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2 Thessalonians Chapter One                            

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Remembrance of the Church in the Lord

A.  Introduction (v.1-2):

1.  The writer and receiver (v.1);

2.  Greeting (v.2);

B.  Thanksgiving for the Church (v.3-5):

1.  For their faith and love grow and abound (v.3);

2.  For their patience and faith endure in tribulations (v.4-5):

a.This is a testimony to all the churches (v.4);

b.This is the manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God (v.5a);

c.  This is the evidence that they are counted worthy of the kingdom of God (v.5b);

C.  Comfort to the church in tribulations (v.6-10):

1.  God is righteous and will surely repay with tribulation (v.6):

a.He will repay with tribulation those who trouble you (v.6);

b.He will give those who are troubled rest (v.7a);

2.  The time and condition of God’s righteous judgment (v.7b-10):

a.When the Lord is revealed from heaven in flaming fire (v.7b);

b.He will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel (v.8);

c.  They shall be punished with everlasting destruction (v.9);

d.When the Lord comes He shall be glorified in His saints (v.10);

D.  Intercession for the church (v.11-12):

1.  The items of intercession:

a.May God would count you worthy of this calling (v.11a);

b.May God fulfill all the good pleasure and the work with power (v.11b);

2.  The purpose of intercession ---- that the name of our Lord may be glorified in the church and the church in Him (v.12);

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

2Thess. 1:1 “Paul Silvanus and Timothy To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

   YLT: “Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus to the assembly of Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:”

   Literal Meaning: this verse is exactly the same with the first verse of the first book. Please refer to the commentary of the first book (1:1a).

    “God the Father” the God is not only the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ but also the Father of all believers.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The church of God the Father (Gal. 1:13) is also the church of the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:22).

2)    Once the church has gone away from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ she will be no longer called the church.

3)    The church is never of any spiritual giant. Therefore every time when we mention the church in a certain place we shall never call it “the church of someone” for it sins against God.

 

2Thess. 1:2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   YLT: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!”

   Literal Meaning: please refer to the commentary of the first Book (1:1b). Note that “grace” is always before “peace”. We can only enjoy true peace after we have received grace. 

    “From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” it indicates that God the Father is the origin of grace and peace. And the Lord Jesus is the channel through whom only believers are enabled to receive grace and peace from God the Father.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The most significant mission of the church on the earth today is shining for the Lord and bearing the glorious testimony of the Lord. For this sake we shall receive the grace of God from God unceasingly so that we shall shine the light of life.

2)    Satan hates the church mostly and schemes to attack the church by all sorts of means. Therefore we shall experience more peace of God in all persecutions and tribulations so as not to be moved.

 

2Thess. 1:3 “We are bound to thank God always for you brethren as it is fitting because your faith grows exceedingly and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other

   YLT: “We ought to give thanks to God always for you brethren as it is meet because increase greatly doth your faith and abound doth the love of each one of you all to one another;”

   Meaning of Words: fitting”: deserving suitable due reward worthy; “grow exceedingly”: increase above ordinary degree; “abound”: multiply increase be more;

   Literal Meaning: brethren” from verse three to ten in the original it is a long sentence. In the beginning of this sentence Paul calls them “brethren” to express his inter intimate sentiment toward the church in tribulations. 

We are bound to thank God always for you” “are bound to”: have to; “always” tells us that the thanksgiving is not accidental but frequent. “Thank God…for you” it shows that the good performance of believers in Thessalonica shall be own to the works of God on them so Paul thanks God.

“As it is fitting” “be bound to” emphasizes what is bound to be done toward God. Here “fitting” shows it is just of doing so toward believers in Thessalonica. In other words the former (“be bound to”) refers to the responsibility of the Lord’s worker and the latter (“be bound to”) is the right that believers are worthy to obtain.

“Because you faith grows exceedingly” “grows exceedingly” it means growing beyond the normal speed. Faith is as a grain of mustard seed (Matt. 17:20) and will grow. At first Paul was anxious about the faith of believers in Thessalonica (see 1Thess. 3:5). Later though he was comforted he still found the shortage and hoped to perfect what is lacking in their faith (see 1Thess. 3:7 10). And now Paul felt that the growth of their faith is beyond his expectation so it is worthy of thanksgiving to God.

