1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

We . Many expositors (Cony-beare, Koch, Jowett) suppose that the plural is here used for the singular; as Paul elsewhere does in other parts of this Epistle. Thus: "Wherefore we would come unto you, even I Paul, once and again" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:18 ); "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone" ( 1 Thessalonians 3:1 ). In these verses the pronoun "we" is evidently restricted to Paul. Still, however, Silvanus and Timotheus being mentioned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing. Some attach the words, "without ceasing," or "unceasingly," to the previous clause; "making mention of you unceasingly in our prayers" (so Alford). Your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope. These expressions are not to be weakened, as if they were a mere Hebraism for active faith, laborious love, and patient hope. We have here the three cardinal virtues—faith, love, and hope ( 1 Corinthians 13:13 ). Elsewhere these graces are combined. Thus... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

The three cardinal virtues faith, love, and hope. 1. Their order. Faith is the commencement of the spiritual life, love its progress and continuance, and hope its completion; faith is the foundation, love the structure, and hope the top-stone of God's spiritual temple in the soul. 2. Their manifestations. Faith is seen by its works; love, by its self-denying exertions; and hope, by its patience and endurance. 3. Their reference to time. Faith refers to the past, love to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

In writing to the Corinthians St. Paul singles out three Christian graces for supreme honor—faith, hope, and love. Here he selects the same three graces, but not simply to praise them for their own inherent merits. They are now regarded in their energetic operation, as powers and influences; and the fruits of their activity are the subjects of the apostle's thankful recognition. He makes mention in prayer of the work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope. I. CHRISTIAN ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all - see the notes, Romans 1:9.Making mention of you in our prayers - See the notes at Ephesians 1:16. It may be observed here:(1) That the apostle was in the habit of constant prayer.(2) That he was accustomed to extemporary prayer, and not to written prayer. It is not credible that “forms” of prayer had been framed for the churches at Thessalonica and Ephesus, and the other churches for which Paul says he prayed, nor would it have been possible to have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing - Remembering your faith and love whenever we pray. This is not to be understood literally, but it is language such as we use respecting anything that interests us much. It is constantly in our mind. Such an interest the apostle had in the churches which he had established.Your work of faith - That is, your showing or evincing faith. The reference is probably to acts of duty, holiness, and benevolence, which proved that they exercised faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4. We give thanks, &c. From hence to 1 Thessalonians 3:13, we have the chief object of this epistle, which was to comfort, strengthen, and establish the Christians at Thessalonica, and induce them to persevere under all the discouragements which he, their apostle, or they themselves, might meet with. And in his entrance upon this design he gives vent to what lay most upon his heart, thanking God for their conversion from idolatry to Christianity amidst so many... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1:1-3:13 RELATIONS WITH THE THESSALONIANSResponse to the gospel (1:1-10)Paul gives thanks to God for the good news that Timothy brought back concerning the Christians in Thessalonica. Through their belief in Christ their lives have been changed, so that in everything they do their faith, love and endurance are clearly seen (1:1-3).The Thessalonians have given proof that they are God’s people by the way they have believed and stood firm for the gospel. They had seen how Paul was persecuted in... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

give thanks . Greek. eucharisteo. See Acts 27:35 . always . App-151 . for . App-104 . making mention. See Romans 1:9 . in . App-104 . prayers . App-134 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

without ceasing . Greek. adialeiptos. Only here, 1Th 2:13 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 . Romans 1:9 . of = proceeding from. Genitive of origin. App-17 .; or, it may be Genitive of character. App-17 ., and would read "faithful work, loving labour, and hopeful patience". faith . App-150 . love . App-135 . Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:8 . Colossians 1:4 , Colossians 1:8 . Revelation 2:4 . in = of. App-17 . Lord . App-98 . and = even. read more

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