II Thessalonians 1

1. Historical/Literary Background:

After Paul and Silas’ terrible ordeal in Philippi, Paul left being pressured by city officials to make his next ministry in Thessalonica which laid about 100 miles walk, about a five day journey, that we must assume very painful given what Paul and Silas had suffered in prison.  As was his custom, Paul began working in the synagogue where Jews were already meeting and gave Paul an opportunity to begin right away proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah and teaching about Christ’s saving work.  His preaching ministry was fruitful as many Jews and God-fearing Greeks (Acts 17:1-4).

One of the purposes Paul has in writing a second letter to this church was to encourage them through the persecution he has heard of them through reports.  He wants them to know that God is using this persecution for their benefit, making them worthy of the Kingdom.  Also, God will demonstrate His justice by avenging Himself against those who persecute His church (3-5).

Paul knows that when one believes the Lord’s return is imminent, then the sufferer will have the resources he or she needs to be strengthened during any given trial.  At Christ’s arrival, there will be a rest that is deeply satisfying in the soul.  At the same time, those who show they oppose the Kingdom by persecuting God’s people and those who do not obey the Gospel will be met with judgment.  The stakes are eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord they deny in word and deed.  But for those who believe and wait upon His return, we will receive Him with joy and praise (6-10). Paul wants the Thessalonians to feel comforted in their suffering knowing this is their future, enabling them to withstand suffering while holding onto their faith and consolation in Christ.

Paul prays for them whenever He thinks of them, which is often, that God would furnish them with all that his necessary to live a life that is worthy of God’s name.  This include having a testimony for Jesus empowered by God that would bring Him the honor due to Him.  In doing so, God will honor us along with Christ who receives our honor.  This is heart of God for His people who are waiting patiently for Christ (11-12).

2. Theological Observations:

Persecution is a norm for God’s people.   But when it happens, the believer should understand God is using it.  Though we would not actively prompt strife for the sake of being persecuted, but we would do well not to avoid it at the expense of our testimony for Christ. It is God’s intention that we suffer for His name sake, so we might embrace it’s inevitability, being prepared to suffer with Christ (v5).

Rest is a theme in the Bible that provides hope for God’s people as they live in a world that has rejected God (v7).

Judgement is coming for those who do not know God and refuse to obey the Gospel.  People will receive the very thing which they have sinfully desired, an eternity without God (v8).

Grace is necessary to enable a person to live in a way that God find’s acceptable and honor worthy.  People cannot avail themselves to God’s favor without God’s grace (v11-12).

3. Fulfillment in Christ:

All people suffer as a result of sin.  Instead of removing suffering from God’s people, He joins Himself our suffering by becoming a human being.  As a human being Jesus was vulnerable to all sorts of attacks that any human being might be susceptible to.  He did this so that those who join with Him in His suffering might have hope for a final restoration in all things for which they suffered.  This goes beyond merely saying that Christ suffered for sinners, which of course He did, but His suffering offers the Christian what he or she needs in that hour to meet suffering with joy and hope.  This testifies to the power, love, and hope that is Christ far greater than any sermon might accomplish.

4.  Application for Today:

May we be reminded of these things in our trials of suffering, for as long as we are suffering with Christ, our suffering is not in vain.   Today I might lose my job because I am choosing to be faithful to God rather than be scheduled to work on Sunday.  Today I might look a fool stand with Christ when others mock Him or anyone who believes Him.  Today I or someone I love might lose their health for a decision that was made to serve Christ rather than to enjoy the comforts of the world.

Whatever brand of suffering you might face today, I trust the principles provided in this passage  will be a consolation to you, that your suffering would not be in vain, and that you might through your suffering experience inexplicable joy only a member of God’s house could understand.