1 Thessalonians 2:20

After the soaring question of the previous verse, Paul lands on a simple, heartfelt declaration: 'ye are our glory and joy.' What others might seek in achievement or acclaim, Paul finds in them. This little church is his crowning honor and his deep gladness, both now and in the day of Christ.

It is a striking thing for a man to call other people his glory. Paul boasts not in himself but in what God has done in their lives, and he rejoices over them with unguarded delight. This is the heart of a true shepherd, whose treasure is the flock and whose joy is their flourishing. Such love mirrors the Lord, who looks upon His redeemed people as His own joy. The verse closes the chapter on a note of pure affection, leaving no doubt how dear these believers are to the one who first brought them the gospel.