Thanksgiving for growth
2 Thessalonians 1:1–4FocusFaith and love under persecution
Connection to the wholeThe church's increasing faith and mutual love are recognized within its continuing trials.
interpretation 2 Thessalonians 1:11
KJVWherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Read it in context
Judgment and prayer
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:5 (2 Thessalonians 1:5 to 2 Thessalonians 1:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul places present affliction beside God's coming judgment and prays that the readers' calling and work of faith will glorify Jesus.
- 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
- 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
- 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
- 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
- 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
- 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
- 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
- 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Judgment and prayer. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5 through 2 Thessalonians 1:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul places present affliction beside God's coming judgment and prays that the readers' calling and work of faith will glorify Jesus. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Judgment and prayer (2 Thessalonians 1:5 to 2 Thessalonians 1:12). Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:5. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cited: 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and points to his signature as the mark of authenticity.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 Thessalonians 3:17
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- we pray Rom 1:9 Eph 1:16 Eph 3:14-21 Phil 1:9-11 Col 1:9-13 1 Thess 3:9-13
- our God Ps 48:14 Ps 68:20 Isa 25:9 Isa 55:7 Dan 3:17 Rev 5:10
- would 2 Thess 1:5 Col 1:12 Rev 3:4
- calling 2 Thess 2:14 Rom 8:30 Rom 9:23-24 Phil 3:14 1 Thess 2:12 Heb 3:1 1 Pet 5:10
- fulfil Ps 138:8 Prov 4:18 Isa 66:9 Hos 6:3 Zech 4:7 Mark 4:28 1 Cor 1:8 Phil 1:6
- the good Ps 51:18 Luke 12:32 Eph 1:5,9 Phil 2:13 Titus 3:4-7
- the work John 6:27-29 Eph 1:19-20 1 Thess 1:3 1 Thess 2:13 Heb 12:2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
FocusThe Lord's revelation
Connection to the wholePaul places present affliction beside God's coming judgment and prays that the readers' calling and work of faith will glorify Jesus.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
FocusComfort for an afflicted church
Connection to the wholePaul gives thanks for perseverance and directs the readers toward God's righteous judgment and Christ's revelation.
interpretation Correction concerning the day
2 Thessalonians 2:1–17FocusDiscernment and steadfastness
Connection to the wholePaul warns against being shaken by claims that the day is at hand and exhorts the church to hold the teaching it received.
interpretation Prayer and orderly conduct
2 Thessalonians 3:1–18FocusWork and brotherly correction
Connection to the wholePractical instruction addresses the mission and disorderly conduct, closing with peace and Paul's identifying greeting.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.