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I. THE MANNER.

1. The person commending — "We ourselves." In 1 Thessalonians 1:8 he speaks of their faith as praised by others: here he justifies common fame by His own testimony.

(1) It is easy to deceive the credulous multitude, but to deserve esteem of those who are best able to judge is a comfort.

(2) Where grace is eminent it may be praised without suspicion of flattery.

(3) We should keep up the value of our testimony that it may be of weight to those who receive it.

2. The act of praising. Glorying imports exaltation or rejoicing of mind and the outward expression: The one comes from the apprehension of some excellency, the other from a desire that others may know how we are affected with it. This glorying became apostolic gravity for —

(1) It was for the honour of God who had wrought these graces, and not himself.

(2) For the encouragement of the Thessalonians. We ought to give a testimony to those who deserve it, not to curry favour with them, but to incite them to perseverance in the way of God.

(3) For the example of others and the edification of the Church.

(4) For his own comfort (1 Thessalonians 2:20).

3. The persons before whom. Not in common meetings, but where. God's people were met for worship and spiritual benefit. "Churches of God" are so called because: —

(1)  God instituted and founded them (Acts 20:28).

(2)  There God is worshipped and acknowledged (Psalm 22:3):

(3)  There He manifests His power and presence (Ephesians 2:22).

II. THE MATTER.

1. The graces wherein they excelled "faith and patience" before it was faith and love. These two are often joined (Hebrews 6:12; Philippians 1:29). Faith precedes suffering, for the sufferer must first be a believer; but when God calls to it both must go together (Hebrews 10:35, 36).

2. The grievousness of those temptations wherewith these graces were exercised.

(1)  They were many — "All."

(2)  They took effect: persecution worked tribulation (Romans 8:35).

(3)  But the Thessalonians continued, firm, "endured."

(T. Manton , D. D.)

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KJV: So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

WEB: so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.