2Th 1:3-10 | RWP | e4.org | We are bound ( οφειλομεν ). Paul feels a sense of obligation to keep on giving thanks to God ( ευχαριστειν τω θεω , present infinitive with dative case) because of God's continued blessings on the Thessalonians. He uses the same idiom again in and nowhere else in his thanksgivings. It is not necessity ( δε ) that Paul here notes, but a sense of personal obligation as in (Milligan). Even as it is meet ( καθως αξιον εστιν ). Οφειλομεν points to the divine, αξιον to the human side of the obligation (Lightfoot), perhaps to cheer the fainthearted in a possible letter to him in reply to Paul's First Thessalonian epistle (Milligan). This adjective αξιος is from αγω , to drag down the scales, and so weighty, worthy, worthwhile, old word and appropriate here. For that your faith groweth exceedingly ( οτ υπεραυξανε η πιστις υμων ). Causal use of οτ referring to the obligation stated in οφειλομεν . The verb υπεραυξανω is one of Paul's frequent compounds in υπερ ( υπερ-βαινω , ; υπερ-εκ-τεινω , ; υπερ-εν-τυγχανω , ; υπερ-νικαω , ; υπερ-πλεοναζω , ) and occurs only here in N.T. and rare elsewhere (Galen, Dio Cass.). Figure of the tree of faith growing above ( υπερ ) measure. Cf. parable of Jesus about faith-like a grain of mustard seed ( .). Aboundeth ( πλεοναζε ). Same verb in , here a fulfilment of the prayer made there. Milligan finds diffusive growth of love in this word because of "each one" ( ενος εκαστου ). Frame finds in this fulfilment of the prayer of one proof that II Thessalonians is later than I Thessalonians.

‏ 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

We are bound ( οφειλομεν ). Paul feels a sense of obligation to keep on giving thanks to God ( ευχαριστειν τω θεω, present infinitive with dative case) because of God's continued blessings on the Thessalonians. He uses the same idiom again in 2:13 and nowhere else in his thanksgivings. It is not necessity ( δε ) that Paul here notes, but a sense of personal obligation as in 1Jo 2:6 (Milligan).

Even as it is meet ( καθως αξιον εστιν ). Οφειλομεν points to the divine, αξιον to the human side of the obligation (Lightfoot), perhaps to cheer the fainthearted in a possible letter to him in reply to Paul's First Thessalonian epistle (Milligan). This adjective αξιος is from αγω, to drag down the scales, and so weighty, worthy, worthwhile, old word and appropriate here.

For that your faith groweth exceedingly ( οτ υπεραυξανε η πιστις υμων ). Causal use of οτ referring to the obligation stated in οφειλομεν. The verb υπεραυξανω is one of Paul's frequent compounds in υπερ ( υπερ-βαινω, 1Th 4:6; υπερ-εκ-τεινω, 2Co 10:14; υπερ-εν-τυγχανω, Ro 8:26; υπερ-νικαω, Ro 8:37; υπερ-πλεοναζω, 1Ti 1:14) and occurs only here in N.T. and rare elsewhere (Galen, Dio Cass.). Figure of the tree of faith growing above ( υπερ ) measure. Cf. parable of Jesus about faith-like a grain of mustard seed (Mt 13:31f.).

Aboundeth ( πλεοναζε ). Same verb in 1Th 3:12, here a fulfilment of the prayer made there. Milligan finds diffusive growth of love in this word because of "each one" ( ενος εκαστου ). Frame finds in this fulfilment of the prayer of 1Th 3:12 one proof that II Thessalonians is later than I Thessalonians.

So that ( ωστε ). Another example of ωστε and the infinitive ( ενκαυχασθα ) for result as in 1Th 1:7 which see.

We ourselves ( αυτους ημας ). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive, but not merely ημας (or εαυτους ), perhaps in contrast with εν υμιν (in you), as much as to say, "so that we ourselves, contrary to your expectations, are boasting" (Frame). Ενκαυχαομα occurs here alone in N.T., but is found in the LXX and in Aesop's Fables, proof enough of its vernacular use. Paul was not above praising one church to other churches, to provoke them to good works. Here he is boasting of Thessalonica in Macedonia to the Corinthians as he did later to the Corinthians about the collection (2Co 8:1-15) after having first boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians (2Co 9:1-5). There were other churches in Achaia besides Corinth (2Co 1:1).

For ( υπερ ). Over, about, like περ (1Th 1:2).

In all your persecutions ( εν πασιν τοις διωγμοις υμων ). Their patience and faith had already attracted Paul's attention (1Th 1:3) and their tribulations θλιψεσιν (1Th 1:6). Here Paul adds the more specific term διωγμος, old word from διωκω, to chase, to pursue, a word used by Paul of his treatment in Corinth (2Co 12:10).

Which ye endure ( αις ανεχεσθε ). B here reads ενεχεσθε, to be entangled in, to be held in as in Ga 5:1, but ανεχεσθε is probably correct and the αις is probably attracted to locative case of θλιψεσιν from the ablative ων after ανεχεσθε,

from which ye hold yourselves back (cf. Col 3:13).

A manifest token of the righteous judgment of God ( ενδειγμα της δικαιας κρισεως του θεου ). Old word from ενδεικνυμ, to point out, result reached ( -μα ), a thing proved. It is either in the accusative of general reference in apposition with the preceding clause as in Ro 8:3; 12:1, or in the nominative absolute when ο εστιν, if supplied, would explain it as in Php 1:28. This righteous judgment is future and final (verses 6-10).

To the end that you may be counted worthy ( εις το καταξιωθηνα υμας ). Another example of εις το for purpose with first aorist passive infinitive from καταξιοω, old verb, with accusative of general reference υμας and followed by the genitive της βασιλειας (kingdom of God). See 1Th 2:12 for

kingdom of God.

For which ye also suffer ( υπερ ης κα πασχετε ). Ye

also as well as we and the present tense means that it is still going on.

If so be that it is a righteous thing with God ( ειπερ δικαιον παρα θεω ). Condition of first class, determined as fulfilled, assumed as true, but with ειπερ (if on the whole, provided that) as in Ro 8:9, 17, and with no copula expressed. A righteous thing "with God" means by the side of God ( παρα θεω ) and so from God's standpoint. This is as near to the idea of absolute right as it is possible to attain. Note the phrase in verse 5.

To recompense affliction to them that afflict you ( ανταποδουνα τοις θλιβουσιν ημας θλιψιν ). Second aorist active infinitive of double compound αντ-αποδιδωμ, old verb, either in good sense as in 1Th 3:9 or in bad sense as here. Paul is certain of this principle, though he puts it conditionally.

Rest with us ( ανεσιν μεθ' ημων ). Let up, release. Old word from ανιημ, from troubles here (2Co 2:13; 7:5; 8:13), and hereafter as in this verse. Vivid word. They shared suffering with Paul (verse 5) and so they will share ( μεθ' ) the

rest.

At the revelation of the Lord Jesus ( εν τη αποκαλυψε του Κυριου Ιησου ). Here the Παρουσια (1Th 2:19; 3:13; 5:23) is pictured as a

Revelation (Un-veiling, απο-καλυψις ) of the Messiah as in 1Co 1:7, 1Pe 1:7, 13 (cf. Lu 17:30). At this Unveiling of the Messiah there will come the

recompense (verse 6) to the persecutors and the

rest from the persecutions. This Revelation will be

from heaven ( απ' ουρανου ) as to place and

with the angels of his power ( μετ' αγγελων δυναμεως αυτου ) as the retinue and

in flaming fire ( εν πυρ φλογος, in a fire of flame, fire characterized by flame). In Ac 7:30 the text is

flame of fire where πυρος is genitive (like Isa 66:15) rather than φλογος as here (Ex 3:2).

Rendering ( διδοντος ). Genitive of present active participle of διδωμ, to give, agreeing with Ιησου.

Vengeance ( εκδικησιν ). Late word from εκδικεω, to vindicate, in Polybius and LXX.

To them that know not God ( τοις μη ειδοσιν θεον ). Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως. Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1Th 4:3; Ga 4:8; Ro 1:28; Eph 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Ro 2:14).

And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus ( κα τοις μη υπακουουσιν τω ευαγγελιω του κυριου ημων Ιησου ). Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Ro 10:16). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials ( πολιταρχς ) were involved in the persecution in Thessalonica (Ac 17:5-9; 2Th 1:6). Note the use of "gospel" here as in Mr 1:15 "believe in the gospel."

Who ( οιτινες ). Qualitative use, such as. Vanishing in papyri though surviving in Paul (1Co 3:17; Ro 1:25; Ga 4:26; Php 4:3).

Shall suffer punishment ( δικην τισουσιν ). Future active of old verb τινω, to pay penalty ( δικην, right, justice), here only in N.T., but αποτινω once also to repay Phm 1:19. In the papyri δικη is used for a case or process in law. This is the regular phrase in classic writers for paying the penalty.

Eternal destruction ( ολεθρον αιωνιον ). Accusative case in apposition with δικην (penalty). This phrase does not appear elsewhere in the N.T., but is in IV Macc. 10:15 τον αιωνιον του τυραννου ολεθρον the eternal destruction of the tyrant (Antiochus Epiphanes). Destruction (cf. 1Th 5:3) does not mean here annihilation, but, as Paul proceeds to show, separation

from the face of the Lord ( απο προσωπου του κυριου ) and from the

glory of his might ( κα απο της δοξης της ισχυος αυτου ), an eternity of woe such as befell Antiochus Epiphanes. Αιωνιος in itself only means age-long and papyri and inscriptions give it in the weakened sense of a Caesar's life (Milligan), but Paul means by age-long

the coming age in contrast with

this age, as

eternal as the New Testament knows how to make it. See on Mt 25:46 for use of αιωνιος both with ζωην, life, and κολασιν, punishment.

When he shall come ( οταν ελθη ). Second aorist active subjunctive with οταν, future and indefinite temporal clause (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 971ff.) coincident with εν τη αποκαλυψε in verse 7.

To be glorified ( ενδοξασθηνα ). First aorist passive infinitive (purpose) of ενδοξαζω, late verb, in N.T. only here and verse 12, in LXX and papyri.

In his saints ( εν τοις αγιοις αυτου ). The sphere in which Christ will find his glory at the Revelation.

And to be marvelled at ( κα θαυμασθηνα ). First aorist passive infinitive (purpose), common verb θαυμαζω.

That believed ( τοις πιστευσασιν ). Why aorist active participle instead of present active πιστευουσιν (that believe)? Frame thinks that Paul thus reassures those who believed his message when there (1Th 1:6ff.; 2:13f.). The parenthetical clause, though difficult, falls in with this idea:

Because our testimony unto you was believed ( οτ επιστευθη το μαρτυριον ημων εφ' υμας ). Moffatt calls it an anti-climax.

On that day ( εν τη ημερα εκεινη ). The day of Christ's coming (2Ti 1:12, 18; 4:8).