1 Thessalonians 3

7. over you--in respect to you.
in--in the midst of: notwithstanding "all our distress (Greek, 'necessity') and affliction," namely, external trials at Corinth, whence Paul writes (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:6 , with Acts 18:5-10 ).

8. now--as the case is; seeing ye stand fast.
we live--we flourish. It revives us in our affliction to hear of your steadfastness ( Psalms 22:26 , 2 John 1:3:4 ).
if--implying that the vivid joy which the missionaries "now" feel, will continue if the Thessalonians continue steadfast. They still needed exhortation, 1 Thessalonians 3:10 ; therefore he subjoins the conditional clause, "if ye," &c. ( Philippians 4:1 ).

9. For what thanks--what sufficient thanks?
render . . . again--in return for His goodness ( Psalms 116:12 ).
for you--"concerning you."
for all the joy--on account of all the joy. It was "comfort," 1 Thessalonians 3:7 , now it is more, namely, joy.
for your sakes--on your account.
before our God--It is a joy which will bear God's searching eye: a joy as in the presence of God, not self-seeking, but disinterested, sincere, and spiritual (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:20 , John 15:11 ).

10. Night and Night is the season for the saint's holiest meditations and prayers ( 2 Timothy 1:3 ).
praying--connected with, "we joy"; we joy while we pray; or else as ALFORD, What thanks can we render to God while we pray? The Greek implies a beseeching request.
exceedingly--literally, "more than exceeding abundantly" (compare Ephesians 3:20 ).
that which is lacking--Even the Thessalonians had points in which they needed improvement [BENGEL], ( Luke 17:5 ). Their doctrinal views as to the nearness of Christ's coming, and as to the state of those who had fallen asleep, and their practice in some points, needed correction ( 1 Thessalonians 4:1-9 ). Paul's method was to begin by commending what was praiseworthy, and then to correct what was amiss; a good pattern to all admonishers of others.

11. Translate, "May God Himself, even our Father (there being but one article in the Greek, requires this translation, 'He who is at once God and our Father'), direct," &c. The "Himself" stands in contrast with "we" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:18 ); we desired to come but could not through Satan's hindrance; but if God Himself direct our way (as we pray), none can hinder Him ( 2 Thessalonians 2:16 2 Thessalonians 2:17 ). It is a remarkable proof of the unity of the Father and Son, that in the Greek here, and in 2 Thessalonians 2:16 2 Thessalonians 2:17 , the verb is singular, implying that the subject, the Father and Son, are but one in essential Being, not in mere unity of will. Almost all the chapters in both Epistles to the Thessalonians are sealed, each with its own prayer ( 1 Thessalonians 5:23 , 2 Thessalonians 1:11 , 2:16 , 2 Thessalonians 3:5 2 Thessalonians 3:16 ) [BENGEL]. Paul does not think the prosperous issue of a journey an unfit subject for prayer ( Romans 1:10 , 15:32 ) [EDMUNDS]. His prayer, though the answer was deferred, in about five years afterwards was fulfilled in his return to Macedonia.

12. The "you" in the Greek is emphatically put first; "But" (so the Greek for "and") what concerns "YOU," whether we come or not, "may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love," &c. The Greek for "increase" has a more positive force; that for "abound" a more comparative force, "make you full (supplying 'that which is lacking,' 1 Thessalonians 3:10 ) and even abound." "The Lord" may here be the Holy Spirit; so the Three Persons of the Trinity will be appealed to (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:13 ), as in 2 Thessalonians 3:5 . So the Holy Ghost is called "the Lord" ( 2 Corinthians 3:17 ). "Love" is the fruit of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:22 ), and His office is "to stablish in holiness" ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13 , 1 Peter 1:2 ).

13. your hearts--which are naturally the spring and seat of unholiness.
before God, even our Father--rather, "before Him who is at once God and our Father." Before not merely men, but Him who will not be deceived by the mere show of holiness, that is, may your holiness be such as will stand His searching scrutiny.
coming--Greek, "presence," or "arrival."
with all his saints--including both the holy angels and the holy elect of men ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14 , Daniel 7:10 , Zechariah 14:5 , Matthew 25:31 , 2 Thessalonians 1:7 ). The saints are "His" ( Acts 9:13 ). We must have "holiness" if we are to be numbered with His holy ones or "saints." On "unblameable," compare Revelation 14:5 . This verse (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:12 ) shows that "love" is the spring of true "holiness" ( Matthew 5:44-48 , Romans 13:10 , Colossians 3:14 ). God is He who really "stablishes"; Timothy and other ministers are but instruments ( 1 Thessalonians 3:2 ) in "stablishing."