2 Thessalonians 1:11

KJV

¶ Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1519}{G3739} also {G2532} we pray {G4336} always {G3842} for {G4012} you {G5216}, that {G2443} our {G2257} God {G2316} would count {G515} you {G5209} worthy {G515} of this calling {G2821}, and {G2532} fulfil {G4137} all {G3956} the good pleasure {G2107} of his goodness {G19}, and {G2532} the work {G2041} of faith {G4102} with {G1722} power {G1411}:

Complete Jewish Bible

With this in view, we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill by his power every good purpose of yours and every action stemming from your trust.

Berean Standard Bible

To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,

American Standard Version

To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, the Apostle Paul offers a profound intercessory prayer for the Thessalonian believers, expressing his earnest desire that God would enable them to live lives that fully correspond to their divine calling. This prayer is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign power and benevolent will, seeking His active fulfillment of every good intention and empowering of their faith-driven actions, particularly as they endure persecution and anticipate Christ's glorious return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's opening section in [2 Thessalonians 1](/2_thessalonians/1 "2 Thessalonians 1 - Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Church"). Having commended the Thessalonians for their growing faith and steadfast endurance amidst severe persecution ([2 Thessalonians 1:3-4](/2_thessalonians/1-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 - Paul's Commendation of the Thessalonians")), Paul then reassures them of God's righteous judgment. He explains that their suffering is evidence of God's just plan, which will ultimately bring relief to the afflicted and retribution to those who trouble them when the Lord Jesus returns in flaming fire ([2 Thessalonians 1:5-10](/2_thessalonians/1-5-10 "God's Righteous Judgment")). Against this backdrop of present tribulation and future vindication, Paul's prayer in verse 11 serves as a bridge, articulating his pastoral longing for their spiritual perseverance and the divine enablement necessary to live out their faith until that glorious day. It transitions from a statement of fact about God's justice to an expression of fervent hope for the believers' sanctification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was established during Paul's second missionary journey, facing immediate and intense opposition from both Jewish and Gentile populations ([Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul and Silas in Thessalonica")). This persecution continued, as evidenced by both [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians") and [2 Thessalonians](/2_thessalonians/1 "Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians"). Believers were likely ostracized, economically disadvantaged, and potentially subjected to violence for their allegiance to Christ. In this climate, Paul's prayer for them to be "counted worthy of this calling" was not a call to earn salvation, but rather an encouragement for them to live consistently with the high standard of their new identity in Christ, despite external pressures. The "work of faith" would have been particularly challenging and visible in such an environment, requiring divine "power" to sustain their commitment and witness.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's prayer in this verse encapsulates several vital themes prevalent in his epistles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Empowerment for the Christian Life**. Paul consistently teaches that believers are not left to their own strength to fulfill God's purposes; rather, God Himself works in and through them, providing the necessary grace and power. This is evident in passages like [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Working in Believers") where it states, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Secondly, the concept of **Living Worthy of God's Calling** is central. This isn't about earning salvation, but about living a life that reflects the profound privilege and transformative power of God's gracious invitation, a theme echoed in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Walking Worthy of Your Calling"). Lastly, the "work of faith" highlights the theme of **Active Faith**, emphasizing that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic force that manifests itself in tangible actions and perseverance, as Paul also noted in [1 Thessalonians 1:3](/1_thessalonians/1-3 "Remembering Their Work of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worthy (Greek, _axióō_):** from ἄξιος; "to deem entitled or fit." In this context, it signifies God's act of enabling or qualifying the believers to live in a manner that is appropriate for, or corresponds to, the high and holy nature of their divine calling. It is not about human merit earning God's favor, but God's grace empowering them to reflect His character and purpose.
* **Good pleasure (Greek, _eudokía_):** from a presumed compound of εὖ and the base of δοκέω; "satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose." This word refers to God's benevolent will, His gracious disposition, or His favorable intention. It points to what God delights to do out of His intrinsic goodness and sovereign design for His people.
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** from δύναμαι; "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." This term denotes inherent strength, ability, or might. Here, it refers to the divine energy and supernatural enablement that God provides, allowing believers to accomplish the "work of faith" and live out their calling effectively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore also we pray always for you,"**: Paul introduces his prayer, emphasizing its consistent and fervent nature ("always"). This highlights his deep pastoral care and intercessory commitment for the Thessalonian believers, demonstrating that prayer is a vital component of his ministry and spiritual leadership.
* **"that our God would count you worthy of this calling,"**: The primary request is for God to "count" or "deem" them worthy. This is not about the Thessalonians earning worthiness, but God's gracious act of equipping them to live up to the high standard of their "calling" – their invitation into salvation, sanctification, and service in Christ. It implies a life that corresponds to the immense privilege and holy purpose of being God's chosen people.
* **"and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness,"**: Paul prays that God would bring to completion ("fulfil") His benevolent will and gracious intentions ("good pleasure") that stem from His inherent character of "goodness." This refers to God's desire to accomplish His gracious purposes in and through the believers, manifesting His kindness and favorable disposition towards them. It suggests that God's ultimate design for their lives is rooted in His own perfect nature.
* **"and the work of faith with power:"**: This clause specifies a key aspect of God's fulfillment: empowering their "work of faith." It underscores that genuine faith is not passive but active, manifesting itself through deeds that demonstrate its reality. These "works" are not human-initiated efforts to earn favor, but rather actions that are supernaturally energized ("with power") by God Himself, enabling believers to live out their convictions and endure trials.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Intercession** as a literary device, showcasing Paul's fervent prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians. This highlights his deep pastoral concern and serves as an example for believers to pray for one another. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** on divine agency; while the believers are called to live worthy lives and perform works of faith, Paul's prayer explicitly states that it is "our God" who will "count you worthy," "fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness," and empower "the work of faith." This underscores the theological truth that Christian living is not by human strength but by God's enabling grace. Furthermore, the phrasing exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, linking "the good pleasure of his goodness" with "the work of faith with power," suggesting that God's benevolent will and His empowering action are two sides of the same divine work in the believer's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prayer beautifully articulates the profound theological truth that Christian living, particularly in the face of adversity, is ultimately a work of God's grace and power. It counters any notion of self-sufficiency, emphasizing that our ability to live a life worthy of our divine calling and to perform genuine "works of faith" is entirely dependent on God's active involvement. His "good pleasure" and "goodness" are the source and motivation for His empowering work within us, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty and His commitment to sanctifying His people, not based on their merit, but on His unfailing character and covenant faithfulness.

