1 Thessalonians 2:8

Affectionately desirous. Gr. homeiromai, “to yearn after,” “to long for,” “to desire.” The figure of the nursing mother is continued. Gentleness has been stressed (v. 7); here love is emphasized. As the mother-nurse is intent on imparting affection, even to the giving of life for her infant, so the missionaries were willing to give their all. Here the apostle lays bare his heart, and reveals his intense devotion to these early converts in Macedonia.

We were willing. Rather, “we were well pleased.”

To have imparted. Gr. metadidomi, “to impart,” in the sense of sharing anything with another.

Gospel of God. See on v. 2.

Souls. Gr. psuchai (see on Matt. 10:28), here used in the sense of “lives.” Paul’s converts could not dispute his claim: they had witnessed the boldness of the missionaries and knew that they had not hesitated to imperil life itself.

Were dear. Rather, “had become beloved.” As Paul and his companions had worked for these new believers, and had watched their determined stand for Christ in the face of strong opposition; as they had striven earnestly in prayer for them, first that they might accept the message, and then that they might be steadfast, the young Christians had become increasingly dear to them.