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§ 2. 2Th 1:5-12. THE APPROACHING JUDGEMENT
The thought of the recompense awaiting the persecuted Thessalonian Church and its persecutors, respectively, swells the opening thanksgiving of the Epistle, and leads up to its introductory prayer (2Th 1:11 f.). The writers enlarge, however, upon this δικαία κρίσις in a sense that exceeds the bounds of the εὐχαριστία, and constitutes this section a distinct item in the teaching of the Epistle, a new and express assurance conveyed to the readers. The doctrine it contains is continuous with that of 1Th 5:1-11, as it describes the issue of Christ’s parousia, the time and circumstances of which were there referred to; in so doing it supplies a starting-point for the further discussion about the parousia arising in the next section. At 2Th 1:6, where the Apocalyptic description begins, the composition assumes a Hebraistic style and rises into a kind of chant, as is frequently the case with St Paul’s loftier contemplative passages; at the same point O.T. allusions and snatches of prophecy crowd into the page. So marked is the liturgical rhythm of 2Th 1:6-10, that Bornemann conjectures this passage to be borrowed from some primitive Christian psalm or hymn: cf. Eph 5:14; 1Ti 3:16; Rev 1:5 ff; Rev 4:8; Rev 4:11, &c., for passages of a similar complexion.
ANALYSIS: The brave endurance of persecution by the readers affords a token (enhancing thankfulness on their behalf) of retribution awaiting them, and in justice awaiting their persecutors on the contrary part, at the advent of the Lord Jesus. In the view presented of this judgement we observe—(1) its essential righteousness, 2Th 1:5 f.; (2) its dependence upon Christ’s promised advent, 2Th 1:7; 2Th 1:9 f.; (3) that the vindication of Christ’s faithful people forms the proper purpose of the advent—to this the vengeance visiting their oppressors is incidental, 2Th 1:6; 2Th 1:8; 2Th 1:10; and (4) that the personal glory of the Redeemer is its supreme and most desired outcome, 2Th 1:7; 2Th 1:10; 2Th 1:12.