1 Thessalonians 3:9,10

Paul's Desire to Thank God for Them

Paul did not feel capable of expressing the depth of his thanksgiving for the joy those young converts had brought him. Of course, he knew thanksgiving is most appropriately taken before God's throne. He informed them that he was continually asking God to allow him to see them face to face. Coffman suggests it was years before this prayer request was answered in a positive way. If so, we can certainly see why the Lord urged his disciples to always pray and not faint (Luke 18:1). Paul's desire to be with them centered on the hope that he could further instruct them so that their faith would be complete (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10).