2 Thessalonians 1 Commentary

Paul greets the Thessalonians, telling them how much thanks he gives to God for their growing faith and love. They are persevering so well against persecution that Paul boasts of their example to other churches. He points to God's approval of their faithfulness, that they are suffering for the coming Kingdom and will be found worthy due to their endurance.

The Thessalonians should bear in mind that God will properly repay those who are attacking them. Eventually, there will be relief and peace for believers when Jesus comes back to earth and deals out judgement: rewards to the faithful and recompense to unbelievers.

Paul prays for the Thessalonians to continue to endure through suffering, so that God will count them worthy of the coming Kingdom, and reward them accordingly. They should persist in faithful obedience and bring honor to Christ by living out the goodness and favor of God, because this is the path to their greatest fulfillment as God's creations.