Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/robertsn/rwp-2th/2th1.rwp

Text File | 1993-03-13 | 14KB | 239 lines

1:1 {Paul, etc.} (\Paulos, etc.\). This address or superscription
is identical with that in #1Th 1:1| save that our (\hêmôn\) is
added after {Father} (\patri\).

1:2 {From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ} (\apo theou
patros kai Kuriou Iêsou Christou\). These words are not genuine
in #1Th 1:1|, but are here and they appear in all the other
Pauline Epistles. Note absence of article both after \en\ and
\apo\, though both God and Lord Jesus Christ are definite. In
both cases Jesus Christ is put on a par with God, though not
identical. See on »1Th 1:1| for discussion of words, but note
difference between \en\, in the sphere of, by the power of, and
\apo\, from, as the fountain head and source of grace and peace.

1:3 {We are bound} (\opheilomen\). Paul feels a sense of
obligation to keep on giving thanks to God (\eucharistein tôi
theôi\, present infinitive with dative case) because of God's
continued blessings on the Thessalonians. He uses the same idiom
again in #2:13| and nowhere else in his thanksgivings. It is not
necessity (\dei\) that Paul here notes, but a sense of personal
obligation as in #1Jo 2:6| (Milligan). {Even as it is meet}
(\kathôs axion estin\). \Opheilomen\ points to the divine,
\axion\ to the human side of the obligation (Lightfoot), perhaps
to cheer the fainthearted in a possible letter to him in reply to
Paul's First Thessalonian epistle (Milligan). This adjective
\axios\ is from \agô\, to drag down the scales, and so weighty,
worthy, worthwhile, old word and appropriate here. {For that your
faith groweth exceedingly} (\hoti huperauxanei hê pistis humôn\).
Causal use of \hoti\ referring to the obligation stated in
\opheilomen\. The verb \huperauxanô\ is one of Paul's frequent
compounds in \huper\ (\huper-bainô\, #1Th 4:6|; \huper-ek-teinô\,
#2Co 10:14|; \huper-en-tugchanô\, #Ro 8:26|; \huper-nikaô\, #Ro
8:37|; \huper-pleonazô\, #1Ti 1:14|) and occurs only here in N.T.
and rare elsewhere (Galen, Dio Cass.). Figure of the tree of
faith growing above (\huper\) measure. Cf. parable of Jesus about
faith-like a grain of mustard seed (#Mt 13:31f.|). {Aboundeth}
(\pleonazei\). Same verb in #1Th 3:12|, here a fulfilment of the
prayer made there. Milligan finds _diffusive_ growth of love in
this word because of "each one" (\henos hekastou\). Frame finds
in this fulfilment of the prayer of #1Th 3:12| one proof that II
Thessalonians is later than I Thessalonians.

1:4 {So that} (\hôste\). Another example of \hôste\ and the
infinitive (\enkauchâsthai\) for result as in #1Th 1:7| which
see. {We ourselves} (\autous hêmas\). Accusative of general
reference with the infinitive, but not merely \hêmâs\ (or
\heautous\), perhaps in contrast with \en humin\ (in you), as
much as to say, "so that we ourselves, contrary to your
expectations, are boasting" (Frame). \Enkauchaomai\ occurs here
alone in N.T., but is found in the LXX and in _Aesop's Fables_,
proof enough of its vernacular use. Paul was not above praising
one church to other churches, to provoke them to good works. Here
he is boasting of Thessalonica in Macedonia to the Corinthians as
he did later to the Corinthians about the collection (#2Co
8:1-15|) after having first boasted to the Macedonians about the
Corinthians (#2Co 9:1-5|). There were other churches in Achaia
besides Corinth (#2Co 1:1|). {For} (\huper\). Over, about, like
\peri\ (#1Th 1:2|). {In all your persecutions} (\en pasin tois
diôgmois humôn\). Their patience and faith had already attracted
Paul's attention (#1Th 1:3|) and their tribulations \thlipsesin\
(#1Th 1:6|). Here Paul adds the more specific term \diôgmos\, old
word from \diôkô\, to chase, to pursue, a word used by Paul of
his treatment in Corinth (#2Co 12:10|). {Which ye endure} (\hais
anechesthe\). B here reads \enechesthe\, to be entangled in, to
be held in as in #Ga 5:1|, but \anechesthe\ is probably correct
and the \hais\ is probably attracted to locative case of
\thlipsesin\ from the ablative \hôn\ after \anechesthe\, {from
which ye hold yourselves back} (cf. #Col 3:13|).

1:5 {A manifest token of the righteous judgment of God}
(\endeigma tês dikaias kriseôs tou theou\). Old word from
\endeiknumi\, to point out, result reached (\-ma\), a thing
proved. It is either in the accusative of general reference in
apposition with the preceding clause as in #Ro 8:3; 12:1|, or in
the nominative absolute when \ho estin\, if supplied, would
explain it as in #Php 1:28|. This righteous judgment is future
and final (verses #6-10|). {To the end that you may be counted
worthy} (\eis to kataxiôthênai humas\). Another example of \eis
to\ for purpose with first aorist passive infinitive from
\kataxioô\, old verb, with accusative of general reference
\humas\ and followed by the genitive \tês basileias\ (kingdom of
God). See #1Th 2:12| for {kingdom of God}. {For which ye also
suffer} (\huper hês kai paschete\). Ye {also} as well as we and
the present tense means that it is still going on.

