1. Paulus et Silvanus et Timotheus ecclesiæ Thessalonicensium in Deo Patre nostro et Domino Jesu Christo
2. gratia vobis et pax a Deo Patre nostro et Domino Jesu Christo
3. gratias agere debemus Deo semper pro vobis fratres ita ut dignum est quoniam supercrescit fides vestra et abundat caritas uniuscujusque omnium vestrum in invicem
4. ita ut et nos ipsi in vobis gloriemur in ecclesiis Dei pro patientia vestra et fide in omnibus persecutionibus vestris et tribulationibus quas sustinetis
5. in exemplum justi judicii Dei ut digni habeamini regno Dei pro quo et patimini
6. si tamen justum est apud Deum retribuere tribulationem his qui vos tribulant
7. et vobis qui tribulamini requiem nobiscum in revelatione Domini Jesu de cælo cum angelis virtutis ejus
8. in flamma ignis dantis vindictam his qui non noverunt Deum et qui non obœdiunt evangelio Domini nostri Jesu
9. qui pœnas dabunt in interitu æternas a facie Domini et a gloria virtutis ejus
10. cum venerit glorificari in sanctis suis et admirabilis fieri in omnibus qui crediderunt quia creditum est testimonium nostrum super vos in die illo
11. in quo etiam oramus semper pro vobis ut dignetur vos vocatione sua Deus et impleat omnem voluntatem bonitatis et opus fidei in virtute
12. ut clarificetur nomen Domini nostri Jesu Christi in vobis et vos in illo secundum gratiam Dei nostri et Domini Jesu Christi
Footnotes:
1:3-4 - Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' faith and perseverance amid persecution. Suffering is seen as an opportunity to grow spiritually and strengthen faith (see also Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4).
1:5-6 - Suffering and persecution serve as evidence of God's righteous judgment, which rewards those who are faithful to Him. Tribulation also prepares the faithful for eternal glory (see also 1 Peter 1:6-7 and Matthew 5:10-12).
1:7-10 - Jesus' coming is described as a judgment event, bringing retribution for those who do not know God and for those who do not obey the gospel. The promise of rest for Christians is central to this passage (see also Revelation 6:10-11 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8).
1:11-12 - Paul prays that the Thessalonians will be worthy of God's calling and will be strengthened in their faith. God's power will sustain them and enable them to live in a way that glorifies the name of Jesus (see also Philippians 1:11 and Colossians 1:11-12).
Verses related to Epistula II ad Thessalonicenses, 1:
2 Thessalonians chapter 1 begins Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica. How does the apostle encourage believers in the midst of persecution? This comforting text praises the Thessalonians' growth in faith and love despite their trials. Paul assures God's just retribution and Christ's glorious return. The chapter addresses topics such as perseverance in faith, divine justice and the final glorification of believers. Ponder with us five Bible passages that correlate with the comforting themes of this introductory chapter.
Romans 8:17: "If we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if we indeed share in his sufferings, so that we also share in his glory." - This verse relates to 2 Thessalonians 1:5, reinforcing the idea that the suffering of believers prepares them for the kingdom of God.
Revelation 20:12: "I also saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done, according to what was recorded in the books." - This passage echoes 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7, describing the final judgment when God will reward each person according to their works.
Matthew 25:31: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, with all the angels, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory." - This verse aligns with 2 Thessalonians 1:7, describing the glorious coming of Jesus with his angels.
1 Peter 1:7: "Thus, your faith, which is worth much more than gold that perishes, even if refined by fire, is proven to be genuine and will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." - This passage relates to 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5, emphasizing the value of trials in the Christian life.
Isaiah 66:15: "See! The Lord comes with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; with fury he will bring his wrath and his rebuke with flames of fire." - This Old Testament verse prefigures the description in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 of the Lord's coming for judgment.
FAQ:
Why did Paul commend the Thessalonians in his second letter?
Paul commended the Thessalonians for their growing faith and mutual love, even amid persecution and affliction. He recognized their perseverance as proof of their worthiness for the Kingdom of God. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)
What does Paul teach about God's righteousness in this chapter?
Paul teaches that God will repay affliction to those who persecute believers and give relief to the faithful. On Judgment Day, Christ will come with power to punish those who reject the gospel. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)
What will the coming of Jesus be like according to 2 Thessalonians 1?
Jesus' coming will be with consuming fire, accompanied by powerful angels, bringing judgment on the wicked and glory to the saints who have believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
What is Paul's desire for believers at the end of the chapter?
Paul prays that God will make believers worthy of His calling by empowering them to do good works and glorify the name of Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
What do we learn about God's character from this chapter?
We learn that God is just, rewards each person according to their works, protects the faithful, and will execute judgment against those who reject His truth. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
