1 Thessalonians 1:3
Verse
Context
Sermons
Martyn-Lloyd Jones
Paul Washer
Art Katz
Vance Havner
Willie Mullan
Alan MartinPaul WasherSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Your work of faith - This verse contains a very high character of the believers at Thessalonica. They had Faith, not speculative and indolent, but true, sound, and operative; their faith worked. They had Love, not that gazed at and became enamoured of the perfections of God, but such a love as labored with faith to fulfill the whole will of God. Faith worked; but love, because it can do more, did more, and therefore labored - worked energetically, to promote the glory of God and the salvation of men. They had Hope; not an idle, cold, heartless expectation of future good, from which they felt no excitement, and for which they could give no reason, but such a hope as produced a satisfying expectation of a future life and state of blessedness, the reality of which faith had descried, and love anticipated; a hope, not hasty and impatient to get out of the trials of life and possess the heavenly inheritance, but one that was as willing to endure hardships as to enjoy glory itself, when God might be most honored by this patient endurance. Faith worked, Love labored, and Hope endured patiently. It is not a mark of much grace to be longing to get to heaven because of the troubles and difficulties of the present life; they who love Christ are ever willing to suffer with him; and he may be as much glorified by patient suffering, as by the most active faith or laborious love. There are times in which, through affliction or other hinderances, we cannot do the will of God, but we can suffer it; and in such cases he seeks a heart that bears submissively, suffers patiently, and endures, as seeing him who is invisible, without repining or murmuring. This is as full a proof of Christian perfection as the most intense and ardent love. Meekness, gentleness, and long-suffering, are in our present state of more use to ourselves and others, and of more consequence in the sight of God, than all the ecstasies of the spirits of just men made perfect, and than all the raptures of an archangel. That Church or Christian society, the members of which manifest the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope, is most nearly allied to heaven, and is on the suburbs of glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
work of faith--the working reality of your faith; its alacrity in receiving the truth, and in evincing itself by its fruits. Not an otiose assent; but a realizing, working faith; not "in word only," but in one continuous chain of "work" (singular, not plural, works), Th1 1:5-10; Jam 2:22. So "the work of faith" in Th2 1:11 implies its perfect development (compare Jam 1:4). The other governing substantives similarly mark respectively the characteristic manifestation of the grace which follows each in the genitive. Faith, love, and hope, are the three great Christian graces (Th1 5:8; Co1 13:13). labour of love--The Greek implies toil, or troublesome labor, which we are stimulated by love to bear (Th1 2:9; Rev 2:2). For instances of self-denying labors of love, see Act 20:35; Rom 16:12. Not here ministerial labors. Those who shun trouble for others, love little (compare Heb 6:10). patience--Translate, "endurance of hope"; the persevering endurance of trials which flows from "hope." Rom 15:4 shows that "patience" also nourishes "hope." hope in our Lord Jesus--literally, "hope of our Lord Jesus," namely, of His coming (Th1 1:10): a hope that looked forward beyond all present things for the manifestation of Christ. in the sight of God and our Father--Your "faith, hope, and love" were not merely such as would pass for genuine before men, but "in the sight of God," the Searcher of hearts [GOMARUS]. Things are really what they are before God. BENGEL takes this clause with "remembering." Whenever we pray, we remember before God your faith, hope, and love. But its separation from "remembering" in the order, and its connection with "your . . . faith," &c., make me to prefer the former view. and, &c.--The Greek implies, "in the sight of Him who is [at once] God and our Father."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Remembering without ceasing,.... The phrase "without ceasing", is, by the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, joined to the last clause of the preceding verse; and the remembrance the apostle speaks of is either a distinct thing from the mention made of them in prayer, and suggests that they bore them on their minds at other times also; or it is the same with it; or rather a reason of their mentioning of them then, because they remembered them, and the following things of theirs: as your work of faith; by which is meant not the principle of faith, for as such that is God's work, the product of his grace, and the effect of his almighty power; but the operative virtue and exercise of it under the influence of the grace of God: the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it, "the work of your faith"; and so some copies, and the Syriac version, "the works of your faith". The Targumist in Hab 1:12 represents God as holy , "in works of faith": faith is a working grace, it has a deal of work to