2 Tessalonicenses 1
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Tessalonicenses 1
Wiersbe - When God puts His own people into the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He knows how long and how much. (If we rebel, He may have to reset the clock; but if we submit, He will not permit us to suffer one minute too long. The important thing is that we learn the lesson He wants to teach us and that we bring glory to Him alone.) We may question why He does it to begin with, or why He doesn’t turn down the heat or even turn it off; but our questions are only evidences of unbelief. (Job 23:10+) is the answer: “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come come forth as gold” (NKJV). Gold does not fear the fire. The furnace can only make the gold purer and brighter." (Wiersbe, W. Be Patient. An Old Testament study. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books) Hampton Keathley III - One can not truly learn to trust God in the tough places of life by simply reading or being told about suffering. We have to suffer. Suffering is a necessary tool. If even the Lord Jesus learned the meaning of obedience by the things He suffered, how much more must this be true for us (Heb. 5:8)? There is a saying by Goethe, the German poet, that “talent is formed in solitude, but character in the storms of life.” In the vast plains of the Serengeti in southeast Africa, about the only thing that grows are gnarly old acacia bushes. These don’t provide very straight arrow shafts for the little bushmen that inhabit the plains, so they’ve formulated an ingenious process to keep their quivers full. First they go out and find a suitable branch; it doesn’t matter if it’s got a 30-degree angle in it, just so it’s the proper thickness and length. Next they’ll build a fire, and right beside the fire they’ll drive two rows of pegs into the ground, about six to eight inches apart. Then they’ll put the branch into the fire to get its juices flowing making it pliable. When it’s hot enough, they’ll fish it out of the fire and jam it between the two rows of pegs and let it cool. It’s a little straighter. Back to the fire, back to the pegs, back to the fire, back to the pegs … until finally the pegs are right next to each other, with only an arrow’s width between them. When the bushman pulls it out this last time, he’s got a perfectly straight arrow that’s useful to its maker. We like the part about “useful to the maker,” but it’s the fire and that bending we’d just as soon avoid. If you want to be made useful, though, you’ve got to take the tough with the easy. We learn from the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3:12-29+ that God doesn’t always take His children around the fire—Sometimes He meets them in the middle of the furnace.9 Phillips Brooks - O, do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle. Todd Kinde - This present life is a testing ground of faith. The trials and struggles are to sift us to purify our lives. They also refine us to bring us forth as pure and holy (see 1 Pet. 1:6–7). In one Arab country, a church composed of former Muslims has been established. As a part of their weekly worship they ask one another the question, “How have you been persecuted this week?” They use this opportunity to comfort one another in the struggle and to keep discipline in the church; those who are not being persecuted for faith in Christ in such a culture are probably not living in a manner any different than the world, thus their profession of faith is suspect. (Evidences of Genuine Christianity) The seventeenth-century minister, Jeremy Taylor was persecuted for his faith. His house was plundered, his family driven out, and his estate confiscated. He wrote: “I am fallen into the hands of publicans and they have taken all from me. What now? They have not taken away my merry countenance, my cheerful spirit, and a good conscience; they have still left me with the providence of God, and all His promises … my hopes of Heaven, and my charity to them, too; and still I sleep and digest, I eat and drink, I read and meditate. And he that hath so many causes of joy, and so great … [should never choose] to sit down upon his little handful of thorns.” Related Resources: Afflictions-Suffering-Quotes, Devotionals, Illustrations Phil 1:29 - See Discussion of Persecution/suffering 2Ti 3:12-See Discussion of Persecution Torrey Topical Textbook Perseverance Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Perseverance Baker Evangelical Dictionary Perseverance Charles Buck Dictionary Perseverance CARM Theological Dictionary Perseverance Easton's Bible Dictionary Perseverance of the Saints Spurgeon's Illustration Collection Children: Perseverance Heeded in Teaching Perseverance Holman Bible Dictionary Perseverance Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Perseverance Webster Dictionary Perseverance