Chapter One
2 Thess. 1:1. Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy – to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And in the first epistle there is the same beginning. Therefore, all that we said there, apply here.
2 Thess. 1:2. Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When God bestows grace upon someone, then nothing is unbearable for that person, but everything is easily endured and passes. This is why the Apostle Paul, knowing how great a blessing grace is in life, prayerfully wishes it for the Thessalonians. For if it is with them, they will not only not feel the burden of temptations, but will even remain untroubled and at peace, enjoying the "peace" of God. He also reminds them of the grace of God so that, if temptations should come upon them, they, remembering the grace by which they were saved, might be comforted, and, strengthened in spirit by the precious blessings previously received, might not despair when encountering insignificant trials and deprivations.
2 Thess. 1:3. Always in justice we ought to thank God for you, brethren,
The apostle teaches three things here: if something proves to be upright in us, we must not praise ourselves for it, but thank God, and, ascribing everything to Him, not be puffed up by it; if someone suffers, this is worthy not of weeping and tears, but of thanksgiving to God — and those who suffer must rejoice, not lose heart; one must not envy those who appear to be advancing, but rather rejoice in this and thank God for one's brethren — so that those who are stung by the good they see in others dishonor God Himself. The apostle used the expression "as is fitting" so that we would not be puffed up even by our very thankfulness, as though we were doing something exceptional by it; for here we are doing what ought to be done. This is why he called thanksgiving "fitting." Or he speaks this way in order to suggest that one must give thanks both in word and in deed; for such thanksgiving is true thanksgiving.
2 Thess. 1:3. because your faith is growing
If the onrushing flood of trials for the faith has not drowned you, this serves as a sign of nothing other than that your faith has grown and become more exalted. This is similar to how in the ancient flood the elevated places were not quickly submerged. Therefore he also said: "increases," in order to indicate the considerable height of faith.
2 Thess. 1:3. and the love of each one of you all for one another grows ever greater,
Pay attention to the love of the Thessalonians. They did not act in such a way as to love one person but not another; on the contrary, their love in all things was equal toward all. The apostle points to this when he says "each one" and "toward one another." For if we love only some, this is not love, but a rupture of love. If you love for God's sake, then love all; but if you love only some, this is human friendship. Note that close fellowship and mutual support greatly help in afflictions.
2 Thess. 1:4. So that we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God,
In the first epistle the apostle said: everyone knows you so well that there is no need for us to speak about you. How then does he now say that he boasts about them "in the churches"! This is clear from the expression itself. He did not say: we tell them about you, but: we boast and pride ourselves in you. Therefore, if we thank God for you and boast about you before people, then all the more you ought to do so in everything that happens to you, and not lose heart or be discouraged in trials.
2 Thess. 1:4. with your patience and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you endure
The Apostle shows that the Thessalonians were subjected to temptations for a long time; for patience is not revealed in two or three days. True patience consists in waiting, when people have not yet received the promised blessings. But in the present case he speaks of a greater patience, of patience in persecutions and afflictions. For the Thessalonians lived among irreconcilable enemies, and they needed special patience – this at the beginning of the preaching, when they were still poor people. Let those therefore be ashamed who for the sake of human patronage accept false teaching.
2 Thess. 1:5. as evidence that there will be a righteous judgment of God, so that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God,
Already by what was said above he comforted the Thessalonians, namely by the fact that he said: we give thanks and we boast; but now he gives that which the sufferer seeks most of all, that is, deliverance from afflictions and punishment of those who caused them evil. Thus, here is what the words of the apostle mean: endure afflictions as proof that the righteous judgment of God will deem you worthy of the Kingdom. For if He crowns you who are persecuted and punishes those others, then His righteousness is revealed in this. He provides them great comfort, showing that they will be crowned not only by grace but by justice, receiving the Kingdom as a recompense for their own labors and toils.
2 Thess. 1:5. for which you also suffer.
Thus, it is not because the persecutors are stronger that they have power over you, but because the Kingdom of Heaven is acquired through suffering. And this exchange must necessarily take place in precisely this way and not without labor. Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God, says the Lord.
2 Thess. 1:6. For it is righteous before God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2 Thess. 1:7. and to you who are afflicted, relief
For if it is just before men, how much more before God. In ordinary conversation we are accustomed to saying: if God hates the wicked, or: if God cares about affairs, then such and such will happen — in full confidence that the listeners will necessarily answer: of course, He hates them. So here too the expression "for it is righteous" means, of course, it is righteous. One cannot say that just as the sorrows inflicted upon you are temporary, so too the punishments that will follow in return upon your persecutors from God will be temporary; on the contrary, the latter will be endless — and such also will be your rest.
2 Thess. 1:7. Together with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven, with the Angels of His power (δυνάμεως),
Here is another consolation as well, since the Thessalonians were to be partakers in the crowns together with Paul, who had attained such perfection. By "the appearing of the Lord" he means His second coming, comforting them with this also. For, he says, now He is hidden, but do not lose heart. He shall be revealed as God and Lord. "From heaven," which is the throne of God. "With the angels of His power" (μετ αγγέλων φοβερών), because the angels are powers, that is, they are mighty. Therefore, why should you despair, when we have such a Lord whose servants are the angels of power? Those who persecute you now will bear punishment and shall not escape it.
2 Thess. 1:8. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,1