do, it has its hands always full, and is employed about many things; it is the grace by which a soul goes to God, as its covenant God, lays hold on him as such, pleads his promises with him, asks favours of him, and is very importunate, and will have no denial; and by which it goes to Christ as at first conversion, afterwards for fresh supplies of grace, out of that fulness of grace that is in him; it receives him and all from him, and through him pardon, righteousness, adoption of children, and an eternal inheritance; and it is that grace which carries back all the glory to God and Christ, and to free grace; it glorifies God, exalts Christ, humbles the creature, and magnifies the grace of God, it has much work to do this way; and it works by love, by acts of love to God, to Christ, and to the saints; and it puts the soul upon a cheerful obedience to every ordinance and command, and hence obedience is styled the obedience of faith; and indeed all good works that are properly so are done in faith, and faith without works is dead; it is greatly engaged against the world and the devil; it is that grace by which Satan is opposed and overcome, and by which the believer gets the victory over the world; so that he is not discouraged by its frowns, and cast down by the trials and afflictions he meets with in it, nor drawn aside by its snares and allurements; something of this kind the apostle had observed and remembered in these believers: he adds, and labour of love; love is a laborious grace when in lively exercise; love to God and Christ will constrain a believer to engage in, and go through, great hardships, difficulties, toil, and labour, for their sakes; and love to the saints will exert itself, by serving them in things temporal and spiritual, ministering cheerfully and largely to their outward wants, for which reason the same epithet is given to love in Heb 6:10 as here; regarding and assisting them in their spiritual concerns; praying for them and with them; building them up in their most holy faith; communicating their experiences, and speaking comfortable words unto them; reproving them for sin in love, and with tenderness; restoring them when fallen in a spirit of meekness; and stirring them up to love and good works: love has much toil and labour, not only in performing the several duties of religion, both towards God and man; but in bearing all things, the burdens of fellow Christians; the infirmities of weak believers, forbearing them in love, forgiving their offences, and covering their sins: and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, or "of our Lord Jesus Christ". These persons had a good hope through grace given unto them, and which was founded in Christ Jesus, in his person, blood, and righteousness, and so was as an anchor sure and steadfast; and it had him for its object, it was an hope of interest in him, of being for ever with him, of his, second coming and glorious appearance, and of eternal life and happiness through him; and this was attended with patience, with a patient bearing of reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, for the sake of Christ, and a patient waiting for his coming, his kingdom and glory; and this as well as the others were remembered by the apostle, and his fellow ministers, with great pleasure: and that in the sight of God and our Father; or before God and our Father; which may be read in connection either with the above graces, which were exercised, not only before men, but before God, and in his sight, who sees not as man seeth, and who cannot be deceived and imposed upon; and so shows that these graces were true and genuine, faith was unfeigned, love was without dissimulation, and hope without hypocrisy: or with the word remembering, as it is in the Syriac version, which reads, "remembering before God and our Father"; that is, as often as we appear before God, and lift up our hands and our hearts unto him in prayer, we bear you upon our minds before God; and particularly remember your operative faith, laborious love, and patient hope of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3 The reason for Paul’s gratitude was the Thessalonians’ faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope (or confidence; see 3:6; 5:8; 2 Thes 1:3-4).
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Greetings to the Thessalonians
2We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers3and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Not in Word Only
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.4K54:55PowerMAT 6:33ROM 8:231TH 1:31TH 1:82PE 3:13REV 20:10In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a man climbing a mountain to illustrate the journey of seeking and experiencing the glory of God. The preacher emphasizes the need for the pulpit to effectively communicate the gospel message, but also highlights the importance of the lives of Christians in verifying the truth of the message. The sermon then focuses on the person of Jesus Christ, describing his miraculous deeds, teachings, and his role in bringing transformation to people's lives. The preacher concludes by urging the congregation to give their preachers time to proclaim the gospel, as these profound truths cannot be adequately conveyed in just a few minutes.
