1 Thessalonians 1:3

PART FIRST.

RETROSPECTIVE AND HISTORICAL, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 to 1 Thessalonians 3:13.

1. Recollections of their Christian faithfulness, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10.

3. Remembering The following blessed facts as gifts to be richly thankful for, namely, your rich displays of Christian character.

Without ceasing The fulness of Paul’s ardour for them appears in the fulness of his expressions, always, you all, without ceasing. The objects of this remembering are now mentioned; namely, the three Christian graces upon which he expatiates in 2 Corinthians 13:0.

Faith, love, hope The words work, labour, and patience are in a climax of increasing intensity.

Work of faith That life-work of Christian activity which faith inspires, and to which the profession of faith pledges the man. It was by this life of duty-doing that the pagan Thessalonians were taught what Christianity is.

Labour of love That self-sacrifice to which love alone can prompt a man, and which love alone makes easy.

Patience of hope Hope-inspired patience or endurance. The trials of life and the persecutions from pagans were endured with patience, because of the hope in (Greek of) Christ, and of that mighty advent so vividly described in Paul’s preaching. See notes on Acts 24:25, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-11.