1:1–2
Paul uses ancient letter writing customs. Instead of the usual greeting, he blesses them with grace and peace.
Study notes
2 Thessalonians 1
1:1–12 Section
The believers in Thessalonica were being treated badly for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul thanked God that they didn’t give up.
He thanked God that they kept growing in faith and love even while they suffered. Paul used them as an example to encourage other churches. It was clear that the Thessalonians brought glory to Jesus by being faithful witnesses.
Yet their lives were full of trouble because of people who opposed their faith. Paul comforted them and gave them hope. Upon Jesus’ return to earth there will be a judgement day. God will stop people’s evil actions.
The people who treated the Thessalonians badly refused to accept that Jesus is Lord. In this way they refused to be part of the kingdom of God. Paul told the Thessalonian believers about his prayer for them.
He prayed that God would continue to work in them and to bless their good desires. The Thessalonians made every effort to do good based on their faith in Jesus. God’s power and grace made good things happen because of their efforts.
1:2
1:3
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).
1:3–10
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).
1:4
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).
1:5
Those whom God calls to enter his kingdom will suffer for it (Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).
1:7
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).
1:9
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).
1:10
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).
1:11
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.
1:11–12
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.
1:12
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)
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources