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Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Tessalonicenses 1
Morris - There is a difficulty in that the ‘persecutions and trials’ seem on the face of it to deny rather than to prove that God’s judgment is right. (ED: THAT IS THE SAINTS DO NOT DESERVE THESE TRIALS. THE TRIALS ARE NOT THE RESULT OF THEIR SINFULNESS, BUT ACTUALLY OF THEIR "SAINTLINESS!"). But we should not understand the evidence to be the sufferings. It is not the persecutions but the attitude of the Thessalonians in their troubles that is the decisive thing. Such constancy and faith could come only from the action of God within them, and if God has so inspired them this is clear evidence that he does not intend them to come short of the final attainment of the kingdom (cf. Phil. 1:28). Perhaps we should also notice Simeon’s view that we cannot think of iniquity as triumphing over a moral God: ‘The very existence of such enormities’ as persecution is then ‘ “a manifest proof,” or demonstration that there will be “a righteous judgment of God”.’ (TOTC-2 Th) POSB comments that the perseverance and faith of the Thessalonian saints was "a sign of God’s coming judgment upon unbelievers. The believers received a supernatural strength—God’s strength—when they were persecuted. Their strength was so forceful that it was clear that it was being given by God. The believers … were not becoming hysterical, were not retaliating, were not accepting the persecution like passive sheep (see 1 Peter 4:14). The point is this: the presence of God and His glory in the believer is a clear sign that God exists and is going to vindicate his dear believer. He is going to judge and take vengeance upon the persecutors of His dear people. Persecution is a clear sign of God’s coming judgment. ESVSB - The Thessalonians’ endurance and faith under persecution constitute evidence of the righteous judgment of God. Since God is granting them the grace to endure, he is clearly on their side and is working to make them worthy for entrance into the kingdom of God. Cf. Phil. 1:28, where the Philippian Christians’ fearless perseverance in persecution is a proof (Gk. endeixis, from the same root as endeigma) that they will be saved and their enemies destroyed when Jesus returns. Pfeiffer says this passage "refers not so much to persecution as to their faith and steadfastness in persecution. This stalwart response is clear evidence or a plain indication that God’s righteous judgment will be favorable in their case (cf. II Cor 4:16 ff. and Phil 1:28). Though this righteous judgment will be culminated at the end, it is in operation already (Jn 3:19)." (Wycliffe Commentary) John
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Morris says "the judgment is in order that they may be counted worthy of the kingdom." Steve Lewis explains considered worthy - The Thessalonian believers are considered worthy of the kingdom of God because they have kept their faith in Christ, even when faced with severe opposition. The verb considered worthy (kataxioo) does not mean to make one worthy, but to declare one is worthy. This verb is an aorist passive infinitive = "to have been declared worthy at a specific point in time." It is unfortunate that many English Bibles have translated this as if it were a future tense (NASB, HCSB, NIV are examples). They have already been declared worthy, but in a future sense at the time the millennial kingdom begins they certainly "will be" shown to have been worthy. Their worthiness to participate in the kingdom of God was established well before persecution came upon them -- it was established when they placed their faith and trust in what Christ did on their behalf by dying on the cross. There is no human effort involved in meriting the kingdom of God. These believers had outwardly confirmed the inward truth (BY THEIR SPIRIT ENABLED SUPERNATURAL RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION) that they indeed are Church-age saints who will eventually rule with Christ during His 1000-year kingdom on earth (see 1 Th 2:12+ and 2 Ti 2:12+ = "if we endure, we will reign with Him" - we are enabled to endure ONLY because He gives us the supernatural power to endure, to do what we could never do in our natural strength!). Their response to life's trials definitely confirmed that they already had a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase for which does not mean "in order to gain the kingdom" but "in the name or interest of the kingdom" -- their suffering was not in order to gain more merit before God. Their suffering was because they had already been declared worthy of the kingdom. You are persecuted because you are a Christian. (cf, Php 1:29+, 2 Ti 3:12+) (Reference) John Walvoord - Here is a profound principle though it is not stated explicitly in this verse. For the Christian the present age is a day of suffering, a day of trial, a day of temptation, but in the future the glory will be ours. It is the pattern which Christ Himself went through, suffering first and the glory following. The pattern for the world is just the opposite. The ideal for the world is eat, drink, and be merry now, for the suffering will follow. Judgment will come later. The Thessalonians were in trial now, but this was to them the evidence of their future glory. The very fact that they were in trial caused by their persecutors was the token or sign that their persecutors were going to be tried in the future. (Commentary) Steven
