What does 1 Thessalonians 2:19 mean?

Paul has just indicated that he desperately wants to see the Thessalonian Christians again. He did not leave voluntarily (1 Thessalonians 2:17), and he blames his inability to return to them on interference from Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Looking forward to the return of Jesus, Paul asks the Thessalonian believers what he most anticipated and what would give him his greatest joy, what crown would he wear, and what would make him most proud? His answer is simple, but profound: it is those with whom he has shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 19 and 20 make this point in poignant detail.

The New Testament teaches that faithful believers will receive crowns when Jesus comes again. First Corinthians 9:25 mentions an imperishable wreath for those who run the Christian race successfully. Second Timothy 4:8 invokes the crown of righteousness. James 1:12 speaks of the crown of life. First Peter 5:4 references an unfading crown of glory. Revelation 2:10 mentions the crown of life. Paul identified the Thessalonian believers as his crown and also his hope and joy.

As his hope, Paul wanted to see them grow strong in Christ. As his joy, they filled him with rejoicing. He could recall what they were before trusting in Christ as their Savior. They were pagans steeped in the worship of idols. He could see what they had become: Christians who displayed faith, hope, and love. These remembrances caused Paul to rejoice greatly.