“And the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” “abound” it refers to the increase in both quantity and quality. “Grow exceedingly” emphasizes the growth of an organism and “abound” emphasizes the increase of quantity. Therefore it indicates that the love of believers in Thessalonica among one another has spread from the whole church (see 1Thess. 4:9-10) to each individual of the church (every one of you).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Thanksgiving to God is not only believers’ privilege but rather our duty and responsibility. We “are bound to” always thank God.

2)    Everyone who is called as “brother” shall have something that makes others thank God for him.

3)    Though the servants of the Lord may unavoidably suffer difficulties and hardship in works once they see the growth of the saints whom they serve in the Lord they cannot but give thanks to God.

4)    If we are able to find the works of the living and true God from us and believers around us we will naturally give thanks to Him.

5)    God is perfectly worthy of our thanksgiving. What God has done to us will never be less than our thanks to Him. However our thanksgiving always fails to come up with the grace of God.

6)    Today there are many Christians who have openly obtained the blessing and goodness from God but they do not thank God but thank men. It is really not “fitting”!

7)    The most highly lethal weapon against Satan is praise. The best way of overcoming hardship is thanksgiving.

8)    The increase of faith is endless. The unceasing growth is good and exceeding growth is better.

9)    Love is not sufficient if it does not “abound”. And brotherly affection is not sufficient if there is no love to all (2Pet. 1:7).

10) The growth of faith is a kind of inner growth which grows with the increase of the experience of God in the inner life. Love is a kind of external increase which abounds with the daily life and the increase of the contact with the saints.

11) Tribulation makes us selfish. However if tribulation is linked with grace and faith love will be produced for the faith in such condition is “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). When Christians are in afflictions their faith will rise upon God and their love will be unto brothers and sisters.

 

2Thess. 1:4 “so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure

   YLT: “so that we ourselves do glory in you in the assemblies of God for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye bear;”

  Meaning of Words: patience”: endurance constancy patient continuance; “persecutions”: follow after press forward; “tribulations”: trouble pressure;

   Literal Meaning: “so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God” “we ourselves” it is emphatic. It seems to be uncommon of boasting of the church Paul himself has built among all the churches. If it is not because the church in Thessalonica has outstanding performance Paul may not mention the church in Thessalonica among the churches. Note that Paul mentions in the first book (1Thess.1:8) that “we have no need to say anything” and yet now he boasts of them. Therefore the performance of believers in Thessalonica has become more excellent.

“The churches of God” generally it may refer to all the churches built by Paul and other apostles (see 1Cor. 11:16). Here it may relate to all the churches built by Paul.

“In all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure” “you endure” in the original it is present tense showing that the church in Thessalonica at that time is still in persecutions. “All” it refers to not only various persecutions and tribulations but also unceasing persecutions and tribulations for many times. “Persecution” means external infliction or pressure. Here it refers to the troubles caused by the faith of the Lord Jesus (see Rom. 8:35). “Tribulation” means affliction because of pressure and burden. Here it refers to not only all the afflictions caused by persecutions but also all the troubles coming upon them.

“Patience and faith” “patience” in the original is a kind of active power resisting persecutions not passive tolerance. Such patience is produced by the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Thess. 1:3). “Patience and faith” both of them are mentioned together for they are linked together. Patience makes men suffer with steadfastness in tribulations and persistent in faith in persecutions. And faith strengthens their patience.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The character and virtue perfected in the life of believers by the trial of tribulations are the best testimony that may encourage the churches of God.

2)    Tribulations not only help us grow but also foster others to increase. God comforts us so that we will be able to comfort others (2Cor. 1:4-5). We shall not only be the pool of receiving and reserving water but rather the canal and channel of receiving and conveying water.

3)    Our faith shall stand the test of various environments. No matter how difficult the environment is or how fierce the persecution is our faith cannot be shaken.

4)    Faith that has never been tried is unreliable. The life of ease keeps man’s faith in a shallow level. Therefore tribulations and persecutions are the great way of God to strengthen our faith.

5)    Verse three and four not only mention faith and love but also patience. And patience is because of hope. Therefore faith and love and hope are complete. Faith hope and love are the foundation of Christians’ spiritual life as well as the good way for Christians to endure persecutions and tribulations.

6)    If a Christian desires to be pious toward God he must have faith. He who desires to serve men and build the church shall be bound to have love. He who desires to persist with the goal of his life he shall have hope.

