2 Thessalonians 1:3

“We are bound to thank God, &c.] Since all blessings, temporal and spiritual, come from him: and that always: seeing he is ever giving out fresh favours, or continuing former ones; and because those, especially which are of a spiritual nature, always abide, such as faith and love; which the apostle particularly takes notice of, the members of this Church had, and were increasing in them: for it was not for himself, but for them he gives thanks, for you, brethren: who were so, not in a natural or civil relation, but in a spiritual one, being the children of God, and brethren of Christ; and to do this for them, he looked upon himself with others under an obligation: as it is meet; just, proper,…”

“We are bound--Greek, "We owe it as a debt" (Th2 2:13). They had prayed for the Thessalonians (Th1 3:12) that they might "increase and abound in love"; their prayer having been heard, it is a small but a bounden return for them to make, to thank God for it. Thus, Paul and his fellow missionaries practice what they preach (Th1 5:18). In Th1 1:3, their thanksgiving was for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and patience"; here, for their exceeding growth in faith, and for their charity abounding. "We are bound" expresses the duty of thanksgiving from its subjective side as an inward conviction. "As it is meet," from the objective: side as something answering to the state of circumstances [ALFORD].…”

“We are bound to thank God always for you; - See the notes on 1 Thessalonians 1:2. “As it is meet.” Since it is fit or proper. “Because that your faith groweth exceedingly.” It would seem probable from this that Paul had heard from them since his First Epistle was written. He had doubtless received intelligence of the error which prevailed among them respecting his views of the coming of the Lord Jesus, and of the progress which the truth was making, at the same time. “And the charity of every one of you all toward each other.” Your mutual love. return to 'Top of Page'”

“It is highly observable, that the apostle wraps up his praise of men in praise to God; giving him the glory. Your faith groweth - Probably he had heard from them since his sending the former letter. Aboundeth - Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increaseth still. 2 Thessalonians 1:4”

“1:3-10 After thanking God for the Thessalonian church (1:3-4), Paul writes about persecution (1:4), which had intensified since his first letter (1 Thes 1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4). God will relieve their suffering (2 Thes 1:5-10) and judge their persecutors. 1:3 Dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female. • thank God: Paul begins with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and “endurance” (1:4). These fundamental Christian virtues (see 1 Cor 13:13; Col 1:4-5; Heb 10:21-24; 1 Pet 2:1-22) were maturing in the church despite the persecution they endured (2 Thes 1:5).”

“are: Th2 2:13; Rom 1:8; Co1 1:4; Th1 1:2, Th1 1:3, Th1 3:6, Th1 3:9, as is, Luk 15:32; Phi 1:7; Pe2 1:13 your: Job 17:9; Psa 84:7, Psa 92:13; Pro 4:18; Isa 40:29-31; Luk 17:5; Joh 15:2; Phi 1:9; Th1 4:1, Th1 4:9, Th1 4:10; Pe1 1:22; Pe2 1:5-10, Pe2 3:18 groweth: The word, υπεραυξανω \[Strong's G5232\], from υπερ \[Strong's G5228\], intensive, and αυξανω \[Strong's G837\], to grow, increase, signifies, as Dr. Clarke remarks, to grow luxuriantly, as a good and healthy tree in a good soil; and, if a fruit tree, bearing an abundance of fruit to compensate the labour of the husbandman. Faith is one of the seeds of the kingdom. this the Apostle had sowed and watered, and God gave an abundant…”