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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these words we have the earnest prayer of the apostle. He desired to be instrumental in the further benefit of the Thessalonians; and the only way to be so while at a distance was by prayer for them, together with his writing or sending to them. He desired that their faith might be perfected, which he could not be the proper cause or author of; for he pretended not to dominion over their faith, nor to have the donation of it, and he therefore concludes with prayer for them. Observe,
I.Whom he prays to, namely, God and Christ.
Prayer is a part of religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is here made to God, even the Father and our Father; and also to Christ, even our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore Jesus Christ our Lord is God, even as God our Father is God. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. So Christ taught his disciples to pray; and so the Spirit of adoption prompts them to pray, to cry, Abba Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour.
II.What he prays for, with respect to himself and his fellow-labourers, and on behalf of the Thessalonians.
1.He prays that himself and fellow-labourers might have a prosperous journey to them by the will of God, that their way might be directed to them, Th1 3:11. The taking of a journey to this or that place, one would think, is a thing depending so much on a man's own will, and lies so much in his own power, that Paul needed not by prayer to go to God about it. But the apostle knew that in God we live, and move, and have our being, that we depend upon God in all our motions and actions, as well as for the continuance of life and being, that divine Providence orders all our affairs and that it is owing thereto if we prosper therein, that God our Father directs and orders his children whither they shall go and what they shall do, that our Lord Jesus Christ in a particular manner directs the motions of his faithful ministers, those stars which he holds in his right hand. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths.
2.He prays for the prosperity of the Thessalonians. Whether he should have an opportunity of coming to them or not, yet he earnestly prayed for the prosperity of their souls. And there are two things he desired for them, which we should desire for ourselves and friends: - (1.) That they might increase and abound in love (Th1 3:12), in love to one another and in love to all men. Note, Mutual love is required of all Christians, and not only that they love one another, but that they also have a charitable disposition of mind and due concern for the welfare of all men. Love is of God, and is the fulfilling of the gospel as well as of the law. Timothy brought good tidings of their faith, yet something was lacking therein; and of their charity, yet the apostle prays that this might increase and abound. Note, We have reason to desire to grow in every grace, and have need of the Spirit's influence in order to growth in grace; and the way to obtain this is by prayer. We are beholden to God not only for the stock put into our hands at first, but for the improvement of it also. And to our prayer we must add endeavour. To excite this in the Thessalonians the apostle again mentions his love, his abounding love, towards them. The more we are beloved, the more affectionate we should be. (2.) That they might be established unblamable in holiness, Th1 3:13. This spiritual benefit is mentioned as an effect of increasing and abounding love: To the end that he (the Lord) may establish your hearts. Note, The more we grow and abound in grace, and particularly in the grace of love, the more we are established and confirmed in it. Note also, Holiness is required of all those who would go to heaven, and therein we must be unblamable; that is, we must act in every thing so that we may not in the least contradict the profession we make of holiness. Our desire should be to have our hearts established in holiness before God, and be preserved safe, to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ; and that we may be unblamable before God, even the Father, now, and be presented blameless before the throne of his glory, when the Lord Jesus shall come with all his saints. Note, [1.] The Lord Jesus will certainly come, and come in his glory. [2.] When he comes, his saints will come with him: They shall appear with him in glory. [3.] Then the excellency as well as the necessity of holiness will appear, because without this no hearts shall be established at that day, nor shall any one be unblamable, or avoid everlasting condemnation.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you: and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you."
This is a proof of excessive love, that he not only prays for them by himself, but even in his Epistles inserts his prayer. This argues a fervent soul, and one truly not to be restrained. This is a proof of the prayers made there also, and at the same time also an excuse, as showing that it was not voluntarily, nor from indolence, that they did not go to them. As if he had said, May God Himself cut short the temptations that everywhere distract us, so that we may come directly to you. "And the Lord make you to increase and abound." Do you see the unrestrainable madness of love that is shown by his words? "Make you to increase and abound," instead of cause you to grow. As if one should say, that with a kind of superabundance he desires to be loved by them. "Even as we do also toward you," he says. Our part is already done, we pray that yours may be done. Do you see how he wishes love to be extended, not only toward one another, but everywhere? For this truly is the nature of godly love, that it embraces all. If you love indeed such an one, but do not love such an one, it is human love. But such is not ours. "Even as we do also toward you."
