2 Thessalonians 1-2

What’s Happening?

Paul begins his second letter to the Thessalonians with a prayer. He thanks God for the growing faith and love the Thessalonians have towards one other, as well as their endurance in the face of severe persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4). Paul says these virtues are proof that they are members of God’s Kingdom and that God will bring to justice those who trouble and persecute them (2 Thessalonians 1:4-7). Soon Jesus will appear and judge those who harm God’s people. On that day all who rebel against King Jesus will be shut out of God's eternal Kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10). With this in mind, Paul prays that God will strengthen and empower the Thessalonians to remain faithful until Jesus returns and gives his people eternal life (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).

However, many in Thessalonica were convinced that Jesus had already returned (2 Thessalonians 2:1). Anxious, they feared their current persecutions were proof they had missed out on God’s justice or, worse, that Jesus’ victorious return was not as powerful as they hoped (2 Thessalonians 2:2). But Paul tells them that the day Jesus returns will be so obvious, they don’t need to worry they missed it. He then reminds them of everything he taught them while he helped start their church (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9). When Jesus returns he will judge all their persecutors, condemn their lies, and rescue his people from their suffering forever (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Their persecutions are not proof that God has left them behind, rather they are proof God hasn’t returned yet. Counterintuitively, their suffering should comfort them because it means that Jesus is still on the way.

Instead of anxiously wondering if they have missed out on Jesus’ return, the Thessalonians should persevere because God loves them and has sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen them so that they will share in God’s eternal Kingdom when it arrives (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17).

Where is the Gospel?

The facts surrounding Jesus’ return are always fascinating. And some of these passages in Thessalonians are some of the most debated in the entire Bible. Some think these passages refer to events that happened long ago when God destroyed Jerusalem’s temple in AD 70. Others believe these passages will come true some day far in the future when Jesus returns for the final time. But whatever your opinion, the good news is the same. We do not have to worry that our suffering is proof that our persecutors will win, that God has forgotten, or that we have missed out on Jesus' glorious return. God has planned for suffering believers in Jesus to share in his glory forever (2 Thessalonians 2:14). Our persecutions are not proof we’ve missed out on God’s plans or been left behind. Rather, our sufferings remind us that there is a future day of justice and vindication on the way. And when Jesus comes, it will be obvious. We don’t need to fear or be anxious. God is on our side, Jesus is on his way, and he is coming soon. 

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see the God who will judge on his people’s behalf. And may you see Jesus as the one who is coming soon.