2 Thessalonians 1:3

Text (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

3 We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

Translation and Paraphrase

3.

We are obligated (by our sense of debt to God and our debt to you for your faith, hope, and love) to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, just as it is fitting, because your faith increases (so) greatly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another grows (so much);

Notes (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

1.

We rejoice when a church grows in number, budget, and the size of its building. But do we rejoice when a church grows in faith and love? This was what made Paul thankful for the Thessalonian church.

2.

This verse reveals that one of Paul's prayers had been answered, Paul had prayed in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 that the Lord would make them abound in love toward one another.

After sending I Thessalonians, Paul received the report back about the Thessalonians that their faith was growing exceedingly, and their love was abounding.

3.

The expression, We are bound to give thanks, indicates an obligation, such as a debt to be paid. Paul felt bound to give thanks for the Thessalonians, not merely because that was the nice thing to do, but because it was debt he owed.

This expression about being bound (or obligated) to give thanks is found only here and in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 in the whole N.T.

4.

As it is meet (Gr., axios) means as it is worthy, or as it is fitting. The faith and love of the Thessalonians had weight and value that demanded an equal measure of thanks upon Paul's part. (The word axios means of equal weight, of like value, worth as much, See notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:12, par. 4.)

5.

The word translated groweth exceedingly (Gr., huperauxano) means to increase beyond measure.

The Thessalonians had grown much in their faith, as all Christians should. They had not lost their first love. Rather they had increased that love. We should ask ourselves if Paul could say the same thing about us that he said about the Thessalonians. For faith that does not grow usually shrinks.

6.

In all of Paul's letters, except Galatians and Hebrews, Paul begins with a thanksgiving. We should likewise always express our thanks first, and then give our criticisms if we have any to offer.

7.

We prefer to translate the word charity as love. In modern times we think of charity as almsgiving and helping the poor. The Greek word agape used here means love rather than almsgiving.