Biblical Headship
By Paul Washer3.3K56:29HeadshipPRO 29:18HOS 4:6MAT 6:331TH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and following God's direction. He references Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. The speaker also discusses the role of fathers in providing for their families, debunking the idea that material possessions are the most important thing to give. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from failure, highlighting the need for quality time and the inability to have it all. The sermon also touches on the consequences of God's judgment on a nation, where authority is flipped and unworthy individuals are placed in positions of leadership.
Nor-01 a True Apostle
By Art Katz2.9K44:08ApostleGEN 1:2JHN 1:1EPH 2:191TH 1:31TH 1:5HEB 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relationships and how God brings people together at the right time. He mentions how everyone in the room has been prepared by the Lord in different places. The speaker then encourages the audience to go back to their own people and share the gospel with power and conviction. He highlights that being Gentiles should not be a threat to the Jewish people, as they are part of a heavenly kingdom. The speaker also mentions that God chose the Jewish people not because they were the greatest, but because they were the least, and he emphasizes the power of the gospel message despite its foolishness to the natural mind.
The Wonder
By Vance Havner2.1K38:36MAT 18:3MAT 19:14MRK 10:141CO 13:11EPH 5:141TH 1:31TI 4:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the loss of wonder and imagination in children as they grow older. He mentions how children are full of curiosity and imagination, but as they become exposed to more things through technology, they become cynical and lose their sense of wonder. The preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder and encourages the congregation to not lose it. He also mentions the importance of making decisions and following through with obedience, using the story of the prodigal son as an example.
The Trial of Your Faith
By Willie Mullan1.9K1:02:06Trial Of FaithGEN 15:1COL 3:231TH 1:31PE 1:5In this sermon, Dr. Ivins reflects on the importance of faith and trust in God's plan. He shares personal experiences of times when he faced challenges and how God tested his faith. He emphasizes the need to understand and follow God's plan for our lives. Dr. Ivins also references the story of Abraham in the Bible, highlighting his unwavering faith in God's promises. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to have faith in God's promises and to trust in His plan for their lives.
Abounding Hope
By Alan Martin1.8K00:00HopePSA 78:22PRO 13:12ROM 8:241TH 1:3HEB 6:11HEB 6:181PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding fast to hope in order to strengthen one's soul. He compares the value of a diamond to the value of a mature, consistent, and complete walk with God. The speaker also shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges and finding victory through God's power. He highlights the unchangeable nature of God's oath and His inability to lie as the foundation of our hope, serving as an anchor for our souls.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
By Paul Washer1.7K1:09:58ExpositionalMAT 6:33EPH 4:321TH 1:31TH 5:121TH 5:14In this sermon, the speaker urges the congregation to take certain actions towards one another. These actions include admonishing the unruly, encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, and being patient with everyone. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work and sacrifices made by others. Additionally, the speaker highlights the need for holding onto both people and the word of God in order to be compassionate and truly help others. The sermon references Ephesians 4 and emphasizes the role of equipping the saints for the work of service in building up the body of Christ.
(Second Coming of Christ) 01 the King Is Coming
By Aeron Morgan1.5K45:01Second Coming1TH 1:31TH 4:161TH 5:22TH 2:142PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the hope of the coming of Christ as presented in the book of 1 Thessalonians. The early Christians are commended for their patience and assurance in this hope. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is coming again to consummate our blessed hope, and encourages believers to be on fire for Jesus and to actively share the gospel. The sermon concludes with a story of a blind woman who experienced a life-changing encounter with God through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1 - Paul's Prayer
By Gareth Evans1.1K48:14PrayerMAT 22:391CO 13:13EPH 1:151TH 1:3HEB 1:3HEB 10:24HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about receiving a loan from the government and how it was a miracle. He emphasizes that this experience has deepened his understanding of God and his provision. The speaker also highlights the importance of having faith in Jesus Christ as a precondition to knowing God. He then shares a powerful moment in Mexico where he witnessed the brokenness of poverty and realized that God was calling him to bless Him by helping those in need.
