1Th 3:9-13 | TNotes

3:11 ^a Paul’s prayer to return to Thessalonica very soon (3:10 ^b) is directed both to the Father and the Lord Jesus, implying Jesus’ divinity.
3:12 ^c A characteristic of this church was their love for one another as members of God’s family (4:9 ^d; 2 Thes 1:3-4 ^e). Paul prays that their love will grow and overflow toward those outside the Christian community (cp. 1 Thes 5:15 ^f; Gal 6:10 ^g; 2 Tim 2:24 ^h; Titus 3:2 ⁱ) even in the face of persecution.
3:13 ^j In the final part of this prayer (3:11-13 ^k), Paul prays that their hearts—their conduct and moral resolve (Matt 5:8 ^l; Acts 15:9 ^m; Heb 10:22 ⁿ)—might be strong, blameless, and holy.

• When Jesus comes, he will be accompanied by all his holy people, possibly a reference to angels (Deut 33:2 ^o; Ps 89:5 ^p, 7 ^q; Dan 4:13 ^r; 8:13 ^s; Matt 13:41 ^t; Mark 8:38 ^u; 13:26-27 ^v; 2 Thes 1:7 ^w).