconverted people].

Romans 15:23

But now, since I do not have any more [new] places [to preach] in this area, and have been wanting to visit you for many years,

1 Corinthians 5:3

For although physically absent [from you], I am truly present with you in spirit and have already judged the person who did this [terrible] thing, just as if I were there [in person].

Colossians 2:5

For even though I am absent [from you] in body, still I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing and observing [i.e., with my mind’s eye] your orderly behavior and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:6

But now Timothy has returned to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and [reported] that you have good memories of us. [He told us that you are] longing to see us, just as we also long to see you.