“2 Thessalonians 1”

Monday, July 10, 2017

Very little time has passed since Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, perhaps only 2-3 months. The circumstances described in both letters are almost identical. These Christians remain troubled by outside persecution and are still confused about the second coming.

There have been apparent misunderstandings about Paul’s message in the first letter. Some think a forgery letter had been sent (2 Thessalonians 2:2), so Paul makes it even clearer now with further instruction.

And he speaks even stronger words of rebuke to those who were causing problems by their actions. He makes it clear in this chapter that the Lord is aware of their “patience and faith” in the face of the “persecutions and tribulations” that they were enduring. He states that this shows them to be “counted worthy of the kingdom of God” for which they were suffering.

He promises two things. First, that God would give them rest from their trials. Second, that He would “repay with tribulation those who trouble you.”

He says that the final reckoning of these matters would occur “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.” The description of the punishment of the ungodly that he gives here is striking. Notice verses 8 and 9. “…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. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” Any questions about the reality of the place that is elsewhere called hell?

And then, speaking about the disciples in first century Thessalonica, Paul writes that “in that Day,” Christ would be glorified by the faithfulness of His people and he expresses his personal gratitude that they had believed and obeyed what Paul, Silvanus and Timothy had taught them.

Obedience always glorifies the Lord and He wants them to know that the persecutors and injurious ones who have troubled them will be punished. Mark that down; it is certain.

--Roger Hillis

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