Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does 2nd Thessalonians Chapter 1 mean?

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians expands on the same themes he addressed in his first message. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul reassured believers that fellow Christians who had died would not miss out on the return of Christ. Paul also depicted the fierce judgment of God which would fall during the day of the Lord. At the same time, Paul indicated that Christians were not those subject to these judgments. Based on what Paul has to say in this letter, it seems some of the believers of Thessalonica misinterpreted his words. Suffering under persecution, some of these Christians seem to think that the day of the Lord has already arrived and they are suffering under that tribulation.

Paul opens the letter with his customary greeting, evoking peace and the grace of God. He identifies himself, Timothy, and Silvanus as the nominal authors of the letter (2 Thessalonians 1:1–2).

As he did in 1 Thessalonians, Paul makes a point of praising the Thessalonian Christians for their faithfulness. While this depiction made up a significant portion of his first letter, Paul makes a much shorter reference to it here (2 Thessalonians 1:3–4).

This letter makes it clear that the persecution and suffering these Christians experienced was not part of the day of the Lord. Paul reassures his readers that God sees their struggles and will use them for His own glory. At the same time, God’s awareness means impending judgment for those who afflict Christians with persecution. Among these consequences, Paul invokes the ultimate end for those who reject God: an eternity of destruction and separation from God—what the Bible calls hell (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:14). Paul’s intent here is to reassure believers and encourage them to continue their good works (2 Thessalonians 1:5–12).

The following chapter will transition into further details about the end times. In particular, Paul will seek to reassure his readers that they have not missed Christ’s return. The hardships they are now facing are not part of the day of the Lord—there are other events which must occur first.

Chapter Context
Second Thessalonians opens with Paul’s typical greetings, then shifts into encouragement. In his prior letter, Paul had explained the nature of death, for a Christian believer, and given a description of Christ’s eventual return for His people. Now, the Thessalonian believers were experiencing persecution. Though they seem to be enduring it well, Paul reminds them that judgment before God awaits all people. Those who are persecuted for His sake will be part of His kingdom, while those who reject Him will face fire and vengeance. After this, Paul returns to the subject of Christ’s return, and the rapture, seemingly to combat misunderstandings which linger despite his earlier letter.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

As was customary in the first century, Paul identifies himself at the beginning of his letter. In several of his letters he calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. Here, Paul omits the term, likely because he did not have to defend his apostleship to this particular group. His readers were confident that God had called Paul to be an apostle. Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy had been with Paul when he preached in Thessalonica (Acts 17:4, 10, 14) and were with him when he wrote 1 Thessalonians. Now, they are with him as he writes 2 Thessalonians. Silas, Paul’s missionary companion, had been imprisoned with Paul at Philippi (Acts 16:19–40). Timothy, also Paul’s missionary companion, was from Lystra. His mother was Jewish, but his father was a Gentile. He joined Paul in missions after Paul circumcised him (Acts 16:1–3).

Paul addresses 2 Thessalonians to “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “church” in the original language is ekklesia, meaning “called out ones” or “assembly.” God had called the Thessalonian believers out of the world to be in Him and in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 17:16, when Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of His followers, He stated, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

Context Summary
Second Thessalonians 1:1–4, as is customary in Paul’s letters, begins with identification. He also names the two co-missionaries who are with him. His salutation of grace and peace are typical of the salutations in his other letters. In verses 3 and 4 he expresses thanks for his readers. Paul compliments them on their increasing faith, love, and steadfastness in the midst of their persecutions and afflictions.

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

Paul greets the Thessalonian church with a combination of Greek and Hebrew salutations. “Grace,” a Greek greeting, conveys a sense of God’s favor when used in a Christian context. “Peace,” a typical Hebrew salutation, conveys a sense of well-being. Well-being results from God’s grace at work in a person’s heart.

It is significant that grace precedes peace in Paul’s salutation. No one can have true peace without first experiencing God’s grace. When a person experiences salvation by grace, he or she enters into peace with God. Romans 5:1 tells us, “therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” All who are saved by grace can enjoy the peace of God in their hearts. Jesus told His followers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Verse 3. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

In this verse Paul, Silas, and Timothy assure the Thessalonians that it was right for them to give thanks to God for them. They give two reasons for such thankfulness. First, the Thessalonians’ faith was growing extremely well. The expression, “to grow abundantly,” contains the Greek word hyperauxanei, a word used to describe the rapid growth of babies and plants. The Thessalonians’ relationship with God was continuing to grow greater, and healthier.