Suppose we first loved him so as to merit his love in return. Then wouldn’t we first choose him so as to merit our being chosen by him? But he who is Truth itself says otherwise and openly contradicts such human vanity by declaring, “You have not chosen me.” Consequently, if it is not you who have chosen, then it is certainly not you who have loved; for how could they choose him whom they did not love? “But it is I,” he says, “who have chosen you.” And how could they possibly fail to choose him afterward or fail to prefer him to all the goods of this world? It was because they were chosen that they chose him. They were not chosen because they had chosen him. There would be no merit in men’s choosing him unless the action of God’s grace in choosing them had gone before. That is why in imparting his blessing to the Thessalonians the apostle Paul declares, “And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in charity toward one another and toward all men.” He who gave this blessing to love one another is the same who gave us the love to love one another.
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Summary
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, the Apostle Paul offers a profound prayer and benediction for the Thessalonian believers, expressing his earnest desire that the Lord would empower them to grow and overflow in selfless love. This love is to be directed both internally, among fellow Christians, and externally, toward all people, mirroring the deep affection and spiritual care that Paul himself demonstrated for them. It underscores love as a dynamic, divinely-enabled characteristic essential for Christian maturity and witness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic petition within Paul's heartfelt prayer for the Thessalonian church, found in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. Having been separated from them and deeply concerned about their nascent faith amidst severe persecution, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). Timothy's subsequent return with a positive report about their steadfastness brought immense comfort and joy to Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8). In response to this good news, Paul overflows with thanksgiving and then transitions into this fervent prayer for their continued spiritual growth and sanctification, specifically emphasizing an increase in love, which sets the stage for the practical exhortations concerning holy living and brotherly love that will follow in 1 Thessalonians 4.
Historical & Cultural Context
The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, having been founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). Paul's stay was brief, as he was forced to leave due to Jewish opposition. The believers were facing significant persecution from their own countrymen (1 Thessalonians 2:14), which naturally placed strain on the community. In this challenging environment, Paul's prayer for an abundance of agape love was not merely a pious wish but a practical necessity. This selfless, benevolent love, characteristic of God Himself, would distinguish the Christian community from the prevailing pagan culture, which often prioritized self-interest, honor, or erotic passion. Such love would foster internal unity and provide a powerful witness to the surrounding hostile world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
Key Themes
The verse significantly contributes to several major themes within 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights Paul's deep pastoral affection for his converts, demonstrating his ongoing spiritual care even from a distance. The central theme is the paramount importance of love within the Christian life, presented not as a static possession but as a dynamic, ever-increasing virtue. This love is twofold: fraternal love ("one toward another") which is vital for the health and unity of the church community, and universal love ("toward all men"), extending the boundaries of Christian compassion beyond the immediate fellowship to all humanity, including those who might be indifferent or hostile. The phrase "And the Lord make you" underscores the theme of divine enablement; true spiritual growth, especially in love, is not solely a human endeavor but a work empowered by God. Finally, Paul's reference to his own love for them ("even as we do toward you") introduces the theme of apostolic example, presenting his own self-sacrificial care as a model for their emulation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a root suggesting supremacy, this term denotes supreme authority or control. Here, it refers to God, specifically Jesus Christ, as the one who possesses the power and authority to effect the spiritual growth and transformation Paul prays for. It emphasizes that the increase in love is not a human achievement but a divine work.
Meaning "to do, make or be more," or "to superabound," this verb conveys the idea of growth in quantity or quality. Paul desires that their love would not merely exist but actively expand and become more profound. It implies a dynamic, ongoing process of spiritual development.
This word means "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous." When paired with "increase," it intensifies the desire for an overflowing, lavish, and even excessive measure of love. It suggests a love that is not merely sufficient but spills over, demonstrating a vibrant and generous spiritual life.
This is a profound, selfless, and benevolent love, distinct from mere affection (philia) or passionate desire (eros). It is a love that wills the good of others, often described as divine love because it originates from God and seeks the highest good of its object, even at personal cost. Paul prays for the Thessalonians to be filled with this God-like, active, and sacrificial love.
This reciprocal pronoun emphasizes the mutual nature of love within the Christian community. It highlights the importance of horizontal relationships among believers, fostering unity, support, and compassion within the church family.
This comprehensive term means "all, any, every, the whole." In the context of "all men," it indicates a universal scope, demonstrating that Christian love is not exclusive to the community of faith but must extend to every individual, regardless of their background, status, or relationship to the believer.
Verse Breakdown
"And the Lord make you"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine source of the desired spiritual growth. Paul recognizes that the capacity to "increase and abound in love" is not solely a matter of human effort or willpower, but a work of God's grace and power within the believers. It is a prayer, a petition to the sovereign Lord to actively bring about this transformation.
"to increase and abound"
These two verbs, "increase" (pleonázō) and "abound" (perisseúō), are used together to create a powerful emphasis on continuous, overflowing, and even superabundant growth. It's not enough for the Thessalonians to simply have love; Paul prays that it would multiply, deepen, and become an overflowing characteristic of their lives, exceeding expectations.
