The Thessalonian believers were Paul’s hope. The concept of hope is central to Paul’s theology, and refers to the certain expectation which believers have of their participation in the future, eternal kingdom which God has promised to his people. Christian hope speaks of glory and certainty; it springs from the promises and faithfulness of God himself (see, e.g. Romans 4:18; Romans 5:2–5; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:5, Colossians 1:23, Colossians 1:27). It is this hope which motivated the Thessalonian believers to persevere in their faith despite persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Given this understanding of hope, it is somewhat surprising that Paul speaks about the Thessalonian believers as his hope. They are, after all, human beings and subject to human weakness. To understand Paul’s thinking, we must recognize that he looks forward to the return of Christ as the time when his apostolic work will be tested; on that day, his labour will be seen to have been either worthwhile or wasted (Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). The evidence of his own faithfulness will be found in the lives of his converts, and it is in this sense that the Thessalonians are his hope: if they appear blameless on that day, his labour will be proved fruitful and effective.1,2 Since the Lord’s return is the time of the final judgment, it highlights the need for the new converts to continue in their faith and for Paul to be faithful in his ministry. This is why Paul had such a sense of urgency to return to Thessalonica to encourage the believers in their faith (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18).
It may be added that, by the time Paul wrote this letter, he had already received Timothy’s encouraging report regarding the Thessalonians’ steadfast perseverance in spite of their suffering for the gospel (1 Thessalonians 3:6–9). This makes the statements of 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 a celebration of the Thessalonians’ progress, as well as a statement of how important their faithfulness was.
19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?