2Thessalonians Chapter 1

Salutation

Pau/loj kai. Silouano.j kai. Timo,qeoj th/| evkklhsi,a| Qessalonike,wn evn qew/| patri. h`mw/n kai. kuri,w| VIhsou/ Cristw/|(

1:1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy (N M S {3x} + c.c. {2x} Pau/loj kai. Silouano.j kai. Timo,qeoj Paulos; Silouanos; Timotheos) to the church of the Thessalonians (D F S w/d.a. h` evkklhsi,a to the church + G M P Qessalonikeu,j of Thessalonians) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (prep w/ L M S (sph) evn qeo,j in God + L M S path,r patr Father + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + c.c. kai, and + L M S (sph) ku,rioj VIhsou/j Cristo,j Lord Jesus Christ)

ca,rij u`mi/n kai. eivrh,nh avpo. qeou/ patro.j kai. kuri,ou VIhsou/ Cristou/Å

1:2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (N F S ca,rij charis grace + D 2p su, to you all + c.c. kai, and + N F S eivrh,nh eirn peace + prep w/ Ab M S (source) avpo, qeo,j path,r from God the Father (SOME MSS INSERT G 1P PRO OUR, WITHOUT STRONG EVIDENCE) + c.c. kai, and + G M S ku,rioj VIhsou/j Cristo,j the Lord Jesus Christ)

1) This letter is written by the same three men who authored the first epistle to this Local Church, and the greeting is essentially the same as the first, with two additions:
a) the pronoun our with Father our Father stresses the relationship we have with Him, while Father used alone stresses His person.
b) the addition of from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to the greeting of grace to you and peace the Father and Lord are the source of this blessing, the single preposition places them on a level of equality (Jesus is as much Deity as is the Father).
2) This LCh, the same group as 1Thess, was composed of the positive believers in the city of Thessalonica, and is described as being in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, a reference to Positional Truth.
3) Each local body of believers is a part of a greater unity, those who are in God and Christ the Church Universal all believers who have lived in the Church Age.
4) We are all joined into this eternal, unbreakable union at the point of salvation via the Baptism of the HS. 1Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
5) The ultimate security is found in that position. Jn 10:28-30
6) Both members of the Godhead are named as the source of the greeting, extending grace and peace (it is the HS that provides the information that leads to grace and peace {Jn 16:13}, but the Source is said to be the Father and Son).
7) Grace is Gods unmerited and undeserved favor, which He bestows to all men, yet without violating the righteousness and justice satisfied by the work of His Son.
8) Gods attitude toward all men, His wish for mankind, is for all to experience fully the magnificent nature of His grace and the peace which is available. 1Tim 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. cp Jn 8:31-32
9) However, this only comes to those who are in compliance with His Will one who is a believer must also avail themselves of what is freely given (intake and application).
10) Ph1 grace and peace is the lot of all who believe; Ph2 grace and peace is available to all, but only enjoyed by those who will continue in faith in Gods Word. Heb 12:6-11
11) Grace refers to all aspects of grace (Jn 1:17):
a) saving grace Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
b) living grace Mt 6:31-33
c) super grace (all that is required to achieve maturity) 2Cor 6:1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain
d) dying grace Phi 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better
e) surpassing grace (SG3) Eph 2:7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
12) Peace refers to all aspects of well-being beginning with Ph1 peace, or reconciliation, to the Ph2 peace that one enjoys with God and men as they apply BD in their lives. Rom 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 12:18

Thanksgiving as an Obligation

Euvcaristei/n ovfei,lomen tw/| qew/| pa,ntote peri. u`mw/n( avdelfoi,( kaqw.j a;xio,n evstin( o[ti u`perauxa,nei h` pi,stij u`mw/n kai. pleona,zei h` avga,ph e`no.j e`ka,stou pa,ntwn u`mw/n eivj avllh,louj(

1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, (P A I 1p ovfei,lw opheil we ought/must; we are obligated + P A If euvcariste,w euchariste to give thanks + D M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j to the God + adv pa,ntote always + prep w/ G 2p pro peri, su, about/concerning you + V M P avdelfo,j brothers) as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, (adv kaqw,j just/exactly as + P I 3s eivmi, is + N N S adj a;xioj axios (LIT WEIGHING AS MUCH AS) worthy/deserving/fitting + exp con o[ti because/that (REASON FOR THANKS) + N F S w/d.a. h` pi,stij the faith + G 2p pro su, of you; your + P A I 3s u`perauxa,nw huperauxan (1x) (COMP LIT = INCREASE ABOVE MEASURE) greatly enlarges) and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; (c.c (adj) kai, and also + N F S w/d.a. h` avga,ph the love) + G M S adj & card adj e[kastoj ei-j hekastos heis of each one + G M P pa/j (GT = pa,ntwn) of all + G 2p pro su, of you + prep w/ Ac M P ref pro eivj avllh,lwn toward/unto one another + P A I 3s pleona,zw pleonadz grows greater; greatly abounds)

Lit word order to give thanks, we are obligated to God always concerning you, brothers, just as fitting it is, because it increases above measure, your faith, and greatly abounds, the love of one of each of all of you unto one another

