Bible Commentaries

From Paul, Silas, and Timothy. See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:1. The first two verses of this letter are much the same as the first verse of 1 Thessalonians.

We must thank God at all times for you. In 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Paul says he spoke to God day and night about them. Here he shows that his prayers were answered. Paul's messenger had come back with good news that made him happy. Because your faith is growing so much. This is part of the good news. Even though they were being persecuted, their faith kept growing and getting stronger. The love each of you has for the others. Their spiritual life was balanced. Along with stronger faith, their love was becoming greater as well (1 John 4:17-18). That is why we ourselves boast. Their spiritual progress made Paul feel like a "proud father." Hearing of other's successes spurs you on to greater things. In the churches of God. No one in the Bible ever used "church of God," "church of Christ," or any other name, to mean different KINDS of churches. The one and same messianic community is called: church of God; church of Christ; God's Household; the Family of God; Our Family in the Faith; Christ's body; The Kingdom of His Dear Son. Individual believers are called: Christians; Disciples; God's People; Brothers [this includes Sisters]; God's Children. You continue to endure and believe. They did not give up, but continued to live their life to please and honor Christ. Here is the proof of God's righteous judgment. A future judgment must come, because God is righteous. The wicked seem to have it all their way, and the righteous suffer. That's how this world Revelation 15:1. You will become worthy. The things they suffer, and their faith and love, prepare them for Eternity.

God will do what is right. God will be just in paying back those who persecute his people.

And he will give relief to you. God will be just in this as well! He will do this when. See notes on Revelation 14:13; Revelation 22:11-12.

With a flaming fire. Christ's Second Coming will mean brightness and glory to those who belong to Christ, but death and destruction to the ungodly (see note on Jude 1:14-15). This does not mean annihilation, but being expelled eternally from the presence of God (Matthew 25:41; Matthew 25:46). Who do not know God. Who do not want to know God, and will not bring themselves to him! Those who do not obey the Good News. Those who rebel against God and will not reach out through faith to seize the sacrifice of Christ. Compare notes on Acts 2:36-38.

They will suffer the punishment. The human family is already under the sentence of death. Jesus offers a way to escape God's wrath! Those who refuse to escape, bring on themselves the consequences. See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:8.

When he comes on that Day. Christ's Second Coming will be a time of jubilation for all those who belong to him! See notes on Revelation 21:1-4.

This is why we always pray for you. Because of the promise God has for those who belong to Christ. He called you to live. See note on Revelation 22:17.

In this way. Holy lives bring honor and glory to God! See notes on Romans 12:1-2.