2 Thessalonians 1:7

KJV

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to you {G5213} who are troubled {G2346} rest {G425} with {G3326} us {G2257}, when {G1722} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} shall be revealed {G602} from {G575} heaven {G3772} with {G3326} his {G846} mighty {G1411} angels {G32},

Complete Jewish Bible

and to give rest along with us to you who are being troubled, when the Lord Yeshua is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels

Berean Standard Bible

and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 1:7 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers enduring persecution, promising them divine "rest" and relief when the Lord Jesus is gloriously revealed from heaven. This revelation, accompanied by His mighty angels, signifies the culmination of God's righteous judgment, bringing vindication for the afflicted and just recompense for their oppressors, thereby establishing a foundational hope for those suffering for their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal point in Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer for the Thessalonian church. It directly follows Paul's declaration in [2 Thessalonians 1:6](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6 - God's Righteous Judgment") that God will justly repay trouble to those who trouble the believers. Verse 7, therefore, presents the flip side of this divine justice: relief and rest for the persecuted. The subsequent verses (e.g., [2 Thessalonians 1:8-9](/2_thessalonians/1-8-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 - Judgment on the Ungodly")) elaborate on the specific nature of the judgment that will fall upon those who do not know God or obey the gospel, further emphasizing the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the unrighteous at Christ's return. The entire chapter serves to encourage the suffering believers by fixing their gaze on the future glorious advent of Christ and the establishment of His perfect justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church, established by Paul during his second missionary journey, was a relatively young community (see [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). From its inception, it faced significant opposition, as evidenced in [1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Thessalonians' Suffering"). This persecution likely stemmed from both Jewish opposition (who viewed Paul's message as blasphemous) and Gentile opposition (who saw Christianity as a threat to traditional Roman civic and religious practices, including emperor worship). Living in a Roman colony, Christians would have been under pressure to conform. Paul's second letter addresses their continued distress but also clarifies misunderstandings about the timing and nature of the Lord's return, which some believed had already occurred, leading to confusion and idleness. This verse specifically addresses their present "trouble" by pointing to a future, definitive act of divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Thessalonians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**. Paul assures the suffering faithful that God is righteous and will not allow their suffering to go unaddressed; rather, He will bring ultimate justice, vindicating His people and punishing their oppressors. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Second Coming of Christ** (the *Parousia*). The "revelation from heaven" of the Lord Jesus is a central eschatological hope, marking the definitive end of earthly suffering for believers and the dawn of their eternal rest. This theme is crucial throughout Paul's Thessalonian letters, as seen in [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Rapture"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Rest for the Troubled**. The promise of "rest" is not merely a cessation of physical suffering but a profound, spiritual, and eternal peace that comes with the Lord's presence, signifying ultimate relief from all distress and opposition. Finally, the phrase "with his mighty angels" reinforces the **Majesty and Power** accompanying Christ's return, portraying it as a glorious, kingly advent, a display of irresistible divine authority and force, as also described in [Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Glorious Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _thlíbō'_):** From G2346, this word means "to crowd (literally or figuratively); afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble." It vividly describes the intense pressure, affliction, and persecution the Thessalonian believers were experiencing. It suggests a crushing burden, a constricted space, or a severe pressing, conveying the deep distress and hardship they endured for their faith.
* **rest (Greek, _ánesis'_):** From G425, this term signifies "relaxation or (figuratively) relief." It speaks to a profound and lasting cessation of the pressure and affliction described by _thlíbō_. This "rest" is not merely a temporary reprieve but a complete and final alleviation from all suffering, a state of peace and ease that will be fully realized at Christ's glorious appearing.
* **revealed (Greek, _apokálypsis'_):** From G602, meaning "disclosure; appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation." This word is the root of the English "apocalypse" and implies a powerful, undeniable "unveiling" or "making manifest" of something previously hidden or obscured. In this context, it refers to the glorious, visible, and unmistakable appearing of the Lord Jesus, an event that will bring divine truth and judgment into full light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to you who are troubled":** This clause directly addresses the suffering believers in Thessalonica, acknowledging their current state of affliction and tribulation. It highlights Paul's pastoral heart and God's awareness of their distress, setting the stage for the promise of relief.
* **"rest with us,":** This is the immediate promise to the troubled. The "rest" (ánesis) signifies a complete and lasting relief from their suffering. The phrase "with us" indicates a shared experience of this future rest, implying that Paul and his companions, who also endured tribulation, anticipate the same ultimate comfort and vindication alongside the Thessalonians. It fosters a sense of solidarity and shared hope.
* **"when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven":** This clause specifies the timing and nature of the promised rest. It will occur at the *Parousia*, the glorious, visible, and unmistakable "unveiling" (apokálypsis) of Jesus Christ. His revelation "from heaven" underscores His divine origin, authority, and the transcendent nature of His return, signifying a cosmic event that will dramatically alter the present reality.
* **"with his mighty angels,":** This final phrase describes the magnificent entourage accompanying Christ's return. The presence of "mighty" (dýnamis, powerful) "angels" (messengers/heavenly beings) emphasizes the immense power, authority, and glory attending the Lord's advent. It signifies a display of divine majesty and irresistible force, reinforcing the certainty and grandeur of the event that will bring ultimate justice and rest.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting the present "troubled" state of believers against the future "rest" they will receive. This juxtaposition highlights the dramatic shift from suffering to solace that Christ's return will bring. The language is rich in **Eschatological Language**, focusing on future events and the ultimate consummation of God's plan. Phrases like "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven" directly point to the end times and the Second Coming. Furthermore, the verse describes a **Theophany** or **Christophany**, the visible manifestation of God or Christ. The "revelation" of Jesus from heaven with "mighty angels" paints a picture of a glorious, undeniable divine appearance, emphasizing His power and authority as He returns to judge and to save.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant for Christian theology, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It teaches that suffering for righteousness' sake is not in vain, but is seen and will be recompensed by a just God. The promise of "rest" at Christ's "revelation" provides a powerful eschatological anchor for believers, shifting their focus from temporal afflictions to eternal vindication and peace. It underscores that the consummation of salvation involves not just individual redemption but a cosmic unveiling of Christ's kingly rule, where all wrongs are righted and His faithful are brought into full communion and freedom. This future hope is designed to sustain believers through present trials, knowing that their ultimate relief and triumph are secured in the returning Lord.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and the Gathering of Believers")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears or Pain")
* [Matthew 24:30-31](/matthew/24-30-31 "The Sign of the Son of Man and the Gathering of the Elect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 1:7 offers an enduring wellspring of hope and a vital framework for understanding present difficulties. It reminds us that our earthly struggles, no matter how intense or prolonged, are temporary and finite. The ultimate "rest" promised here is a profound and lasting peace that transcends any worldly comfort, rooted in the certain return of our Lord. This truth encourages perseverance in the face of adversity, knowing that God is not indifferent to our suffering but is actively working out His perfect justice. Our hope is not in earthly solutions or the cessation of all problems in this life, but in the glorious, future advent of Jesus Christ, who will bring complete vindication and eternal relief. This expectation should shape our perspective on our trials, empowering us to endure faithfully, to live with an eternal mindset, and to find solace in the blessed assurance that our ultimate reward and rest are secure in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "rest" at Christ's return change your perspective on current difficulties or suffering?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's righteous judgment, as implied in this verse, offer you comfort or challenge you?**
* **How can the anticipation of Christ's glorious revelation with His mighty angels impact your daily walk and priorities?**

### FAQ

**What does "rest with us" mean for believers today?**

Answer: "Rest with us" (Greek: _ánesis_) signifies a complete and eternal cessation of the pressure, affliction, and tribulation that believers experience in this world. It is not merely a physical repose but a profound spiritual and existential peace that comes from being fully in the presence of the Lord, free from sin, suffering, and the opposition of the ungodly. The phrase "with us" (Greek: _hēmōn_) indicates a shared experience among all believers, including Paul and his companions, who also endured tribulation. It means that at Christ's glorious return, all who have faithfully endured will enter into a collective, ultimate relief and vindication, sharing in the triumph and peace of His eternal kingdom. This rest is a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more pain or sorrow, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain").

**What is the significance of "his mighty angels" accompanying Jesus' revelation?**

Answer: The presence of "his mighty angels" (Greek: _dýnamis ángelos_) underscores the immense power, authority, and divine majesty that will accompany the Lord Jesus' second coming. Angels are often depicted in Scripture as divine messengers and agents of God's will, particularly in acts of judgment and salvation. Their presence signifies that Christ's return will be a cosmic, undeniable event of immense power and glory, not a secret or quiet one. It emphasizes His kingly authority as He comes to execute justice, gather His elect, and establish His eternal reign. This imagery aligns with other New Testament descriptions of Christ's return, such as in [Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Glorious Return"), where Jesus states, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory." It assures believers that the one who brings them rest is supremely powerful and able to overcome all opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "revelation from heaven" of the Lord Jesus is the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of the promise of rest for the troubled. While Jesus' first advent saw Him revealed as the suffering servant, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), His second advent will unveil Him as the glorious King and righteous Judge. The rest promised to the troubled is not merely a cessation of suffering, but a profound and eternal peace found *in Him*, secured by His atoning work on the cross and guaranteed by His resurrection. His suffering and death on Calvary were the means by which He conquered sin and death, making possible the very "rest" that believers anticipate. When He is "revealed," it will be the full manifestation of His redemptive victory, bringing to completion the salvation He inaugurated. This glorious appearance will not only bring vindication for His people but also the full realization of the new covenant promises, where God's dwelling is with humanity, and all things are made new through Christ, the [Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), the beginning and the end of all things. The "rest" is ultimately participation in His eternal reign and glory, a direct result of His finished work and triumphant return.

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

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Jude 1:14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

Matthew 25:31

¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: