2 Thessalonians 1:3 3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers [and sisters], as is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing,
Paul often gives a prayer or thanksgiving after the letter greetings. In this letter, he expresses his thanksgiving in a simple and short way. He feels compelled (a strong sense of obligation or even debt; opheilomen) to give thanks because of their spiritual growth. He could not let pass an opportunity to pray for the Thessalonians. As he thought of them and heard news about their situation, he burst forth in praise to God. He states two reasons for his thanksgiving. First, their faith was growing abundantly. This church was relatively young, possibly less than a year old. They had come to faith in Christ in the midst of opposition, and apparently this opposition had not lessened but only increased. Paul uses two descriptions to emphasize the growth of their faith. Growing abundantly (hyperauxanie) is a compound word that emphasizes the extravagant and significant growth that was happening. This was a thriving church that was growing stronger in spite of the difficult situation and having theological questions. They kept the core of their faith in Jesus intact. They needed this faith confirmed with the right knowledge and insight into the gospel.
The second reason for Paul’s thanksgiving was the Thessalonians’ love for one another. No one in the church was left out (indicated by pantōn). This love was not passive, for example, only saying that believers love one another. Because this love was increasing (pleonazei), it had to have been expressed in tangible ways. The evidence was clear because other churches in Macedonia had heard about this church (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Growing faith and love are indicators of a thriving church. That does not mean that this did not have its issues, some of which Paul will point out in this letter. But these two qualities are essential for the discipleship of individuals and a successful mission to the community. Hearing about these two qualities no doubt led Paul, Silas, and Timothy to overflow with thanksgiving.
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