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Morris says "By his choice of this word the apostle is excluding human merit even in a section where he is drawing attention to a noteworthy piece of endurance, and is emphasizing that attainment to the kingdom is not the result of human endeavor at all, but of the grace of God." (TOTC) A believer is not saved because he remains faithful through the sufferings of this life; he is saved because he believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. However, when he suffers in this world and endures through the suffering, he is considered or counted worthy of God's kingdom (ED: BUT HE IS ENABLED TO SUFFER BY THE SAME POWER THAT ENABLED HIM TO BE SAVED! cf Gal 3:3+). Ultimately his perseverance in suffering was proof that he possessed the "divine nature" (2 Pe 1:4+). The idea is similar to Jesus' declaration that "the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Mt 24:13) His endurance will not save him, but would be a clear sign that he was truly born again. Considered worthy (2661)(kataxioo from kata = + axioo = to think worthy from axios = worthy) means to deem worthy, to be regarded as worthy or thought of as deserving. All NT uses are passive voice which is important as this indicates the "worthiness" comes from an outside source. All three uses describe believers and two of the uses are in the context of salvation (Lk 20:35, 2 Th 1:5). Kataxioo means they are not made worthy, but declared worthy by God and by His grace. Luke 20:35+ but those who are considered worthy (kataxioo) to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; Not only does Paul encourage the saints with this truth of present sufferings yielding future good, but later in this section he prays for the consummation of this goal... 2 Thessalonians 1:11+ To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. LASB has an interesting note - In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he had said that Christ's return would bring deliverance from persecution for the believers and judgment on the persecutors. But this caused the people to expect Christ's return right away to rescue and vindicate them. So Paul had to point out that while waiting for God's Kingdom, believers could and should grow in their endurance and faithfulness through the hardships they were suffering. THOUGHT - Our problems can help us look upward and forward, instead of inward (Mark 13:35, 36+; Philippians 3:13, 14+), they can build strong character (Romans 5:3, 4+), and they can provide us with opportunities to comfort others who also are struggling (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Your troubles may be an indication that you are taking a stand for Christ. When you do so, you are experiencing the privilege of showing that you are worthy of God's Kingdom (see also 1:11). (LASB) G. K. Beale explains "Their enduring faith through suffering is the badge (the evidence or sign) by which they will be counted worthy of not being judged but of inheriting the kingdom of God at the end of history. One will not be able to enter the kingdom without the badge of enduring faith and its accompanying good works." (IVP Commentary) For which (huper = in behalf of, for the sake of) indeed you are suffering - Suffering (see pascho below) is in the present tense indicating their suffering was continual or ongoing. This is not a popular teaching that when you believe in Jesus you are GUARANTEED entrance into a life in which suffering will come because you are a follower of Jesus (read John 15:18-20). That their present suffering had purpose and would be associated with future glory would serve to encourage the saints to "hang in there." As Paul said "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen (THE FUTURE KINGDOM OF GOD); for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Cor 4:17-18+) Vine on for which - They had given their allegiance to a rejected king, see Acts 17:7+, assured of the legitimacy of His claims, and of the certainty of His ultimate triumph. Suffering with Him now is the condition of reigning with Him then, Romans 8:17+, cp. also 2 Timothy 2:12+, and Acts 14:22+, “through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.” Hiebert - Thus Paul encourages them to turn their attention and concern away from the painful present to the glorious future as their motivating allegiance. The prospect of the coming kingdom is well worth suffering for. Paul wrote in Php 1:28-29+ " in no way alarmed by your opponents–which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Granted is charizomai from charis which means suffering is a gift of God's grace! You probably won't hear that in an most Gospel presentations! Keathley adds that "the clear intent was to remind them that they were suffering for the kingdom (equivalent to suffering for Christ) and that this was and is never in vain. In God’s righteous judgment, things will be made right." Lewis writes that "This entire discussion