TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Having mentioned their persecutions and tribulations, which they endured principally for the cause of Christ, the apostle proceeds to offer several things for their comfort under them; as,
I.He tells them of the present happiness and advantage of their sufferings, Th2 1:5.
Their faith being thus tried, and patience exercised, they were improved by their sufferings, insomuch that they were counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Their sufferings were a manifest token of this, that they were worthy or meet to be accounted Christians indeed, seeing they could suffer for Christianity. And the truth is, Religion, if it is worth any thing, is worth every thing; and those either have no religion at all, or none that is worth having, or know not how to value it, that cannot find in their hearts to suffer for it. Besides, from their patient suffering, it appeared that, according to the righteous judgment of God, they should be counted worthy of the heavenly glory: not by worthiness of condignity, but of congruity only; not that they could merit heaven, but they were made meet for heaven. We cannot by all our sufferings, any more than by our services, merit heaven as a debt; but by our patience under our sufferings we are qualified for the joy that is promised to patient sufferers in the cause of God.
II.He tells them next of the future recompence that shall be given to persecutor and persecuted.
1.In this future recompence there will be,
(1.)A punishment inflicted on persecutors: God will recompense tribulation to those that trouble you, Th2 1:6. And there is nothing that more infallibly marks a man for eternal ruin than a spirit of persecution, and enmity to the name and people of God: as the faith, patience, and constancy of the saints are to them an earnest of everlasting rest and joy, so the pride, malice, and wickedness of their persecutors are to them an earnest of everlasting misery; for every man carries about with him, and carries out of the world with him, either his heaven or his hell. God will render a recompence, and will trouble those that trouble his people. This he has done sometimes in this world, witness the dreadful end of many persecutors; but especially this he will do in the other world, where the portion of the wicked must be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
(2.)A reward for those that are persecuted: God will recompense their trouble with rest, Th2 1:7. There is a rest that remains for the people of God, a rest from sin and sorrow. Though many may be the troubles of the righteous now, yet God will deliver them out of them all. The future rest will abundantly recompense all their present troubles. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed. There is enough in heaven to countervail all that we may lose or suffer for the name of Christ in this world. The apostle says, To you who are troubled rest with us. In heaven, ministers and people shall rest together, and rejoice together, who suffer together here; and the meanest Christian shall rest with the greatest apostle: nay, what is far more, if we suffer for Christ, we shall also reign with him, Ti2 2:12.
2.Concerning this future recompence we are further to observe,
(1.)The certainty of it, proved by the righteousness and justice of God: It is a righteous thing with God (Th2 1:6) to render to every man according to his works. The thoughts of this should be terrible to wicked men and persecutors, and the great support of the righteous and such as are persecuted; for, seeing there is a righteous God, there will be a righteous recompence. God's suffering people will lose nothing by their sufferings, and their enemies will gain nothing by their advantages against them.
(2.)The time when this righteous recompence shall be made: When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, Th2 1:7. That will be the day of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God; for then will God judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath appointed, even Jesus Christ the righteous Judge. The righteousness of God does not so visibly appear to all men in the procedure of his providence as it will in the process of the great judgment-day. The scripture has made known to us the judgment to come, and we are bound to receive the revelation here given concerning Christ. As,
[1.]That the Lord Jesus will in that day appear from heaven. Now the heavens retain him, they conceal him; but then he will be revealed and made manifest. He will come in all the pomp and power of the upper world, whence we look for the Saviour.
[2.]He will be revealed with his mighty angels (Th2 1:7), or the angels of his power: these will attend upon him, to grace the solemnity of that great day of his appearance; they will be the ministers of his justice and mercy in that day; they will summon the criminals to his tribunal, and gather in the elect, and be employed in executing his sentence.
[3.]He will come in flaming fire, Th2 1:8. A fire goeth before him, which shall consume his enemies. The earth, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. This will be a trying fire, to try every man's work, - a refining fire, to purify the saints, who shall share in the purity, and partake of the felicity, of the new heaven and the new earth, - a consuming fire to the wicked. His light will be piercing, and his power consuming, to all those who in that day shall be found as chaff.
[4.]The effects of this appearance will be terrible to some and joyful to others.
