A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:18

"because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us." — 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (ASV)

Because (διοτ). As in 2:8.

We would fain have come to you (ηθελησαμεν ελθειν προς υμας). First aorist active indicative of θελω. Literally,

we desired to come to you. I Paul (εγω μεν Παυλος). Clear example of literary plural ηθελεσαμεν with singular pronoun εγω. Paul uses his own name elsewhere also as in 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:2; Colossians 1:23; Ephesians 3:1; Phm 1:19.

Once and again (κα απαξ κα δις).

Both once and twice as in Php 4:16. Old idiom in Plato.

And Satan hindered us (κα ενεκοψεν ημας ο Σατανας). Adversative use of και= but or and yet. First aorist active indicative of ενκοπτω, late word to cut in, to hinder. Milligan quotes papyrus example of third century, B.C. Verb used to cut in a road, to make a road impassable. So Paul charges Satan with cutting in on his path. Used by Paul in Ac 24:4; Galatians 5:7 and passive ενεκοπτομην in Ro 15:22; 1 Peter 3:7. This hindrance may have been illness, opposition of the Jews in Corinth, what not.