 

2Thess. 1:5: “which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer;

   YLT: “a token of the righteous judgment of God for your being counted worthy of the reign of God for which also ye suffer ”

   Meaning of Words: manifest evidence”: clear token indication;

   Literal Meaning: “which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God” “which is…” it relates to the patience and faith of believers in Thessalonica in persecutions and tribulations (see v.4). “The manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God” there are several different explanations as follows:

1)    Their persistent faith is out of God proving that God’s judgment upon them is righteous for God has not forsaken them.

2)    Their persistent faith lets them obtain good testimony in the churches of God. Therefore God allows men to suffer tribulations and grants men comfort in tribulations (see v.4) which proves that God’s judgment is righteous.

3)    Their persistent faith is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God. He will repay the wicked men according to righteousness (see v.6).

4)    Their persistent faith proves that God will judge them to be worthy of the kingdom of God according to righteousness and give them rest in the future (v.7).

5)    Man’s internal heart and external deeds are the evidences of God’s righteous judgment. They are the grounds that decide whether God accepts or gives up someone (Rom. 1:24 26) today and are the proofs through which God will reward men in the future.

6)    Believers keep the persistent faith in tribulations proving the verity of the righteous judgment of God manifested by the gospel. Both believers and unbelievers of the gospel will be under the righteous judgment of God.

The above-mentioned six explanations interpret the righteous judgment of God from different angles seeming to be reasonable respectively and yet not perfect still. We shall accept them selectively and synthesize each valuable point of them.

“That you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God believers are called by God to enter into His kingdom and glory (1Thess. 2:12). As far as the position of Christians is concerned we are already the people of the kingdom of God (Eph. 2:19; 1Pet. 2:9). However in terms of our experience we have not entered into the kingdom of God now (see Acts 14:22). Therefore we have to seek the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). Whether we are counted worthy of the kingdom of God is contingent upon the condition of our present pursuit of God’s kingdom today.

“For which you also suffer” “for which”: for the profit of the kingdom or for the sake of the kingdom;

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Believers shall see the tribulations we suffer with a positive attitude for tribulations will cultivate and improve us thus making us worthy of the kingdom of God.

2)    Only those who are counted worthy will be able to enter into the kingdom of God. It is not all those who call the name of the Lord that shall enter into the kingdom of God but those who do the will of the Father who is in the heavens (Matt. 7:21).

3)    Though many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). The purpose of the gospel is not making men ease on the earth but turning and lifting the eyes of those who are in tribulations upon the heavens. It is not making men live an easy life but changing men’s life.

4)    The sweetest thing of man’s life is obtained from bitterness. Wheat can be used to make bread after being ground. The holy incense will give out the fragrant odour only when it is burnt in the fire. The dust will be fit to sow the seeds after it is dug. In like manner a broken heart shall please God. The sweet joy of man’s life is the fruit of sorrow.

5)    We shall comfort others after we have personally experienced many tribulations. If you desire to be a messenger of comfort if you desire to have part in the gift of mercy if you want to have fresh consolation to uphold brethren in the trials if you long to lead a smooth and profitable life without hurting others you have to pay the cost willingly ---- suffer the tribulations for the Lord.

6)    The chief reason why God lets us suffer tribulations is to remove the natural constitutions in us. That is to say He demolishes the old man of us in order to renew and build the inward new man (2Cor. 4:16). Only those whose spiritual conditions have passed the judgment of God are worthy of the kingdom of God. Therefore it is suffering for the sake of the kingdom of God.

7)    We should be through many tribulations before entering into the kingdom of God. And many tribulations lead us to learn patience. We should recognize: only those who are fellow-partakers of “the tribulations and patience of Jesus” will become the fellow-partakers in His “kingdom” (Rev. 1:9).

8)    The way to the kingdom of God is narrow and difficult (Matt. 7:14) so the kingdom of God is taken by violence (Luke 13:24).

9)    The religionists aim at seeking physical and mental peace and profit. However Christians have enjoyed true peace and grace in afflictions or through tribulations.

10) The common people may apostatize from their original faith because of tribulations. Only a minority have discerned the connotation of faith through tribulations ---- they are true winners.

 

2Thess. 1:6 “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you

   YLT: “since a righteous thing with God to give back to those troubling you -- trouble ”

   Meaning of Words: “repay”: requite recompense render;

   Literal Meaning: “since it is a righteous thing with God” here Paul especially emphasizes the “righteousness” of God (see v.5). It is in tribulations that men may most easily doubt the righteousness of God. 

