Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 2:18
For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian church immediately after noting his physical absence and before declaring them as his future hope at Christ’s return. The words — ἠθελήσαμεν (ēthelēsamen) translates “we wanted,” and ἐλθεῖν (elthein) translates “to come,” establishing the deliberate intent behind the planned visit. The thread — The theme of thwarted travel plans appears in Romans 1:13 and Romans 15:22, while Revelation 2:10 documents the devil’s active obstruction of believers through imprisonment. Why it lands — The verse records a specific apostolic plan interrupted by spiritual resistance, requiring the reader to acknowledge that missionary movement operates within a contested spiritual reality rather than under unimpeded human control.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Cross-references
- Romans 15:22 That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
- Romans 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Zechariah 3:1 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.
- 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
- Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.
- Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
- Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
- Colossians 4:18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- Philippians 4:16 For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.