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Author: Will

2 Thessalonians 2:4 – The Man of Sin

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Will

who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Truth to Learn

The “man of sin” will be revealed before the Day of the Lord.

Behind the Words

The verb translated “opposes” is antikeimai. This word is made up of anti, meaning “opposite” or “against” and keimai, meaning “to lie outstretched.” Thus, it literally means “to lie against.” Antikeimai means “to be an opposer or an adversary.”

“Exalts” is translated from the verb huperairomai, which is composed of huper (or hyper), meaning “above” or “over” and a form of airō, meaning “to lift up.” Hence, it means “to lift above” or “to exalt.”

Sebasma is the word translated “worshiped.” This word means “an object of worship or adoration.”

“Showing” is from the verb apodeiknumi, which means “to show off” or “to exhibit something.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just written about the two events that will precede the Day of the Lord, which begins with the Tribulation. The Tribulation is identified in Daniel 9:24-27 as the seventieth week (of years). In Daniel 9:27 he talks about how “the prince who is to come” will establish a seven year covenant (with Israel). In the middle of that week (after three and one-half years), this prince will perform an abominable act which causes desolation. In Matthew chapter twenty-four, Jesus Christ also describes this act as “the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”

In today’s verse Paul gives us more information regarding this abominable act. This person, who Paul calls “the man of sin,” is the person referred to by Daniel as “the prince who is to come.” He is also referred to by the Apostle John as “the antichrist” (1 John 2:18, 22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7). According to Paul, this person will proclaim himself to be God, and he will demonstrate his deity by sitting in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, exhibiting himself as God.

This man of sin, whom Paul also calls “the lawless one” in verse eight, is described in Revelation chapter thirteen as “the beast out of the sea.” He will be controlled by Satan (the dragon) and will be worshipped as a god by the people on earth during the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week:

So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. (Revelation 13:4-5)

This “man of sin” may very well be alive today, but he has not yet been revealed. Neither has the apostasia occurred yet, so (as Paul has been teaching) the Day of the Lord has not yet come upon us.

Application

World events are rapidly shaping up that point to the fact that the Day of the Lord is close at hand. But it has not yet arrived and we still have time to proclaim the gospel message. It is up to all Christians to proclaim the good news of salvation through the blood of Christ. Are you proclaiming it?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:3 – Two Preceding Events

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Will

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

Truth to Learn

The Tribulation won’t begin until a couple of other things happen first.

Behind the Words

“Deceive” is translated from the Greek verb exapataō, made up of ek, used as an intensifier, and apataō, meaning “to deceive” or “to seduce.” Thus, exapataō means “to completely deceive.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability. Therefore, the opening part of this verse should read, “No one should completely deceive you …”

The words “that Day will not come” have been inserted by the translators; however, they are implied by the context and are appropriately inserted.

The words “falling away” are translated from the Greek noun apostasia. This word is based on the verb aphistēmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to place.” Thus, aphistēmi, means “to put away” or “to remove.” So, the noun apostasia refers to “the departure.” It can refer to a departure from a place or a set of ideals. The English word apostasy primarily refers to a departure from the core beliefs of Christianity, but the Greek word could also refer to a physical departure.

“Perdition” is from the Greek noun apoliea, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used here as an intensifier, and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Thus, apoliea refers to “complete destruction.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we noted that Paul is talking about how the Thessalonian Christians had been fooled into believing that the Day of the Lord (the Tribulation) had already begun. In today’s verse he instructs us regarding certain events that must occur before the Tribulation can begin.

He says, “no one should completely deceive you …” The reason we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking the Tribulation is upon us is because it won’t happen until a couple of other things happen. The first thing that must occur is the apostasia; however, there is much debate as to what this specifically refers to. Some believe that it refers to the Rapture, when the church is removed from the earth. Others note that the only other use of the word in the New Testament is the following:

… that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses … (Acts 21:21)

Secular writers of the first century use the word to refer to political revolt as well as the religious movement away from fundamental Judaism. So, it is unclear as to whether Paul is referring to a religious apostasy or to the rapture.

The other event that must occur before the Tribulation is the “man of sin” must be revealed. This is most likely a reference to the one we call “antichrist,” although only the Apostle John uses that designation. Only after the apostasia and the revealing of the “man of sin” can the Tribulation begin.

