2 Tessalonicenses 1

2 Tessalonicenses 1

Calvin comments that "By these words Paul shows us that we are under an obligation to give thanks to God not only when He does us a kindness, but also when we consider the kindness which He has shown towards our brethren.” Hiebert adds "Others are talking about the Thessalonians, and the founders, justly proud of their converts, cannot restrain themselves from doing likewise. It is indeed high praise for the readers, intended to encourage them in their affliction. They now “boast” in their converts, “speak proudly of” them (NASB). The present tense indicates that this is not an isolated event; it is rather their practice to speak about them with elation....Where the churches in view were actually located we cannot say, other than Corinth. Certainly Paul does not mean all the churches in existence at the time, nor should we restrict his meaning to Corinth and vicinity. THOUGHT - Have you ever justifiably boasted in the work of some of your fellow saints. It is not necessarily a bad thing and ultimately God gets the glory, for as Paul said in 1 Cor 1:30-31 "by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” Hiebert on among the churches of God - The only description given of these churches is that they belong to God, being “the congregations of God’s people” (NEB). No geographical limitations are added. It is usually held that Paul means the churches in Corinth and its neighborhood The saints at Thessalonica endured and held fast to their faith in Christ despite all their persecutions and afflictions. They did not buckle under and give in to the crowd nor to discouragement and despair. The very fact that they were steadfast and holding on to their faith served as a bright, shining testimony to those who witnessed their attitudes and actions. for your perseverance and faith - Hiebert points out that perseverance (see more on hupomone below) "does not denote a meek submissiveness but rather a heroic endurance under trial. It is closely linked to their faith. Without a living, robust faith, they would not have been able to remain steadfast under their afflictions. Their perseverance as believers amid persecution manifested the reality of their faith." Paul had already commended the Thessalonians for the "steadfastness (hupomone) of hope (note "hope" has a foundation! A "Rock") in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father." (1 Th 1:3+) And he will use hupomone one more time in this letter in one of his closing prayers for them "May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness (hupomone) of Christ." (2 Th 3:5) So even though these saints had persevered (1 Th 1:3+) and were clearly persevering in this passage, Paul still felt compelled to pray for their future perseverance. THOUGHT - Paul knew that present perseverance did not guarantee future perseverance, for spiritual warfare with persecutions and afflictions would continue as long as they (and we) are in this fallen, godless, Christ hating world. O, how we need to hear and heed this reminder and not cease praying similarly for our church leaders, our believing family members, our disciples, and OURSELVES, for it is such perseverance which demonstrates "we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. (Heb 3:14+) (See Perseverance of the Saints) Afflictions Press from Without in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you (present tense = continue to) endure (holding on) - In the midst of means the readers are in the very center of continuing harassment and yet they were continuing to forbear (enabled by the Spirit). "The point of the apostolic boasting is that the Thessalonians are maintaining their unwavering trust in the Lord amid persecution for their faith." (Hiebert) Note that persecutions (see diogmos below) and afflictions are both in the plural, indicating these difficult, painful, pressuring circumstances were many and varied! Hiebert adds that the verb endure (see anechomai below) "pictures them as bravely holding themselves erect and firm under the sufferings endured because of their faith." God uses afflictions to produce perseverance, Paul writing "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations (See below on thlipsis), knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (see hupomone); and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4+) C H