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
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
8. In flaming fire—Greek, "In flame of fire"; or, as other oldest manuscripts read, "in fire of flame." This flame of fire accompanied His manifestation in the bush ( :-); also His giving of the law at Sinai ( :-). Also it shall accompany His revelation at His advent (Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:10), symbolizing His own bright glory and His consuming vengeance against His foes (Hebrews 10:27; Hebrews 12:29; 2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:10). taking—literally, "giving" them, as their portion, "vengeance."... read more
II. COMMENDATION FOR PAST PROGRESS 1:3-12Paul thanked God for the spiritual growth of his readers, encouraged them to persevere in their trials, and assured them of his prayers for them. He did so to motivate them to continue to endure hardship and thereby develop in their faith (cf. James 1:2-4). read more
B. Encouragement to persevere 1:5-10These verses explain what God’s future righteous judgment is. read more
In the future God in His justice would punish the Thessalonians’ persecutors and give rest to his readers as well as to all Christians who suffer affliction for the gospel. This will take place when Jesus Christ returns to the earth in judgment. This is not a reference to the Rapture. The judgments described in the following verses (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10) will not take place then. It is a reference to Christ’s (second) coming at the end of the Tribulation (cf. Psalms 2:1-9; Matthew 25:31).... read more
Salutations. The Second Advent1-4. Greeting and thanksgiving for their constant faith and love and patience under persecution: cp. 1 Thessalonians 1:3.5-C. 2 Thessalonians 2:17. The Coming of Christ to judgment. Much is to happen before Christ comes.5. A manifest token] The words refer to their sufferings and their patience. If God is righteous there must come a time when wrongs such as theirs shall be righted, and patience like theirs be rewarded. Thus the sufferings and patience of the... read more
(8) In flaming fire.—Most critics agree to change the punctuation here, by omitting the comma after “angels” and inserting it after “fire.” The flaming fire here is not the instrument of the vengeance—i.e., hell-fire—but the common pictorial attribute of the Divine Presence (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 19:18; Daniel 7:9).Taking vengeance.—The expression in the original is one which is said to be found nowhere else in Greek literature, save in Ezekiel 25:14 (though in Hebrew there is an almost exact... read more
Chapter 18SUFFERING AND GLORY2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 (R.V.)IN the preceding verses of this chapter, as in the opening of the First Epistle, the Apostle has spoken of the afflictions of the Thessalonians, and of the Christian graces which they have developed under them. To suffer for Christ’s sake, he says, and at the same time to abound in faith and love and spiritual joy, is to have the mark of God’s election on us. It is an experience so truly and characteristically Christian that the Apostle... read more
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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