2 Thessalonians 1:1-8 (NKJV) 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.
God’s Final Judgment and Glory
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Through the Bible Day by Day: A Devotional Commentary (7 Vols.)) OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
SALUTATION (1:1, 2).)
• The Integrity of the Faith and Life of the Thessalonians (1:3-12).
• The Man of Sin and the Coming of Christ (2:1-12).
• Prayer for the Thessalonians (2:13-17).
• A Request for the Prayers of the Thessalonians (3:1-5).
• The Christian’s Manner of Life (3:6-15).
CONCLUSION (3:16, 17).
Paul the Apostle who wrote about A.D. 50 to A.D. 51 from Corinth
V1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is written because of further questions from the assembly (raised because of a forged letter (2 Thessalonians 2:2)) and reports coming to him from others. The faith and steadfastness of the believers is evident, yet they wished for clarification. Paul chose not to return there lest another uproar happen and because of Jason’s security bond (Acts 17:9).
V2 “…Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul wishes for God’s grace and peace be upon them. We should also wish the same for our fellow believers.
V3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other…” Paul just can’t help himself for he is so thankful for their steadfastness in the faith. Their faith grows which comes from studying the Scriptures (here the Old Testament but possibly James and Galatians). Nevertheless, they did have the direct teaching of Paul. Two things are growing for theses believers: 1) faith and 2) love for the brethren. In 2 Peter 3:18, there are listed two more to grow: 1) grace and 2) knowledge of Jesus Christ (Christology).
V4 “…so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…” Paul tells other assemblies of Thessalonian spiritual growth to encourage and motivate those believers. The devil and his crowd hate Jesus, so they hate followers of Jesus as well. Persecution comes to us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is abuse to beat us down and destroy our faith. We need God’s assisting grace to resist. Persecution for Christians happens because of a godly life (2 Timothy 3:12), because nonbelievers do not like the Lord Jesus (John 15:18), because of righteousness (Matthew 5:10), and because our citizenship is in heaven, and we are not part of the world system but the heavenly system of beliefs and life (John 15:19 and John 17:14). What do we do when persecuted? Pray for those persecuting you (Romans 12:14), know that God does not abandon us (Hebrews 13:5) but rather goes with us (Psalm 23:4), entrust our soul to God (1 Peter 4:19 and Luke 23:34), do not revenge (Romans 12:17-21), and know that God will give us the words to say at that time (Mark 13:11-13). Romans 5:3 (NKJV) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.
V5 “…which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer…” The persecutors we face have consequences–God’s wrath. God’s wrath in particular is shown in the Book of Revelation. There is also the final wrath–the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). God’s judgment is always righteous. How do we “earn” being worthy of the Kingdom of God? Salvation is not being discussed but proof of salvation. Enduring persecution (with God’s assisting grace) shows we have God’s blessing and spirit upon us (1 Peter 4:12-14).
V6 “…since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you…” God is righteous to punish. Compare Nahum 1:2 and Romans 12:17-21.
V7 “…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels…” The Greek word for “rest” is (G0425) ἄνεσις anesis, which means (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Abridged – Little Kittel)) “ánesis has the sense of ‘mitigation of imprisonment’ in Acts 24:23, but elsewhere has the figurative sense of ‘rest’ or ‘refreshment’ (cf, 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:5: 8:13; 2 Th. 1:7.” This describes the coming of the Lord Jesus at the end of the Tribulation, because of the judgment mentioned and the everlasting destruction (Great White Throne judgment of unbelievers–Revelation 20:11-15). God’s mighty angels come with Him to punish. The believers from Adam to the Rapture will all accompany the Lord Jesus. The servants of vengeance are the angels. Compare Matthew 25:31.
V8 “…in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Flaming fire–compare Hebrews 10:27 and Revelation 21:8. Vengeance belongs to God alone. People go to the Lake of Fire for two reasons: 1) Do not know God and 2) Do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do not know (willful rejection): Romans 1:18-21 (NKJV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Do not obey (willful disobedience):
Matthew 9:13 (NKJV) But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
John 3:36 (NKJV) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 12:48 (NKJV) He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.