1:3 {1} We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith {a} groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
(1) The first part of the epistle, in which he rejoices that through the grace of God, they have bravely sustained all the assaults of their enemies. And in this he strengthens and encourages them, moreover showing with what gifts they must mainly fight, that is, with faith and charity, which must daily increase.
(a) That whereas it grew up before, it does also receive some increase every day more and more.
1:3 We are bound to thank God. Paul states that he prayed ceaselessly for the Thessalonians (1Th 3:9-13). Here he points out how his prayers were answered. The messenger who had returned to him told him many things concerning the church which filled him with thankfulness. One of these was that their
faith groweth exceedingly. Though persecuted, their faith did not fail, but became stronger. And with their faith their charity, love, toward each other also abounded.
1:3 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.
1:1-4 Where there is the truth of grace, there will be an increase of it. The path of the just is as the shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day. And where there is the increase of grace, God must have all the glory. Where faith grows, love will abound, for faith works by love. It shows faith and patience, such as may be proposed as a pattern for others, when trials from God, and persecutions from men, quicken the exercise of those graces; for the patience and faith of which the apostle gloried, bore them up, and enabled them to endure all their tribulations.
