2 Thessalonians 1

CHAPTER 1

Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:1-12)

1-2 See 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and comment.

3 According to this verse, Paul’s prayer in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 has been completely answered (see Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 and comments).

4 The Thessalonian believers had received much persecution, yet their faith had not wavered; they had persevered. This was a cause of great joy for Paul, who was their spiritual father (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6). Not only had their faith remained firm, but it was growing even stronger because of the persecution they were still enduring (James 1:2-3).

5 Paul says here that the persecution that has come upon the Thessalonians is evidence that God’s JUDGMENT is right. What is Paul’s meaning? Paul means that according to God’s eternal purpose and judgment, suffering and persecution must at some time come upon every Christian (1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Through our trials and sufferings, God brings great benefit not only to ourselves but also to others. Through Christ’s sufferings, God healed us (Isaiah 53:5). Through our sufferings, other men can see our perseverance and faith more clearly. The perseverance and faith of the Thessalonians was also clearly visible (verse 4), and this is why they were such a good example for other believers to follow (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Through suffering, God also disciplines us and makes us holy and perfect (Hebrews 12:10). Even Christ Himself was perfected through suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9).

For all these reasons, therefore, the trials and sufferings of the Thessalonians are evidence that God’s judgment is right. In fact, suffering and persecution are evidence that God is for us, not against us (1 Peter 4:14).

Thus the Thessalonians had not merely endured suffering; they had endured it with perseverance. This is additional evidence that God was fulfilling His eternal purposes in the lives of the Thessalonians. Because of their perseverance in persecution, the Thessalonians would be counted worthy of the KINGDOM OF GOD (see Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:17).

Remember, Jesus Christ is worthy. He is worthy to have us suffer for Him. And if we suffer for Him, we ourselves shall become worthy of Him.

6 When we look at the world, we see much injustice all around us. The strong oppress the weak. The rich exploit the poor. The wicked persecute the innocent. However, we must not call God in just. On the final day of judgment, every man will be rewarded according to his works (Matthew 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:25). God will avenge all evil (Romans 12:19).

7 Therefore, let the Thessalonians be patient and steadfast. After persecution and suffering comes relief. But notice, God does not promise to send relief in this life. Our relief will come when the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven—that is, when the Lord Jesus comes again. Our relief—our “reward” or salvation¹—will be far greater than all the sufferings that come to us on this earth (Romans 8:18).

It is necessary to add something here: Even though God may not give us full “relief’ here on earth, He will certainly give us peace in our hearts. Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. For the Christian, even when there is no outward peace, there is always inward peace (see Philippians 4:7).

The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven. At the present time, Jesus is hidden from those who do not have faith. But when He comes again, He will be fully revealed to all men. On that day, every tongue—that is, every person—will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (see Philippians 2:9-11).

Jesus will be revealed in blazing fire with his powerful ANGELS (see Mark 8:38; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Peter 3:10). In the New Testament, fire is a sign of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:3). This fire will destroy all those who do not believe in Christ, but it will purify all those who believe. Non-believers will be terrified at Christ’s coming, but believers will rejoice and “marvel” (verse 10).

8 Those people who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus are the same group of people. Not to obey the Gospel is the same as not to believe. Those who don’t believe in Jesus cannot know God (John 1:18; 14:7,9). Therefore, Paul is saying here, in effect, that God will punish all those who do not believe in Jesus (John 3:18,36).

9 What is God’s punishment? It is everlasting destruction. It is the opposite of eternal life. It is existence in hell, separated from God. Such existence is like death.

Therefore, we can understand that to reject Christ and disobey His Gospel is a frightful thing indeed; for the result of rejecting Christ is eternal death—everlasting destruction.

10 That destruction will come upon unbelievers on the day he (Jesus) comes to be glorified.

Jesus will be glorified in his holy people—that is, in believers. He will be glorified in us, and we will be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17,19). Christ is even now being glorified by those who persevere in their faith (John 17:10).

11 With this in mind—that the Thessalonians might share in Christ’s glory—Paul prays constantly for them. Paul first prays that God will count the Thessalonians worthy of his calling (see Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12 and comments). Let us never forget that we have been called by God. We are His sons and heirs (Galatians 4:7; Ephesians 1:5). We have been called to share in Christ’s glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10). Let it be our constant prayer that we might remain worthy of such a calling!

Second, Paul prays that God by his power … may fulfill every good purpose of [the Thessalonians] and every act prompted by [their] faith (see Philippians 2:13 and comment). God will fulfill His purposes in us according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20-21).

12 Why does Paul pray this? He prays this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in [the Thessalonians]. This is why we have been called. To glorify the name of Jesus Christ is our duty and our calling (see Matthew 5:16). When we stand firm in faith, when we love others with Christ’s love, when we suffer patiently for Christ, then we bring glory to His name. And if Jesus is glorified in us, we too will be glorified in Him (Romans 8:30). We will be glorified according to the GRACE of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives each day reflect the glory of His grace! (Ephesians 1:6).