2 Thessalonians 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

“We all know the tremendous value of. letter from someone we love, especially if we are alone and suffering; it can be of great encouragement. Imagine what it was like in apostolic times to receive. letter from the beloved apostle Paul,. man who had suffered and given so much for the good of God's people” (Denton Lectureship p. 221). As we move past the greeting, the following verses will break down into these main thoughts: Gratitude to God for their continued faithfulness (2 Thessalonians 1:3).. defense of God's justice (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10), and. prayer for their spiritual success (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).

Even though there were. number of things wrong in Thessalonica, notice how Paul first begins by offering gratitude and praise. In helping other Christians we must try to remain balanced. Unfaithfulness and error cannot be overlooked, but at the same time encouragement and praise should be given for what. person is doing right (2 Timothy 4:2). Barclay notes, “'Blessed are those', said Mark Rutherford, ‘who heal us of our self-despisings'” (p. 243).