First, They will be terrible to some; for he will then take vengeance on the wicked. 1. On those that sinned against the principles of natural religion, and rebelled against the light of nature, that knew not God (Th2 1:8), though the invisible things of him are manifested in the things that are seen. 2. On those that rebel against the light of revelation, that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light. This is the great crime of multitudes - the gospel is revealed to them, and they will not believe it; or, if they pretend to believe it, they will not obey it. Note, Believing the truths of the gospel is in order to our obeying the precepts of the gospel: there must be the obedience of faith. To such persons as are here mentioned the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ will be terrible, because of their doom, which is mentioned, Th2 1:9. Here observe, (1.) They will then be punished. Though sinners may be long reprieved, yet they will be punished at last. Their misery will be a proper punishment for their crimes, and only what they have deserved. They did sin's work, and must receive sin's wages. (2.) Their punishment will be no less than destruction, not of their being, but of their bliss; not that of the body alone, but both as to body and soul. (3.) This destruction will be everlasting. They shall be always dying, and yet never die. Their misery will run parallel with the line of eternity. The chains of darkness are everlasting chains, and the fire is everlasting fire. It must needs be so, since the punishment is inflicted by an eternal God, fastening upon an immortal soul, set out of the reach of divine mercy and grace. (4.) This destruction shall come from the presence of the Lord, that is, immediately from God himself. Here God punishes sinners by creatures, by instruments; but then he will take the work into his own hands. It will be destruction from the Almighty, more terrible than the consuming fire which consumed Nadab and Abihu, which came from before the Lord. (5.) It shall come from the glory of his power, or from his glorious power. Not only the justice of God, but this almighty power, will be glorified in the destruction of sinners; and who knows the power of his anger? He is able to cast into hell.
Secondly, It will be a joyful day to some, even to the saints, unto those that believe and obey the gospel. And then the apostle's testimony concerning this day will be confirmed and believed (Th2 1:10); in that bright and blessed day, 1. Christ Jesus will be glorified and admired by his saints. They will behold his glory, and admire it with pleasure; they will glorify his grace, and admire the wonders of his power and goodness towards them, and sing hallelujahs to him in that day of his triumph, for their complete victory and happiness. 2. Christ will be glorified and admired in them. His grace and power will then be manifested and magnified, when it shall appear what he has purchased for, and wrought in, and bestowed upon, all those who believe in him. As his wrath and power will be made known in and by the destruction of his enemies, so his grace and power will be magnified in the salvation of his saints. Note, Christ's dealings with those who believe will be what the world one day shall wonder at. Now, they are a wonder to many; but how will they be wondered at in this great and glorious day; or, rather, how will Christ, whose name is Wonderful, be admired, when the mystery of God shall be finished! Christ will not be so much admired in the glorious esteem of angels that he will bring from heaven with him as in the many saints, the many sons, that he will bring to glory.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
in that day
The Gospel will bear witness to them in the Day of the Lord.
"Who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of His might, when He shall come to be glorified in His Saints, and to be marveled at in all them that believed."
There are many men, who form good hopes not by abstaining from their sins, but by thinking that hell is not so terrible as it is said to be, but milder than what is threatened, and temporary, not eternal; and about this they philosophize much. But I could show from many reasons, and conclude from the very expressions concerning hell, that it is not only not milder, but much more terrible than is threatened. But I do not now intend to discourse concerning these things. For the fear even from bare words is sufficient, though we do not fully unfold their meaning. But that it is not temporary, hear Paul now saying, concerning those who know not God, and who do not believe in the Gospel, that "they shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction." How then is that temporary which is everlasting? "From the face of the Lord," he says. What is this? He here wishes to say how easily it might be. For since they were then much puffed up, there is no need, he says, of much trouble; it is enough that God comes and is seen, and all are involved in punishment and others in vengeance.
"And from the glory of His might," he says "when He shall come to be glorified in His Saints, and to be marveled at in all them that believed."
Is God glorified? Yea, he says, in all the Saints. How? For when they that puff so greatly see those who were scourged by them, who were despised, who were derided, even those now near to Him, it is His glory, or rather it is their glory, both theirs and His; His indeed, because He did not forsake them; theirs, because they were thought worthy of so great honor. For as it is His riches, that there are faitful men, so also it is His glory that there are those who are to enjoy His blessings. It is the glory of Him that is good, to have those to whom He may impart His beneficence. "And to be marveled at," he says, "in all them that believed," that is, "through them that believed." See here again, "in" is used for "through." For through them He is shown to be admirable, when He brings to so much splendor those who were pitiable and wretched, and who had suffered unnumbered ills, and had believed. His power is shown then; because although they seem to be deserted here, yet nevertheless they there enjoy great glory; then especially is shown all the glory and the power of God.
"Because our testimony unto you was believed in that day."
That is, when those are brought into public view, who have suffered unnumbered ills, designed to make them apostatize from the faith, and yet have not yielded, but have believed, God is glorified. Then is shown the glory of these men also. "Judge none blessed," it says, "before his death." On this account he says, in that day will be shown those who believed.
because our testimony has been believed by you
They also call their testimony evangelical teaching, that which indeed was entrusted to them, because they received evangelical teaching from those preaching it.
Continue studying 2 Thessalonians 1:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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. The immediate preceding verses, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, 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.
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, 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). 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. 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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), 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.
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
FAQ
What does it mean for Christ to be "glorified in his saints"?
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), 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?
"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"?
"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), 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), secured by His atoning death on the cross (Colossians 1:19-20), and validated by His resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:32-33). 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). He is glorified in them because He has transformed them from within, making them partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and conforming them to His image (Romans 8:29). 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).