Application

It’s very clear to many of us that the Rapture and the Day of the Lord are both very near. Until that day, keep your focus on God and listen for the trumpet blast!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:2 – No, Not Yet

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Will

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to read and study the Bible for themselves.

Behind the Words

In the previous verse, the words “we ask” are from erōtaō, meaning “to make a request.” Then, this verse starts out with eis to, which is one of Paul’s favorite idioms, indicating the subject of Paul’s request. Today, we might say, “Please … don’t be soon shaken …”

“Soon” is translated from tacheōs, meaning “quickly,” “hastily,” or “soon.”

The word “shaken” is from saleuō, which is based on the noun salos, meaning “an ocean wave.” It is a picture of a ship being buffeted by waves. Thus, saleuō means “to be rocked back and forth” or “to be shaken up.”

“Troubled” is from the verb throeō, based on the noun throos, meaning “the loud, disturbing noise of a riotous crowd.” Thus, throeō (expressed here in the passive voice) means “to be troubled, disturbed, or terrified.”

Meaning Explained

When Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy started the church in Thessalonica, they apparently had given instruction in the soon return of Christ to gather all believers to Himself (the Rapture) and the ensuing judgment of God against the unbelieving world (the Tribulation and future judgments). In his first letter to this church, Paul gave additional instruction regarding the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Now he tells them not to be easily shaken or disturbed by false teachings regarding these events.

There were three possible sources of these false teachings. The first is “by spirit.” This indicates that this teaching was supposedly given to a “spirit-filled” teacher or prophet speaking by direct revelation from God. The second is “by word,” implying that it is a message given verbally, probably as part of a sermon. The third is “by letter,” indicating a written message. Understand that it was not uncommon during the early years of the church for letters to be sent by imposters claiming to be Paul or another of the apostles.

Before we finish, we need to observe that the word translated “Christ” (christos) is disputed. The earliest and best manuscripts have the word translated “Lord” (kurios) instead. This is an important distinction since, as Paul has taught previously, the Day of Christ refers to the Rapture, but the Day of the Lord refers to God’s judgment against the world. The message of these false teachers was not that the rapture had already happened, but that the Tribulation had begun. Given the persecution and tribulation they were suffering, it would have been fairly easy to convince the Thessalonians that this was true. In the following verses, Paul will tell us of several things that must occur before the Tribulation will begin.

Application

Very few preachers or teachers intentionally teach false doctrine; they simply teach what they have been taught or what they believe based on their own study. It is critical for us to read and study the Bible for ourselves and verify all such teaching (see Acts 17:11). No matter how great the teacher or preacher, don’t believe their message without verifying it yourself based on your own study of what the Bible teaches!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 – Look Up

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Will

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,

Truth to Learn

In the midst of your suffering, look up! He is coming soon!

Behind the Words

The word translated “now” is de. This particle serves to introduce a new topic. It is most often translated as “and” or “but.”

“Concerning” is translated from the Greek preposition huper (hyper). This word generally means “over” or “above.” But, it can also mean “about,” “concerning,” or “with respect to.”

Parousia is the Greek noun translated “coming.” This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” Parousia can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into one’s presence.

“Gathering together” is from the verb episunagōgē. This is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” sun, meaning “with” or “together with,” and agō, meaning “to lead.” Putting these all together we see that episunagōgē literally means “to lead or bring together upon a place.” In other words, it means “a gathering together into one place.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul spent most of the first chapter of this letter talking about God’s righteous judgment: grace for believers and tortuous, blazing fire for unbelievers. This was necessary to reassure the Christians in Thessalonica that God is always righteous. Now he builds on that concept and proceeds to explain to them that God has not deserted them. The reason they needed this reassurance is that there were some false teachers in the church who were teaching that the rapture had already come and they had been left behind. Not only that, they were teaching that the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment of mankind) had begun.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Therefore, Paul now will explain to them (and to us) some of the truths that he had previously taught them. We need to keep in mind that there is a difference between the Day of Christ (the rapture) and the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment). By maintaining this critical distinction, we will be able to clearly see through some of the confusion that various teachers have taught concerning this second chapter of 2 Thessalonians.

Paul starts off this chapter talking about the rapture. He describes it as “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” This “coming of our Lord” is not a reference to the time of God’s judgment, but to the event that is the culmination of God’s grace. This is clear because he couples it with the “gathering together to Him.” The only future event spoken of in these terms is the rapture, when all Christians (those living as well as those who have previously died physically) “will be caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Application

Throughout history, Christians have been persecuted and have suffered at the hands of non-believers. More Christians are suffering today than at any time in the past. But, don’t despair, my friends, God is coming soon. When He does, He will take us out of the world. Then, He will judge our persecutors.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:12 – His Glory!

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Will

that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ will one day receive all the glory and all the praise that is due to Him alone.

Behind the Words

Onoma is the Greek word translated “name.” It can be used to refer to a name, a title, or the person. Throughout the Old Testament, the name of God reveals and represents the character of God. It is likely that Paul used the word here in the same way, referring to the person Jesus Christ.

“May be glorified” is from the verb endoxadzō, which in verse ten we saw means “to be enveloped in glory” or “to appear glorious.” The root of this word, doxa, which primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.”

The words “according to” are translated from the preposition kata. This word primarily means “down” or “down upon,” but it is often used metaphorically to express a relation in which one thing stands toward another and is usually translated as “according to.”

The word “grace” is from the Greek noun charis. This word is based on the verb chairo, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or favor.

Meaning Explained

The main purpose of this second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica is to give more information concerning the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire second chapter of the letter focuses on this event exclusively. This first chapter serves as a prelude to the circumstances of His return.

Notice how Paul comes back again to the “glory of Jesus Christ.” The Christian era, from the cross to the rapture, is a demonstration of God’s grace toward sinners who deserve His wrath, but who will be blessed instead. The seven year period we refer to as the Tribulation will demonstrate God’s judgment against those who reject Him. His return is not to give attention to those of us who believe, nor is it to focus all of creation on His judgment against unbelievers. The central focus of Christ’s return is to highlight the glory of God in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In fact, if you read through the Bible carefully, you will see that the reason for all of creation is to focus attention on God. Many Christians are quick to point out that unbelievers are focused on themselves and reject God because it takes the focus off themselves and their lives. But, we Christians have the same tendency. We think that salvation is all about us and living for God means doing what we have to in order to get the most blessing possible from God. The peak of the crescendo of all creation will be the return of Jesus Christ when He will receive all the glory and all the praise.

Application

Let’s practice giving God all the glory and all the praise. It’s what He deserves and what He will receive when He comes.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:11 – Don’t Complain, Give Thanks!

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Will

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

Truth to Learn

Trials are good for Christians. Don’t complain – thank God.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek words eis ho. Eis means “to, into, or unto” and ho is a relative pronoun meaning “who or which.” So, we see that these two words literally mean “to which.”

The words “would count … worthy” are from the verb axioō, which is based on the noun axios, meaning “value or worth.” Therefore, axioō means “to determine the value or worth of something.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability.

Klēsis is the Greek word translated “calling.” It is based on the verb kaleō, meaning “a call or invitation to people, inviting them to come or to go somewhere.”

The word “fulfill” is from plēroō, meaning “to fill-up or to make completely full.”

“Good pleasure” is translated from eudokia, which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and dokeō, meaning “to think.” Thus eudokia, means “good thoughts” or “good intent.”

Meaning Explained

The apostle Paul would probably not get good grades in a Greek writing class because his sentences are often long and run-on. A good example is shown here in 2 Thessalonians. The sentence immediately preceding the current verse began back in verse three and doesn’t end until verse 10. As a result, it takes deep inspection to determine what he means by “therefore” at the beginning of today’s verse.

The crux of what Paul has been talking about is “we thank God because your patience and faith are growing as a result of your persecution and suffering. And, this growth is evidence of God’s righteous good judgment toward you and His severe judgment against unbelievers.” Basically, he prayed that God would show them His goodness at His return and in the future kingdom.

Now, Paul expresses another prayer. Instead of future blessing, however, he prays for their present blessing. He first prays that we might be found to be worthy of our calling to be a Christian. Trials do not make a person; they simply reveal what a person is really made of. A faithful, committed Christian will demonstrate his or her worth in the middle of trials. Weak or wishy-washy Christians in the midst of trials will only moan and complain, showing how little value their faith has. God knows our hearts even before we encounter trials, but we only recognize how strong our faith is when we are in the heat of battle.

Right now, God wants you to know how much He desires to bless you. That’s one of the reasons He allows persecution and suffering of His children. Trials are not a bad thing for Christians, they are good for us!

