because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paul, once and again-- but Satan hindered us.
Fields points out that the hindrance might have taken the form of sickness, poverty, or persecution but adds, "Perhaps Satan hindered Paul by the ’distress and affliction’ mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 3:7" (81). Morris may be correct in saying, "We should admit our ignorance and understand the term in the most general sense" (67). We underestimate the influence of our adversary if we do not credit him the ability to interfere with our plans. "They are poor students of the word of God who do not have proper regard for the power and malignity of their enemy, Satan" (Coffman 33).