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 1:9
KJVWho shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Read it in context
Introduction, Thanksgiving, and God's Righteous Judgment
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:1 (2 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2 Thessalonians 1:12).
This section serves as the opening of the epistle, establishing the authors, audience, and immediately addressing the Thessalonians' faith and persecution, leading into the theme of divine justice.
- 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
- 1:2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
- 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
- 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 main event or theme? The main theme is God's righteous judgment, where the Lord Jesus Christ will be revealed from heaven to bring vengeance upon those who do not know God and do not obey His gospel, resulting in their everlasting destruction.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His righteous judgment against those who trouble believers and reject the gospel, and His promise of rest for the troubled.
- What is the literary style? Epistle.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 51 to 52.
- When does the event (punishment) take place? The punishment takes place 'when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,' which is referred to as 'in that day'.
Where
- Where did it happen (the punishment)? The passage states the punishment is 'from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power,' when He is 'revealed from heaven'.
- Where was the author located? Corinth.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Introduction, Thanksgiving, and God's Righteous Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2 Thessalonians 1:12). Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:1. This section serves as the opening of the epistle, establishing the authors, audience, and immediately addressing the Thessalonians' faith and persecution, leading into the theme of divine justice.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse describes the consequence of rejecting the gospel, which is part of Paul's explanation of God's righteous judgment. It contrasts with the rest and glorification promised to believers, providing comfort to the persecuted Thessalonians by assuring them of divine justice. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The Lord Jesus Christ is presented as the one who will be revealed from heaven, bringing vengeance and executing this everlasting destruction. He is the one from whose presence and glory this judgment proceeds, highlighting His ultimate authority and power as judge. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a solemn warning about the eternal consequences of rejecting God and His gospel, emphasizing the urgency of knowing God and obeying the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It also encourages believers to endure persecution, trusting in God's righteous judgment and the future rest He promises. interpretation
Cited: 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:10
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
- be Isa 33:14 Isa 66:24 Dan 12:2 Matt 25:41,46 Matt 26:24 Mark 9:43-49 Luke 16:25-26 John 5:14
- from the presence Gen 3:8 Gen 4:16 Job 21:14 Job 22:17 Ps 16:11 Ps 51:11 Matt 7:23 Matt 22:13
- the glory 2 Thess 2:8 Deut 33:2 Isa 2:10,19,21 Matt 16:27 Matt 24:30 Titus 2:13 Rev 20:11
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.