1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 · Verse 18
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Original Language Analysis
ἠθελήσαμεν
we would
G2309
ἠθελήσαμεν
we would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
2 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐλθεῖν
have come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
have come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
μὲν
even
G3303
μὲν
even
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
8 of 17
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 15:22For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.Romans 1:13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Job 33:14For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Historical Context
We don't know the specific hindrance—perhaps renewed persecution in Macedonia, political threats, Paul's poor health (Gal 4:13-14), or other circumstances Satan exploited. Paul attributes to Satan what others might call 'bad providence' or 'circumstances.' This biblical realism acknowledges active spiritual warfare: the devil opposes kingdom advance (Matt 13:19, 39; Luke 22:31; 2 Cor 4:4; 11:14; Eph 6:11-12; 1 Pet 5:8). Yet God's sovereignty supersedes satanic opposition—the hindrance led to Timothy's mission (3:1-2) and this letter, both providentially profitable.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between closed doors indicating God's redirecting will versus satanic opposition requiring persevering prayer?
- What does Paul's attribution of hindrance to Satan teach about spiritual warfare's reality in Christian ministry?
- How can God's sovereignty and satanic opposition both be true simultaneously? What does this paradox teach about providence?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us—dioti ēthelessamen elthein pros hymas, egō men Paulos kai hapax kai dis, kai enekopsen hēmas ho Satanas (διότι ἠθελήσαμεν ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς, καὶ ἐνέκοψεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Σατανᾶς, 'because we desired to come to you, even I Paul both once and twice, but Satan hindered us'). Enkoptō (to cut into, hinder, like breaking up a road) indicates obstacle or opposition. Paul names Satan as the agent, revealing spiritual warfare's reality.
This verse teaches crucial theology:
The phrase 'once and again' (repeatedly) shows persistent attempts, not casual interest. Paul's inability to return despite earnest effort refuted charges of abandonment.