1 Thessalonians 1:2 - Exposition

We . Many expositors (Cony-beare, Koch, Jowett) suppose that the plural is here used for the singular; as Paul elsewhere does in other parts of this Epistle. Thus: "Wherefore we would come unto you, even I Paul, once and again" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:18 ); "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone" ( 1 Thessalonians 3:1 ). In these verses the pronoun "we" is evidently restricted to Paul. Still, however, Silvanus and Timotheus being mentioned directly before, it is most natural to include them here. Give thanks to God always for you all. All Paul's Epistles, with the solitary exception of the Epistle to the Galatians, commence with an expression of thanksgiving. Making mention of you in our prayers ; whilst we are engaged in prayer for you. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians took the form of thanksgiving.