* [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Walking Worthy of Your Calling")
* [1 Thessalonians 1:3](/1_thessalonians/1-3 "Remembering Your Work of Faith")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Working in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Thessalonians 1:11](/2_thessalonians/1-11 "Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians") serves as a powerful reminder of God's active role in our spiritual journey and the importance of prayer. We are called to live lives that genuinely reflect our identity as God's children, a calling that extends to every area of our existence, especially in challenging circumstances. This verse reassures us that we are not left to our own limited strength; rather, God Himself, out of His infinite goodness and "good pleasure," is committed to empowering us to fulfill His purposes. Our faith is meant to be active, producing "works" that are supernaturally energized by His "power," demonstrating the reality of our transformation. Therefore, we are encouraged to lean into His grace, trusting that He will complete the good work He has begun in us, enabling us to persevere and bear fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's consistent prayer for the Thessalonians inspire your own prayer life for fellow believers, especially those facing trials?**
* **What does it mean practically for you to be "counted worthy of this calling" in your daily life, and how does God's power enable this?**
* **In what ways can you identify "the work of faith" manifesting "with power" in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**

### FAQ

**Does "count you worthy of this calling" imply that believers must earn their salvation or God's favor?**

Answer: No, the phrase "count you worthy of this calling" does not imply earning salvation or God's favor through human merit. Instead, it refers to God's gracious act of enabling believers to live a life that is consistent with, and appropriate for, the divine calling they have already received through grace. The "calling" itself is a gift from God, an invitation into His kingdom and purpose. Paul's prayer is that God would empower them to live up to the high standard of that calling, reflecting His holiness and character in their conduct. It is God who "counts" or "deems" them fit, providing the necessary strength and grace, rather than them achieving worthiness on their own. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

**What is meant by "the good pleasure of his goodness"?**

Answer: "The good pleasure of his goodness" refers to God's benevolent will, His gracious disposition, and His favorable intentions that stem from His inherent character of "goodness." It speaks to what God delights to do out of His intrinsic nature. In this context, Paul is praying that God would fully accomplish all the good things He desires for and through the Thessalonians, all flowing from His perfect and kind will. It emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose for His people is rooted in His own goodness and His desire to bless and empower them for His glory. This concept is often linked to God's sovereign plan and His delight in working for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prayer in [2 Thessalonians 1:11](/2_thessalonians/1-11 "Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians") finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we receive "this calling" – the gracious invitation into God's kingdom and purpose, made possible by His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. The "good pleasure of his goodness" is supremely revealed in God's sending of His Son, Jesus, to redeem humanity and establish His reign ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love for the World")). Furthermore, the "work of faith with power" is not merely human effort but a dynamic reality empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out upon His ascension ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "The Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit")). As believers are united with Christ, they draw upon His limitless power to live lives worthy of their calling, bearing fruit that glorifies God ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")). Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment of a life lived in full accordance with God's good pleasure, and it is His life, death, and resurrection that enable us to participate in that divine reality, ensuring that God's purposes are accomplished in and through us.

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

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Colossians 1:9

¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

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:

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

1 Thessalonians 3:13

To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.