1 Thessalonians 1:2

Text (1 Thessalonians 1:2)

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Translation and Paraphrase

2.

We are giving thanks unto God always for all of you (Thessalonians), making mention (of you) in our prayers (for you are that dear unto us).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:2)

1.

Here in I Thessalonians, as in almost all his letters, Paul begins with a giving of thanks. Compare Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; etc. Even when he had to scold people in his epistles, Paul usually began with an expression of thanks. We ought to imitate this way of thinking and speaking when we deal with our brethren. We so often scold publicly, but seldom praise publicly. What other institution so greatly deserves public thanks as the church?

2.

Paul says, We give thanks, because Silas and Timothy joined with him in the greeting. But, of course, Paul was the main author of the epistle.

3.

Give thanks is in the present tense, which indicates continuous action. Therefore we have rendered it giving thanks in our translation. Paul considered giving thanks a privilege and duty that needed to be repeated often.

4.

The word mention (Gr, mneia) can also mean remembrance or memory, Like Paul, we should not forget our brethren when we go away from them, God hears our prayers for them at a distance, as well as near, Paul prayed for them, mentioning them by name before God.

5.

Paul often spoke about bearing people up in prayer, He was busy teaching and writing. But he devoted much time to prayer, praying for people by name. See Romans 1:9; Philippians 1:3-4; etc. This was essential for Paul, It is also essential for us. Paul even prayed for the Colossians and Laodiceans whom he had never seen face to face. Colossians 2:1.