2 Thessalonians 1:3

In his earlier epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul prayed for them to grow in faith (1 Thessalonians 4:10) and to increase in love (1 Thessalonians 3:12). He now rejoiced that they were doing both of these things (2 Thessalonians 1:3). This is one clue that Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians after 1 Thessalonians. God had answered his prayer. Paul began each of his epistles, except Galatians, with thanksgiving for the spiritual progress of his readers. The word translated "greatly enlarged," which Paul used to describe their faith, occurs only here in the New Testament and means "grown exceedingly," not just normally. The Thessalonians’ growth had been unusual. They were a model congregation in this respect. In the Greek text 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 are one sentence.

"We ought to give thanks" means "We must give thanks" (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Paul was not saying he knew he should give thanks but did not, but he felt obligated to give thanks and did so.

"Clearly in this entire passage . . . the writers reveal themselves as men who are elated . . . rather than reluctant, exuberant rather than hesitant." [Note: William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Exposition of I and II Thessalonians, p. 154.]

"Paul was well aware of the shortcomings of the Thessalonian believers, but he did not allow their faults to blind him to their strong points. . . . Instead of criticizing, he is eager to commend." [Note: D. Edmond Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles, p. 280.]