Paul and his coworkers also thank God for the Thessalonians’ increasing brotherly love. The word used for “love” in this verse is agapē, describing a sacrificial love, not simply a sentimental fondness. The Thessalonians loved one another so much that they willingly gave whatever it took to benefit their fellow believers. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul commended the churches of Macedonia, which included the church at Thessalonica. He praised them for contributing generously to aid their brothers in Judea. He boasted: “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:2–3).

Verse 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 Thessalonians met their persecutions and harsh trials with perseverance and resolute trust in God. Nothing moved them away from their confidence in God and their dependence on Him. As a result, Paul and his fellow missionaries boasted about the Thessalonians in their contacts with other churches. The church of the Thessalonians was setting a good example of faith under fire.

The apostle Peter also recognized that trials are a normal part of the Christian life. As one who walked with Jesus and listened to His teachings when He was on earth, Peter knew Jesus did not promise His followers an easy, prosperous life. Jesus had told Peter and the other disciples: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In his first letter Peter explains that God uses trials to prove the genuineness of our faith, and having been proven to be genuine, our faith will “result in praise and glory and honor” when Jesus comes again (1 Peter 1:7).

Verse 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 —

The Thessalonians’ endurance of persecution and afflictions would demonstrate the fact that God is just. When God evaluated the Thessalonians’ faith, He would declare them worthy of His kingdom.

Enduring trials with faith does not earn anyone a place in God’s kingdom, but enduring trials by faith shows the reality of our faith. If a person fails the test of suffering, it shows his faith is false. Writing to suffering Christians, James counsels: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:2–3, 12).

Paul writes that the Thessalonian believers were suffering for the kingdom of God. During his visit to Antioch, Paul encouraged the believers there to continue in the faith. He told them “that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Context Summary
Second Thessalonians 1:5–12 refers to the Thessalonians’ trials as evidence that God is righteous and just. Paul indicates that the Thessalonians’ faith and endurance would prove their status as inheritors of God’s kingdom. Further, Paul assures his readers that God will avenge those who troubled the Thessalonians, giving the persecuted ones relief. When Jesus returns with His angels, He will inflict flaming fire on those who do not know God and on those who heard the gospel but rejected it. Their punishment will include eternal ruin and separation from God. When Jesus returns, those who have believed in Him will share in Jesus’ glory and will marvel at Him. This look into the future was meant to help the Thessalonians continue to be steadfast under persecution and trouble. Paul prays that God would enable his readers to live successfully and worthy of their calling.

Verse 6. since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

In this verse Paul tells the Thessalonians that God is just. In His good time He will recompense every wrong. Those who afflicted the Thessalonians had nothing to look forward to but divine retribution.

Justice is an outgrowth of God’s righteous and holy character. He would be neither righteous nor holy if He let sinners off scot-free. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” A holy God demands a penalty for sin, and Romans 6:23 tells us “the wages of sin is death.” However, because Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), all who believe on Jesus as their Savior receive the gift of “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Paul’s description of God as just would provide much comfort and hope to the suffering Thessalonians. They could leave any thoughts of revenge or retribution behind, and leave a response for undeserved persecution and afflictions in God’s holy and capable hands.

Verse 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

This verse anticipates the second coming of our Lord. His arrival will put things right. Afflicted Christians can find relief in knowing that Jesus will judge those who trouble them. The word translated “relief” in this verse is anesin, meaning “loosening” or “rest.” Instead of being agitated or worried, Christians can relax, because Jesus is coming again, and when He comes, He will be accompanied by His mighty angels. James urged his persecuted readers to be patient until the coming of the Lord (James 5:7).

Paul included himself, Silas, and Timothy among those who would find relief from all their troubles when Jesus returns. Trials assault all Christians, whether or not they are God’s appointed leaders. Likewise, divine retribution comes to all persecutors regardless of their rank and station in life. This fact is illustrated in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:19–31 about a rich man and the beggar named Lazarus. The rich man, who lived lavishly without regard for God or Lazarus, died and went to Hades, whereas Lazarus died and went to paradise, where he rested. When the rich man complained about his suffering in Hades, Abraham reminded him that he had received good things in his life, whereas Lazarus had received bad things. He added, “But now he [Lazarus] is comforted here, and you are in anguish” (verse 25).