1) This verse begins a lengthy section in which there is no real grammatical break, and is concluded at the end of vs 10.
2) Instead of the usual we give thanks, as is common in Pauls other writings, he expresses their thanksgiving in the form of an obligation. (this phrase occurs only here and in 2:13)
3) The verb opheil speaks of a duty, obligation, or debt which one is required to satisfy; an obligation or necessity called for by law, duty, reason, the times, by nature, or by the very matter under consideration. cp Lk 17:10; Jn 13:14; 1Cor 8:2; Eph 5:28; 2Th 3:7; 1Jn 4:11
4) It expresses the personal nature of the obligation one has toward something or someone else here, the obligation of Paul (and any communicator) to render thanksgiving to God for the response of positive volition toward the teaching of Bible Doctrine.
5) This is a part of the normal prayer life of the communicator, and should be for each believer: the returning or repaying of God with thanksgiving for the positive volition of others.
6) Paul and Co. were quite pleased with the attitude toward BD which this group had manifested, and continued to display. cp Gal 3:3
7) This gratitude is not merely subjective, as found in the phrase as is only fitting, which strongly expresses that thankfulness for these believers is justified.
8) Pauls use of a;xioj axios indicates he considered thanksgiving to God of equal value and comparable worth to the application of these believers.
9) Their objective, actual spiritual condition was one which was deserving of commendation problems, shortcomings, and misunderstandings aside, the pursuit of BD is what counts.
10) Paul was thoroughly aware of the problems these believers had, and he was certainly aware of their relative immaturity; nevertheless, he did not allow their failures to blind him to their strong points and successes.
11) Principle: the communicator is very likely aware of the problems, foibles (an idiosyncrasy, bad habit, or eccentricity), and foolishnesses of those whom he teaches, but he is also aware of, and grateful for, their general attitude toward the truth, and intensity regarding BD.
12) These believers were relatively immature, and very off-balance in some areas; nevertheless, Paul recognized that they were ultimately positive and wanted to do Gods will (which caused great rejoicing on his part, as a natural and normal result).
13) Therefore, whatever corrective was needed would be supplied and these believers would continue to advance and outgrow their problems, under the grace of God and Pauls tutelage.
14) Two specific areas which prompted the thanksgiving of the team are mentioned: their faith and their love toward one another.
15) In both cases the verb stands emphatically forward in the sentence structure, dramatically stressing the measure of growth that was occurring.
16) The first ground of thanksgiving was their faith: the first epistle had been written in response to their faith in what they had been taught, but the more recent news indicated that they were continuing to grow and advance in that teaching.
17) These believers not only heard the doctrine and accepted it as the Word of God, they actively embraced it and put it into play in their daily lives.
18) Application: the initial response of a group of believers to the Truth causes rejoicing on the part of adjusted believers who hear of it, but their continued response, even under adversity, causes an equal or surpassing level of thanksgiving.
19) The verb Paul uses to describe their growth in faith is one which expresses that their faith was growing in a way beyond natural expectation.
20) They did so well because they accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God. 1Th 2:13
21) The second ground of thanksgiving deals with the fact that love, the expression of BD toward one another, was present in great abundance in that LCh.
1) The verb used for the growth of their faith (u`perauxa,nw huperauxan) suggests an inward growth (cp Mt 6:28 auvxa,nw), while the verb for their love to one another (pleona,zw pleonadz) implies an outward diffusion (cp 2Cor 4:15).
23) Love is the choice each one of us must make to place other believers above ourselves, to place their interests above our own. cp Phi 2:3-8
24) Some only want to apply toward others when it is convenient, comfortable, or when the recipients meet certain standards; this attitude of selfishness is the antithesis of Divine love, and literally will kill love.
25) Since he had mentioned these two qualities as objects of his prayers for them, it is only natural that he would now record that those prayers had been answered. cp 1Th 3:10, 12
26) What is obviously missing here is any reference to hope, probably omitted intentionally since that was an area for which Paul could not truly give thanks, due to their lack of orientation.
27) That is the general reason for this letter, a doctrinal corrective for their lack of orientation regarding the details of their hope.

Boasting on Their Behalf and Its Reason

w[ste auvtou.j h`ma/j evn u`mi/n evgkauca/sqai evn tai/j evkklhsi,aij tou/ qeou/ u`pe.r th/j u`pomonh/j u`mw/n kai. pi,stewj evn pa/sin toi/j diwgmoi/j u`mw/n kai. tai/j qli,yesin ai-j avne,cesqe(

1:4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God (infer con w[ste consequently; therefore (expresses result) + Ac M 1p pro auvto,j ourselves + Ac 1p pro evgw, we + P D If evgkauca,omai enkauchaomai (GT = evgkauca/sqai) continue to boast/express pride + prep w/ L 2p pro (sph) evn su, in you + prep w/ L F S w/d.a. evn h` evkklhsi,a ekklsia in/among the churches + G M S w/d.a. (poss) o` qeo,j of the God) for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. (prep w/ G F S w/d.a. u`pe,r h` u`pomonh, hupomon for the sake of/on account of the perseverance/patience + G 2p pro su, of you; your + c.c. kai, and + G F S pi,stij faith (COVERED BY THE PREP, ANOTHER CAUSE OF THEIR BOASTING) + prep w/ L M P adj & n w/d.a. evn pa/j o` diwgmo,j digmos in all the persecutions (LIT CHASE OR PURSUE) + G 2p pro su, of you; your + c.c. kai, and + L F P w/d.a. h` qli/yij in the afflictions/oppressions + L F P rel pro o[j which + P M I 2p avne,cw anech (GT = avne,cesqe) you endure (COMP TO HAVE FROM ABOVE/AGAIN, HENCE TO BE UNDER SOMETHING, THEN TO PUT UP WITH THE SAME SUFFERING REPEATEDLY))


1) The conjunction hste introduces a result that the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians had on the writers, and the emphatic we, ourselves stresses that this was an unusual situation for Paul, to be engaged in boasting at this level about a particular congregation.
2) This is certainly a commendation of these believers and should serve to encourage them and lift their spirits under the testing which they were facing.
3) It is conceivable from the distinction between we ourselves and you (the Greek places them in direct contrast), that Paul was encouraging some of the Thessalonians who might have felt unworthy of the praise he gave in 1Thessalonians, as if to say we are proud of you; whether you have failed or not, you continue to grow.
4) Another possibility is that the team, usually reluctant to boast in their own successes, could not be restrained from adding their praise to the reports of their converts faith.
5) The example of the Thessalonians steadfastness under BD was being spread abroad by others (1Th 1:8), but their tenacity and faithfulness brought forth praise even from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. cp 2Cor 8:1-5
6) These believers gave Paul cause to be proud and a cause to engage in sanctified boasting another reason for the debt of thanksgiving owed to God, from vs 3.
7) The arena of their bragging on these believers was in the churches of God, the areas of his ministry those outside could not and would not understand his pride.
8) The content of his bragging on these believers consisted of two specific items: their patience and their faith.
1) Patience is the Greek u`pomonh, hupomon , a compound from hupo (under or beneath) and meno (to abide or remain); it stresses patience in regard to the circumstances of life.
10) It depicts life as a patient bearing of stress and pressure, a weight on the shoulders which the adjusted believer endures and waits for God to change. cp Lk 9:23 And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
11) In this case it refers to the fact that the Thessalonians did not allow the persecutions and pressures of the CWL to cause them to react, and surrender to the STA.
12) The STA does not enjoy (in fact, will not tolerate) suffering it is foreign to its nature; like water, the STA seeks the path of least resistance, that which is comfortable and appealing to itself and its lust grid.
13) Patience is not, therefore, stoic resignation toward the events and circumstances of life, it is heroic endurance based on the fact that one is involved in the correct cause.
14) Based on the fact that we realize all the untoward situations of life will, in the twinkling of an eye, be changed to permanent bliss, we are enabled to tolerate (and even rejoice in) whatever is unpleasant during our temporal lives.
15) The second item, faith, refers to their adherence to the doctrine they had learned, in spite of the fact that everything around them told them it was not working or true.
16) They continued to faith-rest their problems, persecutions, and sufferings, committing them to the Lord and not looking for or taking easier (but hvpt) solutions.
17) Their patience and faith was not manifested under simple or easy circumstances, but was active under all their suffering and maltreatment by negative volition.
18) Those who are light and salt (Mt 5:13-14) are a constant source of irritation to those who live in darkness the unbelieving, who reject the Plan of God and resent those who embrace and espouse it.
19) These believers endured the rejection of the cosmos at large, and the specific rejection of friends and family (for whom they no doubt cared greatly and loved), when they embraced the cause of Christ, recognizing the principle of Mt 10:29-30.
20) The term persecutions designates the hostility which they endured from people; afflictions refers to the pressures and painful experiences that had come to them in general; the adjective all indicates that these experiences were numerous and varied.
21) The Present Tense of endure shows that they were continuing to maintain their poise, facing whatever came their way with the Truth of Bible doctrine, and were living as conquerors, not as defeated troops. cp Rom 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
22) Their attitude and application in the face of these things was a tremendous source of encouragement for their spiritual leaders. cp 2Cor 7:4-7

