2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled— afflicted— rest . The word "rest" here is a noun in the accusative, not a verb, as English readers might at the first glance suppose. It literally denotes relaxation, case. The meaning of the passage is that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense rest to you who are afflicted. The recompense of the persecutors—those who afflict, is affliction; the recompense of the persecuted—the afflicted, is rest (comp. Matthew 11:28 , Matthew 11:29 ). The rest or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire; not the instrument of punishment—"in flaming fire taking vengeance;" but a further description of the glory of Christ's appearance—"revealed in flaming fire." In the Old Testament God is represented as appearing in flaming fire, as when he manifested himself to Moses in the burning bush ( Exodus 3:2 ; Acts 7:30 ); and especially his coming to judgment is represented as coming in fire ( Psalms 97:3 ). What is there asserted of God is here referred to Christ (comp. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled - That is, “it will be a righteous thing for God to give to you who are persecuted rest in the last day.” As it will be right and proper to punish the wicked, so it will he right to reward the good. It will not, however, be in precisely the same sense. The wicked will deserve all that they will suffer, but it cannot be said that the righteous will deserve the reward which they will receive. It will be right and proper, because:(1) There is a fitness that they who are... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire - This is a circumstance which is not noticed in the account of his appearing in the parallel place in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The object of the apostle here seems to be to represent him as coming amidst vivid flashes of lightning. He is commonly described as coming in clouds, and to that common description there is here added the image of incessant lightnings, as if the whole heavens were illuminated with a continued blaze.Taking vengeance - Margin, “yielding.” Greek, “giving.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8. Seeing it is a righteous thing However men may judge of it; with God To whom belongeth vengeance, (Romans 12:19,) and who will avenge his elect that cry unto him day and night; to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you To remove the pressure from you to them. And it is remarkable that about this time, at the passover, the Jews raising a tumult, a great number, some say thirty thousand of them, were slain. St. Paul seems to allude to this beginning of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

1:1-2:12 CONCERNING CHRIST’S RETURNA source of encouragement (1:1-12)The Thessalonian Christians continue to grow in faith, love and endurance, in spite of the constant persecution they suffer; and Paul continues to talk about them as an example that should challenge others (1:1-4; cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:3,1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). He encourages them to keep moving forward, and points out that their suffering is proof of the genuineness of their faith. Their endurance shows that they are worthy to... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Thessalonians 1:7

rest . Greek. anesis. See Acts 24:23 . with . App-104 . when, &c . = in (Greek. en) the revelation ( App-106 .) of. Lord . App-98 . Jesus . App-98 . heaven . Singular. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 . His, &c . = the angels of His power ( App-172 .) read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Thessalonians 1:8

flaming fire = fire of flame (Greek. phlo x. Here; Luke 16:24 .Acts 7:30 . Hebrews 1:7 . Revelation 1:14 ; Revelation 2:18 ; Revelation 19:12 ). taking . . . on = giving . . . to. vengeance . Greek. ekdikesis. See Luke 18:8 . know . App-132 . gospel . App-140 . Christ . The texts omit. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Thessalonians 1:8

rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:Vengeance ... Everywhere in Scripture this is the prerogative of Almighty God himself, not that of any man; and its being ascribed here as a purpose and action of the Lord Jesus Christ is another attestation of his deity. See Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30 and Deuteronomy 32:25. But vengeance there will be. God has a score to settle with sin and with the incorrigibly wicked, and the judgment of... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7

2 Thessalonians 1:6-7. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God, &c.— His justice is equally concerned to afflict those in their turns who have afflicted you; 2Th 1:7 and to grant to you who have been afflicted, repose with us, &c. Heylin. With his mighty angels, should be joined to the next clause;—his mighty angels in flaming fire; or, "who will make a flaming fire;" as Psalms 104:3-4. read more