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But to grant you who suffer such oppression relief together with us1 when the Master Jesus is revealed from the sky2 with all his mighty angels3 [Matthew 24:30, 31; Luke 17:30] in a flaming fire.
| 1 | Relief: The Greek is ANESIN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #425, a loosening, relaxing] and literally means “to let up” or “rest.” Or, TCN: relief. Rest or relief from oppression and suffering will occur at death for the majority of Saints. (See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 14:13) Judging from 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 the living Saints will find rest and relief at the Parousia. Paul begins to take up the subject discussed in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. |
| 2 | When the Master Jesus is revealed from the sky: Or, heaven. The Greek is EN TE APOCALYPSEI, or, “in the un-veiling.” “Heaven” here could mean “sky” where clouds form Or, TCN: appearing; WMS: unveiling; NJB: appears. Jesus and others taught that upon his royal return (Parousia) he would be visible to all living on earth. (Matthew 24:30, 31; Luke 17:24, 30; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:27) Compare Acts 3:20, 21. The Master is revealed or appears at his presence [coming, return, arrival] with his living and dead disciples. (Matthew 24:29-31) The idea of this “appearing” is possibly drawn from Daniel 12:1 and the Hebrew (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5975 `AMAD) which may be rendered “appear” as the Jewish Publication Society's Tanakh has it. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible states: “1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth…” When Paul had mentioned the “archangel” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 he surely was aware that Michael was foretold to “appear” at the time of the Great Oppression. Jesus Christ is foretold not to remain forever invisible in the heavens but to make his visible appearance to humanity following the Great Oppression. (See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 24:29-31) |
| 3 | With all his mighty angels: When Messiah Yeshua first appears, before becoming present (parousia) with his Saints, he arrives with “his angels.” Compare Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, and Revelation 12:7. The phrase is likely a conflate of Matthew 24:30, 31 and Luke 17:30. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we begin to examine Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians we discovered how each chapter mentioned the Second Coming. 2 Thessalonians has Paul again referring to the Parousia in the first two chapters. We choose 2 Thessalonians 1:7 as the theme verse of chapter one – Worthy Calling. This letter is also from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. [1, 2] Paul and his companions thank God for their growing faith, as well as their ever-increasing love to one another. [3-5] Among all the little congregations Paul takes pride in these disciples. They have endured all their persecutions and afflictions, and by such they may be found “worthy” of God’s Kingdom.
Paul writes that it is just and fair for God to punish their oppressors. [6-10] However, those who suffer such oppression will experience relief when the Christ is revealed from the sky with all his mighty angels. Then those persecutors who never knew God – or were disobedient tot he Gospel – will experience God’s vengeance. These will suffer “everlasting destruction” – not Hell – “when God arrives on that Day with all His Saints.”
Paul prays that God will “count them worthy of His invitation.” [11, 12] This will require their deep resolution “to be good” as well as possessed of a working faith. Thus, the name of the Master will be glorified.
Abba our Father bless those who endure in faith and good works.
[19 July 2002]
