For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),

 (i) He speaks of Satan blocking his way when he desired to come to Thessalonica. The word he uses (egkoptein, G1465) is the technical word for putting up a road-block calculated to stop an expedition on the march. It is Satan's work to throw obstacles into the Christian's way--and it is our work to surmount them. 