Verse 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.

This verse affirms that God will punish those who “do not know God,” which according to the Bible means those who choose to ignore Him (Romans 1:18–20). It is unbiblical to say God will not punish those who have never heard the gospel, arguing that this is why they do not know Him. One’s lost condition is not based on whether or not he has heard the gospel but on the fact that he is a sinner. Romans 3:23 declares: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 1:18–23 makes it clear that God has made the truth of His existence obvious and none have an excuse. Those who seek God will find Him (Matthew 7:7–8), leaving no one blameless for unbelief.

The second group, those who reject the gospel’s call, are those with more direct knowledge and experience of the truth, who are therefore subject to greater responsibility (Hebrews 10:26–31). They have heard the gospel and blatantly refuse to believe.

In His justice, God will dispatch His holy angels to execute this judgment. Other Scriptures declare God’s wrath against the unrighteous. For example, Romans 1:18 states: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Also, Jude 1:14–15 quotes Enoch as prophesying: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Verse 9. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

The result of unbelief is eternal punishment. The wicked will not be annihilated or experience only a temporary punishment. Their punishment will be everlasting suffering in hell. Jesus warned against being “thrown into the eternal fire” (Matthew 18:8). Matthew 25:41 reports that at the Judgment of the Nations Jesus will tell unbelievers, “Depart from me, you cursed, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Referring to those unbelievers, Matthew 25:46 says, “And these will go away into eternal punishment.”

According to 2 Thessalonians 1:9, the punishment of unbelievers in hell will consist not only of suffering in the “fires,” but also banishment from the presence of the Lord. The word translated “presence” is literally “face.” Whereas believers will see the Lord face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), unbelievers will be driven from the face of the Lord and will never know the joy of being in His presence and the delight of observing the splendor of His power. Their knowledge and shame at this destiny is part of their suffering in eternity.

Verse 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.

This verse teaches that God will execute judgment on unbelievers when Jesus comes back. This promise refers to Jesus’ second coming, not to the rapture. He does not execute judgment at the rapture, but lifts Christians up from the earth to be with Him at that time. At His second coming to earth believers will glorify Him and also share in His glory. Colossians 1:27 says Christ in us is “the hope of glory.” Suffering is for just a little while, but glory lies ahead. Believers will enter Jesus’ earthly kingdom to reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12) and to be dazzled by His glory. In 2 Thessalonians 1:10 Paul includes the Thessalonian believers in the prospect of marveling at Jesus, he writes, “because our testimony to you was believed.”

This bright prospect of the day Jesus will be glorified in His saints and marveled at among all who have believed makes current suffering seem light. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Verse 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,

Paul and his coworkers kept praying for the Thessalonians. They were asking God to enable the Thessalonians to live up to their calling. They and all believers have been called to be holy. Second Peter 3:11 poses the question of what kind of people Christians should be in holy conduct and godliness. Also, we are called to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ [the rapture], filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:10–11). Further, we are called to shine as lights in a dark, sinful world (Philippians 2:15). If the Thessalonians led a holy and righteous life that revealed Christ to others, they would be worthy of their calling.

The missionaries were also praying constantly that God would empower the Thessalonians to fulfill their every desire to honor God and also fulfill their deeds that were motivated by their faith.

Verse 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.

Continuing the thought begun in verse 11, Paul cites the goal of his prayers for the Thessalonians. It is that the name of the Lord might be seen in and through them. The “name” of Jesus refers to who Jesus is, His character and what He does. In other words, Paul and his coworkers were praying that the Thessalonians’ lives would reflect Jesus in all that they did, in their character and conduct. Paul held this desire for his own life. Later, while undergoing a lengthy courtroom trial that would result either in his freedom or his execution, he testified that it was his “eager expectation and hope that … Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20–21).

Paul concludes 2 Thessalonians 1:12 by making it clear that only the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ could bring about the kind of life that reflects Jesus’ character and conduct. No one can lead a Christ-like life in his own strength; it requires God’s grace.

End of Chapter 1.

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