Intro & Persecution of Believers

Introduction:

2 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:”

When Paul writes his second epistle, he identifies his two co-workers who are brethren with him. He would identify himself with men who, for us today, would be totally unknown had not Paul included them in these epistles. This reveals something of the character of Paul. A man who had been a proud young Pharisee has become a humble follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and a servant of His and an apostle of His.

2 Thessalonians 1:2 “Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace comes first. If you have experienced the grace of God, that means you have been saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8–9). When you come to God as a lost sinner, bringing nothing, and receiving everything from Him, then you have experienced the grace of God. He offers you salvation—the gift of God is eternal life.

“Peace”—if you have experienced God’s grace, then you know something about His peace. Peace is the world’s softest pillow that you can sleep on at night. It is the peace that comes when you know that your sins are forgiven.

The Believers Persecution

2 Thessalonians 1:3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians Critical and Explanatory Notes

As though the apostle said, “It is something worth giving thanks for.” Your faith groweth exceedingly.—The word for “groweth exceedingly” does not occur again in the New Testament. It means “to increase beyond measure.”

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians Critical and Explanatory Notes

The charity of every one of you toward each other aboundeth.—This is high praise indeed—a plethora of love. Like a brimming fountain kept always full, so the love of these early Christians overflowed.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”

Patience is an interesting word. The Greek word translated by the English word patience has the literal meaning of “standing under.” It means to be placed under. A great many people try to get out from under the problems and difficulties. The person who is patient is able to stay under, and he keeps on carrying the load. He doesn’t throw it off; he doesn’t try to get rid of his responsibility.

The patience and faith of these Christians were unshaken as they were enduring a great deal of trouble, persecutions, and afflictions.

2 Thessalonians 1:5–6 “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;”

When God judges, God is righteous in it. Paul asks the question: “Is there unrighteousness with God?” The answer is, Let it not be—”God forbid”

Romans 9:14 KJV 1900

What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Whatever God does is absolutely right. He can do no wrong. Sometimes we complain about the things that happen to us because we are ignorant; we do not understand God’s ways. But God has a very definite purpose for all that He does. And God is righteous in sending the Great Tribulation. It is a judgment of sinners.

2 Thessalonians 1:7 “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,”

The Lord Jesus is coming in judgment.