Who is Worthy of the Kingdom?

e;ndeigma th/j dikai,aj kri,sewj tou/ qeou/ eivj to. kataxiwqh/nai u`ma/j th/j basilei,aj tou/ qeou/( u`pe.r h-j kai. pa,scete(

1:5 This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment (N N S e;ndeigma endeigma (1x) evidence/proof (LIT A THING POINTED OUT OR PROVED) + G F S w/d.a. adj & n h` di,kaioj kri,sij of the righteous judgment (FROM kri,nw KRIN TO SEPARATE, MAKE A DISTINCTION, TO CHOOSE OR SELECT, TO APPROVE ONE THING OVER ANOTHER, TO JUDGE OR PASS JUDGMENT; HENCE A DECISION CONCERNING RIGHT OR WRONG) + G M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j of the God) so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, (prep w/ Ac P If w/d.a. (purp) eivj to. kataxio,w kataxio (GT = kataxiwqh/nai) in order to be considered/counted worthy/deserving + Ac 2p pro su, you + G F S w/d.a. h` basilei,a basileia of the kingdom + G M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j of the God) for which indeed you are suffering. (prep w/ G F S rel pro u`pe,r o[j on behalf of/for the sake of which + c.c. (adj) kai, also + P A I 2p pa,scw pasch you are suffering)

1) The Greek sentence continues through vs 5, and begins with the word endeigma, which means a proof or evidence of something.
2) It is a strengthened form of dei,gma deigma, which means an example or proof, and belongs to the same family as deigmati,zw deigmatidz, which means to make a public spectacle or open display of something. cp Col 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
3) This word stands in apposition (an explanatory equivalent) to what was spoken of in vs 4, your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you all endure.
4) We can hardly take this statement to mean that God was judging the Thessalonian believers (they were adhering to the faith), rather that their patient endurance was evidence that God was right, or just, to bless them in time and eternity.
5) The judgment had been passed, its ultimate manifestation was yet future.
6) That they were suffering at the hands of their detractors is a demonstration of the fact that there exist two distinct classes of humanity, one being openly antagonistic to the other. cp Jn 15:18-19; 1Jn 3:13 Do not marvel, brethren, if the world hates you.
7) Gods righteous judgment refers to the future judgment in which He will make the final and ultimate distinction between those who are subjects in His kingdom, and those who are not. 1Cor 6:2-3; Rev 20:11-15
8) This judgment is righteous, or in line with that which is right, correct, just, fair, true, completely lacking in partiality, and based solely on the facts.
9) For those subjects (believers) He will provide relief and eternal comfort; for those rebellious to His rule He will provide eternal retribution.
10) These two groups, and the receipt of their due justice, are the subject of vss 5-10.
11) This promise and understanding of the future ramifications of all things is a doctrine that was well understood by the early church and was designed to provide comfort in the midst of the pressures and persecutions they faced. cp Phi 1:27-28
12) Paul sees in the undeserved suffering of the Thessalonians a token, proof, or evidence of the fact that Gods judgment is just and right; the fact that they had been enabled to endure it was evidence of Gods sustaining presence with them, and His future vindication for them.
13) He also sees Gods ultimate purpose in allowing negative individuals and groups to persecute believers, which he expresses in the purpose clause, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God. cp Ac 5:41; 1Th 2:12
14) While it is obviously not Gods Directive Will for the negative to persecute believers, He certainly allows it, in order to differentiate between those who are worthy and those who are not.
15) Those who patiently hang in there and endure their sufferings under doctrine, rather than trying to escape via compromise or hvpt means, are those who demonstrate that they indeed are deserving of a high position in His kingdom.
16) Believers who do not endure the antagonism and opprobrium of the cosmos but compromise with their detractors will be denied reward in the kingdom (but will not lose their place in it). Heb 6:10, 10:32f
17) The reasons many believers in our society do not suffer today to the degree that they suffered in the early church include:
a) many (probably most) do not make an issue of Jesus Christ and His Word before those who are antagonistic.
b) Christianity has become more socially acceptable under the guise of tolerance and open-mindedness they will be tolerant as long as we agree with their position.
c) Christians will often compromise the Truth, or focus on our similarities and ignore our differences to keep the peace.
18) If we were to make an issue of our beliefs at each and every opportunity, we would soon find that many who are now tolerant would cease to be so, and express the internal antagonism they have toward God, His Plan, and those who adhere to it.
19) Application: if opportunities to express the Dvpt arise, do so; do not, however, be surprised if it is rejected. 1Jn 3:13
20) Suffering from the source of the cosmos is the norm for adjusted believers, a fact that is taught often in the NT. Jn 15:18-25, 16:1-3, 17:14; Ac 4:18f, 5:17f, 8:2f, et al
21) Participation in the kingdom of God (KoG) is not based on our works/sufferings, it is based solely on the new birth (Jn 3:3, 5); our position in the KoG is dependent upon our application under the testing/suffering in the Devils world. cp 1Pet 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
1) The use of a judicial term kataxio to be considered worthy excludes human merit even in a section that draws attention to human endurance it emphasizes that attainment to the KoG is not the result of our endeavors, but of the grace of God.
23) Those who demonstrate loyalty, fidelity, and devotion to their Heavenly Father will be rewarded accordingly; those who do not will forfeit reward in the Kingdom. Mt 10:32-39; 2Tim 2:11-13
24) The differences between cowardly, negative believers who compromise their Fathers Will, and positive, loyal ones will be dramatic and intense, and that for all eternity.
25) Keep in mind, when enduring the sufferings allotted to your niche:
a) the joy set before you Heb 12:2
b) our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory which is to follow (either in number or intensity) 2Cor 4:16-18
c) the Father has given us these sufferings to endure with BD, and that for our own benefit (in time and eternity) Mk 10:29-30; Col 1:24; Phi 1:29
26) Their present suffering is done on behalf of no small organization, but is endured on behalf of the Kingdom of God.
27) This is the regime which will eventually rule the entire planet, the period when God will openly intervene in human affairs, righting all the wrongs, redressing all grievances, punishing all who reject the love of Christ.
28) When the KoG is given full expression, these believers will see the full wisdom of their actions and will be openly rewarded before their detractors. Rev 3:9 Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie-- behold, I will make them to come and bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
29) The present sufferings they endure are being allowed in order to prepare them for full inheritance in the coming kingdom, when all suffering will be recompensed with glory; the same is true in our case.
30) The adjunctive use of kai, includes their sufferings with those of the missionary team; all adjusted believers endure conflict, recognition that they are not alone should also provide comfort in that suffering.

