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2TH 1:3
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2TH 1:4
2 Thessalonians 1:4. So that we ourselves glory— Compare 2Th 1:11 with this verse, and you will find, that here is an instance of his commending them, according to his frequent way of writing, in order to encourage and more effectually persuade them still to be advancing. From this text it is worth while to observe the apostle's skilful and happy address: he raised the emulation of other churches, by commending the Thessalonians; and he again quickens the Thessalonians, by acquainting them how much he had praised them in other churches.
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2TH 1:5
2 Thessalonians 1:5. Which is a manifest token— The exercise of God's justice has a double object; respecting good men for their purification, and respecting bad men for their punishment. Persecution inflicted and suffered, furnishes both these objects respectively. Perhaps the word rendered manifest token, may further imply, that the sufferings of good men, and the triumphs of their persecuting enemies, should not only terminate in a display of divine vengeance; but that these seeming irregularities do even now declare, that there shall be such a day of retribution.
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2TH 1:9
2 Thessalonians 1:9. From the presence of the Lord,— This phrase expresses not only that they shall be expelled from that joy and glory which reigns in the presence of Christ, but that his presence shall appear active in the infliction of their punishment; so that they shall as it were be blasted by the lightning of his eye. The original is very emphatical: "Who shall suffer punishment,—everlasting destruction from the face of the Lord." From the glory of his power means, from his glorious power.
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2TH 1:10
2 Thessalonians 1:10. To be admired, &c.— This strongly implies, not only that the saints themselves shall admire at what he does for them, so far above all their conceptions and expectations; but that it shall reflect an admirable gloryupon our Redeemer, in the judgment of all who shall be spectators of it. Elsner and Grotius read the next clause, Because our testimony concerning you will be approved in that day; or shall have been verified, or ratified upon you. Dr. Heylin reads it, For what we have testified and declared to you, shall be verified in that day.
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2 Thessalonians 1:3. We are bound to thank God, &c.— From this verse to the end of the chapter, the apostle repeats the substance and main design of the first epistle; which was, to confirm them in Christianity, and in their patient suffering for it: and the great argument which he here makes use of is, that the Lord Jesus Christ would come as an universal judge, and that then he would punish the impenitent, and make the faithful happy, for ever. The Christians at Thessalonica seem to have been remarkable for their patience and steadfastness, as well as for their mutual love and affection. See 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5. 1Th 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10.
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