_ST. PAUL CERTIFIETH THEM OF THE GOOD OPINION WHICH HE HAD OF THEIR FAITH, LOVE, AND PATIENCE; AND THEREWITHAL USETH DIVERS REASONS FOR THE COMFORTING THEM IN PERSECUTION; WHEREOF THE CHIEF IS TAKEN FROM THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD._ _Anno Domini 52._ IT seems, the messenger who carried the apos... [ Continue Reading ]
WE ARE BOUND TO THANK GOD, &C.— From this verse to the end of the chapter, the apostle repeats the substance and main design of the first epistle; which was, to confirm them in Christianity, and in their patient suffering for it: and the great argument which he here makes use of is, that the Lord Je... [ Continue Reading ]
SO THAT WE OURSELVES GLORY— Compare 2 Thessalonians 1:11 with this verse, and you will find, that here is an instance of his commending them, according to his frequent way of writing, in order to encourage and more effectually persuade them still to be advancing. From this text it is worth while to... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH IS A MANIFEST TOKEN— The exercise of God's justice has a double object; respecting good men for their purification, and respecting bad men for their punishment. Persecution inflicted and suffered, furnishes both these objects respectively. Perhaps the word rendered _manifest token,_ may furthe... [ Continue Reading ]
SEEING IT IS A RIGHTEOUS THING WITH GOD, &C.— _His justice is equally concerned to afflict those in their turns who have afflicted you;_ 2 Thessalonians 1:7 _and to grant to you who have been afflicted, repose with us,_ &c. Heylin. _With his mighty angels,_ should be joined to the next clause;—_his... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD,— This phrase expresses not only that they shall be expelled from that joy and glory which reigns in the presence of Christ, but that his presence shall appear active in the infliction of their punishment; so that they shall as it were be blasted by the lightning of his... [ Continue Reading ]
TO BE ADMIRED, &C.— This strongly implies, not only that the saints themselves shall admire at what he does for them, so far above all their conceptions and expectations; but that it shall reflect an admirable gloryupon our Redeemer, in the judgment of all who shall be spectators of it. Elsner and G... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT OUR GOD WOULD COUNT YOU WORTHY— _Would make,_ or _render you worthy,_ &c. Heylin and Doddridge. Instead of _the good pleasure of his goodness,_ Blackwall would render the original ευδοκιαν αγαθωσυνης the _benevolence of his goodness;_ and observes, that it is the shortest and most charming repr... [ Continue Reading ]