1:1, 2 See note on 1 Thess. 1:1. 1:3 bound to thank. There is a spiritual obligation to thank God in prayer when He accomplishes great things in the lives of His saints. That was the case with the obedient Thessalonians, who had demonstrated growth in faith and love since the first letter. This was in direct answer to Paul’s prayers (cf. 1 Thess. 1:3; 3:12). 1:4 patience and faith. Nowhere was their growth in faith and love (v. 3) more evident than in the way they patiently and faithfully endured