2 Thessalonians 1 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

2 Thessalonians 1

Greeting

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,¹ as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from² the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Footnotes

[1] 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
[2] 1:9 Or destruction that comes from

Commentary

v1-2: Paul's greeting follows that of the first letter (1 Thess 1.1).

v3: Paul commends them for real spiritual growth. Love was abounding, and faith was growing; Col 1.4; 1 Thess 1.3; 3.12; 4.10. Paul feels compelled to give God thinks for this growth.

v4: Following Paul's teaching about afflictions, he notes that their patience and faith were being maintained through persecutions and tribulations.

v5: Persecutions are a manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God; not necessarily something to be avoided. In Phil 1.28, persecutions are clearly set forth as a proof of salvation, and that from God. It is through such experiences that our faith is strengthened, and we are counted worthy of the kingdom of God.

v6: "Those who trouble you"; in Gal 1.7, this refers to those who bring in false doctrine. This is described in the same way as the bringing in of persecution.

Suffering tribulation is a symptom of on going spiritual conflict; we need to look behind the symptoms and circumstances.

v7: We experience trouble today; but our hope is in Christ's revelation. Our relief may not be in this life.

v8: The revelation of Christ, to bring judgment upon unbelievers; they do not know God, and they do not obey the gospel of Christ.

v9: There is everlasting destruction, that is, on-going suffering. Such people are put away from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of His power, away from all that is good.

v10: 1 Thess 4.16-17 refers to the in-gathering of believers; at this time, unbelievers are separated for the judgment due to them. At the centre of all things is Jesus Christ; He is admired by all who are gathered to Him.

v11-12: In the delay before Christ's return, God is at work in His people, Phil 1.6; 2.13. The aim is that Christ is glorified in and through us.