1Th 3:9-11 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 9. For what thanks can we render to God again . That is, what expression of thanksgiving can we render to God that shall be an equivalent for the joy which your holy walk has furnished, or which shall suitably express our gratitude for it.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-11

Verse 9. For what thanks can we render to God again. That is, what expression of thanksgiving can we render to God that shall be an equivalent for the joy which your holy walk has furnished, or which shall suitably express our gratitude for it. Verse 10. Night and day. Constantly.

Praying exceeedingly. Gr., abundantly; that is, there was much more than ordinary prayer. He made this a special subject of prayer; he urged it with earnestness, and without intermission. Comp. 1Thes 2:17.

And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. Might render it complete, or fill up anything which is wanting. The word here used, (καταρτισαι,) means, properly, to make fully ready, to put full in order, to make complete. Rom 9:22; 2Cor 13:9; Gal 6:1. It is rendered mending, Mt 4:21, Mk 1:19. Perfect and perfected. Mt 21:16, Lk 6:40, 2Cor 13:11, 1Thes 3:10, Heb 13:21, 1Pet 5:10. Fitted, Rom 9:22. Perfectly joined together, 1Cor 1:10. Restore, Gal 6:1. Prepared, Heb 10:5; and framed, Heb 11:3. It is not elsewhere used in the New Testament. The meaning here is, that whatever was deficient in their views of religious doctrine the apostle desired to Supply. It is to be remembered that he was with them but a comparatively short time before he was compelled to depart to Berea, and it is reasonable to suppose that there were many subjects on which he would be glad to have an opportunity to instruct them more fully.

(g) "perfect" 2Cor 13:9,11, Col 4:12 (&) "lacking in your faith" "wanting in your faith" Verse 11. Now God himself. This is evidently a prayer, he earnestly sought of God that he might be permitted to visit them, and that he would so prepare the way that he might do it.

And our Father. Even our Father. The reference is particularly to the 'Father,' the First Person of the Trinity. It does not refer to the Divine nature in general, or to God as such, but to God as the Father of the Lord Jesus. It is a distinct prayer offered to him that he would direct his way to them. It is right, therefore, to offer prayer to God as the First Person of the Trinity.

And our Lord Jesus Christ. This also is a prayer, as much as the former was, for it can be understood in no other way. What can be its meaning, unless the apostle believed that the Lord Jesus had power to direct his way to them, and that it was proper for him to express this wish to him; that is, to pray to him? If this be so, then it is right to pray to the Lord Jesus, or to worship him. Jn 20:28; Acts 1:24. Would Paul have prayed to an angel to direct his way to the church at Thessalonica?

Direct our way unto you. Marg., guide. The Greek word κατευθυνω means, to guide straight towards or upon anything. It is rendered guide, in Lk 1:79, and direct here and in 2Th 3:5. It does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. The idea is that of conducting one straight to a place, and not by a round-about course. Here the petition is, that God would remove all obstacles so that he could come directly to them.

(1) "direct" "guide"