Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Thessalonians 1

Paul uses ancient letter writing customs. Instead of the usual greeting, he blesses them with grace and peace.

God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are the co-equal source of grace and peace. The Thessalonians' hope relied on God's grace (2:16). Even during times when Christians were treated badly, they could feel peace from God (3:16).

After thanking God for the Thessalonian church, the apostle Paul writes about persecution (1:3–4). This had become worse since his first letter (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14; 3:3–4). God will ease their suffering and judge those who persecute the church (2 Thessalonians 1:5–10).

• Brothers: Greek adelphoi, a term for family members, both male and female.

• thank God: The apostle Paul starts by expressing thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith and love, and how they are enduring (1:4). These are key Christian virtues (see 1 Corinthians 13:13; Colossians 1:4–5; Hebrews 10:21–24; 1 Peter 2:1–22). These virtues were increasing in the church despite the bad treatment they encountered (2 Thessalonians 1:5).

Paul praised the Thessalonians' perseverance and faith to other churches. This praise would encourage the Thessalonians to remain strong and loyal despite persecution (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 3:3–4).

Those whom God calls to enter his kingdom will suffer for it (Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).

• rest: This refers to relief from suffering.

• Paul talks about Christ’s “coming” several times (2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23). Here, he says when the Lord Jesus is revealed, since he is not currently visible in a physical form (compare 1 Peter 1:7–8; 4:13).

• They will encounter punishment for rejecting the message about Christ (1:8).

• Eternal destruction (see 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 1 Timothy 6:9) is an endless separation from the Lord.

• The phrase separated from the Lord refers to the source of the judgment that is coming (Isaiah 2:10, 19, 21).

that day: This refers to the day of the Lord (see 2:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2–4; see “The Day of the Lord” Theme Note).

Paul assures the Thessalonian Christians that God promises justice for both them and those who persecute them (1:5–10). Future salvation means doing hard work now, so Paul prays they will be worthy when Christ returns.

• Will count you worthy of His calling: Paul had reminded the Thessalonians that God called them to act in a way God would consider worthy (1 Thessalonians 2:12; see also Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10).

• Paul prayed that God would give the Thessalonian Christians the power to live and work in a way that would please God.

Those who persecuted the Thessalonians rejected the name of our Lord Jesus (1:8). But Jesus will ultimately be glorified through the lives of Christians. Christians will also share in his honor (2:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; see Romans 8:17–18; Colossians 3:4; see Isaiah 66:5)