1:6 {If so be that it is a righteous thing with God} (\eiper
dikaion para theôi\). Condition of first class, determined as
fulfilled, assumed as true, but with \eiper\ (if on the whole,
provided that) as in #Ro 8:9,17|, and with no copula expressed. A
righteous thing "with God" means by the side of God (\para
theôi\) and so from God's standpoint. This is as near to the idea
of absolute right as it is possible to attain. Note the phrase in
verse #5|. {To recompense affliction to them that afflict you}
(\antapodounai tois thlibousin hêmâs thlipsin\). Second aorist
active infinitive of double compound \ant-apodidômi\, old verb,
either in good sense as in #1Th 3:9| or in bad sense as here.
Paul is certain of this principle, though he puts it
conditionally.

1:7 {Rest with us} (\anesin meth' hêmôn\). Let up, release. Old
word from \aniêmi\, from troubles here (#2Co 2:13; 7:5; 8:13|),
and hereafter as in this verse. Vivid word. They shared suffering
with Paul (verse #5|) and so they will share (\meth'\) the
{rest}. {At the revelation of the Lord Jesus} (\en têi
apokalupsei tou Kuriou Iêsou\). Here the \Parousia\ (#1Th 2:19;
3:13; 5:23|) is pictured as a {Revelation} (Un-veiling,
\apo-kalupsis\) of the Messiah as in #1Co 1:7, 1Pe 1:7,13| (cf.
#Lu 17:30|). At this Unveiling of the Messiah there will come the
{recompense} (verse #6|) to the persecutors and the {rest} from
the persecutions. This Revelation will be {from heaven} (\ap'
ouranou\) as to place and {with the angels of his power} (\met'
aggelôn dunameôs autou\) as the retinue and {in flaming fire}
(\en puri phlogos\, in a fire of flame, fire characterized by
flame). In #Ac 7:30| the text is {flame of fire} where \puros\ is
genitive (like #Isa 66:15|) rather than \phlogos\ as here (#Ex
3:2|).

1:8 {Rendering} (\didontos\). Genitive of present active
participle of \didômi\, to give, agreeing with \Iêsou\.
{Vengeance} (\ekdikêsin\). Late word from \ekdikeô\, to
vindicate, in Polybius and LXX. {To them that know not God}
(\tois mê eidosin theon\). Dative plural of perfect active
participle \eidôs\. Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (#1Th
4:3; Ga 4:8; Ro 1:28; Eph 2:12|), though Jews are also guilty of
wilful ignorance of God (#Ro 2:14|). {And to them that obey not
the gospel of our Lord Jesus} (\kai tois mê hupakouousin tôi
euaggeliôi tou kuriou hêmôn Iêsou\). Repetition of the article
looks like another class and so Jews (#Ro 10:16|). Both Jews as
instigators and Gentiles as officials (\politarchs\) were
involved in the persecution in Thessalonica (#Ac 17:5-9; 2Th
1:6|). Note the use of "gospel" here as in #Mr 1:15| "believe in
the gospel."

1:9 {Who} (\hoitines\). Qualitative use, such as. Vanishing in
papyri though surviving in Paul (#1Co 3:17; Ro 1:25; Ga 4:26; Php
4:3|). {Shall suffer punishment} (\dikên tisousin\). Future
active of old verb \tinô\, to pay penalty (\dikên\, right,
justice), here only in N.T., but \apotinô\ once also to repay
#Phm 1:19|. In the papyri \dikê\ is used for a case or process in
law. This is the regular phrase in classic writers for paying the
penalty. {Eternal destruction} (\olethron aiônion\). Accusative
case in apposition with \dikên\ (penalty). This phrase does not
appear elsewhere in the N.T., but is in IV Macc. 10:15 \ton
aiônion tou turannou olethron\ the eternal destruction of the
tyrant (Antiochus Epiphanes). Destruction (cf. #1Th 5:3|) does
not mean here annihilation, but, as Paul proceeds to show,
separation {from the face of the Lord} (\apo prosôpou tou
kuriou\) and from the {glory of his might} (\kai apo tês doxês
tês ischuos autou\), an eternity of woe such as befell Antiochus
Epiphanes. \Aiônios\ in itself only means age-long and papyri and
inscriptions give it in the weakened sense of a Caesar's life
(Milligan), but Paul means by age-long {the coming age} in
contrast with {this age}, as {eternal} as the New Testament knows
how to make it. See on »Mt 25:46| for use of \aiônios\ both with
\zôên\, life, and \kolasin\, punishment.

