Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

2 Thessalonians 1:11

To which end

(εις ο). So Colossians 1:29. Probably purpose with reference to the contents of verses 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. We have had the Thanksgiving (verses 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) in a long, complicated, but rich period or sentence. Now he makes a brief Prayer (verses 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) that God will fulfil all their hopes and endeavours. Paul and his colleagues can still pray for them though no longer with them (Moffatt).That

(ινα). Common after προσευχομα (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 1:9) when the content of the prayer blends with the purpose (purport and purpose).Count you worthy

(υμας αξιωση). Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive) like καταξιοω in verse 2 Thessalonians 1:5 with genitive.Of your calling

(της κλησεως). Κλησις can apply to the beginning as in 1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29, but it can also apply to the final issue as in Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1. Both ideas may be here. It is God's calling of the Thessalonians.And fulfil every desire of goodness

(κα πληρωση πασαν ευδοκιαν αγαθωσυνης). "Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy" (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans 8:29). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. Ευδοκια (cf. Luke 2:14) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God's purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in LXX and N.T. Αγαθωσυνη like a dozen other words in -συνη occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in LXX, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from αγαθος, good, akin to αγαμα, to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer.Work of faith

(εργον πιστεως). The same phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith.With power

(εν δυναμε). In power. Connect with πληρωση (fulfil), God's power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

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Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

2 Thessalonians 1:11

Old Testament

New Testament