17But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,
The term of address that Paul uses—brothers (also implying the sisters)—is another indication of his close relationship with the new believers. Though they had not known each other a short while earlier, they were now members of one family.
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,