1:10 {When he shall come} (\hotan elthêi\). Second aorist active
subjunctive with \hotan\, future and indefinite temporal clause
(Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 971ff.) coincident with \en têi
apokalupsei\ in verse #7|. {To be glorified} (\endoxasthênai\).
First aorist passive infinitive (purpose) of \endoxazô\, late
verb, in N.T. only here and verse #12|, in LXX and papyri. {In
his saints} (\en tois hagiois autou\). The sphere in which Christ
will find his glory at the Revelation. {And to be marvelled at}
(\kai thaumasthênai\). First aorist passive infinitive (purpose),
common verb \thaumazô\. {That believed} (\tois pisteusasin\). Why
aorist active participle instead of present active \pisteuousin\
(that believe)? Frame thinks that Paul thus reassures those who
believed his message when there (#1Th 1:6ff.; 2:13f.|). The
parenthetical clause, though difficult, falls in with this idea:
{Because our testimony unto you was believed} (\hoti episteuthê
to marturion hêmôn eph' humas\). Moffatt calls it an anti-climax.
{On that day} (\en têi hêmerâi ekeinêi\). The day of Christ's
coming (#2Ti 1:12,18; 4:8|).

1:11 {To which end} (\eis ho\). So #Col 1:29|. Probably purpose
with reference to the contents of verses #5-10|. We have had the
Thanksgiving (verses #3-10|) in a long, complicated, but rich
period or sentence. Now he makes a brief Prayer (verses #11-12|)
that God will fulfil all their hopes and endeavours. Paul and his
colleagues can still pray for them though no longer with them
(Moffatt). {That} (\hina\). Common after \proseuchomai\ (#Col
4:3; Eph 1:17; Php 1:9|) when the content of the prayer blends
with the purpose (purport and purpose). {Count you worthy}
(\humas axiôsêi\). Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive)
like \kataxioô\ in verse #5| with genitive. {Of your calling}
(\tês klêseôs\). \Klêsis\ can apply to the beginning as in #1Co
1:26; Ro 11:29|, but it can also apply to the final issue as in
#Php 3:14; Heb 3:1|. Both ideas may be here. It is God's calling
of the Thessalonians. {And fulfil every desire of goodness} (\kai
plêrôsêi pasan eudokian agathôsunês\). "Whom he counts worthy he
first makes worthy" (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and
the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in
Christ before the process is completed in Christ (#Ro 8:29f.|).
But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. \Eudokia\
(cf. #Lu 2:14|) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure,
God's purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in LXX and
N.T. \Agathôsunê\ like a dozen other words in \-sunê\ occurs only
in late Greek. This word occurs only in LXX, N.T., writings based
on them. It is made from \agathos\, good, akin to \agamai\, to
admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy
and pertinent prayer. {Work of faith} (\ergon pisteôs\). The same
phrase in #1Th 1:3|. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had
seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith,
sustained by faith. {With power} (\en dunamei\). In power.
Connect with \plêrôsêi\ (fulfil), God's power (#Ro 1:29; Col
1:4|) in Christ (#1Co 1:24|) through the Holy Spirit (#1Th 1:5|).

1:12 {That} (\hopôs\). Rare with Paul compared with \hina\ (#1Co
1:29; 2Co 8:14|). Perhaps here for variety (dependent on \hina\
clause in verse #11|). {The name} (\to onoma\). The Old Testament
(LXX) uses \onoma\ embodying the revealed character of Jehovah.
So here the {Name} of our Lord Jesus means the Messiahship and
Lordship of Jesus. The common Greek idiom of \onoma\ for title or
dignity as in the papyri (Milligan) is not quite this idiom. The
papyri also give examples of \onoma\ for person as in O.T. and
#Ac 1:15| (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 196ff.). {In you, and
ye in him} (\en humin, kai humeis en autôi\). This reciprocal
glorying is Pauline, but it is also like Christ's figure of the
vine and the branches in #Joh 15:1-11|. {According to the grace}
(\kata tên charin\). Not merely standard, but also aim
(Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 609). {Of our God and the Lord Jesus
Christ} (\tou theou hêmôn kai kuriou Iêsou Christou\). Here
strict syntax requires, since there is only one article with
\theou\ and \kuriou\ that one person be meant, Jesus Christ, as
is certainly true in #Tit 2:13; 2Pe 1:1| (Robertson, _Grammar_,
p.786). This otherwise conclusive syntactical argument, admitted
by Schmiedel, is weakened a bit by the fact that \Kurios\ is
often employed as a proper name without the article, a thing not
true of \sôtêr\ in #Tit 2:13; 2Pe 1:1|. So in #Eph 5:5| \en têi
basileiâi tou Christou kai theou\ the natural meaning is {in the
Kingdom of Christ and God} regarded as one, but here again
\theos\, like \Kurios\, often occurs as a proper name without the
article. So it has to be admitted that here Paul may mean
"according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ,"
though he may also mean "according to the grace of our God and
Lord, Jesus Christ."