International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Perseverance McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Perseverance 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. Shogren [All of this gives] evidence that God will pronounce a right verdict, which will result in you being considered worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you are also suffering.” NET 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of God's righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering. NLT 2 Thessalonians 1:5 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. ESV 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-- NIV 2 Thessalonians 1:5 All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. GNT 2 Thessalonians 1:5 ἔνδειγμα τῆς δικαίας κρίσεως τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς τὸ καταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ, ὑπὲρ ἧς καὶ πάσχετε, KJV 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: YLT 2 Thessalonians 1:5 a token of the righteous judgment of God, for your being counted worthy of the reign of God, for which also ye suffer, ASV 2 Thessalonians 1:5 which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: CSB 2 Thessalonians 1:5 It is a clear evidence of God's righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also are suffering, NKJ 2 Thessalonians 1:5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; NRS 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering. NAB 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering. NJB 2 Thessalonians 1:5 It all shows that God's judgement is just, so that you may be found worthy of the kingdom of God; it is for the sake of this that you are suffering now. GWN 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Your suffering proves that God's judgment is right and that you are considered worthy of his kingdom. plain indication of: 2Th 1:6 Php 1:28 1Pe 4:14-18 righteous judgment : Job 8:3 Ps 9:7,8 33:5 50:6 72:2 99:4 111:7 Jer 9:24 Da 4:37 Ro 2:5 Rev 15:4 16:7 19:2 will be considered worthy: 2Th 1:11 Lu 20:35 21:36 Ac 13:46 Eph 4:1 Col 1:12 Rev 3:4 for which indeed you are suffering: 2Th 1:7 Ac 14:22 Ro 8:17 1Th 2:14 2Ti 2:12 Heb 10:32,33 2 Thessalonians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WORTHINESS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment - This is is not in the original but does help understand that Paul is referring to their perseverance and faith in face of their manifold trials. Plain indication (only here in NT) (1730)(endeigma from endeíknumi = cause to be made known, demonstrate) means evidence, proof of something; a thing pointed out, a thing proved. Only 2 Th 1:5. Steve Lewis explains this easy to confuse passage this way - It looked to the Thessalonians like the tribulation (persecutions and afflictions) they were experiencing did not make sense in light of the righteous judgment of God. Does God let the righteous suffer without punishing their persecutors? Is there unrighteousness in God for allowing His children to suffer? Something about the Thessalonians was a plain indication (endeigma = indicator, evidence, confirmed proof) that God does indeed judge righteously. The indicator was not the trials themselves, but their response to the trials. Their perseverance and faith provided a solid proof that God was at work within them, enabling them to behave in ways that were opposite to their own natural desires. (Reference) Hiebert explains this somewhat obtuse passage - In the NIV rendering, “All this is evidence,” the added words “all this is” summarize the experience of the readers (ED: persecutions and afflictions). Those experiences are viewed as “evidence that God’s judgment is right.” The noun rendered “evidence” (endeigma), a passive form used only here in the New Testament, quite literally means “a thing pointed out, a thing proved,” hence, “evidence, plain indication.” But what does Paul regard as “a plain indication” (NASB) that God’s judgment is right, is in accord with the divine standard of what is right? He can hardly mean that the fact that his beloved readers are suffering for their faith is an evidence of God’s righteous judgment...Paul can hardly be thinking of His present judgment. Rather, Paul is thinking of the whole preceding statement concerning their steadfast endurance and faith amid their sufferings for the gospel, and that situation is evidence that the righteous judgment is still future and grace is still calling them to endure. That they were enabled to endure was evidence to themselves that a new life had been imparted to them, and God’s sustaining presence with them now indicates that He will not allow their unjust sufferings to go unrewarded. The reference “God’s judgment” looks forward to the future day of judgment at Christ’s return. This future reference is evident from the definite article and the singular number as well as the following verses. God’s “judgment” (kriseōs), the act of distinguishing and separating the good from the evil, is “right,” is just and without partiality. This demands that “the Judge of all the earth” shall come to set aright the enormities that now prevail. For a similar thought, see Philippians 1:28. Leon
