This is another effect of the message Timothy brought, it caused in the apostle great thanksgivings to God. First he rejoiced in their faith, and then gives thanks to God for that joy. The matter of his rejoicing was their faith, but the author and upholder of this faith was God; and in giving thanks to God for his joy, he gives thanks also to God for their faith from whence it sprang. The joy that ministers have in their people's faith should break forth into thanksgivings. And the apostle's thanks to God was beyond what he could return or express, as appears by the form of his speech: For what thanks can we render? &c.; as Psalms 116:12: What shall I render unto the Lord? said David. And his rejoicing before God implies both the nature of it, it was divine and spiritual, and his respect to God therein, as David danced before the Lord with all his might, 2 Samuel 6:14; i.e. with a respect to God's goodness then declared Or the apostle might mean his joy was inward, before God, rather than before men.
Related Commentaries of 1 Thessalonians 3:9
1 Thessalonians 3:9
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;