1 Thessalonians 1:2
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Original Language Analysis
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν
We give thanks
G2168
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν
We give thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 14
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ποιούμενοι
making
G4160
ποιούμενοι
making
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐπὶ
of you in
G1909
ἐπὶ
of you in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Paul had been forcibly separated from the Thessalonians just weeks after founding the church, unable to return due to Satanic hindrance (2:17-18). He sent Timothy from Athens to check on them (3:1-2), fearing persecution had destroyed their faith. Timothy's return with good news prompted this letter of thanksgiving and instruction. The constant prayer Paul mentions was not hyperbole—the missionary team maintained unceasing intercession for this endangered young church.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are you thanking God for 'always' in your prayers, and how does gratitude shape your intercession for them?
- How does Paul's pattern of grateful prayer before instruction challenge contemporary pastoral approaches focused on problem-solving?
- What spiritual disciplines help you move from scheduled prayer times to 'making mention' of people continuously before God?
Analysis & Commentary
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers—Paul's thanksgiving contrasts sharply with Galatians (which has no thanksgiving section) because the Thessalonians remained faithful despite persecution. The phrase eucharistoumen tō Theō pantote (εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε, 'we give thanks always') establishes thanksgiving as continuous duty, not occasional sentiment. Paul's mneia (μνεία, 'remembrance/mention') means more than casual thought—it's deliberate, intercessory remembrance before God.
The plural 'we' includes Silvanus and Timothy, demonstrating apostolic teamwork in prayer. Paul models pastoral care: grateful intercession precedes correction. His 'always... in our prayers' echoes Jesus's command to 'pray without ceasing' (5:17), showing prayer as the atmosphere of Christian life, not isolated events. For a church planted in persecution and nurtured from distance, prayer was the lifeline sustaining faith.