2 Thessalonians 1:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

We ought to thank God for you always, brothers, since it is proper, because your faith is growing so much and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing more and more.

Cross References

Luke 15:32

But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.’”

Luke 17:5

Then the apostles said to the Lord, “Give us more faith.”

John 15:2

He will cut off [See verse 6] every branch [i.e., follower of Christ] who is in [fellowship with] me that does not bear fruit. And He will prune every branch that does bear fruit, so it will bear more fruit.

Romans 1:8

First of all, I want to thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being told about throughout the whole world.

1 Corinthians 1:4

I always thank God for you, [especially] for God’s unearned favor that was given to you [in providing salvation and blessings] in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:15

So, we will not go beyond our proper limits by boasting of work [already] done by others, but we hope that, as your faith increases, our field of service among you will [also] greatly expand.

Ephesians 5:20

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God’s unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel’s truth].

Philippians 1:9

And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

And may the Lord cause your love for one another, and for everyone, to increase and overflow, just as ours does for you also.

1 Thessalonians 3:6

But now Timothy has returned to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and [reported] that you have good memories of us. [He told us that you are] longing to see us, just as we also long to see you.

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Finally then, brothers, we request and urge you, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, that you should live [dedicated lives] and please God. Just as you people received direction from us [on doing this], see that you [continue to] do it more and more.

2 Thessalonians 2:1

Now concerning the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being gathered to Him, brothers,

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for “first fruits” instead of “beginning” here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were “first”], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].

1 Peter 1:22

[Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.

2 Peter 1:13

But I consider it the right thing to do, as long as I am in this “tent” [Note: This is an allusion to his still being alive], to stir up your memory [of these things],

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the unearned favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He be honored both now and forever. May it be so.