What Goes Around Comes Around

ei;per di,kaion para. qew/| avntapodou/nai toi/j qli,bousin u`ma/j qli/yin

1:6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, (con ptcl ei;per eiper since; after all + N N S adj di,kaioj it is righteous/just/proper + prep w/ L M S para, qeo,j with God + A A If avntapodi,dwmi antapodidmi to repay; to give back + P A P D M P w/d.a. o` qli,bw thlib (GT = qli,bousin) the ones/those who are afflicting/oppressing + Ac 2p pro su, you + Ac F S qli/yij thlipsis affliction)

kai. u`mi/n toi/j qlibome,noij a;nesin meqV h`mw/n( evn th/| avpokalu,yei tou/ kuri,ou VIhsou/ avpV ouvranou/ metV avgge,lwn duna,mewj auvtou/ evn puri. flogo,j(

1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well (c.c. kai, and + D 2p pro su, to give to you + P P P D M P w/d.a. o` qli,bw the ones/those who are being afflicted/ oppressed + Ac F S a;nesij anesis relief; refreshment + prep w/ G 1p pro meta, evgw, (GT = meqV h`mw/n) along with us) when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (prep w/ L F S w/d.a. evn h` avpoka,luyij apokalupsis in/at the revelation + G M S w/d.a. o` ku,rioj VIhsou/j the Lord Jesus + prep w/ G M S avpo, ouvrano,j ouranos from heaven + prep w/ G M S meta, a;ggeloj with angels + G F S (quality) du,namij dunamis of power; powerful + G M 3s pro auvto,j of Him; His)

1) These two verses detail the specific time when suffering on behalf of the KoG will conclude: at the 2nd Advent, the coming of Jesus Christ from Heaven.
2) Suffering on behalf of Gods Kingdom ends for a believer when he or she dies and passes from the Devils world, and will end for the CA at the time of the Rapture.
3) This section deals with the reality of persecution and Gods attitude toward us who are persecuted for the Truth, and those who take the adversarial position.
4) We are in a war of thinking: those who think the Dvpt are the objects of hostility, enmity, and attack from the opposition, headed by Satan and manifested by his seed. cp Jn 8:40-44
5) Expressed as early as Cain and Abel (Gen 4:1-8; 1Jn 3:12), the same attitude is manifested toward those who will not worship Satan in the final years of the Tribulation (Rev 13:7-8, 15), and indeed until the end of time (Rev 20:7-9).
6) It is ironic that Christians are consistently accused of trying to tell others what to think or believe; the reality is that Satan and the cosmic system are constantly seeking to squeeze us into their mold. cp Rom 12:1-2
7) Those of us who will not conform are ostracized and declared to be enemies of those who do not question the current regime and mindset.
8) To believe in Him makes one an enemy of the world (Jn 15:19); to adhere to His thinking in an age of apostasy makes you an enemy in the eyes of Satan (Js 4:4) we do not have to seek persecution and hostility, it will come from those who do not embrace Gods Plan.
9) We were warned by Christ that the world would hate us. Jn 15:18 If the world hates you, (1ST CLASS CONDITION: AND IT DOES) you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.
10) We dont even have to be speaking the Truth of BD to bring this hostility upon us, we can merely attempt to live the CWL as the Bible sets forth and the world will hate us.
11) Principle: A person is defined as much by their enemies as they are by their friends. Lk 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets.
12) Although rejection and hostility is the declared lot of the believer (Ac 14:22), Gods posture toward both the persecutor and persecuted is set forth in vss 6-7.
13) It is perfectly just, right, and fair for God to repay with affliction those who mistreat His children. cp Dt 32:35 Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.
14) The strengthened conditional particle ei;per eiper (for a 1st class condition) makes it clear that this is an unassailable argument of course God will repay those who afflict us, it is the righteous thing to do.
15) The language indicates that God has considered the matter (OmSc), and the only correct thing (+R) is to repay (+J) those who inflict believers with pressure of His own (OmPo).
16) The justice of God is clearly seen here as He dispenses to each case of volition exactly what it deserves:
a) on the positive side (remuneration) He will eternally alleviate pressure for the believer at His coming.
b) on the negative side (retribution) He will punish all injustice.
17) The reverse of this assurance is that we do not have to, nor are we permitted to, take our own vengeance; if and when it is necessary or deserved, God is capable and willing to render it on our behalf. Rom 12:17-21
18) In vs 7 Paul subtly includes the team as being among those who will receive eternal relief at the 2nd Advent without saying it explicitly, he has indicated that they are among those presently suffering affliction from the negative. cp 1Th 2:15, 3:7
19) The time in view, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, is the 2nd Advent, not the revelation which is made to the Church at the Rapture. Mt 24:29, 25:31
20) The first coming is at an unspecified time, is clandestine, and His destination is not planet Earth, but the clouds of the first heaven. 1Th 4:17
21) The second phase is exactly seven years later, is visible on a world-wide basis, and His destination is the Mount of Olives. Zec 14:4f; Mt 24:30
22) Those who will accompany Him are called angels of His power
a) the great power angels have is derived from God Himself. cp Rev 19:10, 22:9
b) since the Church also accompanies Him, some application as messengers of power is also seen cp Rev 3:8
c) the main idea is that of angelic creatures, who accompany Him to battle (not that He needs any help), and will be involved in gathering those who are alive on the planet for the judgment of sheep and goats Mt 24:31, 25:31
d) Enoch was a recipient of a vision of this coming before the Flood Jd 14-15
23) This verse will have impact, and provide great comfort, for those who will endure the Tribulation period, and they will see the ultimate fulfillment of this passage.
24) The words in flaming fire properly belong to vs 8, which actually begins after the phrase His mighty angels.

The Fire of Judgment

evn puri. flogo,j( dido,ntoj evkdi,khsin toi/j mh. eivdo,sin qeo.n kai. toi/j mh. u`pakou,ousin tw/| euvaggeli,w| tou/ kuri,ou h`mw/n VIhsou/(

1:8 in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God (prep w/ I N S evn pu/r with/by means of fire + G F S flo,x phlox (GT = puri. flogo,j) of flame; flaming + P A P G M S di,dwmi giving; inflicting (OF PUNISHMENT) + Ac F S evkdi,khsij ekdiksis justice; retribution/vindication(COMP FROM JUDGMENT) + neg ptcl w/ Pf A P D M P w/d.a. mh, o` oi=da (GT = eivdo,sin) not having known/experienced + Ac M S qeo,j God) and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (c.c. kai, and + neg ptcl w/ P A P D M S w/d.a. mh, o` u`pakou,w hupakou to the ones/those who do not obey/submit (PRESENT PTC = A CHARACTERISTIC DISOBEDIENCE) + D N S w/d.a to. euvagge,lion euangelion to the good news/gospel + G M S w/d.a o` ku,rioj of the Lord + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + G M S VIhsou/j Jesus)

