Thomas Aquinas, on 1Thess 2:19

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glory? Are not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

“Then when Paul says: for what is our hope, he gives the reason for his proposal. First, in regard to the future; secondly, in regard to the present (2:20). Paul says: I desire to see you and I give thanks for your blessings which are our hope; for it is on account of these blessings that we hope for rewards from God, when He shall come to render to every one according to his deeds. For the greatest reward of the preacher comes from those whom he has converted. Or joy, because their joy is the Apostle's joy, just as their goodness is the Apostle's goodness; for the goodness of the effect is accounted for by the goodness of the cause. Or crown of boasting, because as a result of their struggles he who encouraged them to struggle shall be decorated; for the commander who led the soldiers to combat is decorated: "He who disciplines his son will profit by him, and will boast of him among acquaintances" (Sir. 30:2). I ask what is this hope; is it not you? Yes, assuredly: in the future, that is, before our Lord Jesus at his coming.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.