John Calvin Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:3

"We are bound to give thanks to God always to you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith growth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;" — 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (ASV)

To give thanks. He begins with commendation, so that he might have an opportunity to move on to exhortation. For in this way, we have more success among those who have already started on the path, when, without overlooking their former progress, we remind them how far they still are from the goal and stir them up to make progress.

However, just as he had commended their faith and love in the former letter, he now declares the increase of both. And, unquestionably, this course should be followed by all the devout—to examine themselves daily and see how far they have advanced. This, therefore, is the true commendation of believers—their growing daily in faith and love.

When he says always, he means that he is constantly supplied with new reason. He had previously given thanks to God on their behalf. He says that he now has reason to do so again, because of their daily progress. When, however, he gives thanks to God on this account, he declares that the growth, no less than the beginnings, of faith and love are from him; for if they came from human power, thanksgiving would be insincere, or at least worthless. Furthermore, he shows that their advancement was not trivial, or even ordinary, but very great. All the more disgraceful is our slowness, since we scarcely advance one foot over a long period of time.

As is meet. In these words, Paul shows that we ought to give thanks to God, not only when he does us good, but also when we consider the favors he bestows on our fellow believers. For wherever the goodness of God shines forth, we ought to praise it.

Furthermore, the welfare of our fellow believers ought to be so dear to us that we should count as our own benefits everything that has been given to them. Moreover, if we consider the nature and sacredness of the unity of Christ’s body, such a mutual fellowship will exist among us that we will count the benefits given to an individual member as gain to the whole Church. Therefore, in praising God’s benefits, we must always be mindful of the whole body of the Church.