Free Bible Commentary
“2 Thessalonians 1:1-5”
Categories: 2 Thessalonians“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
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When Paul (and Silvanus and Timothy) said they “ought” always to give thanks to God for the Thessalonian brethren, and that it was “only fitting,” they were saying that the brethren really deserved the praise they were getting (verse 2). Paul and friends had written previously that they had earnestly desired to “complete what was lacking” in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10), and had prayed that the Lord would cause them to “increase and abound in” their love for one another (1 Thessalonians 3:12). And, even though they had some problems that still needed to be addressed, they had responded favorably to the first letter and Paul’s prayers had been answered.
The faith of the Thessalonian brethren had “greatly enlarged” (verse 3). This is the Greek word “huperauxano” which means “to increase beyond measure,” and is compared to the “internal, organic growth, as of a tree” (Vine’s Dictionary). Their faith had burgeoned and blossomed, and this “in the midst of…persecutions and afflictions” (verse 4); and they were to be greatly commended for their wonderful example. It is often the case that hardships foster growth in our faith, and comfort and ease promote complacency.
And the love that the Thessalonian brethren had for each other grew “even greater” (verse 3). As “greatly enlarged” suggests the idea of the organic growth of a tree, the Greek word “pleonazo” indicates growth of “a diffusive or expansive character, as of a flood irrigating the land” (Vine’s Dictionary). I love this vivid imagery of their faith (love toward God) reaching vertically, high into the sky like a tree stretching its branches towards the heavens; and their love for one another spreading out horizontally, deluging one another with care and concern, as a flood extends its waters over the face of the earth.
As for the “persecutions and afflictions” that they endured (verse 4), this was a “plain indication” that they were living lives that were right in the sight of God (verse 5). The fact that they were experiencing persecution indicated that they were opposing the sinful ways of the world and embracing the righteous ways of the Lord. And the fact that they were able to bear up under their difficulties was proof that God was pleased with them, and supplying the help that they needed to remain steadfast and loyal. The world is a testing ground, and the trials and tribulations we experience will either help to make or break our faith. When we keep the faith under the pressures of trials, we “will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.”
Please read 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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