Living by Faith in Future Grace - Lesson 2
By John Piper86738:31MAT 6:33ACT 26:18ROM 9:321TH 1:3In this sermon by Pastor John Piper, he discusses the foundations of sanctifying power and the importance of grace in the Christian life. He emphasizes that grace is not just a past event, but something that is needed in the present and future as well. Piper references biblical texts such as 1 Corinthians 15:10 and Hebrews 13:25 to support his argument. He also addresses the doubts and struggles of a person who feels incapable of living the Christian life, highlighting the need for the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of future grace.
The Day of Seven Troubles
By Allan Halton0JOB 5:19PSA 91:151TH 1:31TH 3:31TH 5:9Allan Halton preaches on the importance of enduring hardships and persecution as Christians, drawing inspiration from George Fox and the early Friends who faced trials with faith and patience. Just like Job and the early Quakers, believers are tested and refined by God in times of trouble, with the promise of deliverance and salvation sustaining them. Paul's words to the Thessalonians emphasize the necessity of enduring tribulations with faith and love, as a testament to God's righteous judgment and the eventual recompense for those who trouble God's people.
From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of the Annual Conferences of 1796
By Nathan Bangs0PSA 116:15MAT 5:161CO 1:27PHP 2:31TH 1:31TI 4:122TI 4:7HEB 6:10JAS 5:161PE 5:6Nathan Bangs preaches about the remarkable lives and impactful ministries of Benjamin Abbott and Francis Acuff, two humble yet powerful servants of God who dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel and saving souls. Benjamin Abbott, though illiterate, possessed a deep spiritual insight and fervent prayer life that brought about powerful manifestations of God's presence in his preaching and ministry, leading many to repentance and conversion. Francis Acuff, though young and only in the ministry for a short time, left a lasting legacy in the west through his talents, labors, and unwavering dedication to the work of God. Their lives serve as examples of faith, humility, and the transformative power of God's grace.
No True Work Is Vain
By J.R. Miller0Faithfulness in ServiceThe Power of Silent InfluencePSA 126:5ISA 55:11MAT 5:16JHN 12:241CO 15:582CO 9:6GAL 6:91TH 1:32TI 4:2HEB 6:10J.R. Miller emphasizes that no true work for God is ever in vain, using the apparent failure of Jesus' life and death as a profound example of how what seems like failure can lead to glorious success. He encourages believers to remain faithful in their duties, asserting that the true impact of their work may not be immediately visible but will ultimately bear fruit in God's timing. Miller highlights that real success lies not in visible results or applause but in the silent, transformative influence of God working through us. He reminds us that God's work often occurs quietly, like the sunbeams and dew that nourish life without fanfare. Ultimately, if we are true to our calling and allow God to work through us, our efforts will never fail to produce blessings.
Concepts of Spirituality
By A.W. Tozer0LUK 8:15LUK 21:19ROM 2:7ROM 5:3ROM 8:25ROM 15:42CO 1:62CO 6:4COL 1:111TH 1:3The preacher delves into the concept of perseverance (hupomone), emphasizing the importance of enduring under trials and difficulties with steadfastness and hope. Perseverance is not about passive acceptance but about triumphantly facing challenges, turning them into stepping stones for growth and glory. The sermon highlights various Bible verses that underscore the significance of perseverance in the Christian life, pointing out that it is the Spirit's power within believers that enables them to endure and bear fruit. The preacher encourages believers to run the race of faith with endurance, exulting in trials as they produce proven character and hope, ultimately leading to a deeper life in Christ.
An Anxious Inquiry and a Gracious Response
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 107:12ROM 5:5ROM 8:251CO 3:81CO 13:131CO 15:581TH 1:31TH 5:8REV 2:2The preacher delves into the concept of 'kopos' in the Bible, which refers to labor involving toil, fatigue, suffering, weariness, and sorrow. This labor speaks of intense effort united with trouble, emphasizing the weariness that follows straining one's powers to the utmost. The sermon explores various Bible verses that illustrate different nuances of 'kopos,' highlighting the importance of labor prompted by love, the toil involved in spiritual benefits, and the endurance under trials inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Of Patience.
