2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.: (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 (ESV)
Everyone of the Apostle Paul’s epistles features either a reference to, or an actual, prayer by the apostle on behalf of a church or an individual. I Thessalonians is one such example.
Paul, including Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, wrote they always gave continual thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers. How and when did they give thanks to God? They did so in prayer. Lest there be any doubt, the apostle said, “mentioning you in our prayers.” The word “mentioning” (μνείαν; mneian) means to remember ((Rom. 1:9; Eph. 1:16; Php. 1:3; 1Thess. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:3; Phm. 4). Paul and his companions did so presently and personally.
“Paul begins his first letter to the Thessalonians with an expression of thanksgiving for the Christians in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:2). The conventions of letter writing in the ancient Roman world often included words of thanks at the beginning of the correspondence, but 1 Thessalonians stands out for including expressions of thanksgiving in the body of the epistle as well (2:13; 3:9),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Some commentators believe that this indicates the Thessalonians had some doubts about the authenticity of their faith. They needed to know Paul’s gratitude for them and for their virtues to be reassured that they had the fruits of true faith in their lives. Paul says that he offers these prayers “constantly” (or “continually” or “without ceasing” in other translations; 1:2). The idea here is not that Paul spends every waking moment offering these prayers but that he habitually and regularly thanks God for the Thessalonians.”
What was it about the Thessalonian believers which prompted Paul to continually pray for them? What stirred within his heart so much about this church? The apostle mentioned three distinctive characteristics.
First, it was their work of faith. To work (ἔργου; ergou) means to engage in a task or deed. It is an activity which an individual normally does. This work was originating from each Thessalonian believer. The focus of their work, or activity, was their faith in Christ. Faith (πίστεως; pisteos) means to personally trust, commit, depend and honor Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
“Work of faith” (1 Thess. 1:3) should be understood as the “work produced by faith,” reflecting the biblical pattern that good works follow authentic faith as its fruit. Our faith and works do not go together as means of our salvation; rather, we lay hold of Christ by faith alone, and we are then empowered by Him to do good works, which demonstrate tangibly the authenticity of our faith (Eph. 2:8–10; James 2:14–26),” comments Dr. Sproul.
Second, their labor of love. Labor (κόπου; kopou) does not just refer to work but rather to working hard. It means to toil, even in the midst of trouble. This hard work was produced by the Thessalonians’ love (ἀγάπης; agapes) for the Lord and fellow believers. It was as self-sacrificial love of the will.
“Labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3) refers to hard works motivated by love. In other words, Paul talks not about small acts of love here, no matter how important they may be. Instead, Paul means sacrificial demonstrations of love for fellow Christians,” continues Dr. Sproul.
Third, their steadfastness of hope. Steadfastness (ὑπομονῆς; hypomenes) means their personal endurance in the midst of difficult circumstances. The Thessalonians’ steadfastness was because of their hope (ἐλπίδος; elpidos) or confidence in Jesus and His faithfulness.
“Steadfastness of hope” means that their hope in Christ produced perseverance in faith in the midst of trials. Here, as elsewhere in the New Testament, hope is not wishful thinking but the confident certainty that Christ will accomplish all that He has promised (Col. 1:5; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:13–20),” concludes Dr. Sproul.
John Calvin writes, “Why he (Paul) cherishes so strong an affection towards them, and prays diligently in their behalf — because he perceived in them those gifts of God which should stir him up to cherish towards them love and respect. And, unquestionably, the more that any one excels in piety and other excellences, so much the more ought we to hold him in regard and esteem. For what is more worthy of love than God? Hence there is nothing that should tend more to excite our love to individuals, than when the Lord manifests himself in them by the gifts of his Spirit. This is the highest commendation of all among the pious — this the most sacred bond of connection, by which they are more especially bound to each other. I have said, accordingly, that it is of little importance, whether you render it mindful of your faith, or mindful of you on account of your faith.”
When fellow believers in Christ think of you, would they remember your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope? May it be said of us. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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