also implies that there will be a righteous judgment in the future during which the Thessalonians' persecutors will be punished (see 2 Th 1:6-10). THOUGHT - We need to remember what our final destination is -- we are destined to participate in the kingdom of God. Especially during times of suffering, we can take comfort in the fact that this world is not all there is. Jesus is coming for us very soon! (Lewis) E W Rogers - On the side of divine sovereignty we have been made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, and this meetness is solely due to our association with Christ in His death and resurrection. We are graced in the Beloved, altogether independent of anything in ourselves, either before or since we were saved. But God allows His people to go through persecutions and tribulations in order to develop in them the moral excellencies which make them “worthy citizens” of that kingdom. Some of the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians that God would count them worthy of their calling most certainly had nothing to do with adding anything to the work of Christ. The Cross makes the believer worthy of his position in the kingdom, but patience and faith in tribulation manifest such an one as morally worthy of it. Among members of any earthly society there are those who are discreditable as well as others. Paul prayed that it should not be so among these saints. (Concerning the Future) Matthew
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Morris adds that " “Often retribution is pictured as overtaking men in the world to come, but there are not wanting passages which indicated that it may operate in the here and now (e.g., Ro. 1:24, 26, 28).” (TOTC) Just (1342)(dikaios from dike = right, just) defines that which is in accordance with high standards of rectitude and so describes one who is upright or fair. Jesus used dikaios to describe His Father as "O righteous [dikaios] Father” (Jn 17:25)Same word used in 2 Th 1:5 to describe God's judgment as righteous. Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous (Lxx = dikaios) and upright is He. Repay (pay back, render) (467)(antapodidomi from antí = in turn + apodidomi = render <> from apo = from + didomi = give) means to give back in return for something received. The idea is to practice reciprocity with respect to an obligation. It means to pay back something owed. So when adversaries persecute followers of Jesus, it is as if they are persecuting Jesus, and they are accumulating a debt owed that will be paid back in full by God at their future judgment! Woe! Deuteronomy 32:35 (GOD IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE) 'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution (Lxx = antapodidomi = "I will repay"), In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.' (see Romans 12:19+) Psalm 103:10+ He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded (Lxx = antapodidomi) us according to our iniquities. Joel 2:25+ "Then I will make up to (Lxx = antapodidomi - to the believing remnant of Israel) you for the years That the swarming locust has eaten, The creeping locust, the stripping locust, and the gnawing locust, My great army which I sent among you. Obadiah 1:15 "For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations (GREAT TRIBULATION). As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return (Lxx = antapodidomi - literally the Greek reads "your reward will be recompensed") on your own head. Afflictions (2347) see above on thlipsis Afflict (2346)(thlibo from tribos = wear away, rub, break in pieces; NIDNTT says thlibo is from the root thlao = squash, crush) (See study of related word thlipsis) literally means to press, squeeze, crush, squash, hem in and then to be narrow. Thlibo used literally pictures putting pressure upon or pressing in upon or pressing hard upon a person as when when Jesus was forced to get in the boat to keep from crowding Him (Mark 3:9). While some uses of thlibo refers to physical affliction, other uses are figurative and refer to emotional or spiritual affliction (e.g., "conflicts without, fears within" in 2Cor 7:5) And so in Paul’s letters thlibo usually refers to the hardships he and his fellow workers experienced during their missionary journeys (2Cor 1:6; 4:8; 7:5; 1Th 3:4; 2Th 1:1-7). Related Resources: Covenant Defender of Every Believer God's Attribute of Righteous Classic sermon by Robert G. Lee - Pay-Day Someday What does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of punishment in hell? | GotQuestions.org What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about retaliation? James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THREE FACTS OF UNIVERSAL IMPORTANCE 2 THESSALONIANS 1:6–12 Here are events that are sure to come, and will affect all mankind. I. A New Revelation. “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His angels of might in flaming fire” (v. 7). The same Lord Jesus who was forsaken by His disciples in the time of His greatest sorrow. In the day of His humiliation He could have called “legions of angels” to His assistance, but now the angels of His might came with His burning Presence, to accomplish His long-delayed purpose of gathering out of His kingdom all