1 Thessalonians 2:19

2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of ¹  before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you?

1 Thessalonians 3:9

3:9 For how can we thank God enough for you, ²  for all the joy we feel ³  because of you before our God?

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

4:9 Now on the topic of brotherly love ⁴  you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 4:10 And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters ⁵  in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ⁶ 

1 Thessalonians 4:14

4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that ⁷  God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians. ⁸ 

[2:19]  ¹ sn Crown to boast of (Grk “crown of boasting”). Paul uses boasting or exultation to describe the Christian’s delight in being commended for faithful service by the Lord at his return (1 Cor 9:15-16; 2 Cor 1:12-14; 10:13-18; Phil 2:16; and 1 Cor 3:14; 4:5).

[3:9]  ² tn Grk “what thanks can we render to God about you.”

[3:9]  ³ tn Grk “all the joy with which we rejoice.”

[4:9]  ³ tn Grk “concerning brotherly love.”

[4:10]  ⁴ tn Grk “brothers”; this applies to the second occurrence as well. See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

[4:10]  ⁵ sn To do so more and more. See 1 Thess 4:1.

[4:14]  ⁵ tn “we believe that” is understood from the first clause of the verse, which is parallel. Grk “so also God will bring.”

[4:14]  ⁶ tn Grk “those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.” It is possible that “through Jesus” describes “bring,” but this gives the unlikely double reference, “through Jesus God will bring them with Jesus.” Instead it describes their “falling sleep,” since through him their death is only sleep and not the threat it once was. Also Christians are those whose total existence – life and death – is in and through and for Christ (1 Cor 8:6).