1) At the 2nd Advent, Jesus Christ will not only provide rest for those who have been suffering for His Plan, He will take vengeance on those who have persecuted them (and therefore, Him). cp Mt 25:45
2) The means He will specifically choose for judgment is fire, often associated with God and His judgment/punishment. cp Isa 66:16 For the LORD will execute judgment by fire And by His sword on all flesh, And those slain by the LORD will be many.
3) The unusual expression a fire of flame (puri. flogo,j) occurs only here.
4) Grammatically, one must determine if it modifies His revelation along with His mighty angels, or the retribution He deals out when He makes this return.
a) fire is often associated with a physical manifestation of Deity cp Rev 19:12 And His eyes are a flame of fire (NOTE: THIS CONSTRUCTION IS flo.x puro,j)
b) the baptism of fire is the end for all his enemies, when He does indeed give them their just deserts Mt 13:41-42
5) Fire is a fitting emblem for His presence, which is characterized by a certain mystery. cp Gen 15:17; Ex 3:2; Ps 50:3 et al
6) The attribute of the Divine Essence in view is Gods perfect righteousness (+R), which will ultimately consume all who are not oriented to it.
7) Our God is a consuming fire, since He is totally righteous and will ultimately conform everything to that perfect standard. Dt 4:24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
8) Fire is also used as an agent of destruction, and is that which comes upon those who will not orient to Gods +R. cp Gen 19:24; Num 11:1-3, 16:35; Ps 21:9; Isa 66:15
9) Since the forthcoming retribution is in view, not the glory of Deity, it is more logical to view this as a reference to the baptism/identification with fire at the 2nd Advent.
10) It is associated with the concept of anger, irritation, and indignation with that which does not meet our standards of acceptability.
11) Similarly, those who do not meet Gods standards come under Divine wrath this is not capricious or partial, but completely in line with what is right and proper.
12) It is a quality of God to be opposed to, or hate, that which is in opposition with Himself, since He is perfect and immutable. cp Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.
13) God is so perfect as to be able to hate, destroy, kill, etc. and not violate one standard of His perfection, nor do any injustice to the attribute of love.
14) While God has indignation every day (Ps 7:11), in an eschatological sense His wrath is kindled in the immediate history which precedes the day of the Lord. Ps 2
15) What is attributed to YHWH in the OT, in terms of judgment, is here specifically declared to be the work of Jesus Christ. cp Dt 32:35; Isa 66:15
16) The Greek word for justice or retribution, ekdiksis, was used secularly of the total punishment deserved, but no more, given for a particular crime.
17) One of the things which Jesus Christ procured as part of His SG3 package was the right to judge and execute judgment. Ps 2:8; Dan 7:13, 14; Jn 5:22
18) Two specific classes of people are in view:
a) those who do not know God referring primarily to the Gentiles who are willingly ignorant and removed from God and His Plan.
1) although all men may figure out that there must be a Creator, most refuse to spend any time considering what this might mean, or if that Creator has revealed anything about Himself Rom 1:19-28
2) during DSW, all Gentiles will receive universal exposure to the Truth; many will believe, but most will not Rev 5:9, 6:9, 7:9, 14:6
3) the Jews regularly described the Gentiles as ignorant of God, who thus involved themselves in activities which brought His righteous judgement (but cp Rom 2:1f)
b) those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus this refers primarily to the Jews, who were not ignorant of God, and to whom Messiah came.
1) their sin, rejection of Jesus Christ, was not a result of a lack of exposure to Gods Word, or of ignorance of the Truth Isa 66:4-6; Rom 10:16
2) the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God Rom 3:2
19) Just as both groups persecuted the Thessalonians, even so both will be involved in the persecution of believers in DSW; their punishment will be the Sin Unto Death (SUD), administered by means of fire.
20) The fire of the Lord does not have to be literal fire, but that which burns, destroys, and consumes. cp Job 1:16; Isa 33:11 My breath will consume you like a fire.
21) Any unbelievers who survive the events of the DSW, Jew or Gentile, will have their lives ended with the arrival of Jesus Christ and the baptism of fire. Lk 3:16-17
22) The Gentiles will be separated as sheep and goats, with the sheep living on to enter the Millennium, while the goats will die the SUD. Mat 25:31f
23) The Jews will be judged separately, but along the same lines. Eze 20:33-44
24) The separation of the righteous and the unrighteous at the end of the age is also taught in the parables of the wheat and tares and the dragnet. Mt 13:24-30 & 37-43, 47-50

The Penalty for Unbelief

oi[tinej di,khn ti,sousin o;leqron aivw,nion avpo. prosw,pou tou/ kuri,ou kai. avpo. th/j do,xhj th/j ivscu,oj auvtou/(

1:9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, (N M P rel pro o[stij hostis whoever; everyone who (I.E. A CERTAIN CLASS, KIND, OR NATURE) + F A I 3p ti,nw tin (GT = ti,sousin) will pay; will incur + Ac F S di,kh dik a penalty/punishment + Ac M S adj aivw,nioj ainios eternal; never-ending + Ac M S o;leqroj olethros destruction (THE LOSS OF ALL THAT MAKES LIFE WORTH LIVING)) away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (prep w/ Ab N S avpo, pro,swpon prospon away/separated from the presence + G M S w/d.a. o` ku,rioj of the Lord + c.c. kai, and + prep w/ Ab F S w/d.a. avpo, h` do,xa away/separated from the glory + G F S w/d.a. h` ivscu,j ischus of the strength/might/power (USED OF A FORCE OF SOLDIERS) + G M 3s pro auvto,j of Him; His)

