Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:19

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?" — 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (ASV)

“We were most anxious to come and establish you, for we would lose all our hope and joy and honours if Christ should come and we had lost you.”

Our hope—i.e., the object on which our hopes are centered.

Crown of rejoicing.—Or, of boasting; “crown that we are proud to wear,” like victors in the games. For the meaning of such phrases, see Note on 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

Even you—(not necessarily excluding other converts) just you, and others like you.

In the presence.—“It is the thought of presenting you to Him that thrills us with hope, joy, pride—the thought of wearing such a decoration before Him.” (Compare to 2 Corinthians 11:2).