2 Tessalonicenses 1
Wiersbe - An easy life can lead to a shallow faith. The great men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 all suffered in one way or another, or faced tremendous obstacles, so that their faith could grow. Paul had prayed for the believers in Thessalonica, that their faith might be perfected (1 Thes. 3:10); and now he thanked God for answered prayer. Your faith is greatly enlarged - Phillips translation has it "I always thank God for you .... Your faith has made such strides ... that we actually boast about you." Paul bursts out with a verb found only here in all of Scripture, the word huperauxano which speaks of the increase in their faith beyond measure, abundantly and wonderfully increased and continuing (because it is in the present tense) to do so! Of course, their "immeasurable" growth in faith ultimately was a gift from God Who Alone deserved the thanksgiving and praise. C H
2 Tessalonicenses 1
Wiersbe - When suffering comes, it will either make us or break us. If we accept the suffering, yield to God’s will, and by faith continue to stand true, then the suffering will cause us to grow. If we resist the suffering, complain to God, and give up in unbelief, then the suffering will break us and weaken our testimony. See 1 Peter 4:12–19. (WEONT) 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, NET 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, NLT 2 Thessalonians 1:6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. ESV 2 Thessalonians 1:6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, NIV 2 Thessalonians 1:6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you GNT 2 Thessalonians 1:6 εἴπερ δίκαιον παρὰ θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν KJV 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; YLT 2 Thessalonians 1:6 since it is a righteous thing with God to give back to those troubling you -- trouble, ASV 2 Thessalonians 1:6 if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, CSB 2 Thessalonians 1:6 since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you NKJ 2 Thessalonians 1:6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, NRS 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For it is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, NAB 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For it is surely just on God's part to repay with afflictions those who are afflicting you, NJB 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For God's justice will surely mean hardship being inflicted on those who are now inflicting hardship on you, GWN 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Certainly, it is right for God to give suffering to those who cause you to suffer. De 32:41-43 Ps 74:22,23 79:10-12 94:20-23 Isa 49:26 Zec 2:8 Rev 6:10 11:18 15:4 16:5,6 18:20,24 19:2 2 Thessalonians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Romans 2:9 There will be tribulation (thlipsis) and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, Romans 12:17-19+ - Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 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. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) by evil, but overcome (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) evil with good. GOD WILL REPAY RIGHTEOUSLY For after all - This reads literally "if so be that" (“if indeed [it is] a righteous thing with God.”) which introduces a first class conditional statement. The idea is “as it certainly is.” This type of statement indicates there is no doubt in the fulfillment of what follows. The purpose of this judgment will be to rectify injustices. God is just: He will pay back. it is only just (right) for God to repay with affliction those who afflict (present tense = continually afflict) you - Literally "to give back to those troubling you -- trouble." "To the ones afflicting you, affliction." This truth would have encouraged the suffering saints that (1) they did not need to retaliate (cf 1 Th 5:15+) and (2) the injustices done to them by Christ's adversaries (e.g. see Acts 17:5-8+, 1 Th 1:6+, 1 Th 2:14+, 1 Th 3:3-4+) would come back on the heads of their adversaries! Every believer has a Covenant Defender who will avenge the wrongs done to us in His Name. And in contrast to the purifying effect of the afflictions that came on the believers, these afflictions would only punish, not purify. POSB - God is going to rectify all the injustices of the world. God’s judgment is going to fall upon every person who has mistreated others. All unjust behavior of men will bear the terrible judgment of God. Hiebert - The judgment will be righteous because it is “a righteous thing with God” to judge righteously. His verdict will never be arbitrary or capricious, but in strict harmony with that which is just. “With God” (para theō) literally, “alongside of God,” indicates that such is His viewpoint in exercising judgment. This assertion concerning the character of God and His judgment was intended to afford strong consolation to the afflicted readers. “The pious sufferers of all ages have stayed their souls upon the truth of an eternally righteous God....God’s righteous character in judgment assures a twofold outcome in the judgment. He will mete out strict justice to both the evil and the good....This principle of just requital lies at the basis of our belief in a moral universe. Our sense of justice demands such a requital. Not good but evil creates a moral problem for us. In the face of present injustices our conscience tells us that there must be a future retribution. A world in which justice was not done at last would not be God’s world at all. (Ibid) William MacDonald quotes Williams who says "God’s action in allowing His people to be persecuted, and in permitting the existence of their persecutors, had a double purpose—first, to test the fitness of His people for government (v. 5); and second, to manifest the fitness of their persecutors for judgment." (Believers Bible Commentary) Leon
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Wiersbe says "Some cultists have tried to dilute the meaning of “everlasting destruction,” saying it means either temporary suffering or total annihilation; but both ideas are false. The phrase means “eternal judgment,” no matter how men try to twist it or avoid it." Sadly not just cultists but able, esteemed theologians like John Stott have strongly attacked the doctrine of eternal punishment (See Robert Peterson's "A Traditionalist's Response to John Stott's Arguments for Annihilationism") J I Packer writes "In 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Paul explains, or extends, the meaning of “punished with everlasting [eternal, aionios] destruction” by adding “and shut out from the presence of the Lord” — which phrase, by affirming exclusion, rules out the idea that “destruction” meant extinction. Only those who exist can be excluded. It has often been pointed out that in Greek the natural meaning of the destruction vocabulary (noun, olethros; verb, apollumi) is wrecking, so that what is destroyed is henceforth nonfunctional rather than annihilating it, so that it no longer exists in any form at all." (from his article Evangelical Annihilationism in Review which is commented on by Gavin Ortlund). POSB says "the penalty of judgment will be terrible, but it will be deserved. Why? Because those who are to be judged had the opportunity to know God, but they chose to deny and curse Him and to walk as they desired throughout life." Penalty (justice, punishment)(1349)(dike) primarily custom. The standard to which a thing is to conform and then came to denote what is right and then, a judicial hearing hence, the execution of a sentence or “punishment” of what is rightly deserved. It means “justice, a judicial decision, especially a sentence of condemnation, execution of sentence, punishment.” Eternal (166)(aionios from aion) means existing at all times, perpetual, pertaining to an unlimited duration of time. Rienecker says this adjective literally " means agelong and everything depends on the length of the age. In the NT there is never a hint that the coming age has an end." See additional discussion of aionios in study of eternal punishment, specifically the importance of an accurate understanding of aionios as a refutation of the false teaching of universalism (everyone will be saved). Aionios is used twice in the Septuagint of Daniel 12:2+ “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting (aionios) life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting (aionios) contempt (literally abhorrence)." Do you see the clear definition of everlasting? Just as those who obey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus will enjoy life everlasting with Him, those who reject His gracious free gift of salvation will experience everlasting sadness away from Him! The Scripture is absolutely clear that eternal destruction will last forever and ever. Jesus undergirds this sad, unpopular doctrine when He declared that "These will go away into eternal (aionios) punishment, but the righteous into eternal (aionios) life.” (Mt 25:46) In short, the difficult (and I do not like thinking about it at all!) doctrine of eternal punishment is clearly described in both the Old and New Testaments. These are like "neon signs" warning all men and women to "take refuge in the Son." (Ps 2:12+, cf Nahum 1:7) Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31+) and enter eternal life in the presence of the glory of His power!
2 Tessalonicenses 1
Wiersbe - ILLUSTRATION on power- When I travel, I carry an electric razor that can store up the energy and run for perhaps two hours without any outside source of power. It is especially useful when I visit the mission fields. While preaching for a week at a summer conference, I noticed that my razor was losing power. In fact, one morning it operated so slowly that I was convinced it was broken. Then by evening, it had picked up speed again. A few minutes investigation revealed the problem: I had plugged the razor into a socket that was controlled by a wall switch. When my wife had the desk lamp on, my razor was storing up power; when the light was off, the razor received no power. That incident taught me a spiritual lesson: it is easy (by force of habit) to trust a source of power without checking to see if the switch is on. Paul was praying that his friends might “have the switch on” and, by their faith, receive the power needed to endure suffering and glorify God. THOUGHT - In our average modern prayer meetings, we pray that sister so-and-so might recover from her illness or that brother what's-his-name would be able to get a better job or that Dr. Sawbones would be able to find a suitable assistant. It's not that it's wrong to pray for things like that, but most of our prayer requests are for such things. Paul rarely records a prayer for physical or material things. If we individually and collectively adopted Paul's plan, or George Müller's plan, our prayers would soar. Probably, too, they would cease to be so boring. (John Phillips) Fulfill (complete) (4137)(pleroo) means to be filled to the brim (a net, Mt 13:48, a building, Jn 12:3, Acts 2:2+, a city, Acts 5:28+, needs Phil 4:19+), to make complete in every particular, to cause to abound. Desire (Good pleasure, well pleasing) (2107)(eudokía from eu = well, well off + dokeo = to seem, to think, to have an opinion) means good will or pleasure. Eudokia speak of that which pleases. Goodness (19)(agathosune from agathos =benevolent, profitable, benefiting others) describes active goodness, virtue, excellence or beneficence. It is high moral character reflected in to being good in both nature and effectiveness. Agathosune finds its fullest and highest expression in that which is willingly and sacrificially done for others. It is moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. Agathosune describes a positive moral quality characterized especially by interest in the welfare of others. Agathosune refers to active goodness as an energetic principle. It is the generosity which springs from the heart that is kind and will always take care to obtain for others that which is useful or beneficial. Thayer says that agathosune is found only in Biblical and ecclesiastical writings. Faith (4102) see discussion above on pistis. Uses in Thessalonians - 1 Thess. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:8; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Thess. 3:5; 1 Thess. 3:6; 1 Thess. 3:7; 1 Thess. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:8; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 3:2; Power (1411)(dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. And as used here and most often in the NT dunamis describes supernatural power, Holy Spirit power. Dunamis - 4x in Thessalonian epistles - 1 Th 1:5, 2 Th 1:7, 2 Th 1:11, 2 Th 2:9. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. NET 2 Thessalonians 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. NLT 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and our Lord Jesus Christ. ESV 2 Thessalonians 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. NIV 2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. GNT 2 Thessalonians 1:12 ὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν, καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ, κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. KJV 2 Thessalonians 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. YLT 2 Thessalonians 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. ASV 2 Thessalonians 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. CSB 2 Thessalonians 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 1:12 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. NRS 2 Thessalonians 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. NAB 2 Thessalonians 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. NJB 2 Thessalonians 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. GWN 2 Thessalonians 1:12 That way the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored among you. Then, because of the good will of Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, you will be honored by him. The Name: 2Th 1:10 Joh 17:10 1Pe 4:14 and you in Him: Ge 18:18 Ps 72:17 Isa 45:17,25 Joh 17:21-26 Php 3:9 Col 2:9,10 1Pe 1:7,8 According to the grace: Ro 1:7 1Co 1:4 2Co 8:9 13:4 Tit 2:11 Rev 1:4 2 Thessalonians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE SUPREME PURPOSE OF PAUL'S PRAYER So that - Purpose clause. Finally the summum bonum, the highest good, the greatest goal of the prayer was that the Name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified. "The words "in order that" (so that) imply the purpose of Paul's prayer with its desired result (v. 12). The "every desire for goodness" and "the work of faith with power" of verse 11 should lead to the outcome that "the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you" (v. 12)." (Stallar) The Name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you - Did you catch that? Paul is praying for what he has already assured them would transpire when the Lord Jesus returned to be glorified in His saints! (2 Th 1:10) But now we are to live in a way that brings glory to His Name. If people know we are Christ followers, we should live like Christ, relying as He did on the indwelling sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit (see The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked!). And when we do this, we give a proper opinion (aka "glorify" endoxazomai) to the world regarding the Name of our Jesus Christ. The NLT catches the sense of this verse "Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live." Matthew