1 Thessalonians 2:17
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
The church at Thessalonica was founded by Paul and Silas, who were driven from the city by violence. The verse belongs to the first epistle to that church, which commends the believers for their faithfulness, devotion and constancy. That epistle was written at Corinth after Timothy returned with a good report of the believers' constancy.
The absence of Paul and his fellow workers was only physical and for a short time, while they remained united and closely attached to the believers in heart and affection. The departure was forced, and the security imposed by the city rulers helps explain why Paul was prevented and hindered from returning despite his desire. The verse expresses an abundant, urgent and great desire to see the believers face to face and to go back to them. His care was so strong that although he greatly needed Timothy's help and company, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and remained for a time alone at Athens.