1) The pronoun hostis is used to specify the nature of those about whom Paul is speaking, the plural indicates both classes of individuals will suffer the same fate temporally and eternally.
2) While these two groups approach their rejection of God from different points, any rejection demands a just punishment, since they refuse to accept His gracious offer.
3) Vs 8 deals with their temporal judgment at the baptism of fire, while vs 9 deals with their eternal fate.
4) The sentence structure places penalty (di,kh dik) emphatically forward, stressing the reality of that penalty or punishment the word belongs to the same family of words relating to righteousness or justice.
5) Its first meaning is right or justice, then the judicial hearing to establish what is right (a suit at law), then the penalty inflicted to enforce what is right. cp Ac 28:4
6) It is a punishment which is determined by lawful process and is completely in accord with what is right, just, and fair.
7) The Justice of God always provides what the +R of God demands, therefore any penalty must fit the crime; the just penalty for those who will not acknowledge the true place of Jesus Christ is eternal destruction.
8) It is important to distinguish the punishments: their temporal judgment is based on their deeds/actions, while their eternal judgment is based on their rejection of the Son.
9) The basis for the eternal penalty is not their personal sins, since Jesus Christ died for all the sins of all the members of the human race. 1Tim 2:4, 4:10; 1Jn 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
10) All humanity is born under Gods wrath, due to the ISTA, which produces a state of spiritual death (even before the commission of personal sin). Rom 5:12f
11) The condemnation against mankind is not that they did not, or could not, align themselves with God and remove His judgment on them; it is that they continually and consistently rejected the Truth when it was available. Jn 3:16-21
12) It is the intentional, perpetuated refusal to acknowledge God and His demands, beginning with belief in His Son, which eventuates in their punishment.
13) The phrase eternal destruction is in apposition to the term penalty, and describes the penalty: a ravaging, ruining, or destroying the ultimate loss of well-being, beyond human comprehension. cp Isa 66:24 Then they shall go forth and look On the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm shall not die, And their fire shall not be quenched; And they shall be an abhorrence to all mankind.
14) To destroy something does not mean that it fundamentally ceases to exist; it means that the purpose for which it did exist can no longer be accomplished. cp 1Cor 5:5
15) While there are a few verses (3 Lk 16:9; Jd 6, 7) that one might use to make a case for the use of eternal as not referring to an indefinite period of undetermined duration, the vast majority of the uses (67 others) indicates that it means eternal or everlasting; the unmeasured duration of eternity future.
16) Just as eternal life teaches a state of conscious blessedness in which all unpleasantness is removed, the term eternal destruction teaches a state of conscious wretchedness in which one experiences nothing that makes life worthwhile. cp Rev 21:4, 8
17) One cannot claim to hold to the teaching of Jesus Christ, deny this truth, and remain consistent. cp Mt 8:12, 13:42, 50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30
18) Their eternal destruction is further qualified by the two appositional phrases away from the presence of the Lord and away from the glory of His power.
19) Simple logic dictates that if the Lord is eternal (and He is), and their penalty is to be away from Him, their punishment will be eternal.
20) These people, from whatever religious background they may have come, who have willfully rejected any relationship or association with Jesus Christ, will finally be given what their volition desired: an eternity apart from Him.
21) What we know of God indicates that Hell is:
a) utter darkness God is light (1Jn 1:5)
b) totally without affection God is love (1Jn 4:8)
c) lacking in any comfort God is the source of comfort (2Cor 1:3)
d) the lack of any blessing God is the source of all blessing (Rev 20:6)
e) the just and proper place for those who reject God (vs 8)
22) These unbelievers are not only separated from the Lord, they are cut off from the glory of His power all that OmPo could have done (indeed desired to do) for these people is lost to them eternally. Heb 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment
23) This horrific place manufactured originally for Satan and his angels will be the final destination of those who adopt Satans viewpoint. cp Isa 14:11; Dan 12:2; Mt 25:41
The Purpose for the Parousia

o[tan e;lqh| evndoxasqh/nai evn toi/j a`gi,oij auvtou/ kai. qaumasqh/nai evn pa/sin toi/j pisteu,sasin( o[ti evpisteu,qh to. martu,rion h`mw/n evfV u`ma/j( evn th/| h`me,ra| evkei,nh|Å

1:10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, (adv o[tan hotan when (USED W/ AORIST SUBJUNCTIVE = PREVIOUS TO ACTION OF MAIN CLAUSE, I.E. WILL PAY THE PENALTY) + A A S 3S e;rcomai erchomai (GT = e;lqh|) He may come/arrive + A D If evndoxa,zomai endoxadzomai to be honored/glorified (2X HERE AND VS 12) + prep w/ L M P w.d.a. evn o` a[gioj hagios along with the saints + G M 3s pro auvto,j of Him; His + prep w/ L F S w/d.a. evn h` h`me,ra hmera in the day + remote dem adj L F S evkei/noj ekeinos that) and to be marveled at among all who have believed (c.c. kai, and + A P If qauma,zw thaumadz (GT = qaumasqh/nai) to be marveled at + prep w/ L M P adj evn pa/j in/among all + P A P L M P w/d.a. (sub) o` pisteu,w pisteu (GT = pisteu,sasin) the believers) for our testimony to you was believed. (exp con o[ti for; because + N N S w/d.a. to. martu,rion marturion the witness/testimony + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + prep w/ Ac 2p pro evpi, su, upon/to you + A P I 3s pisteu,w pistue was believed)

1) Here we have the conclusion of the sentence begun in vs 3.
2) The indefinite phrase when He comes, which opens this verse, does not express doubt in regard to the actuality of His coming, rather it refers to the uncertainty of the time of His arrival.
3) The phrase in that day is moved forward in the translation from the very end of the Greek sentence, instead placed ahead of the parenthetic clause for our testimony to you was believed.
4) This was done to communicate to the English reader that in that day refers to the day of His coming, rather than the day that the Thessalonians believed Pauls witness.
5) This verse resumes the thought of vss 7-8, which deal with the 2nd Advent and the rest provided for those who are currently suffering it does not deal with the impact of that coming on the maladjusted, but with those who are adjusted to His Plan.
6) Two infinitives complete the thought of the main verb, arrive, and both are directed toward the subject (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the purpose for His coming.
7) One purpose is to be glorified by, or with, His saints.
a) the word hagios has the root meaning set apart or holy; when used in the plural it refers to those people set apart by God to Himself and considered holy
b) only one other time is this glory associated with the term saints Eph 1:18
c) the riches of His glory refers to the wealth of the Divine Essence; not only does God own the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50:10), He possesses eternal riches/wealth beyond human comprehension
d) the glory of His inheritance refers to all that the Father has, and will bestow on Jesus Christ for His application in the Angelic Conflict Phi 2:9-11
e) the Church, who will receive the glory of the inheritance, reflects the eternal glory of God bestowed on Jesus, who qualified us to share in that eternal inheritance Col 1:12
f) the sharing of His inheritance with those who, like Him, remained faithful to Gods Plan, will further glorify the Son, who made it possible for us to share in that glory
g) our Ph3 glory contributes to His glory
h) the phrase with His saints is to be understood in the sense of accompaniment, as well as means we will share in His glory, and our glory will further His
8) The second infinitive to be marveled at expresses the fact that all who have believed will be in a state of amazement at His coming and appearance.
a) the term thaumadz means that which produces surprise and amazement, that at which one marvels or wonders, or causes the senses to reel
b) again, the complementary infinitive is to be understood as the second expressed purpose of His coming
c) no doubt those Tribulational saints who survive to see the coming of Jesus Christ, accompanied by His saints, will be in a state of amazement when they observe this procession Rev 19:11-16
d) the infinitive is passive, indicating One who is being marveled at, hence admired
9) One cannot limit the admiration of that day to those who have survived the Tribulation, based on the phrase all who have believed, as well as the inclusion of the Thessalonians by the parenthetical clause for our testimony to you was believed.
10) The CA crowd who accompanies Him and the OT saints who will receive resurrection will also admire the Lord at this display of power and glory. cp Isa 63:1-6
11) The testimony refers to the message/content of what Pauls team had told them in regard to the gospel any and all who believe this testimony/witness will be among those who will admire the Lord in that day.
12) For one to accept the testimony Ph1 makes them a believer and guarantees them a place in this eschatological scene.
13) In order to maximize ones personal glory, the believer must continue to accept the witness of the communicator in regard to the Truth of BD in Ph2. cp Col 1:21-23
14) Our mere presence as a possession of Jesus Christ will glorify Him, our personal glorification is the only variable.