By John Gill0PatienceEndurance in FaithISA 30:18ROM 5:3ROM 12:121TH 1:3HEB 12:1JAS 1:3JAS 5:71PE 2:212PE 1:5REV 3:10John Gill emphasizes the vital role of patience in the Christian life, asserting that without it, one cannot truly submit to God's will, endure adversity, or express gratitude. He explains that patience is essential for bearing afflictions, enduring reproach for Christ, and waiting for divine answers, and it is a grace that must be actively pursued and exercised. Gill highlights that patience is a gift from God, cultivated through trials and the scriptures, and is necessary for spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's promises. He encourages believers to look to Christ as the ultimate example of patience and to draw strength from the hope of eternal glory. The sermon serves as a reminder that patience is not only a virtue but a crucial aspect of faith that leads to spiritual maturity.
Repentance, True and False
By Paris Reidhead0GEN 12:1GEN 27:6GEN 32:24AMO 5:4MAT 3:82CO 7:101TH 1:3JAS 4:81JN 1:9Paris Reidhead preaches on the contrast between true and false repentance as illustrated in the lives of Abraham and Jacob. Abraham's genuine repentance is shown through his immediate obedience and complete surrender to God, leaving behind idols and worldly attachments. On the other hand, Jacob's false repentance is depicted by his self-interest, fear-driven actions, and reluctance to fully submit to God. Reidhead emphasizes the importance of turning to God from idols, serving the living God, and waiting on His promises, as seen in the lives of these two biblical figures.
Abiding Faith, Hope and Love
By William Graham Scroggie0ROM 5:51CO 13:81CO 13:131TH 1:3HEB 11:1William Graham Scroggie preaches on the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love, emphasizing that while spiritual gifts may pass away, these three virtues will remain. He explains that faith, hope, and love are interconnected and essential components of the Christian life, with each playing a unique role. Scroggie highlights the eternal nature of faith and hope, pointing out that they will continue indefinitely, leading to ongoing progress and growth in our relationship with God.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 6:9EXO 32:321SA 3:1JOB 1:1JOB 42:8ACT 5:41ACT 17:5PHP 1:191TH 1:3John Chrysostom preaches to the Church of the Thessalonians, commending their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of enduring afflictions with joy through the Holy Spirit, becoming examples to believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Chrysostom encourages believers to be active in virtue, not to despair or be idle, but to be vigilant and prayerful, as prayers co-operate with our own efforts. He warns against complacency and highlights the power of prayers when coupled with personal striving for righteousness.
Being the Followers of the Love of God Towards Man
By Ignatius of Antioch0EPH 4:2PHP 2:11TH 1:31PE 5:1Ignatius of Antioch commends the believers for their faith, righteousness, and love in Christ Jesus, acknowledging their support and prayers as he faces martyrdom for the sake of Christ. He praises their unity and the leadership of their bishop, Onesimus, urging them to love and emulate him. Ignatius expresses gratitude to God for granting them such a remarkable bishop and encourages them to continue in faith and love.
The Christian Life
By William Edwin Boardman0ROM 5:51CO 13:13EPH 2:8COL 1:41TH 1:3HEB 11:1William Edwin Boardman preaches about the abiding graces and forces of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of learning to live by the true principles of faith, hope, and charity, not just when facing death. He highlights how these graces and forces, graciously given by God, are essential for the development and progress of the Divine Life in the soul, leading to transformation and outreach to a dark world. Boardman discusses how faith, hope, and charity work together, with faith being the foundation that sustains and develops the Christian life, while hope looks towards the future and love is the fruit of faith. Through the example of a miner in Potosi, he illustrates the power of faith as both the evidence of unseen present realities and the substance of hoped-for future glories, showing how faith in God's wisdom and love sustains believers through trials and privations.
Prayer and Faith (Continued)
By A.T. Robertson0ISA 40:31MRK 11:241TH 1:31TI 2:8HEB 11:1HEB 11:6JAS 1:6A.T. Robertson preaches about the importance of genuine, specific faith free of doubt, emphasizing the power of faith to bring about definite answers to prayer. He highlights the need for faith to be specific in requesting and expecting things from God, as faith and prayer determine what God will do. Robertson stresses that faith is not merely a belief in God's existence, but an active trust in His promises, leading to a life of prayer and spiritual success.
