2 Thessalonians 1:3

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Are

1 Thessalonians 3:6

As it is

Luke 15:32

Philippians 1:7

2 Peter 1:13

General references

Bible References

Are

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].

First of all, I want to thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being told about throughout the whole world.

I always thank God for you, [especially] for God's unearned favor that was given to you [in providing salvation and blessings] in Christ Jesus.

We always thank God for all of you, [regularly] mentioning you in our prayers.

But now Timothy has returned to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and [reported] that you have good memories of us. [He told us that you are] longing to see us, just as we also long to see you.

As it is

But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.'"

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God's unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel's truth].

But I consider it the right thing to do, as long as I am in this "tent" [Note: This is an allusion to his still being alive], to stir up your memory [of these things],

General references

My commandment [to you] is this: You should love one another just as I have loved you.

Everything you do should be done lovingly.

I always thank my God [for you] as I mention you in my prayers,

Continue to love [one another] as brothers.