Some ancient letters—though not a great many—from the Greco-Roman world also included a thanksgiving and/or a prayer wish. But Paul’s thanksgivings were very different from those of other ancient letters: (a) Paul’s thanksgivings are much longer; (b) his thanksgivings focus on spiritual rather than material benefits; (c) he thanks the one true God, rather than the gods.
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2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,