By Stan Cox, on May 26th, 2011
Paul’s introductory words in his second letter to the Thessalonians is typical of his letters in that it contains an invocation to God on their behalf, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1).
There are two things to note in these first two verses. First, the inclusion of Silvanus in the salutation. The name is found only here, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, 2 Corinthians 1:19 and 1 Peter 5:12. However, the man is readily identified by the Greek variation of the name, Silas, one of Paul’s travel companions.
The more interesting phrase is “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” It clearly indicates that such phrases are not proper names, but descriptions of a group. This group lived in Thessalonica, and were “in” God and Jesus. This means they had a relationship with the Father and the Son. This was a congregation of Christians.
This is the biblical use of the term church, and does not in any way coincide with the denominational use of the term in our time.
By Stan Cox, on January 24th, 2009
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”
Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.
Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.
This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!
By Stan Cox, on December 18th, 2007
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
A common circumstance of Christians in the first century was the suffering of persecution for the kingdom’s sake. Paul referred in this text to the “persecutions and tribulations” that the Thessalonians had endured.
He commended them for their perseverance, and promised them that God would “give you who are troubled rest” at the Advent of Christ.
The reason for the promise is the character of Almighty God. “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble” His children, and to give His children rest “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels” (cf. vs. 6-7).
Because of who God is (His person and character) we can be assured that he will treat us fairly in judgment. That is a reason for the ungodly to fear, but it is a basis for our hope and comfort as we live righteously in His service.
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