2 Thessalonians 1
by Pastor David Groendyk

This second letter written to the church in Thessalonica bears many striking similarities to the first letter. Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith, hope, and love in both letters (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3–4). He also commends them for their steadfastness amidst persecution in both letters (1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 1:4). We can tell that the persecution this church is enduring has not gone away in between these two letters. Moreover, this church still needs teaching about the second coming of Christ. Christ’s return took up a good portion of the first letter (1 Thess. 4:13–5:11), but almost the entirety of this second letter deals with that topic. Chapter 1 explains the return of Christ. Chapter 2 explains the rebellion of the antichrist. Chapter 3 explains the responsibilities of Christians.

In light of the church’s suffering, Paul seeks to comfort and reassure them. He says that their persecution and afflictions are “evidence of the righteous judgment of God” (v. 5). What does he mean by that? Since these faithful believers are continuing to stand fast through their trials, it is evidence that God really is on their side, he really is preparing them for heaven, he really is going to bring judgment on their enemies, and he really is going to publicly vindicate his people on the Day of Judgment. Sanctification despite suffering is proof that God’s righteous plan really is at work. Look at what the day of Christ’s return will mean for God’s people in this text. God will bring repayment and vengeance upon all of his and our enemies (vv. 6, 8–9). God will give rest and relief to all of his faithful children (v. 7). And we will marvel at and glorify our God (v. 10). When our own faith, love, and hope increase in the midst of our trials, it is evidence that God’s plan is working towards its righteous, just, and glorious end.

Paul is trying to give these believers the right mindset when thinking about suffering. To paraphrase a section from John Stott’s commentary: When we see our country and world actively working against Christians (both as a whole and individually/personally), it is often our habit to see only surface appearances, and, therefore, to make superficial comments. When we see evil at work with no apparent end in sight, we’re prone to ask, “Why isn’t God doing something?” when, in fact, he is doing something. He might not be overturning all the wickedness that’s happening, but he is always at work qualifying his people for heaven, and he is allowing the wicked to triumph only temporarily so that the just judgment will finally fall even harder on the last day. Rather than asking, “What is God going to do to get Christians out of this?” we should try asking, “How is God getting the glory in the midst of this?” One way he is always getting the glory is through our own perseverance and growth in faith, hope, and love.

Paul even helpfully gives us one very practical application at the end of this chapter: pray (vv. 11–12). Pray for one another that we would grow in our sanctification and that we would more and more grow in Christlikeness. Pray for one another that faith, hope, and love would increase. Pray that we would be strengthened to do every good work and every work of faith. Pray that we would rely on God’s own power rather than our own to do these things. And pray that God would be glorified through it all.