Reading for October 27th

Read 2 Thessalonians 1.3-12. In 1.3-10: Perseverance and future vindication. This long sentence includes a thanksgiving (vv. 3-4) and commentary on affliction (vv. 5-10). In verses 3-4: The thanksgiving report relates the community's progress and steadfastness. In verse 4: Persecution ... afflictions, both mean suffering, but the first, external suffering, is more specfic. They may mean the woes of the end times; see Dan 12.1. In verses 5-10: These verses teach that suffering is a sign of being chosen and that those who suffer will be vindicated at the judgment. That day anticipates 2.1-12, which refutes those who think their recent afflictions mean that the "day of the Lord' has already appeared. In verses 7-10: Descriptions of God in the Hebrew Scritptures and other Jewish writings now apply to Jesus (see the angels in Zech 14.5: Enoch 1.9; flaming fire in Isa 66.15-16; glorified in Ps 89.7). In verses 11-12: A prayer. These verses are the letter's main teahing. Resolve, work of faith anticipate the refutations in 2.1-12 and 3.1-15. In verse 12: see Isaiah 66.5, but it is Jesus who will be glorified. Comments or Questions..