I Do Not Issue Orders to You, as if I Were Some Great Person
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 8:291CO 11:1PHP 3:121TH 1:31PE 4:8Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of humility and discipleship, acknowledging his own imperfections and encouraging fellow believers to run together in unity according to God's will. He urges them to imitate Christ and follow the example of Paul in living a life that pleases God, filled with faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering, all motivated by love that compels him to speak out for their benefit.
Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord
By F.B. Hole0ECC 9:101CO 15:58COL 3:231TH 1:3REV 2:2F.B. Hole emphasizes the importance of engaging in the work of the Lord with faith, love, and hope, highlighting that true service to Christ involves these three elements. He challenges believers to not limit the work of the Lord to just Gospel work but to recognize that each person has a specific calling and service for which they are equipped. Despite challenges, lack of visible results, or discouragement, believers are encouraged to persevere, take up their cross, and continue in their service to the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain and will be recognized by the Lord on the resurrection morning.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Your work of faith - This verse contains a very high character of the believers at Thessalonica. They had Faith, not speculative and indolent, but true, sound, and operative; their faith worked. They had Love, not that gazed at and became enamoured of the perfections of God, but such a love as labored with faith to fulfill the whole will of God. Faith worked; but love, because it can do more, did more, and therefore labored - worked energetically, to promote the glory of God and the salvation of men. They had Hope; not an idle, cold, heartless expectation of future good, from which they felt no excitement, and for which they could give no reason, but such a hope as produced a satisfying expectation of a future life and state of blessedness, the reality of which faith had descried, and love anticipated; a hope, not hasty and impatient to get out of the trials of life and possess the heavenly inheritance, but one that was as willing to endure hardships as to enjoy glory itself, when God might be most honored by this patient endurance. Faith worked, Love labored, and Hope endured patiently. It is not a mark of much grace to be longing to get to heaven because of the troubles and difficulties of the present life; they who love Christ are ever willing to suffer with him; and he may be as much glorified by patient suffering, as by the most active faith or laborious love. There are times in which, through affliction or other hinderances, we cannot do the will of God, but we can suffer it; and in such cases he seeks a heart that bears submissively, suffers patiently, and endures, as seeing him who is invisible, without repining or murmuring. This is as full a proof of Christian perfection as the most intense and ardent love. Meekness, gentleness, and long-suffering, are in our present state of more use to ourselves and others, and of more consequence in the sight of God, than all the ecstasies of the spirits of just men made perfect, and than all the raptures of an archangel. That Church or Christian society, the members of which manifest the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope, is most nearly allied to heaven, and is on the suburbs of glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
work of faith--the working reality of your faith; its alacrity in receiving the truth, and in evincing itself by its fruits. Not an otiose assent; but a realizing, working faith; not "in word only," but in one continuous chain of "work" (singular, not plural, works), Th1 1:5-10; Jam 2:22. So "the work of faith" in Th2 1:11 implies its perfect development (compare Jam 1:4). The other governing substantives similarly mark respectively the characteristic manifestation of the grace which follows each in the genitive. Faith, love, and hope, are the three great Christian graces (Th1 5:8; Co1 13:13). labour of love--The Greek implies toil, or troublesome labor, which we are stimulated by love to bear (Th1 2:9; Rev 2:2). For instances of self-denying labors of love, see Act 20:35; Rom 16:12. Not here ministerial labors. Those who shun trouble for others, love little (compare Heb 6:10). patience--Translate, "endurance of hope"; the persevering endurance of trials which flows from "hope." Rom 15:4 shows that "patience" also nourishes "hope." hope in our Lord Jesus--literally, "hope of our Lord Jesus," namely, of His coming (Th1 1:10): a hope that looked forward beyond all present things for the manifestation of Christ. in the sight of God and our Father--Your "faith, hope, and love" were not merely such as would pass for genuine before men, but "in the sight of God," the Searcher of hearts [GOMARUS]. Things are really what they are before God. BENGEL takes this clause with "remembering." Whenever we pray, we remember before God your faith, hope, and love. But its separation from "remembering" in the order, and its connection with "your . . . faith," &c., make me to prefer the former view. and, &c.--The Greek implies, "in the sight of Him who is [at once] God and our Father."