“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 1:20 – 2:1
Verse 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Silvanus was a Roman citizen and a companion of the Apostle Paul. He is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:19, and the Apostle Peter called him “a faithful brother unto you” as recorded in 1 Peter 5:12. Timotheus was Paul’s traveling companion and fellow laborer. Both the epistles or letters to the Thessalonian Church are from Paul and these two men.
Verse 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the Apostle Paul’s regular salutation which is found in all his epistles. The salutation was, in essence, that which he wanted the Christian believers to possess in their lives, grace being unmerited favor from God Almighty, and peace being that calm state of being that comes with salvation through the LORD Jesus Christ.
Verse 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;
The Apostle Paul was pleased with the spiritual growth of the believers in this Church and in their brotherly love that they demonstrated to one another. They were not becoming stagnant in their walk with the LORD Jesus, but were putting into practice that which they had been taught. He was therefore grateful to the LORD for what was happening there.
Verse 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:
Although this epistle does not elaborate on the kind or severity of the persecutions and tribulations the Christian believers were enduring, they were behaving in a Christ-like manner. The Greek word translated as “glory” is “kauchaomai” and it means to take pride or pleasure in or to boast. It may be that their Christianity was being held up to other churches as an example. Not sure.
Verses 5-6 Which is 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: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
The persecutions and tribulations were proof or evidence that they were on the right path as they were getting resistance in some form because of their Faith. But the Apostle Paul is reminding them that God, because He is righteous, will recompense or repay those who were afflicting or causing them distress.
Verses 7-8 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
And then they are reminded of the return of the LORD when those that are against Him and His Church will be punished severely.
Verse 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
The unbelieving persecutors and the unjust will receive everlasting or never ceasing ruin and death, and they will be banned from the presence of the LORD and from His power.
Verse 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Application: As stated elsewhere in this Bible study, the early church was always looking for the return of Jesus. His return was a subject of discussion all the time. But today there is very little discussion in the churches about this coming event. As a result, Christian believers have come to think that there will always be a tomorrow, and therefore there is not the urgency like that of the early church to evangelize people and to prepare to meet the LORD.
Verses 11-12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1)
The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time praying for the churches he started or visited on his missionary journeys. Perhaps Christian believers today should think about praying for their own church home and for their pastor on a regular basis. What should the prayer be about? “That our God would count you worthy” and “that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified.”