2 Thessalonians 1

1. To the called-out ones of Thessalonica, who are in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

The greeting is the same as 1 Thessalonians 1:1.

2. Grace and peace to you from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some people say that grace means that you receive something which you do not deserve. Another way of looking at grace is a kind of power that God gives you so that you can do things that used to be impossible for you.

In the old days, when men were fighting each other, one might call out for mercy. They were saying, “I do not deserve for you to let me go, but I am asking for mercy.” So the idea of getting something that you do not deserve fits better with mercy than it does with the word grace.

3 – 4

We should always be thanking God for you, my brothers. It would only be right, because your faith has come so far, and your love for each other is even stronger. So that we brag about you to other churches, because you have shown such patience and faith during your trials.

The church became more mature because of trials. Every trial you live through gives you experience to face the next one.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

5. This shows that God is right when He judges. He uses your trials to prove that you are worthy of His kingdom.

People challenge the fairness of God in allowing us to go through trials but if we are honest we will see that He knows the best way to challenge us so that once and for all we will leave behind anything that is holding us down.

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. Heb. 12:5–6

Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.
1 Corinthians 3:13

6. It is only right for God to repay those who are troubling you.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

7. He will give rest to you who are being troubled, and to us also, when the Lord Jesus will be shown from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28

8. He will judge those who do not know God and who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus

For those who say we are going to live through the great tribulation, notice that God's judgment is on the wicked – not on us!

9. They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction and be separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power.

They wanted to be separated from God forever but it will not be like they thought it would be. They thought they would be free to do whatever they want but there will only be darkness.

10. But for those whom He has set apart, there will be no words to describe His coming. It will be amazing to all who believe -including you, for you have believed the message that we brought to you.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! Revelation 5:12

11. This is how we pray for you: that God may see you as worthy of your calling, and that He will help you complete every good thing you are doing.

So these are the things that Paul was praying for them. First of all, that they would be accounted worthy, that the Lord will account them worthy of being in this heavenly company, that he might fulfill all of the good pleasure of goodness in them and His work of faith with power.

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 (2Th 1:12).

And so the whole glory that shall be revealed in the church, through the church and in Christ at His coming.

12. That the name of Jesus may be glorified because of you and that you may share in His glory through the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 1 Peter 2:19