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2 Sol.1:1. Paul and Silvanus and Timothy - to the Thessalonian church in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Sol.1:2. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the churches of Thessaloniki in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Apostle again called the same ones those who participated in the writing of the epistle, as those who were collaborators in the preaching. The expression “about God the Father” is similar to what we write in letters, for we also usually sign: so and so wants to rejoice in the Lord. And here the Apostle taught us the equality of power between the Father and the Son, for, having said: about “God our Father,” he added: “and the Lord Jesus Christ,” and again after the words: “from God our Father,” he added: “and the Lord Jesus Christ,” because the same benefits are given to us by the Father and the Son. 2 Sol.1:3. It is always right that we should thank God for you, brethren, because your faith increases, and the love of each one of you increases among you all, “We must always thank God for you, brethren, as it is worthy to eat, as your faith exceeds, and the love of one of you all for each other multiplies.” The Apostle again depicts praise in the form of thanksgiving, and just as he is surprised at their faith in God, he is also surprised at their love for their neighbor; and to both testifies to their most perfect virtue. For the Lord also said that with these two commandments all the law and the prophets are fulfilled (Matthew 22:40). 2 Sol.1:4. So we ourselves boast in you in the churches of God, in your patience and faith in all the persecutions and sorrows you endure 2 Thessalonians 1:5. As proof that there will be a righteous judgment of God, so that you will be worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. “For we ourselves should boast about you in the churches of God, about your patience and faith in all your persecutions and sorrows, even as you accept the testimony of the righteous judgment of God, so that you will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God, for whose sake you suffer.” Having recognized the greatness of the sorrows that befell you and your firmness with which you repel them, we boast about you, extolling your courage in other churches. We know that you clearly know the rewards for enduring dangers and expect the Kingdom of Heaven, knowing the truthful definition of the Lawgiver. For this is what the words mean: “testimony of the righteous judgment of God.” The Apostle makes this more clear in subsequent words. 2 Sol.1:6. For it is right before God to repay those who insult you with sorrow. 2 Sol.1:7. And you, who are insulted, will have joy together with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven, with His mighty angels. 2 Thessalonians 1:8. In flaming fire he takes vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. “If it is right for God to repay sorrow to those who offend you, and to you who are insulted, joy with us, in the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven with the angels of His power, in fiery fires giving vengeance to those who do not know God and those who do not listen to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Apostle said: “if”, not expressing doubt, but in confirmation of speech, just as we, strengthening speech, usually say: “if this is true,” as it is really true. Therefore, he says that it is fair and proper for the Lawmaker to reward us for our suffering for faith, and to punish our opponents for wickedness. This will happen at the time of the end. For then the Lord will come from heaven, He will be accompanied by hosts of Angels, and those surrounded by the darkness of unbelief will be consigned to an unquenchable flame. The divine Apostle wrote this, consoling those enduring terrible and painful disasters with the hope of the future. That is why the judgment seat, filled with fear, pointed to this, for it presented first the Judge coming from heaven, then the power of the servants (and these are the Angels) and after this the very type of punishment (the condemned are given over to the flames of fire). If those who do not obey the Gospel endure this, then it is clear that those who hostilely attack the believers will suffer the most severe torments. 2 Sol.1:9. Who will undergo punishment, eternal destruction, from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2 Sol.1:10. When He comes to be glorified in His saints and to appear marvelous on that day among all who have believed, just as you have believed our testimony. “Whoever will receive torment and eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He comes to be glorified in His saints and to be wondrous among all who believe.” The Apostle more precisely showed the greatness of the punishment, calling it “eternal,” but he also made it possible to see the glory of those who believed, saying that God Himself would be glorified in them and become wondrous. Since in this life some remain in suffering and labor, and others, living wickedly, enjoy abundant blessings, on the day of judgment the righteous will be proclaimed and awarded crowns, and those who lived wickedly will be given over to torment, he rightly said: “When he comes, he will be glorified in his saints and wondrous to be among all who believe.” For then everyone will be surprised at the truthful verdict of the Judge. “For our testimony will be established in you on that day.” The words “on the day he” should be attributed to what was said above; for “wonder” will be “among all those who believed on the day.” The Apostle called the sermon a testimony; He said that they believed this testimony. 2 Sol.1:11. For this reason, we always pray for you, so that our God will make you worthy of the title and accomplish every good pleasure of goodness and work of faith with power. 2 Sol.1:12. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified in you, and you in Him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. “For this we always pray for you, that you may be worthy of the title of our God and may fulfill every good pleasure in goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, we beg the God of all to fill you, who have been worthy of the calling, with all good things and that you may grow the fruits of faith. The Apostle here called patience in suffering a “work” of “faith.” For through this, he says, the Lord will be glorified in you, and you will share with Him the future glory. Having thus consoled them with the hope of the future, he turns his speech to the doctrine of death. You might be interested in: