2 Thessalonians 2:14

KJV

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereunto {G1519}{G3739} he called {G2564} you {G5209} by {G1223} our {G2257} gospel {G2098}, to {G1519} the obtaining {G4047} of the glory {G1391} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He called you to this through our Good News, so that you could have the glory of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 2:14 articulates the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that God sovereignly calls believers through the proclamation of the gospel. This calling is not an end in itself but a purposeful journey toward a glorious destiny: the full participation in and experience of the very splendor and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ, securing the believer's future inheritance and ultimate conformity to His image.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a profound theological anchor within a chapter primarily dedicated to eschatological warnings and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness." Immediately preceding [2 Thessalonians 2:14](/2_thessalonians/2-14 "2 Thessalonians 2:14 - The Divine Calling"), Paul reassures the Thessalonian believers, distinguishing them from those who will fall prey to deception. [2 Thessalonians 2:13](/2_thessalonians/2-13 "2 Thessalonians 2:13 - God's Choice for Salvation") states that God "hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." Verse 14 then elaborates on *how* this divine choice is actualized: by God's calling through the gospel. It transitions from the eternal decree of God's choice to the practical means and ultimate purpose of that choice, providing a comforting counterpoint to the preceding warnings about apostasy and divine judgment on those who reject the truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians was written relatively soon after his first, likely to address ongoing misunderstandings and anxieties regarding the "day of the Lord" and the return of Christ. The Thessalonian believers were facing persecution ([2 Thessalonians 1:4-5](/2_thessalonians/1-4-5 "2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 - Perseverance in Persecution")) and were susceptible to false teachings that suggested the Day of the Lord had already come ([2 Thessalonians 2:1-2](/2_thessalonians/2-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - Concerning the Coming of the Lord")). In this climate of confusion and suffering, Paul's affirmation of God's sovereign calling and glorious destiny was crucial. It provided stability, hope, and a clear understanding of their position in God's eternal plan, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and deceptive forces at work in the world.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Thessalonians 2:14](/2_thessalonians/2-14 "2 Thessalonians 2:14 - The Divine Calling") contributes significantly to several major themes within the epistle. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, reinforcing the idea that salvation originates entirely with God, who chooses and calls His people. This aligns with the broader theme of God's control over history and salvation, even amidst tribulation. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Efficacy of the Gospel**, presenting it as the divinely appointed instrument through which God's saving purpose is realized. This emphasizes the vital importance of faithful gospel proclamation, a recurring theme in Paul's ministry (cf. [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Finally, it articulates the **Believer's Glorious Destiny**, pointing to the ultimate hope of sharing in Christ's glory. This eschatological hope provides profound encouragement and motivation for perseverance, a theme central to Paul's pastoral care for the suffering Thessalonians, as seen in his discussion of future rest and reward in [2 Thessalonians 1:7-10](/2_thessalonians/1-7-10 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - Rest for the Persecuted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, this word signifies an effective summons or invitation. It is not merely an offer but a purposeful act initiated by God that brings about a response, leading to salvation. In the biblical context, divine calling is often irresistible and determinative, reflecting God's sovereign choice and active involvement in drawing individuals to Himself.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From G2098, meaning "good message" or "glad tidings." This term refers specifically to the message of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul's use of "our gospel" emphasizes the specific, authoritative, and unadulterated message of Christ that he and his companions faithfully proclaimed, which is inherently God's message for humanity.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this word denotes splendor, majesty, honor, or praise. In reference to God and Christ, it signifies their inherent divine radiance, supreme majesty, and intrinsic worth. The "glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" refers to His divine splendor, both in His pre-existent state, His resurrected and ascended state, and His future return in power and majesty. Believers are called to participate in this very divine radiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereunto he called you by our gospel":** This clause establishes the divine initiative and the means of salvation. "He" refers to God, who is the ultimate agent of the call. The phrase "whereunto" (referring back to the salvation, sanctification, and belief of truth in [2 Thessalonians 2:13](/2_thessalonians/2-13 "2 Thessalonians 2:13 - God's Choice for Salvation")) signifies the purpose or end for which they were called. The instrument of this divine call is "our gospel," highlighting the indispensable role of the good news of Jesus Christ as proclaimed by Paul and his fellow missionaries. This underscores that salvation is not earned but received through faith in the message of Christ.
* **"to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This second clause reveals the ultimate purpose and glorious destiny of the divine calling. "To the obtaining" (Greek: _peripoíēsis_) implies acquisition, possession, or preservation—a secure and certain inheritance. The object of this obtaining is "the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." This refers to the future glorification of believers, where they will fully participate in and reflect the divine splendor, honor, and majesty of Christ Himself. It is the culmination of God's saving work, assuring believers of a future free from suffering and filled with the very presence and radiance of God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Divine Sovereignty** as a central theme, emphasizing that God is the primary agent ("he called you"). This highlights the unmerited grace of salvation, which originates entirely from God's initiative rather than human effort. There is also a strong element of **Teleology**, as the verse clearly states the ultimate purpose or end goal of this divine calling: "to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." This purposeful design provides profound assurance and hope, framing the believer's journey within God's eternal plan. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by positioning God's secure and glorious calling against the backdrop of the deception and apostasy described earlier in the chapter, providing a stark differentiation between those who are chosen for salvation and those who will be given over to delusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the doctrine of effectual calling, where God's sovereign initiative through the gospel leads to a certain and glorious end. It integrates the concepts of divine election, the instrumental power of the gospel, and the ultimate glorification of believers. The call is not merely an invitation but an act of God that brings about the desired result, securing the believer's participation in Christ's own glory. This future glory is not just an external reward but an internal transformation, a sharing in the very nature and splendor of the Son of God.

* [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation"): "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
* [1 Peter 5:10](/1_peter/5-10 "1 Peter 5:10 - God of All Grace"): "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
* [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life, Our Glory"): "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, 2 Thessalonians 2:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the secure foundation of our faith and the magnificent trajectory of our spiritual journey. In a world often marked by uncertainty, deception, and suffering, this verse anchors our hope in God's unchanging character and His unfailing purpose. It reassures us that our salvation is not dependent on our fluctuating efforts or merits but is rooted in God's sovereign, gracious, and effective call. This truth should cultivate deep humility and profound gratitude, knowing that we are recipients of an unearned, divine invitation to eternal glory. Furthermore, recognizing the gospel as the divinely appointed means of this call ignites a renewed passion for its proclamation. If the gospel is the instrument through which God draws people to Himself and to a glorious destiny, then sharing this good news becomes an urgent and joyful privilege, extending the same hope we possess to a world desperately in need of it. Finally, the promise of "obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" provides an enduring perspective that transcends present trials, motivating perseverance, holy living, and a steadfast gaze upon our future inheritance with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign call in your life deepen your assurance of salvation and your gratitude towards Him?**
* **In what ways does the "gospel" continue to be the active means by which God works in your life and in the world today?**
* **How does the promise of "obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" shape your priorities, hopes, and endurance in the face of current challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "he called you" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "he called you" is highly significant because it emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in salvation. It signifies an "effectual call," meaning it's not merely an invitation that can be accepted or rejected, but a divine act that effectively draws individuals to Himself, leading to their salvation. This highlights that salvation is fundamentally a work of God's grace, not a result of human merit or decision alone. It underscores the truth that God is the primary agent in bringing people into a saving relationship with Him, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation") where calling is part of a divine chain leading to glorification.

**What does it mean to "obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: To "obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" refers to the believer's ultimate destiny and inheritance. It encompasses several aspects: firstly, it means sharing in Christ's divine splendor and honor, reflecting His image and character perfectly. Secondly, it implies a full participation in the blessedness and perfection of the resurrected life, free from sin, suffering, and death. This is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where believers are fully conformed to the image of Christ and experience the fullness of His presence and majesty. It's a secure possession, guaranteed by God's calling, as also promised in [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life, Our Glory") and [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Thessalonians 2:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the subject of the "gospel" but its very content and power; it is "our gospel" because it proclaims Him. The divine call, initiated by God, is always "by our gospel" because Christ's atoning death, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension are the sole means by which humanity can be reconciled to God and enter into His saving purpose. The ultimate destination of this call—"the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ"—reveals Christ as both the source and the goal of our salvation. Believers are called to share in *His* glory, a glory He possessed before the foundation of the world ([John 17:5](/john/17-5 "John 17:5 - Jesus' Prayer for Glory")), which He displayed in His resurrection and ascension ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), and which He will fully manifest at His return ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")). Our glorification is inextricably linked to our union with Christ; as He is glorified, so too shall we, His body, be glorified with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). Thus, the entire trajectory of salvation, from God's sovereign call to our ultimate glorification, is centered on and accomplished through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the glorious King.

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 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.