2 Thessalonians 1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 open_in_new

    It is highly observable, that the apostle wraps up his praise of men in praise to God; giving him the glory. Your faith groweth — Probably he had heard from them since his sending the former letter. Aboundeth — Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increaseth still.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 open_in_new

    It is a righteous thing with God — (However men may judge) to transfer 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 sorrows, 1 Thessalonians 2:16, which did not end but with their destruction.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8 open_in_new

    Taking vengeance — Does God barely permit this, or (as "the Lord" once "rained brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven," Genesis 19:24) does a fiery stream go forth from him for ever? Who know not God — (The root of all wickedness and misery) who remain in heathen ignorance. And who obey not — This refers chiefly to the Jews, who had heard the gospel.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9 open_in_new

    From the glory of his power — Tremble, ye stout — hearted. Everlasting destruction — As there can be no end of their sins, (the same enmity against God continuing,) so neither of their punishment; sin and its punishment running parallel throughout eternity itself. They must of necessity, therefore, be cut off from all good, and all possibility of it. From the presence of the Lord — Wherein chiefly consists the salvation of the righteous. What unspeakable punishment is implied even in falling short of this, supposing that nothing more were implied in his taking vengeance!