_Salutation Thanksgiving for the Faith of the Thessalonian Church under Persecution, Assurance of Compensation, and Prayer for the perfecting of their Faith._ Paul informs the Thessalonians of the emotions of gratitude and righteous pride which the increase of their faith and love had stirred in hi... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul mentioned in his First Epistle (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13) that he ceaselessly prayed for the Thessalonians; he now acknowledges that his prayers were answered. We are as much bound to thank God for answering our prayers, as we are to make known to Him our requests. Here we ha... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:4. SO THAT WE OURSELVES. The growth of the Thessalonians was not a benefit which terminated with themselves; but the apostle also shared in the advantage which accrued from it. Their growth was a commendation of his work. In them, he himself could and did boast. IN THE CHURCHES O... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:5. A TOKEN OF THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD. The just judgment of God here referred to is that future and final allotment of rewards and punishments which is to take place at the second coming of Christ, as described in the following verses. And the present sufferings of the Thessa... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:6. IF INDEED IT IS A RIGHTEOUS THING WITH GOD. The confirmation of what has been said is put hypothetically to suggest the impossibility of the contrary supposition, and so present the truth of the reason in the most convincing form. The reference is specially to the words ‘righteo... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:7. BEST. To those suffering persecution no promise could present greater attraction. ‘Their rest is not the rest of a stone, cold and lifeless, but of wearied humanity. They rest from their labours; they have no more persecution, nor stoning, nor scourging, nor crucifying; no more... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:8. IN FLAMING FIRE. This accompaniment of the revelation of Jesus Christ is the same which under the Old Testament symbolized the majesty and holiness of God. See the references. The fire is not viewed primarily as the instrument of vengeance, but as the natural symbol of perfect p... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:9. ETERNAL DESTRUCTION. This is the penalty to be paid by those who reject the Gospel and will not know God a destruction which is to be rendered permanent by the severance of those who suffer it from the source of all good desire and endeavour. ‘A testimony, this, to the eternity... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:10. TO BE GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS. The saints are ‘the risen and glorified company of believers,' in whose glorified bodies and perfected spirits the influence of Christ becomes visible. Christ will be glorified in His saints when His power and goodness become apparent through them... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:11. TO WHICH END. An expression equivalent to, and with a view to this glorious consummation. WE ALSO PRAY. We not only give you these assurances regarding this great future event, but in our prayers it is present to our thoughts, showing us more distinctly what you need to make... [ Continue Reading ]
2 Thessalonians 1:12. THAT THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST MAY BE GLORIFIED IN YOU. This declares the purpose to be served by the fulfilment of his prayer for them. The meaning of the words has been explained above. _New_ Christ may be glorified in us by obedience and patience, _then_ by the resul... [ Continue Reading ]