Bible Commentaries
2 Thessalonians 1

Verses 1-2

1. Paul is the author. Timothy and Silas are with Paul and "join" him in sending greetings. This opening verse is similar to the first letter.

2. "Grace and peace" is a common greeting in Paul's letters. ( Rom_1:7 ; 1Co_1:3 ; 2Co_1:2 ; Gal_1:3 ; Eph_1:2 ; Php_1:2 ; Col_1:2 ; Tit_1:4 ) Both verses one and two combine "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Verses 3-5

3. Paul often begins his letters by expressing gratitude for the faith of those to whom the epistle is addressed. Their faith was growing exceedingly. They showed love for each other.

4. Paul rejoices in their patience and faith in the face of persecution and afflictions. They have learned to endure. ( 1Th_2:14 )

5. A manifest token indicates proof to the readers that they were able to endure. They were "fit" or "suited" for the kingdom of God. Their suffering is brought about because of their loyalty to the kingdom.

Verses 6-7

6. God is righteous and will judge all men righteously. "To recompense" means he will pay back with a full and complete payment. God is a God of mercy and love. He is also a God of justice and wrath. ( Rom_11:22 ; Gal_6:7 )

7. "Paying back" is not limisted to punishment of the wicked. It also includes a reward for those who have suffered affliction. There will come a time when those who suffer affliction can rest, relax, and find relief from the affliction. The rest will come at the "revelation" of Jesus, when he comes from heaven. He will bring flaming fire and the angels of God to render the wrathe of God.

Verses 8-9

8. Vengeance belongs to God, not man. Dan_7:13-14 teaches that Jesus will be given a kingdom, dominion and authority to execute judgment. "Vengenace" does not indicate a vindictive spirit of retaliation, but expresses thought in administering justice. The vengeance is rendered upon two groups of people: [1] Those who are inexcuasable because they refused to know God; [2] Those who decide they will not obey the gospel. Perhaps, the first group refers to Gentiles and the second to Jews. "Obey the gospel" implies that there are commands involved with the good news which one must accept and obey.

9. Both groups mentioned above will suffer punishment. The word "punishment" is from a Greek word for the legal term for the result of a law suit. We would call it "punitive damages." The punishment comes from an unbiased judge. The punishment is described as: [1] Eternal; [2] Destruction; [3] Separation from God; [4] Exclusion from any blessing or reward. Some of the punishment in hell is the awareness of being banished from the Lord's presence. Remember, there is no punishment if one is not conscious of it or has no memory of their life on earth.

Verse 10

10. This verse shows both the certainty of Christ's coming and the uncertainty of when he will come. There is one coming, not two, three, seven or more. The purpose of his coming is two-fold. [1] "To be glorified with his saints." Christ will be glorified when all the faithful saints are gathered together in glorified bodies. [2] "To be marvelled at." All will marvel (surprise mingled with admiration) at his demonstration of love, grace, power, and wisdom. All the bellievers will marvel in that day. "In that day" indicates - - [1] The day is singular. [2] A day of punishment for those who know not God and those that do not obey the gospel. [3] A day of victory for the faithful.

Verse 11

11. "The end"indicates that the second coming will be the end of time, the end of this world, the end of wickedness, the end of affliction, hardship and persecution, the end of suffering. Paul continues to pray for them to remain faithful so that "the end" will be a time of rejoicing and victory. The "calling" in Thessalonians is: [1] A calling to salvation by believing and obeying the gospel. ( 2Th_2:13-14 ); [2] A calling to the entrance of the eternal state. ( 1 Thessalonians 1:12; 5:24 ) Paul prays that they will have the things they desire as they demonstrate the "work of faith" with power.

The purpose of such a prayer is that the name of Jesus will be glorified. "In you" refers to their daily lives, their conduct, their desires for goodness. A genuine Christian will bring glory to him because he is recognized as Lord. ( Mat_5:16 ; 2Co_9:13 ; 2Pe_2:9 ; 2Pe_2:12 )