What is the context?
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the Thessalonians with grace and peace from the Father and Jesus. Their thanksgiving centers on growing faith and increasing love within a congregation that still faces persecution.
The church’s perseverance gives the missionaries reason to speak of it among other assemblies. Hardship has not made their faith and love invisible. This opening prepares the assurance that God sees their affliction and will judge justly.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley observes that Paul praises the believers by thanking God for them. The passage recognizes their actual endurance while directing gratitude toward God. It does not measure spiritual growth by freedom from opposition.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.