John Calvin Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:6

"But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also [to see] you;" — 1 Thessalonians 3:6 (ASV)

He shows here, by another argument, the extraordinary affection that motivated him toward them, since he was almost beside himself with joy at the news of their flourishing. For we must note the circumstances he describes. He was in affliction and necessity; therefore, it might have seemed there was no room for cheerfulness.

But when he hears what he so eagerly desired concerning the Thessalonians, as if all feeling of his own troubles had been extinguished, he is carried forward to joy and congratulation. At the same time, he gradually expresses the greatness of his joy, for he says, in the first place, we received consolation; afterwards he speaks of an abundant joy.

This congratulation, however, has the force of an exhortation, and Paul’s intention was to stir up the Thessalonians to perseverance. And certainly, this must have been a most powerful encouragement, when they learned that the holy Apostle felt such great consolation and joy from the advancement of their piety.

Faith and love. This form of expression should be all the more carefully observed by us, especially given how frequently Paul uses it, for in these two words he briefly summarizes the entire essence of true piety. Therefore, all who aim for these two things throughout their lives are certain not to go astray; all others, no matter how much they may struggle, go terribly astray. The third thing he adds, concerning their good remembrance of him, refers to the respect they had for the Gospel. For it was for no other reason that they held Paul in such affection and esteem.