2 Thessalonians 1:10

KJV

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G3752} he shall come {G2064} to be glorified {G1740} in {G1722} his {G846} saints {G40}, and {G2532} to be admired {G2296} in {G1722} all {G3956} them that believe {G4100}(because {G3754} our {G2257} testimony {G3142} among {G1909} you {G5209} was believed {G4100}) in {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that Day, when he comes to be glorified by his holy people and admired by all who have trusted, you will be among them, because you trusted our witness to you.

Berean Standard Bible

on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony.

American Standard Version

when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul provides a profound glimpse into the eschatological return of Jesus Christ, portraying a future event where the Lord will be fully revealed in His majestic glory, not only *through* His redeemed people, the saints, but also by inspiring universal awe and admiration *among* all who have placed their faith in Him. This glorious manifestation serves as the triumphant vindication of both Christ's redemptive work and the steadfast faith of believers, rooted in the credible gospel testimony they received and embraced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer in [2 Thessalonians 1](/2_thessalonians/1 "2 Thessalonians 1 - Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer"). The immediate preceding verses, [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Relief for the Afflicted and Judgment for the Unbelieving"), describe the contrasting fates awaiting the persecuted believers and their persecutors at Christ's return. While those who trouble the church will face "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord," the believers are promised "rest" and relief. Verse 10 then elaborates on the nature of this return for the saints, emphasizing Christ's glorification *in* and admiration *among* them, providing a powerful counterpoint to the judgment described. The entire chapter, and indeed the letter, is deeply concerned with eschatological themes, building upon and clarifying the teachings on the "Day of the Lord" from [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/ "1 Thessalonians - Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was a young community facing significant persecution, primarily from hostile Jews and possibly from pagan authorities who viewed their exclusive worship of Christ as a threat to Roman civic religion. This suffering, as described in [1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Imitators of the Lord"), was a lived reality. Paul's letters to them frequently address their endurance in affliction and their questions about the end times, particularly the return of Christ and the fate of believers who had died. The concept of a "Day of the Lord" was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, signifying a time of divine intervention, judgment for God's enemies, and vindication for His people (e.g., [Isaiah 2:12-21](/isaiah/2-12-21 "Isaiah 2:12-21 - The Day of the Lord's Judgment")). For the early Christians, this "Day" was now explicitly tied to the return of Jesus Christ, bringing both comfort and a call to perseverance amidst hardship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within 2 Thessalonians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and glory of the Second Coming of Christ**, portraying it as a public, manifest event of ultimate vindication and revelation, rather than a secret rapture, as seen in [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). Secondly, it highlights the **glorification of believers**, emphasizing that Christ's glory will be displayed *through* His saints, demonstrating the transformative power of His salvation and the ultimate outcome of their union with Him, echoing themes in [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - Glorification of Believers"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **vindication of suffering saints**, assuring them that their present trials are temporary and will culminate in a glorious display of Christ's power and their own transformed state. Finally, the parenthetical clause stresses the **critical importance of faith in the gospel testimony**, asserting that belief in the apostolic message is the prerequisite for participating in this future glory, a truth foundational to the Christian faith as articulated in [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - How Shall They Believe Without a Preacher?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorified (Greek, _endoxázō'_):** From G1740, meaning "to glorify." This term signifies being made glorious, honored, or having one's glory manifested. In this context, it speaks to Christ's inherent glory being displayed and magnified *through* His saints, who are themselves made glorious by their union with Him and His transformative work. It's not merely that Christ is glorious, but that His glory is seen *in* and *on* His redeemed people.
* **admired (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** From G2296, meaning "to wonder; by implication, to admire." This word conveys a sense of profound awe, astonishment, and wonder. When Christ returns, His majestic presence and the perfected state of His believers will evoke universal admiration and reverence, not only from His saints but from all who witness the event. It speaks to the overwhelming impact of His divine authority and the undeniable truth of the gospel displayed through His church.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** From G1722, a primary preposition denoting "fixed position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality." The repeated use of "in" (ἐν) in "glorified *in* his saints" and "admired *in* all them that believe" is crucial. It suggests more than mere presence; it implies that the saints are the *sphere* or *medium* through which Christ's glory is displayed and His work is admired. Their transformed lives and perfected state are the living proof and visible demonstration of His power and grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he shall come":** This phrase unequivocally refers to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the parousia, which is a central theme in Pauline eschatology. It speaks of a definite, future event, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of Christ's full reign.
* **"to be glorified in his saints":** Christ's return is not just for judgment, but for a glorious manifestation of His own person *through* His redeemed people. The saints, having been transformed and perfected by His grace, will reflect His glory, serving as living testimonies to His power and faithfulness. Their very existence in a glorified state will bring Him honor and renown.
* **"and to be admired in all them that believe":** This clause parallels the previous one, emphasizing the awe and wonder Christ will inspire. The term "admired" (thaumazo) suggests a profound sense of astonishment and reverence. This admiration will be directed at Christ, but it will be experienced *in* or *among* all who have believed, as they witness the ultimate display of His redemptive work and the vindication of their faith.
* **"(because our testimony among you was believed)":** This parenthetical explanation clarifies *why* the Thessalonians (and by extension, all believers) will participate in this glorious event. Their inclusion is not arbitrary but is directly consequent upon their acceptance and belief in the gospel message ("our testimony") preached by Paul and his companions. This underscores the foundational role of faith in receiving salvation and sharing in Christ's future glory.
* **"in that day.":** This is a prophetic phrase, "the Day of the Lord" (G2250, hēméra), referring to the specific, appointed time of Christ's return. It signifies the culmination of history, when God's justice will be fully enacted, His enemies judged, and His people finally and fully delivered and glorified.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Antithesis** is evident when this verse is read in conjunction with the preceding ones ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Relief and Judgment")), as it contrasts the judgment of the ungodly with the glorification of the saints at Christ's return. This stark opposition highlights the two distinct destinies. The repeated use of the preposition "in" (**Repetition** or **Anaphora** if at the beginning of clauses, but here it's more of a thematic emphasis) in "glorified **in** his saints" and "admired **in** all them that believe" serves to underscore the intimate connection between Christ's glory and the transformed state of His people. The **Parenthetical Remark** "(because our testimony among you was believed)" functions as a crucial explanatory aside, clarifying the basis for the believers' participation in this future glory. This device provides a direct link between their present faith and their future vindication, adding a layer of personal encouragement and theological grounding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Thessalonians 1:10 powerfully articulates the eschatological hope of the Christian faith, emphasizing that Christ's return is not merely an event of judgment for the ungodly but also a magnificent display of His glory through His redeemed people. It underscores the profound truth that believers are not just passive recipients of salvation, but active participants in the manifestation of Christ's glory. Their transformed lives, perfected at His coming, will serve as a testament to His power and grace, making His glory visible and inspiring awe. This future glorification validates their present suffering and perseverance, assuring them that their faith is not in vain and that their ultimate destiny is to share in the very glory of their Lord, thereby bringing Him the ultimate honor. This verse thus connects the believer's present faith and endurance to their future hope and Christ's ultimate triumph.

* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Transformed Bodies")
* [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, Who is Your Life, Appears, Then You Also Will Appear with Him in Glory")
* [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 1:10 offers immense hope and a profound perspective on our current walk of faith. It reminds us that our present struggles, persecutions, or even mundane challenges are temporary, set against the backdrop of a glorious future where Christ's triumph will be fully revealed. Our lives, even now, are meant to be a testament to His transforming power, but on "that day," our perfected state will be the ultimate display of His glory and the effectiveness of His redemptive work. This truth should inspire us to live lives worthy of the gospel, persevering in faith, enduring hardship with hope, and continually seeking to honor Christ in all we do. Knowing that our faith will culminate in such a magnificent display of His glory should motivate us to stand firm, share our testimony, and eagerly anticipate His return, allowing this future hope to shape our present priorities and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of Christ being "glorified in his saints" impact your understanding of your own identity and purpose as a believer?**
* **In what ways can your life, even now, serve as a "testimony" that brings glory to Christ and inspires "admiration" for Him?**
* **How does the certainty of "that day" encourage you to persevere through present difficulties or persecution?**
* **What does it mean practically to live in light of Christ's glorious return, and how might this change your daily priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Christ to be "glorified in his saints"?**

Answer: This phrase means that when Jesus Christ returns, His inherent divine glory will be made manifest and magnified *through* His redeemed people, the saints. It's not just that Christ *is* glorious, but that His glory will be visibly displayed *in* and *on* those who belong to Him. Believers, having been transformed by His grace, perfected in their bodies and spirits, and made like Him ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")), will reflect His perfect character, power, and the effectiveness of His redemptive work. Their very existence in a glorified state will serve as a living testament to His triumph over sin and death, bringing Him ultimate honor and renown before all creation.

**Who are "all them that believe" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "All them that believe" refers to everyone who has placed their faith in the gospel message concerning Jesus Christ. The parenthetical clause "(because our testimony among you was believed)" specifically links this group to those who have accepted the apostolic witness about Christ. It encompasses all true believers, across all times and places, who have responded to the call of the gospel with saving faith. These are the ones who will participate in Christ's glorification and in whom Christ will be admired on "that day."

**What is the significance of "in that day"?**

Answer: "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom in both the Old and New Testaments, referring to a specific, appointed time of divine intervention. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, it consistently points to the "Day of the Lord" (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")), which is the time of Jesus Christ's Second Coming. This "day" will be characterized by both divine judgment for the ungodly and glorious vindication and salvation for God's people, marking the culmination of history and the full establishment of Christ's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Thessalonians 1:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the subject and the object of this future glory. Christ's coming "to be glorified in his saints" is the triumphant culmination of His entire redemptive mission, initiated by His incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), secured by His atoning death on the cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")), and validated by His resurrection and ascension ([Acts 2:32-33](/acts/2-32-33 "Acts 2:32-33 - God Has Raised This Jesus to Life")). The glorification of believers is not an independent achievement but a direct outflow of their union with Christ, who is their life ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")). He is glorified *in* them because He has transformed them from within, making them partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")) and conforming them to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). The universal admiration He will receive on "that day" is a testament to His supreme authority and the irrefutable power of His gospel, which has effectively called, justified, and sanctified His chosen ones. Thus, the verse points to the ultimate display of Christ's sovereign power and unfathomable love, as He brings His redeemed Bride, the Church, into the fullness of His own eternal glory, fulfilling His promise to make all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:13

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

John 17:10

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Isaiah 49:3

And said unto me, Thou [art] my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Numbers 23:23

Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!