things that offend and them that do iniquity (Matt. 13:40–42). “The reapers are the angels” (Matt. 13:39), who are waiting now till the “harvest of the earth is ripe” (Rev. 14:15). The Lord has been during this age revealing Himself as the meek and lowly and merciful Christ; but He will yet reveal Himself as a “flaming fire” against all ungodliness. Who shall be able to stand when He so appeareth? II. An Unfailing Retribution. “Taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8) The day of grace has now passed; there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (Heb. 10:27). The culprits are those who know not God, because they have not obeyed the good news of Jesus Christ. To obey the call of the Gospel of Christ is the way to know God, whom to know is eternal life. There may be some excuse for ignorance, but there is no excuse for neglect. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” What is the punishment? Everlasting destruction from the Presence of the Lord and the glory of His power. Not annihilation, but eternal banishment from the Presence of the Lord and the glory of His power. “In His presence there is fulness of joy. At His right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psa. 16:11). Then what will it mean for those who are eternally exiled from the Kingdom of God and the pleasures that are ever flowing from His beneficent Presence? Call this state or condition by whatever name you may. There is an awful atmosphere about it. “Escape for thy life.” III. A Christ-Honouring Reward. “He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and admired in all them that believe” (v. 10). He shall be glorified in glorifying His saints with His own glorious likeness. He shall be “admired” in the work of grace bestowed upon all them that believe. While the reward will be ours, the glory will be His. “Not unto us, O Lord, but unto Thy Name be the glory.” “All principalities and powers in heavenly places shall be made to know by the Church, the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10). We shall be satisfied when we shall see Him as He is; and He shall be satisfied when He shall see us as we shall then be. The Church will be His joy and crown of rejoicing at His Coming (1 Thess. 2:19, 20), and something to be wondered at through all the coming ages. Its presence with the Christ of God in the glory will mean: “Blessing and glory, and wisdom and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, unto our God for ever and ever” (Rev. 7:12). “Thou shalt see my glory soon, When the Work of Grace is done.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, NET 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. 8 With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NLT 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. ESV 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NIV 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. GNT 2 Thessalonians 1:7 καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς θλιβομένοις ἄνεσιν μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν, ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἀπ᾽ οὐρανοῦ μετ᾽ ἀγγέλων δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ 8 ἐν πυρὶ φλογός, διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσιν θεὸν καὶ τοῖς μὴ ὑπακούουσιν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ, KJV 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: YLT 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to you who are troubled -- rest with us in the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven, with messengers of his power, 8 in flaming fire, giving vengeance to those not knowing God, and to those not obeying the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ; ASV 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, 8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: CSB 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 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. NRS 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NAB 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to grant rest along with us to you who are undergoing afflictions, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 in blazing fire, inflicting punishment on those who do not acknowledge God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NJB 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and for you who are now suffering hardship, relief with us, when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with the angels of his power. 