    “Repay with tribulation those who trouble you” “repay” is different from the word “take vengeance on” in verse eight. This verse emphasizes the tribulations that believers suffer today (see v.4) and God will repay with more serious tribulations those who trouble believers.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God’s bowel is love and the principle of His working is righteousness. If man is unable to meet the demand of God’s righteousness he shall not obtain the loving-kindness of God.

2)    God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man sows that also shall he reap (Gal. 6:7).

3)    Sin and sorrow are linked together. If man sows sins in this age he must reap sorrow at present or in the future.

 

2Thess. 1:7 “and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels

   YLT: “and to you who are troubled -- rest with us in the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with messengers of his power ”

   Meaning of Words: “rest”: relaxation relief liberty peace; “reveal”: appear come manifest;

   Literal Meaning: “and to give you who are troubles” the righteousness of God manifests in those who trouble believers (see v.6) as well as believers who are troubled.

“Rest with us” “rest” refers to the relaxation and relief after sorrow or struggle or labor and it is a restful and peaceful and comfortable state (see 2Cor. 2:13; 7:5). This is the hope of those who are in tribulations as well as the blessing in the kingdom of God. “Rest with us” obvious Paul and his fellow workers were also in tribulations (see 3:2; 1Thess. 2:15). Paul reminded believers in Thessalonica in a euphemistic manner that the Lord’s servants were also experiencing the same tribulations.

“When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” “mighty angels”: possibly it is a certain rank of angels who receive special might to fulfill the will of God; and it also means that these accompanying angels are with the Lord’s power and glory (see Mark 8:38; Matt. 25:31). “Reveal”: the Lord’s second coming; Christ now is hidden and many people even deny His existence. However when He comes again everyone shall see Him and know Him.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Believers suffer the persecutions and tribulations in this world and will be released when the Lord comes again and enter into the Lord’s rest and liberty.

2)    If the affliction believers suffer today is compared with the peace and glory in the future it is only “momentary and light” (2Cor. 4:17) and unworthy (Rom. 8:18).

3)    We Christians shall live for eternity rather than this world. In fact living in the “insight of eternal value” makes our present life significant.

4)    “Rest” is not only being released from sorrows and tribulations but also pleasing the Lord and abiding with Him and enjoying the rest and liberty in the light of His countenance (see v.9).

 

2Thess. 1:8 “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   YLT: “in flaming fire giving vengeance to those not knowing God and to those not obeying the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

   Meaning of Words: “taking vengeance on”: vindication retribution punishment; “know”: be ware behold consider;

   Literal Meaning: “in flaming fire” “flaming fire” symbolizes judgment showing that the Lord shall come to punish sins (see Is. 66:15; Dan. 7:9; Rev. 1:14). Here it especially refers to His terrible majesty and glory (see Heb. 12:18-21 28-29).

“Taking vengeance on” “take vengeance” and “righteousness” share the same source of word. Therefore “take vengeance” here indicates an action of upholding justice which is different from man’s “reprisal” out of malice. To those who suffer reprisal they just “reap as they have sown”.

“Those who do not know God it is not those who have never heard the true God but those who stubbornly despise God and resist confessing Him (see 2:10 12; Rom. 1:28).

“And on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” “not obey the gospel” here it especially means the doubtful attitude toward the person and the redemptive works of the Lord Jesus Christ. He who does not obey the gospel has refused to confess the Lord Jesus.

Both the above-mentioned two kinds of people will be under the righteous punishment of God.

According to the description of this verse some Bible exegetes think there are two groups of men who persecute the church in Thessalonica (see Acts 17:5): 1) the Gentiles who do not know God; 2) the Jews who have a partial knowledge of God and yet neither believe the gospel nor receive the Lord Jesus Christ.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Taking vengeance” is different from “reprisal” for the former is to meet the demand of God’s righteousness and the latter is to give vent to individual hatred.

2)    If one has never heard the gospel he may have the chance of remedy (since it is not clearly mentioned in the Scriptures we are unable to affirm it). However if one purposefully ignores the gospel and always refuses God he cannot pass the buck on that day.

3)    The only way for men to be delivered from the judgment of God is repentance and asking God for remission. However those who have no God in their sight must not receive the forgiveness of God.

 

2Thess. 1:9 “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power

   YLT: “who shall suffer justice -- destruction age-during -- from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his strength ”

   Meaning of Words: destruction”: ruin punishment; “power”: strength might forcefulness; “glory”: dignity honor;

   Literal Meaning: these shall be punished with everlasting destruction” “destruction” it does not coming to nothing but “utter ruin and losing the value of existence”. Here it means they shall be punished with everlasting separation from Christ so they will suffer forever and lose the significance of existence. The everlasting isolation from the Lord is the punishment of sin as well as the nature of the hell.

