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The thanksgiving contains commendations that indicate the condition of the church, matched by Paul’s deep concern (see 2Co 11:28-29). Paul thanks God for their model behaviour: faith, love, and hope producing work, labour, and endurance. Faith includes acceptance of, and trust in, the message of salvation and obedience to Christ. Love is at the centre of all Christian relationships. Hope is the conviction that God will bring salvation to completion (see Php 1:6).
Work, labour, and steadfastness “confirm the reality of the spiritual attitudes which inspire them” (Marshall, 51). Salvation is not earned by works, but it produces a grateful response in action. Labour issues from deep devotion to God. Endurance comes from the confidence that God’s purposes for his creation will triumph despite present circumstances.