A Prayer for Spiritual Excellence

eivj o] kai. proseuco,meqa pa,ntote peri. u`mw/n( i[na u`ma/j avxiw,sh| th/j klh,sewj o` qeo.j h`mw/n kai. plhrw,sh| pa/san euvdoki,an avgaqwsu,nhj kai. e;rgon pi,stewj evn duna,mei(

1:11 To this end also we pray for you always (prep w/ Ac N S rel pro eivj o[j unto which end/result + c.c. (adj) kai, also + P D I 1p proseu,comai proseuchomai we continually pray + adv pa,ntote pantote always; at all times +prep w/ G 2p pro peri, su, concerning you) that our God may count you worthy of your calling, (sub con (non-final) i[na that + N M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j the God + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + A A S 3s avxio,w axio may count/consider worthy + Ac 2p pro su, you + G F S w/d.a. h` klh/sij of the calling) and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; (c.c. kai, and + A A S 3s plhro,w plro He may fulfill/bring to completion + Ac F S adj pa/j all/every + Ac F S euvdoki,a eudokia good will; pleasure; desire + G F S avgaqwsu,nh agathsun of goodness/uprightness + c.c. kai, and + Ac N S e;rgon ergon work/task/act + G F S pi,stij pistis of faith + prep w/ I F S evn du,namij dunamis with/by means of power)
1) So far, Paul has:
a) congratulated these believers, commending them in the areas in which they were doing well, while omitting any reference to hope, an area in which their thinking was distorted.
b) assured them that their suffering is nothing more than a token that they are indeed oriented to God and His Plan.
c) spelled out in detail the eschatological reversal which will occur at the time of the 2nd Advent, rectifying all the present injustice they are suffering.
2) Now he moves on to inform them that the team is continuing in their prayers for the spiritual excellence of the church in Thessalonica.
3) The phrase to this end is a reference to the preceding teaching concerning the coming of Christ, and the glorification of those who have adhered to His Word.
4) While all who have believed will be involved in this great scene as pictured in vs 10, their level of involvement, or degree of glory, will vary greatly.
5) Paul assures them that he prays for them always about the matter of spiritual growth and the resultant glory which comes from orientation to Gods Plan.
6) The use of the conjunction kai, translated also, indicates that the team prayed for their spiritual excellence in addition to the other matters about which they prayed.
7) While the PT may pray about many things for those under his charge, one item is continually at the top of his list: that of spiritual advance and doctrinal matters related to the MAJG, and the completion of their individual and corporate course.
8) The adverb pantote always reveals that this is a never ending matter for the PT; however, he is not merely to pray to God to fulfill His will in each believer, he is a fellow-worker in achieving this end. cp 1Cor 3:9; 2Cor 6:1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain; 1Th 3:2
9) The purpose for reproof, rebuke, and exhortation is so that the members of the congregation do not receive the grace of God in vain; do not fail to exploit Gods grace, and thereby miss the full measure of glory He desires you to share. 2Tim 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
10) The use of the conjunction hina is best understood in its non-final sense (I.E. NOT A PURPOSE OR RESULT), and rendered that, completing the thought of we pray; while the idea of purpose may be seen in the background, Paul consistently uses this construction to complete the thought of words related to prayer. cp Eph 1:17, 6:19
11) The two-fold request of their prayers is that our God would deem/consider/think the Thessalonian congregation worthy of their calling, and that He would fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith with power.
12) The first request must be understood in light of the Doctrine of Calling and Election.
13) The call of God is the invitation to join His Plan as contained in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ both Ph1 and Ph2.
14) There are three categories of men in terms of response to the call:
a) the many, who reject the invitation altogether, die, and go to hell. Mt 22:14
b) the few, who accept the initial invitation, but fail to exploit the grace of God and make the maturity adjustment. Lk 8:6-7
c) the very few, who continue to adhere to the Word of God to the end. Isa 13:12
15) The first category demonstrates that they are unworthy of salvation, and God confirms their assessment. cp Ac 13:46
16) The second category fails the grace of God, and demonstrates that they are unworthy of eternal glory. cp Mt 10:37-38; Heb 6:10-12, 12:15-17; Rev 3:4
17) The third category, by far the fewest among mankind, exploits the grace of God and obtains the eternal glory to which they were called. 2Tim 2:10, 4:7-8
18) To obtain maximum blessing in Ph3 demands strict and total adherence to sound doctrine, rejection of Satanic/cosmic/STA motivated activities, and overt application of what was believed to the end of ones Ph2.
19) This group (and make no mistake, this group alone) will enjoy the full blessings of Heaven, while other inhabitants will forfeit reward and blessing, due to their own failure to comply. 1Cor 3:14-15
20) Those who persevere with the Truth, enduring the hostility of the cosmos and the attacks of Satan, continuing to fight the good fight until the end, will be counted worthy of their calling. cp vs 5 This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.
21) The fact that Paul prays for this ought to make it clear that it is very possible, even likely, for believers not to be considered worthy of their calling; in fact, most wont.
22) While it is not expressly stated, it should be obvious that it is the Will of God to consider each believer worthy of their calling, just as it is His will and purpose to fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith with power. 1Tim 2:3-4
23) The first request deals with the assessment of God at the Bema Seat; the second deals with the issues in time which will effect that vindication before the Lord.
24) The two phrases desire of goodness and work of faith deal with the internal motivation/desire and the external activity that results.
25) Gods Will is to fulfill, or fill up (plro), that which is presently in them these believers were possessed of the correct desire and work at some level already; Gods plan is to complete the process already operative. cp Phi 2:12-13
26) The desire of goodness is the desire which springs from that which is inherently good (a subjective genitive, it produces the desire itself).
27) The term agathsun occurs 3x elsewhere in the NT, all of which are Pauline: Rom 15:14; Gal 5:22; Eph 5:9
28) Gal 5:22 explicitly declares goodness to be a fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness), which Eph 5:9 confirms. for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth
29) According to Rom 15:14,when a believer consistently walks in Fellowship and possesses a knowledge of BD, his desires become the desires of goodness. And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.
30) In other words, the believer begins to want the same things as God wants.
31) So, Pauls desire is that these believers achieve a level of spiritual growth which eventuates in their volition and the volition of God wanting/desiring/finding pleasure in the same things.
32) We recognize the functional existence of the STA in our life, which has desires in opposition to those of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:17b), so that we may not always do the things that we desire; nevertheless, we still ultimately desire them under our positive volition. Rom 7:16-23
33) The work of faith is a phrase which we have seen before (1Th 1:3), and deals with the overt applications of that which proceeds from the source of faith in Doctrine.
34) James 2:14-20 presents a powerful argument against the category of believer who refuses to apply the principles they have learned:
a) the question each believer must ask themselves is do I demonstrate by my overt actions that I do indeed have faith/trust in God? 2:14
b) prayer and desire for the well-being of another are insufficient when physical comfort is called for 2:15-16
c) there exists a pseudo-faith which hears the WoG and says I believe it, but doesnt make the applications demanded by it; this faith is useless in the sight of God 2:17
d) the obvious and undeniable manifestation and proof of true faith is the completion of acts expected by that faith 2:18
e) agreement with precepts of Scripture proves nothing of ones subjection to those precepts, as seen in the categories of other individuals who believe them 2:19
f) the precept above all others is that our faith in God demands a level of application consistent with the degree of that faith 2:20
35) The final phrase, with power (emphatic position), governs the verb fulfill, which in turn governs the two phrases desire of goodness and work of faith.
36) Both the desire for that which is good/right/true and the execution of it is to be accomplished with power; this must proceed from an understanding of the WoG, which delineates what is truly acceptable before God. 2Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
37) Gods Word is the source of our power, as confirmed in verses such as: 2Cor 4:7; Eph 3:16, 20; Col 1:11, 29; 2Pet 1:3
38) The Word of God, the Truth of His revelation to man, is characterized by power: in fact the very power or might of God is bound up in His Word, since it:
a) is responsible for creation Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God
b) sustains the present creation 2Pet 3:7 But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire
c) controls nature Ps 147:15-18
d) provides healing/preservation Ps 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
e) will exist eternally 1Pet 1:24-25
f) is living and active, and determines the validity of mens thinking Heb 4:12
g) will be fulfilled/accomplished Isa 55:11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. cp Jer 1:12; Joel 2:11; Rom 9:28
h) destroys Jer 23:29 Is not My word like fire? declares the LORD, and like a hammer which shatters a rock?
i) saves Jn 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
39) It is this Word in us which produces the desires and works which are acceptable to God, and thus causes us to be considered worthy of our calling. cp Phi 2:13
The Purpose for the Prayer