“From the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” the Lord is a Lord of glory (1Cor. 2:8). Though He was despised and crucified on the earth He has now risen and ascended into the heaven and has been glorified (see John 17:1; Luke 24:26; Heb. 2:9). When He comes again He shall come with mighty glory from the heaven (see v.7; Rev. 10:1; Matt. 25:31). At that time sinners will be under the punishment of departing from the presence of the Lord and namely eternal destruction.

Note that there are three different kinds of God’s judgment in the last days: 1) the judgment before the judgment-seat of the Christ ---- the object is believers (see 2Cor. 5:10); 2) the judgment before the glorious throne of Christ ---- the object is all the nations who are alive on the earth (see Matt. 25:31-46); 3) the judgment before the great white throne ---- the object is men in the world who have no part in the first resurrection (see Rev. 20:6-15).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    If man refuses the light of the gospel now he will not see the glory of the Lord’s power. Today the light of the gospel condemns their unbelief and the manifestation of the Lord’s coming will destroy them (2Thess. 2:8).

2)    All those who lead a life which seems to have no god will depart from the presence of God in the coming age and shall not enjoy His glory.

3)    The true meaning of hell is eternal isolation from God which is most unendurable punishment to men. 

 

2Thess. 1:10 “when He comes in that Day to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe because our testimony among you was believed.

   YLT: “when He may come to be glorified in his saints and to be wondered at in all those believing – because our testimony was believed among you -- in that day;”

   Meaning of Words: “come”: appear fall out; “admire”: marvel wonder have in admiration;

   Literal Meaning: “when He comes to be glorified in His saints” when the Lord comes again His glory will be manifested in His believers. Such glory is Christ himself who has now dwelt in us (see Col. 1:27). On one hand He unceasingly renews and changes the whole man of us (see Col. 3:10; Rom. 12:2). And on the other hand when we are caught to see the Lord our body shall be transformed into conformity to his body of glory (see 1Cor. 15:51-54; Rom. 8:23 29; 1John 3:2). This is that He is glorified in the saints and His glory is manifested from the saints.

“In that Day … and to be admired among all those who believe “that Day” refers to the day of the Lord’s coming. In that Day the glory of the Lord manifested in those who believe is that which eyes has not seen and ear not heard and which has not come into man’s heart (1Cor. 2:8-9). Therefore they admire for such situation.

“Because our testimony among you was believed” the preachment of the gospel is testifying all the works of Christ done in men including redemption regeneration transformation etc. until when men are like Him.

Controversial Clarification: “is glorified in His saints” some Bible exegetes interpret “saints” as angels. However according to the context it is proper to interpret it as believer (see v.12).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Lord’s salvation shall not only bring us into glory (Heb. 2:10) but also transform us into conformity to his body of glory (Phil.3:21). It is not only the translation of the objective position but also the transformation of the subjective nature.

2)    We shall not despise the works of the Lord in believers. Today we see little spiritual transformation with physical eyes. However in that Day we shall greatly admire for each believer is the “workmanship” of God (Eph. 2:10).

3)    See that we do not despise anyone in the church (Matt. 18:10) for the Lord has chosen Him and shall manifest His glory on Him.

 

2Thess. 1:11 “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power

   YLT: “for which also we do pray always for you that our God may count you worthy of the calling and may fulfil all the good pleasure of goodness and the work of the faith in power ”

  Meaning of Words: worthy”: deem entitled fit count worthy; “fulfill”: make replete complete make full perfect accomplish; “pleasure”: desire seem good delight;

  Literal Meaning: therefore we also pray always for youtherefore” for the sake of (see v.10); “always”: unceasing;

“That our God would count you worthy of this calling count”: from the perspective of God not the perspective of man; worthy of this calling it indicates that the daily life after we have called and the condition of inner life should be worthy of our calling and mission. Otherwise we are unable to give an account to God. 

“And fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness good pleasure of His goodness” every good purpose and work of faith are of God. Therefore Paul prays to God to fulfill them.

“And the work of faith with power” it is the work motivated by faith (see 1Thess. 1:3).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christians are widely reviled because of the inconformity of their works with their identity ---- they say and do not (see Matt. 23:3); their walking is unworthy of the gospel of Christ (see Phil. 1:27).

