2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

We are bound to thank God It is highly observable that the apostle here wraps up his praise of men in praise to God, giving him the glory of the increase of grace which was manifest in the Thessalonian believers. That your faith groweth exceedingly Notwithstanding all that is done by your enemies to prevent its increase, and even to destroy it. Probably he had heard from them since he sent them the former letter. And the charity Or love rather, of every one of you aboundeth Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increases still more. Their faith, it appears, derived new confirmation from their sufferings, and their sense of them engaged them tenderly to pity, and do their utmost for the relief of, those who shared in those sufferings, and at the same time endeared to them that one body, that church of Christ, which the carnal world so cruelly hated, and so maliciously endeavoured to destroy. So that we ourselves glory in you Or boast of you; in the churches of God “This passage shows us what is a principal occasion of joy to faithful ministers; it is the faith and love, patience and constancy, of the people to whom they minister. The apostle's address here is admirable. He excited the emulation of other churches by boasting of the Thessalonians to them. And he quickened the Thessalonians by telling them how much he had praised them in the hearing of the churches.” Macknight. In all your persecutions and tribulations Arising probably both from the Jews and their own countrymen. Concerning the particulars of these persecutions we have no information. Which is Or shall be; a manifest token Ενδειγμα, proof, or demonstration, of the righteous judgment of God Of the equity of the divine judgment, which shall be fully manifested in due time by God's amply rewarding you, and punishing your enemies; that ye may be counted worthy That it may appear by the integrity, faith, and patience, the meekness and superiority to this transitory world, which you manifest under these severe trials, that you are fit to be admitted into that glorious kingdom of God for which you suffer.