"in love one toward another"
The primary sphere of this abounding love is within the Christian community itself. This highlights the essential nature of brotherly love, mutual care, and unity among believers. It is the foundation of a healthy church, where members actively seek each other's welfare and demonstrate Christ's love to one another.
"and toward all [men]"
Crucially, Paul extends the scope of this love beyond the confines of the church. "All men" signifies a universal application, encompassing those outside the Christian fellowship, including strangers, those of different beliefs, and even potential adversaries. This demonstrates the expansive, inclusive nature of Christian love, reflecting God's own love for the world.
"even as we [do] toward you"
Paul concludes by presenting his own love for the Thessalonians as both a standard and an example. His deep affection, spiritual concern, and sacrificial ministry to them serve as a tangible model of the kind of selfless and abundant love he desires for them to embody. It is a testament to the authenticity of his apostolic ministry and a call for them to emulate his Christ-like character.
Literary Devices
The verse functions primarily as a Prayer/Benediction, a direct address to God seeking a blessing upon the recipients. The use of the two verbs, "increase" and "abound," creates a sense of Hyperbole or Intensification, emphasizing a desire for an overflowing, super-abundant measure of love rather than a mere presence of it. This Pleonasmus (use of more words than necessary for emphasis) powerfully conveys the dynamic nature of spiritual growth. Furthermore, the phrase "even as we [do] toward you" serves as an Apostolic Example, presenting Paul's own conduct as a model for the Thessalonians to emulate, thereby lending weight and authenticity to his exhortation. The progression from "one toward another" to "all men" demonstrates a deliberate Expansion or Inclusivity, highlighting the comprehensive scope of Christian love.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully articulates the centrality of agape love in the Christian life, presenting it as both a divine gift and a fundamental mark of genuine faith. Theologically, it affirms that love is not merely an emotion but a divinely-imparted virtue that grows through God's active work in believers. It reflects the very nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8), and is the ultimate fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). The dual focus on intra-community love and universal love underscores the holistic demand of the gospel: Christians are called to foster deep, sacrificial bonds within the body of Christ while simultaneously extending compassion and goodwill to all humanity, demonstrating the transformative power of the Kingdom of God to a watching world. This abounding love is the fruit of the Spirit, the distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples, and the enduring virtue that outlasts even faith and hope.
Reflection and Application
1 Thessalonians 3:12 serves as a timeless reminder and a profound challenge for believers today. It calls us to recognize that love is not a static state but a dynamic, ever-growing attribute that should characterize our lives. We are to actively seek an increase and abundance of selfless, benevolent love, both within our Christian communities and extending to every person we encounter. This requires intentional effort to cultivate empathy, practice forgiveness, offer service, and overcome prejudices. It also reminds us that this growth is ultimately a work of the Lord, prompting us to pray earnestly for this divine enablement in our own lives and in the lives of fellow believers. By allowing God to expand our capacity for agape, we become more effective witnesses to His transforming power and more faithful reflections of His character in a world desperately in need of genuine love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Paul pray for 'increase and abound' in love, rather than just 'have' love?
Paul's choice of "increase" (pleonázō) and "abound" (perisseúō) is highly significant, emphasizing that Christian love is not a static possession but a dynamic, ever-expanding quality. To merely "have" love implies a fixed quantity, but Paul desires an overflowing, superabundant measure. This reflects the nature of agape love itself, which is selfless, active, and seeks to give without limit, mirroring God's own boundless love. It also highlights the ongoing process of sanctification and spiritual maturity; believers are always growing into a deeper, more comprehensive expression of Christ-like love. This prayer is a plea for continuous growth, a love that is not just present but is actively multiplying and spilling over into every aspect of their lives and relationships, both within the community and toward the world at large, as seen in the broader exhortations of 1 Thessalonians.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Thessalonians 3:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the agape love that Paul prays the Thessalonians would abound in. Jesus perfectly demonstrated this love throughout His earthly ministry, healing the sick, teaching the lost, and showing compassion to the marginalized. His ultimate act of love was His sacrificial death on the cross, where He laid down His life for His friends and even for His enemies (Romans 5:8). This act perfectly illustrates the selfless, other-centered love Paul desires for the believers. Furthermore, Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another "as I have loved you" (John 15:12), setting His own boundless love as the standard. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Christ, believers are empowered to live out this divine love, making it possible for them to "increase and abound" in a way that truly reflects their Lord. Thus, Christ is not only the perfect example of this love but also the divine source who enables His followers to manifest it, transforming them into living expressions of God's own heart for the world (1 John 4:7-12).