2 Thessalonians 1

   See the introductory note for 1 Thessalonians.  This second letter was probably written soon after the first, and again deals with confusion about Christ’s second coming and the judgment day.  Perhaps it is in response to questions they had, or reports that came back to Paul about variant notions that were being introduced among them.

     1:1-4.  Paul, along with his associates Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, begins by assuring the Thessalonians that he thanks God for them, and speaks of them proudly to the other churches because of their perseverance in the faith, which is being tested and proven by persecutions and afflictions.

     1:5-6.  Their steadfastness of faith even in persecution shows the righteousness of God’s judgment, in which their faith will be vindicated, and those who have afflicted them will be repaid accordingly.  “For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you.  Your dealings will return on your own head”  (Obad.15; cf. Jer.50:29; 51:56).

     1:7-8.  Using the literal margin reading, this might be rendered, “…at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power dealing out retribution in flaming fire to those who do not know God….”   (Cf. Ex.19:18; Dan.7:9-11; Mt.25:31, 41; 1 Cor.3:13; Heb.12:28-29; 2 Peter 3:7; Rev.14:9-12.)

     1:9-12.  When the Lord comes, the eternal banishment of those who have not obeyed the gospel (8-9), will be at the same time relief for those they have afflicted (6-7).  The faithful will marvel at their Savior, and glorify him forever (10-12).  The destruction of Pharaoh and his army, as the redeemed celebrated their deliverance and the power of their God on the opposite shore of the Red Sea, is a great OT type of this.