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Remembering without ceasing,.... The phrase "without ceasing", is, by the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, joined to the last clause of the preceding verse; and the remembrance the apostle speaks of is either a distinct thing from the mention made of them in prayer, and suggests that they bore them on their minds at other times also; or it is the same with it; or rather a reason of their mentioning of them then, because they remembered them, and the following things of theirs: as your work of faith; by which is meant not the principle of faith, for as such that is God's work, the product of his grace, and the effect of his almighty power; but the operative virtue and exercise of it under the influence of the grace of God: the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it, "the work of your faith"; and so some copies, and the Syriac version, "the works of your faith". The Targumist in Hab 1:12 represents God as holy , "in works of faith": faith is a working grace, it has a deal of work to do, it has its hands always full, and is employed about many things; it is the grace by which a soul goes to God, as its covenant God, lays hold on him as such, pleads his promises with him, asks favours of him, and is very importunate, and will have no denial; and by which it goes to Christ as at first conversion, afterwards for fresh supplies of grace, out of that fulness of grace that is in him; it receives him and all from him, and through him pardon, righteousness, adoption of children, and an eternal inheritance; and it is that grace which carries back all the glory to God and Christ, and to free grace; it glorifies God, exalts Christ, humbles the creature, and magnifies the grace of God, it has much work to do this way; and it works by love, by acts of love to God, to Christ, and to the saints; and it puts the soul upon a cheerful obedience to every ordinance and command, and hence obedience is styled the obedience of faith; and indeed all good works that are properly so are done in faith, and faith without works is dead; it is greatly engaged against the world and the devil; it is that grace by which Satan is opposed and overcome, and by which the believer gets the victory over the world; so that he is not discouraged by its frowns, and cast down by the trials and afflictions he meets with in it, nor drawn aside by its snares and allurements; something of this kind the apostle had observed and remembered in these believers: he adds, and labour of love; love is a laborious grace when in lively exercise; love to God and Christ will constrain a believer to engage in, and go through, great hardships, difficulties, toil, and labour, for their sakes; and love to the saints will exert itself, by serving them in things temporal and spiritual, ministering cheerfully and largely to their outward wants, for which reason the same epithet is given to love in Heb 6:10 as here; regarding and assisting them in their spiritual concerns; praying for them and with them; building them up in their most holy faith; communicating their experiences, and speaking comfortable words unto them; reproving them for sin in love, and with tenderness; restoring them when fallen in a spirit of meekness; and stirring them up to love and good works: love has much toil and labour, not only in performing the several duties of religion, both towards God and man; but in bearing all things, the burdens of fellow Christians; the infirmities of weak believers, forbearing them in love, forgiving their offences, and covering their sins: and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, or "of our Lord Jesus Christ". These persons had a good hope through grace given unto them, and which was founded in Christ Jesus, in his person, blood, and righteousness, and so was as an anchor sure and steadfast; and it had him for its object, it was an hope of interest in him, of being for ever with him, of his, second coming and glorious appearance, and of eternal life and happiness through him; and this was attended with patience, with a patient bearing of reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, for the sake of Christ, and a patient waiting for his coming, his kingdom and glory; and this as well as the others were remembered by the apostle, and his fellow ministers, with great pleasure: and that in the sight of God and our Father; or before God and our Father; which may be read in connection either with the above graces, which were exercised, not only before men, but before God, and in his sight, who sees not as man seeth, and who cannot be deceived and imposed upon; and so shows that these graces were true and genuine, faith was unfeigned, love was without dissimulation, and hope without hypocrisy: or with the word remembering, as it is in the Syriac version, which reads, "remembering before God and our Father"; that is, as often as we appear before God, and lift up our hands and our hearts unto him in prayer, we bear you upon our minds before God; and particularly remember your operative faith, laborious love, and patient hope of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3 The reason for Paul’s gratitude was the Thessalonians’ faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope (or confidence; see 3:6; 5:8; 2 Thes 1:3-4).