1 Thessalonians 3:7

therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you for this cause (R. V.), the Greek phrase being identical with that of 1 Thessalonians 3:5. But while its reference there was to the perilof the tempted Thessalonians causing the Apostle intense anxiety, here it is to their loyalty and affectionbringing him a corresponding joy. For a similar instance, comp. 2 Corinthians 7:6-7: "He that comforteth the downcast, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus … and in the comfort with which he was comforted over you," &c.

For the verb "comfort" see note on 1 Thessalonians 3:2.

in all our affliction and distress distress and affliction (R. V.), or necessity and affliction. The first of these terms, as e.g. in 1 Corinthians 9:16 ("Necessity is laid upon me"), implies outward constraint, stress of circumstances, or sometimes of duty; while the second (see ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4) commonly denotes trouble from men. For similar and more extended combinations, see 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 12:10.

The preposition is literally over (as in last clause), not in. It was not simply that Timothy's tidings brought comfort to the Apostle amidsthis present trials; but this comfort bore uponthose trials. The steadfastness of the Thessalonians heartened him to meet his troubles at Corinth. This effect of Silas and Timothy's arrival "from Macedonia" is hinted in Acts 18:5.

we were comforted… through your faith (R. V.). This conveyed the needed solace to the lonely Apostle. Their "faith" was the essential point, that about which Timothy was sent to enquire (1 Thessalonians 3:5); if this remained, all would go well. So our Lord prayed for Peter, "That thy faithfail not" (Luke 22:32). "By faith ye stand" (2 Corinthians 1:24; see next verse).