2 Thessalonians 1

1 the times and the seasons. Of the Lord’s coming (iv. 13-17).

ye have no need that I write unto you. For yod know already from Christ’s own words, all that can be known on the subject (see Matt. xxiv. 42-44).

2 as a thief in the night, etc. The Lord’s return to the judgement will be as unexpected and sudden as the coming of a midnight robber; and as startling as the pang of childbirth (3).

4 darkness. The darkness of ignorance and unbelief.

6 as do others. Or, “as the rest,” i.e., the unbelieving world: see iv. 13.

8 putting on the breastplate, etc. As soldiers, who have to keep guard, and to face danger and death: see on Eph. vi. 14-17. Note the mention of faith, hope and love; cp. 1 Cor. xiii. 13.

9 hath not appointed us. Rather, “did not appoint us.”

10 wake. Better, “watch.” The Greek word is the same as that used in ver. 6.

12 know them which labour among you, etc. Regard them with the respect and gratitude due to their character, office, and labours: cp. Heb. xiii. 17; Phil. ii. 30.

14 unruly. Or, “disorderly”: cp. iv. 11; 2 Thess. iii. 11.

18 in every thing give thanks. For all things are for your good: see Eph. v. 20.

this is the will of God, etc. This combination of joy, prayer, and gratitude (16, 17, 18).

19. Quench not the Spirit, etc. Do not resist or neglect His influences. We may do so by want of fidelity to Christ’s teaching, to the voice of conscience in daily life.

22 from all appearance. “From every form” (R.V.).

23 your whole spirit, etc. The word whole should be read with “preserved.” R.V., “May your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame.”

24. Faithful Is He that calleth you, etc. Difficult as this complete sanctification may seem, it is assured by God’s faithfulness.

26 with a holy kiss. See note on Rom. xvi. 16.

[The first [Epistle] unto the Thessalonians, etc.] Plainly incorrect. A comparison of i. 1; iii. 1, with Acts xviii. 1, 5, shows that Paul had left Athens and gone to Corinth.

THIS letter, written a few months later than 1 Thessalonians, and not later than A.D. 53, deals with the same subjects as the First Epistle, and especially with the coming of the Lord.

The apostle renews his expression of thankfulness for their faith, their love to one another, and their patience in suffering (i. 3, 4). And then he puts them on their guard against misunderstandings that had arisen on the immediate approach of the Lord’s return (ii. 1, 2). “He had spoken rather of the unexpectedness of the event than of its nearness” (Bible Handbook). For the references to the “man of sin” and “that wicked One,” see notes on ii. 3, 8.

He also warns them against busybodies and persons who stir up strife (iii. 6, 11, 14, 15). His advice to withdraw from them (iii. 6, 14) may be compared with 1 Tim. vi. 5 and 1 Cor. v. 11.

The closing verses of the Epistle contain a memorable advice: “Be not weary in well doing” (iii. 13), and a memorable prayer: “The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means” (iii. 16).

3 the charity, etc. That is, “your mutual love.”

5 [which is] a manifest token, etc. See note on Phil. i. 28. Their patience and constancy were a sign of God’s faithfulness to His people. He showed that He had Himself undertaken their cause—counting them worthy of His kingdom; and also that when the time of the manifestation of that kingdom should come, He would as certainly punish the persecutors, and give the sufferers release.

7 with His mighty angels. Properly, “with angels of His power,” i.e., by whom He exercises His power: see Matt. xiii. 41. R.V. joins the phrase in flaming fire to this description: “the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of His power in flaming fire.”

8 taking vengeance, etc. Or, “awarding punishments to them,” etc.

10 glorified in His saints. Cp. 1 Thess. iii. 13, and note.

to be admired. Or, “wondered at.”

11 worthy of [this] calling. Or, “of the calling.” That is, of the Divine call, with its privileges and future: cp. 1 Thess. ii. 12. The R.V. “of your calling” weakens the force of the original.

fulfil all the good pleasure, etc. Or, “perfect in you in power (i.e., powerfully), every desire of goodness, and [every] work of faith”: see note on 1 Thess. i. 3.