2)    Believers shall firstly desire all the goodness of God with purpose and then ask God for help (see Acts. 11:23).

3)    Our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men but in God’ power (2Cor. 2:5). It is God who works His great power in us after we have been saved both the willing and working for His good pleasure (see Phil. 2:13).

4)    Though we believers are weak Christ in us is not weak. Christ is powerful in us. We are weak but He is powerful and shall fulfill all good works in us with great power.

 

2Thess. 1:12 “that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   YLT: “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 Lord Jesus Christ.”

   Literal Meaning: “that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” “name”: in the ancient times the name of a man is often the sign of him as well as his character “the name of our Lord Jesus” it is Christ Himself and His life and nature.

“May be glorified in you it means that when the life and work of believers are completely worthy of the calling of God (see v.11) the glory of Christ will be manifested among them. That is to say Christ is glorified among them. In other words Christ is magnified in them (Phil. 1:20).

“And you in Him believers’ glorifying the Lord is totally on account of the works of Christ in them so we are also glorified in Him.

“According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” “grace”: the graciousness of God given to me in the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:4). Since it is the grace of God it is also the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor. 16:23). Through the grace we will be enabled to glorify the Lord and glorified in the Lord.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Glorifying the Lord’s name shall be the goal and principle of believers’ walking in the world ---- “whatever you do do all things to God's glory” (1Cor. 10:31).

2)    Believers should glorify the name of the Lord among us through all the good pleasure of His goodness (see v.11) fulfilled by the great power of God. Therefore when the Lord comes again we shall glorify the Lord among us (see v.10).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Reasons for the Firmness of the Church

A.  For she has faithful servants of the Lord (v.1a);

B.  For she has solid foundation in God the Father and Christ (v.1b);

C.  For believers have obtained grace and peace (v.2);

D.  For the faith of believers grow exceedingly (v.3a);

E.  For the love of believers abounds toward each other (v.3b);

F.  For the patience and faith of believers endure in persecutions and tribulations (v.4);

 

The Relation of God with Believers in the Past at Present and in the Future

A.  What God had done for believers in the past (v.1-4):

1. He is the safeguard of believers ---- the church is in Him (v.1);

2. He is the provision of believers ---- grace and peace are given by Him (v.2);

3. He makes believers increase ---- faith grows exceedingly and love abounds (v.3);

4. He makes believers stand ---- patience and faith endure in all persecutions and tribulations (v.4);

B.  What God shall do for believers in the future (v.5-10):

1. He judges that believers are worthy of the kingdom of God according to his righteousness (v.5);

2. He repays with tribulation those who trouble believers (v.6);

3. When the Lord comes again He shall give believers who are troubled rest (v.7).

4. He shall also punish those who are wicked with everlasting destruction (v.8-9).

5. In that Day He will be glorified in those who believe (v.10).

C.  What God is doing for believers at present (v.11-12):

1. He encourages believers to lead a life worthy of the calling (v.11a).

2. He fulfills all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power (v.11b).

3. He lets the name of the Lord glorified in them according to His grace (v.12).

 

Why Paul Praises the Church in Thessalonica

A.  For their faith grows exceedingly (v.3b);

B.  For the love of them abounds toward each other (v.3b);

C.  For their patience and faith endure in all persecutions and tribulations (v.4b);

D.  For their testimony has helped all the churches of God (v.4a);

 

Know the Judgment of God

A.  The reason of judgment ---- God is righteous (v.6a);

B.  The result of judgment ---- he who is unrighteous will suffer affliction and he who is righteous shall obtain peace (v.6b-7a);

C.  The executioner of judgment ---- the Lord Jesus with His mighty angels (v.7b);

D.  The object of judgment ---- those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel (v.8);

E.  The sentence of judgment ---- they will be punished with everlasting destruction (v.9);

F.  The time of judgment ---- in the Day of the Lord’s coming that shall be admired (v.10);

G.  The removal of judgment ---- those whom God count worthy of His calling (v.11-12);

 

The Purposes of Paul’s Prayer for the Church in Thessalonica

(Or the Goals of Believers’ Pursuit at Present)

A.  May God the Father would count you worthy of this calling (v.11a);

B.  May God fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness with power (v.11b);

C.  May God fulfill the work of faith with power (v.11c);

D.  May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in them (or us) according to the grace of God and Christ (v.12a);

E.  May they (or we) are glorified in Him according to the grace of God and Christ (v.12b);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou