Suffering is not to be thought of as evidence that God has forsaken them, but evidence that He is with them. 3:3), as they live and develop Christian character in a satanic world. This very attitude was positive proof that God’s wise process of purging, purifying, and perfecting through suffering was working to make His beloved people worthy of the kingdom (2:12), by being perfected (James 1:2-4 1 Peter 5:10).įor believers, afflictions are to be expected (1 Thess. Rather, they were patiently enduring the sufferings they did not deserve (verse 4). They were not moaning about the injustice of their persecutions. Their focus was not on personal comfort, fulfillment and happiness, but on the glory of God and the fulfillment of His purposes. They were not self-centered, but concentrated on God’s kingdom. “Suffer”: Having a right attitude towards suffering is essential and that required attitude is concern for the kingdom of God. It seems they are enduring this suffering for the possibility of being counted worthy before God. Instead it is a privilege extended to those who are genuinely members of the kingdom. “Counted worthy”: Their suffering does not qualify them for the kingdom. God will righteously repay trouble to the wicked (verses 6-8). Paul is not saying that their suffering reflects God’s judgment rather that it will be “evidence” used in judgment against those who persecute them. “Of the righteous judgment of God”: Another translation would be “for” the righteous. Paul is simply amazed at their faith and patience under such tribulations and persecutions.Ģ Thessalonians 1:5 “ a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:” It seems that Paul can find no fault with them. They are not only generous in their giving, but they are patient, as well.
He knows the persecutions have been great, they have endured them like good soldiers. Paul is using this church at Thessalonica as an example to the other churches of how they should conduct their affairs. Paul’s joy before the Lord over their perseverance bubbled up. Although there was no need to speak, since the Thessalonians’ lives spoke clearly enough (1 Thess. “Patience and faith”: Nowhere was their growth in faith and love (verse 3), more evident than in the way they patiently and faithfully endured hostilities and suffering from the enemies of Christ.
2nd thessa 3 vs 1 free#
If they are giving from a free heart, there is no error in that.Ģ Thessalonians 1:4 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:” The only thing that could be wrong with this is if they are doing this because they think the Lord will be back immediately. They are more than generous helping with the other’s needs. This is a church that is growing in the knowledge of God. Paul has no complaint about their faith, or their charity. Their testimony suggests that his earlier fears have been dispelled (1 Thess. This no doubt, reflects the brevity of his stay there. “Your faith groweth”: Paul cannot help but say once again how impressed he is with their spiritual growth (1 Thess. This was in direct answer to Paul’s prayers (1 Thess. That was the case with the obedient Thessalonians, who had demonstrated growth in faith and love since the first letter. “We are bound to thank God”: There is a spiritual obligation to thank God in prayer when He accomplishes great things in the lives of His saints. It makes this letter most assuredly Paul’s letter.Ģ Thessalonians 1:3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth ”
This is a greeting that Paul uses very often. It is grounded and rooted in the Father and in the Lord Jesus.Ģ Thessalonians 1:2 “Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is a church that has made up its mind that the Lord Jesus is coming back right then. This is not a church that has strayed away. We see in this greeting, Paul is agreeing that these Thessalonians are in Christ. We see the same three names associated with this letter as we did with the first letter. 2 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:”
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