1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing. Paul remembers what he himself had seen in Thessalonica, and what Timothy has since reported to him (ch. 3:6). The continual remembrance of the members’ Christian character and its fruits was the reason why mention of them in prayer always took the form of thanksgiving to God.

Your work of faith. Paul concentrates on three outstanding qualities possessed by the Thessalonians — faith, love, and hope, in Col. 1:4, 5; 1 Thess. 5:8, and especially in his celebrated treatise on love (1 Cor. 13), he sets forth these three virtues as the fundamental elements in Christian character. Here he is concerned with the outward evidences of these virtues, for he speaks of what he observed when with them, and what he now remembers. “Work of faith” refers to the activities, spiritual or temporal, that were inspired by faith. Such a phrase reveals the practical nature of true faith that demonstrates its existence by Christian works.

Labour. Gr. kopos, “trouble,” “labor,” denoting intense exertion united with toil and trouble. Here, “labour of love” means the labor to which love prompts, and which voluntarily assumes and endures trouble and pain for the salvation of others. Paul rejoices that when the church is exposed to manifold vexations its members come to one another’s help with diligent effort and sacrifice. This loving solicitude for one another’s welfare, no less than their ardent faith, was convincing proof that their conversion was genuine (AA 262).

Patience. Gr. hupomone, “patience,” “perseverance” (see on Rom. 2:7).

Hope. Paul is here speaking of patient endurance sustained by hope, derived from the Christian faith. This hope is not a vague optimism, but is “hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,” that is, hope that is centered in Christ, the hope of salvation in Him (ch. 5:8, 9); the hope of His speedy coming to their deliverance (1 Thess. 4:13-18; cf. Titus 2:13). Their patience and steadfastness proceed from hope, because in view of future glory they can the more cheerfully bear their suffering. Hope is the anchor of their soul (Heb. 6:19).

In the sight of. Rather, “before,” “in the presence of.” These new believers, suffering as they were under persecution, lived in the very presence of God. Their faith, love, and hope were genuine not only in the sight of men but also in the sight of God, the Searcher of hearts. Paul may also have passed from the thought of salvation through Christ to that of the day of judgment, when the Thessalonians will appear before their Maker, with no cause for craven fear.

God and our Father. Or, “God even our Father,” or “our God and Father.”