8 He will come amid flaming fire; he will impose a penalty on those who do not acknowledge God and refuse to accept the gospel of our Lord Jesus. GWN 2 Thessalonians 1:7 It is also right for God to give all of us relief from our suffering. He will do this when the Lord Jesus is revealed, coming from heaven with his mighty angels in a blazing fire. 8 He will take revenge on those who refuse to acknowledge God and on those who refuse to respond to the Good News about our Lord Jesus. who: Isa 57:2 Mt 5:10-12 Lu 16:25 Ro 8:17 2Co 4:17 2Ti 2:12 Heb 4:1,9,11 1Pe 4:1 Rev 7:14-17 14:13 21:4 when: Mt 13:39-43 16:27 25:31 26:64 Mk 8:38 14:62 Joh 1:51 Ac 1:11 1Th 4:16,17 Tit 2:13 Heb 9:28 Jude 1:14,15 Rev 1:7 Rev 20:11 his mighty angels: Joh 1:3 Eph 1:2 Col 1:16 1Pe 3:22 Rev 22:6,9,16 2 Thessalonians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries RELIEF FOR PERSECUTED AT SECOND COMING And to give relief to you who are afflicted (see thlibo) and to us as well - This reward of relief for believers presents a striking contrast with the repayment with retribution for unbelievers. Note the phrase to you which would serve to encourage the persecuted saints in Thessalonica. Relief (see anesis below) means a letting loose or relaxing of the pressure which fits nicely with thlipsis which speaks of pressure they were currently experiencing. Clearly the ánesis is provided as a comforting prospect for those who were being afflicted. It describes a cessation of trouble and difficulty for the saints! The day is coming when Christ will take the pressure off of His disciples and that will be their blessed state of rest ("a Sabbath rest for the people of God" Heb 4:9+) forever and ever. Amen! God will recompense tribulation to the lost, but rest to the saved. --Warren Wiersbe LASB has an interesting note - The "rest" (relief) mentioned by Paul has two dimensions. We can rest in knowing that our sufferings are strengthening us, making us ready for Christ's Kingdom. We can also rest in the fact that one day everyone will stand before God. At that time, wrongs will be righted, judgment will be pronounced, and evil will be terminated. Ryrie - Paul is not saying that the Christian will be free from trouble until Christ comes, but he does assert that there can be rest in the midst of trial. (Ibid) Affliction is coming to those who afflict; Rest and relief to those afflicted. Relief (425)(anesis from aniemi = loose, let up, hold back ~ relaxing or release) refers to relaxing of custodial control and thus giving one some liberty as in the present passage. It means a “relief from tension” or “slackening of pressure,” as when one takes down a taut bowstring. Anesis can also refer to relief from something onerous or troublesome. HERE COMES THE JUDGE! When the Lord Jesus will be revealed - The Person Who executes the judgment is the Lord Jesus. He is now physically hidden from view but one day will be revealed (apokalupto) for all (believers and unbelievers alike) to see. In this passage Paul is not speaking of the rapture but of the Second Coming at the end of this age (for comparison see study of Second Coming). John describes this global event writing "BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." (Rev 1:7+) And again in Revelation 19:11-16+ John describes Jesus' Second Coming this way "I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war." 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Jesus Himself described His triumphant return, to unbelievers a frightening terror, to believers a fulfilled triumph.... “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matt. 24:30-31+) Will be revealed (601)(apokalupto from apó = from + kalúpto = cover, conceal - see apokalupsis) literally means to remove the cover from and so the idea is to remove that which conceals something and making it fully known. Almost all of the NT uses have a figurative use, especially to some aspect of spiritual truth that was heretofore hidden but now has the "lid removed" so that it can be seen (understood). The idea is to make manifest something previously secret or unknown. Apokalupto describes the last book of the Bible (Rev 1:1+) as well as the future revealing of believers (Ro 8:19+) who the world does not know (1 Jn 3:1+). John
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Morris - There are separate articles with those who do not know God and (those who) do not obey the gospel. The most natural understanding of this is that there are two groups of people. Some are so sure of this that they see the Gentiles in the former expression and the Jews in the latter (cf. Way translates it ‘on those heathen who ignore God, on those Jews who refuse obedience’). This, however, seems to be reading too much into the passage. Rather, those who do not know God means anyone, heathen or not, who is guilty of culpable neglect of such knowledge of God as God has made possible (AKA general or natural revelation); it is the rejection of proffered light (as in 1 Thess. 4:5+). Those who do not obey the Gospel form a specific example of the foregoing; they reject the ultimate revelation (AKA special revelation) of God’s saving activity. (TOTC)
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Morris adds " it is not a mindless infliction of vindictive punishment, but the meting out of merited desert." The is no in justice with God! Eternal destruction (this specific phrase only here in NT, and once in apocrypha - 4 Macc 10:15 describing eternal destruction of the tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes) means they would be eternally ruined, an absolutely horrible thought. Forever and ever, they would be unable to do anything of worth or value. Little wonder the doctrine of eternal punishment is so difficult to accept. Robert Thomas says "A price must be paid in return for the suffering inflicted on God’s people and that price is none other than “everlasting destruction.” (EBC) John