We are obligated to thank God always concerning you all, brethren, just as it is worthy, that your faith exceedingly grows, and the love of each one of all of you abounds unto one another (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Although Paul could spend only three weeks with the saints in Thessalonica before the Jews stirred up trouble against him and the believers, they still stood strong in the faith. Their faith grew exceedingly, along with their love for one another. Because of their faith and patience in their tribulation, Paul could boast about their faith among the churches of God (2 Thessalonians 1:4).
The love of the brethren is the first commandment the Church received from Christ (John 13:34). The Holy Spirit produces this love in a believer, which seeks the best for another Christian (Galatians 5:22–23). When this type of love is displayed among the saints, those outside of the Church will know they are disciples of Christ (John 13:35).
When the Jews stirred up the city, they brought attention to those who believed Paul’s message and used the city leaders to cause them trouble (Acts 17:8–9). This tribulation continued even after Paul was sent away from the city by the brethren (Acts 17:10). However, this tribulation, because of their faith, only provided evidence of the righteous judgment of God, for they were counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which they suffered (2 Thessalonians 1:5). It is a righteous thing for God to repay with tribulation those who trouble them, and to give them rest from their troubles when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (2 Thessalonians 1:6–7).
Those who reject the truth and persecute the Church will face God’s judgment. When Christ returns with His inherently powerful angels, in flaming fire He will take vengeance upon those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
Those who do not obey the gospel are the ones who reject salvation by believing that Christ died on behalf of our sin and was resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). They add to and take away from the gospel to impose works as a bases for salvation: confessing Jesus as Lord, admitting you are a sinner and confessing yours sins, accepting Jesus into your heart, even following those who claim to be prophets while bringing another gospel (Galatians 1:8). Those who do not have a love of the truth will be deceived by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:10). They will face an everlasting ruin from the presence of the Lord when He comes to be seen among all those who believe (2 Thessalonians 1:9–10).