Application

When you encounter trials in your Christian walk or when you suffer for being a Christian, don’t complain to God; instead, thank Him for showing His love to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:10 – Return In Glory

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Will

when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

Truth to Learn

Christ is coming in glory to judge and to rule.

Behind the Words

“To be glorified” is translated from the verb endoxadzō, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and the verb form of doxa, which means “glory.” Thus, endoxadzō means “to be enveloped in glory” or “to appear glorious.”

Hagios is the word translated “saints.” It is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.” Therefore, hagios is sometimes translated “holy” or “sanctified.” All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God, which is precisely the meaning of the word “saint.” In the Bible this term does not refer to someone who has been declared to be a saint by the church, but someone who has been declared righteous by God.

“To be admired” is from the Greek verb thaumadzō, which is based on the noun thauma, meaning “a wonder.” Thaumadzō means “to be filled with admiration or astonishment.”

The word “testimony” is translated from marturion, which refers to “a declaration of witness” or “a testimony.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about God’s righteous judgment of grace toward believers and eternal suffering for unbelievers. In the previous verse he talked about the penalty that unbelievers will pay in eternal blazing fire and the complete absence of the presence of God. Now Paul tells us when these events will be brought about.

We can all look around us and see non-believers who reject God and everything He represents, but they seem to be successful and prospering in this world. At the same time we see faithful Christians who are undergoing persecution and suffering. We need to keep in mind, however, that this world system is controlled by Satan, whom Paul calls “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” in Ephesians 2:2.

One day soon Jesus Christ is going to return to judge Satan and the world he controls. This is the day that Paul refers to as the Day of the Lord. It actually will not be just a single twenty-four hour period; it will be a period of time that includes the Great Tribulation, the return of Christ, His millennial reign, and the final judgment. Throughout scripture it is portrayed as a day of judgment, but it will also be a day of blessing and a day in which Christ will be glorified because He will be seen for who He really is.

This is what Paul is describing in today’s verse. When Jesus Christ returns at the end of the Great Tribulation to set-up His kingdom on earth, we who have believed the gospel message (along with all the Jews who truly believe in the returning Messiah) will admire His glorious appearance.

Application

The testimony of believers, both in word and in deeds, proclaims the truth of God and the promise of His return. That message gives hope to believers and gives warning to unbelievers. Proclaim your faithful testimony ‘till He comes!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:9 – Eternal Torment

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Will

These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Truth to Learn

Those who reject Jesus Christ will suffer terribly, for eternity!

Behind the Words

The word “punished” is translated from the words dikēn tisousin. The word dikēn refers to “a judgment, a penalty, or a punishment” and tisousin is a form of the verb tinō, which means “to pay the value of something.” When these two words are used together they mean “to pay a penalty.”

“Everlasting” is from the Greek adjective aiōnios, which is derived from the noun aiōn, meaning “an age of time.” Aiōnios means “constant, perpetual, or eternal.”

Olethros is the word translated “destruction.” It is based on the verb ollumi, meaning “to destroy” or “to kill.” The fundamental thought behind olethros is not annihilation (ceasing to exist), but unavoidable and never ending distress and torment.

The word translated “presence” is prosōpon, which is made up of pros, meaning “toward” and ops, meaning “the eyes.” Thus, prosōpon literally means “toward the eyes.” It is most often translated as “face,” but it can also be translated as “presence.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about the righteous judgments of God: His righteous decision to show grace to sinners who believe in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and His righteous decision to sentence all non-believers to eternal punishment. Yesterday we looked at one aspect of this punishment of unbelievers. Paul identified it as hot, blazing fire. In Luke’s gospel account the following description of this torment is described in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man was in torment in hades:

Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:24)

But even this pales in comparison to the final torment that unbelievers will suffer. According to Revelation 20:15, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

As painful and torturous as this may be, I believe that this is not the worst part of the sentence that will be passed on those who reject the gospel message. Listen to the words of Jesus:

And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:11-12)

In this verse, the expression “sons of the kingdom” is a reference to the Jews, sons of Abraham, who rejected their Messiah. The total absence of the presence of God and His glory will produce such darkness that it will cause those experiencing it to wail and to gnash their teeth. This is the future that is promised to all who reject Jesus Christ.

Application

It is not our job to punish evil doers. That is God’s prerogative and His punishment will be worse than anything we could do.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:8 – Righteous Blazing Fire

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Will

in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

God will judge unbelievers, so we don’t need to.

Behind the Words

“Flaming” is translated from the Greek word phlox, which means “to burn brightly.” It could be translated as “blazing.”

The word “fire” is from pur, which refers to something that is burning. When combined with phlox, as it is in today’s verse, it refers to a hot, blazing fire.

Didomi is the Greek word translated “taking.” Actually, the primary meaning of didomi is “to give” rather than “to take.”

“Vengeance” is translated from ekdikēsis. This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of dikē, meaning justice. Thus, ekdikēsis refers to handing out a just sentence.

The verb “know” is from eidō, meaning “to see” or “to perceive.” It is often translated as “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

“Obey” is from the Greek verb hupakouō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and akouō, meaning “to hear.” It is a picture of a disciple listening attentively to his or her master and obeying the instruction given.

Meaning Explained

In verse six Paul told us that it is a righteous, or proper, thing for God to repay with tribulation those people who have been persecuting the Christians in Thessalonica. Now in this verse and the next, Paul tells how God will repay them. He says here that God will give a just sentence to them. That just sentence, according to Paul, is blazing fire. This is a clear description of hellfire. Observe that it is God who hands out this judgment. In his letter to the Roman Christians Paul said:

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

The words translated “avenge” and “vengeance” are from the verb form and noun form of ekdikēsis, the same as in the current verse. So, Paul is telling the Romans that it is not up to them (or us) to be judge, jury, and executioner. We may be suffering from persecution and injustice from non-believers, but we can rest in the fact that not only has God prepared a glorious future for us, He will also repay our persecutors with a just sentence.

Now, let’s take a look at the two main characteristics of those who are persecuting us and causing us tribulation. Paul says that they “do not know God” and they “do not obey the gospel.” As we discussed in Behind the Words, this word “know” indicates a perception or awareness of God. They either refuse to believe that there is a God, or the god they choose to worship is not the true God. As a result, they don’t believe the truth that He has communicated to all mankind, that we are all sinners and that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has paid the price for our sins.

Application

When you suffer for being a Christian or for proclaiming the Gospel message, don’t be discouraged. Know that God will bless you and will judge those who are persecuting you.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:7 – Eternal Rest

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Will

and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

Truth to Learn

Christians may be suffering now, but we will have eternal rest.

Behind the Words

The word “give” is not in the Greek text, but has been added by the translators. The grammatical construction of the Greek, however, indicates that the verb here is the same as the previous verse (repay). So this verse should read, “and to repay you…”

Anesis is the word translated “rest.” It is based on the verb aniēmi, a compound word made up of ana, meaning “up” or “back” and hiēmi, meaning “to send.” Thus, aniēmi means “to send back” or “to loosen” and anesis refers to “relief or rest.”

“Revealed” is from the Greek word apokalupsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Hence, apokalupsis refers to something being “uncovered” or “revealed.”

The word “heaven” is translated from ouranos, which is probably based on oros, meaning “a high place” or “a mountain.” Ouranos refers to the area above us. It can refer to the sky (the atmosphere around the earth), space (where stars and planets are located), or God’s dwelling place (sometimes called the third heaven).

The Greek word translated “mighty” is dunamis (from which we get our English word “dynamite). This word refers to “power in action.” The Greek word ischus is similar, although it refers to the ability, whereas dunamis refers to the action.

Meaning Explained

Paul has prayed for the growth in faith and love of the Thessalonians and stated that this growth in the face of persecution and tribulation is an indication of God’s righteous judgment. In yesterday’s verse Paul told us that God’s judgment is righteous in the way He judges evil doers. He told them (and us) that he will repay those who persecute us with their own tribulation. We will see in tomorrow’s verse the kind of repayment they will receive.

We are now told how God’s judgment is righteous toward those of us who believe in God and who believe in His son Jesus Christ. Please note here that there is a difference between fairness and righteous judgment. If God were fair, we would receive from Him what we rightly deserve. We would receive His wrath because of our sinfulness. But, because God is righteous and has chosen to demonstrate His grace toward us, we will not experience God’s wrath. Instead, we are told here, He will give us relief from the tribulation that we suffer in this life. Keep in mind what Jesus told His disciples:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Being a Christian does not mean that our life on earth will be easy. On the contrary, we will have tribulation. But, when this life is over we will have rest. Those who persecute us, however, will have tribulation beyond measure, eternally!

Application

Be of good cheer, my Christian friends; though your life may be difficult now, we will have eternal peace and rest!

In God's service, for His glory,