(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.