Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:9

"For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;" — 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (ASV)

The result was thanksgiving to God. Paul found words inadequate to express his appreciation for what had happened in their lives. The change in Paul’s mood was radical; “all our distress and persecution” (v.7) has now become “all the joy we have” because of the steadfastness of the Thessalonians. His was no superficial happiness but heartfelt and sincere joy “in the presence of our God.”