o[pwj evndoxasqh/| to. o;noma tou/ kuri,ou h`mw/n VIhsou/ evn u`mi/n( kai. u`mei/j evn auvtw/|( kata. th.n ca,rin tou/ qeou/ h`mw/n kai. kuri,ou VIhsou/ Cristou/Å

1:12 in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, (sub con o[pwj hops in order that (CONTAINS THE IDEA OF IN SUCH A MANNER THAT, BUT PAULS USAGE CONSISTENTLY INDICATES PURPOSE) + N N S w/d.a. to. o;noma the name + G M S w/d.a. o` ku,rioj of the Lord + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + G M S VIhsou/j Jesus (THE ADDITION OF CHRIST {KJV} HERE LACKS MSS EVIDENCE) + A D S 3s evndoxa,zomai endozadzomai (GT = evndoxasqh/|) may receive glory + prep w/ I 2p pro evn su, by means of you + c.c. kai, and + N 2p pro su, you (SUPPLY MAY BE GLORIFIED) + prep w/ I M 3s pro evn auvto,j by means of Him) according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (prep w/ Ac F S w/d.a. kata, h` ca,rij according to the grace/favor + G M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j of the God + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + c.c. kai, and + G M S ku,rioj VIhsou/j Cristo,j Lord Jesus Christ)
NOTE: THE FINAL PHRASE IS BETTER TRANSLATED THE GOD AND LORD OF US, JESUS CHRIST

1) This verse introduces the ultimate purpose or design for which Paul prays, and concludes the chapter.
2) During his prayers, he has expressed thanksgiving for their positive volition, prayed for their continued faithfulness under persecution, for their spiritual growth, and for their spiritual excellence.
3) The purpose of his prayers for God to fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith by His power is that these things bring glory to Jesus Christ.
4) The believer who lives according to the dictates of BD, and lives in a manner worthy of His calling, brings glory and honor to the Lord, who made these things possible.
5) In order to fully accomplish this objective, one must make all the adjustments to Gods justice and maintain their positive status until the end of their Ph2.
6) The name of a person is their reputation, and is synonymous with that person; it stands for what they believe, what they are, and the attributes they possess.
7) The name of God is, therefore, a designation for God Himself, just as the name of our Lord Jesus refers to the Lord Himself.
8) While application in time glorifies the Lord presently, the time frame in view is the 2nd Advent, based on the preceding context.
9) When we are presented with Him in that day, His reputation will be honored and glorified by what we did with His Word in time.
10) If one truly comprehends the debt they owe the Lord Jesus, and recognizes that they can do nothing in regard to securing or maintaining their salvation/blessing, would they not logically possess a desire to repay the One who made it all possible?
11) We cannot repay Him in any way other than promoting and contributing to His eternal glory, by adhering to His revealed Will, and making the applications it demands.
12) We must first understand the issues of Bible Doctrine, then we must apply them as we have opportunity, and we must be willing to stand up for them as is appropriate. cp Mk 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.
13) Just as Jesus glorified the Father by His faithfulness to the Word of God, even under adverse circumstances and personal sacrifice, so we can glorify the Son by holding forth the truth, no matter the cost to us personally.
14) The Father then glorified the Son through resurrection and the bestowal of the SG3 package, which is beyond comparison. Phil 2:9-11
15) This same reciprocal glorification occurs between Jesus Christ and His bride, the Church. cp Rev 19:7-8
16) At His coming He will be glorified by our presence and Ph2 application, and we will be glorified by Him as He bestows on us our Ph3 rewards, glory, and honor.
17) All this is according to the grace of our God, and recognizes that the grace of God is the bedrock upon which all glory rests.
18) While our works contribute to our overall glory (as well as His), we recognize that apart from the grace of God we could not have:
a) salvation Eph 2:8
b) rebound 1Jn 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins
c) Bible Doctrine Ac 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
d) Indwelling Holy Spirit Eph 1:13-14 given
e) GAP 1Cor 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption
f) the communication gifts Eph 4:11
g) the MAJG 2Pet 1:3 His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us
h) life 1Tim 6:13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate
19) In short, God provides grace in every area of physical and spiritual life so that we lack nothing we need to exploit His grace to the maximum. 2Pet 1:2
20) We are to cooperate with the grace of God and not fall short of it. Heb 12:15-17
21) The final phrase is somewhat unusual, and literally reads the grace of the God of us and Lord Jesus Christ.
22) By using one definite article with two substantives (God and Lord), Paul emphasizes the Deity of Jesus. cp Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus
23) This is in keeping with the profound eschatological picture painted in the previous section, and serves to further heighten our appreciation of it.
24) It also neatly returns to the thought of vss 1-2, in which the equality of the Father and Son is stated, and the grace of God is available through them.
25) So, while it is true that both the Father and Son are responsible for the provision of grace we enjoy, this verse rather specifies that the Lord Jesus is fully God, and fully man. cp Jn 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!
26) He is not only the source of all grace, He is the One who provided all that was necessary so that we could access that grace. Rom 5:1-2
27) He is the focal point of Gods Plan, and rightly so. Eph 1:9-10; Rev 5:5-14, 22:12-13



END 2THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1
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