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2 Thessalonians 1

12 verses

TL;DR

Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus thank the Thessalonian believers for their growing faith and love, assure them of God’s righteous judgment against their persecutors, and encourage them to remain steadfast for the coming glorification of Christ.

Summary

Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church in Thessalonica, beginning with grace and peace from God and Christ. They express gratitude for the believers’ growing faith and mutual love, commending their perseverance amid persecution. The authors affirm that this endurance demonstrates God’s righteous judgment, and that God will recompense those who trouble the church. They describe the future vindication of the saints, including the Lord’s return with mighty angels, the burning judgment upon those who deny God, and the eternal destruction of the wicked. Finally, they pray that the Thessalonians will be worthy of their calling, that Christ’s name be glorified in them, and that the grace of God continues to work in them.

Outline
  1. Thanksgiving for faith and love
  2. Assurance of God’s righteous judgment and vindication
  3. Encouragement to remain steadfast and honor Christ
Themes
Gratitude and PraiseRighteous Judgment and VindicationHope and Perseverance
Keywords
gratitudeperseverancejudgmentvindicationlovefaithhope
People
PaulSilvanusTimotheusthe Lord Jesus ChristGod
Places
ThessalonicaHeaven
Things
gracepeacefaithcharitypersecutiontribulationrighteous judgmentrecompenseflaming fireeverlasting destructionglorysaintstestimonycalling
Key Verses
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8: Describes God's vindication and the burning judgment of the wicked, highlighting divine justice and hope for the believers
Questions
  • What does Paul mean by "righteous judgment" in this context?
  • How does the description of the Lord’s return encourage believers to endure suffering?
  • In what ways can the church today apply the assurance of divine vindication to modern persecution?
Sentiment

mixed
Encouraging gratitude and hope tempered by a warning of judgment against persecutors.