Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 2:19

19 For * what is our hope , or joy , or crown of ‖ rejoycing ? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Here the Apostle gives the reason of his desire to see them. He first calls them his hope; that is, the matter of his hope, that among others they should be saved in the day of Christ.

Secondly, His joy: He at present rejoyced in their ready and sincere receiving the Gospel preached by him.

Thirdly, His crown of rejoycing, which signifies the triumph and height of joy; and seeing he mentions the presence and coming of Jesus Christ, he looks to the Crown that he should receive at that day, which he speaks of 1 Cor. 9.25. And these Thessalonians among others would help to make up this crown of rejoycing to him. And in the words we may observe an eminent gradation, as also that the Crown of Ministers will arise not onely from Christ, but from their people also.