Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:5

"[which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:" — 2 Thessalonians 1:5 (ASV)

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God. The word "which" is supplied by our translators, and there may be some doubt about what the apostle refers to as "a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God." The general sense seems to be this: the fact that they were persecuted in this way was evidence of a future judgment. In that judgment, the righteous who were persecuted would be rewarded, and the wicked who persecuted them would be punished.

The manner in which they bore their trials was also an indication of what the result would be for them. Their patience and faith under persecutions were constantly showing that they would be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which they were called to suffer. It is evident that a relative must be supplied here, as our translators have done, but there has been a difference of opinion as to what it refers. Some suppose it refers to "patience"; others to persecutions and tribulations; and others to the whole sentence preceding. The latter is probably the true construction. The meaning is that the endurance of affliction by the righteous, in a proper manner, is proof that there will be a righteous judgment of God on the last day.

1. It is evidence that there will be a future judgment, since the righteous suffer so much here, and the wicked triumph.

2. These things are now permitted so that character may be developed, and so that the reason for the sentence on the last day may be seen.

3. The manner in which these afflictions are borne is an evidence—an indication (endeigma)—of what the results of the judgment will be. The word translated "manifest token" (endeigma), occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means an indication, token, or proof—anything that shows or points out how a thing is or is to be (from endeiknumi, to show, to point out). Therefore, the meaning here is that the course of events referred to—the persecutions they endured and the manner in which they were borne—furnished proof that there would be a righteous judgment. It also provided an indication of what the result of that judgment would be. In general, we may learn what the outcome of the judgment will be for an individual from the manner in which they bear trials.

Of the righteous judgment of God. This means that there will be a just judgment in the future. The crimes of the wicked who go unpunished on earth and the sufferings of the good who are unavenged demonstrate that there will be a judgment. At that time, all these inequalities will be adjusted.

That you may be counted worthy. As the result of your affliction, this means that you may be fitted for the kingdom of God. This does not mean that Christians will merit heaven by their sufferings. Instead, they may show that they have such a character that there is a fitness or propriety for them to be admitted there.

They may demonstrate, by their patience and resignation, by their deadness to the world, and their holy lives, that they are not disqualified from entering that kingdom where the redeemed are to dwell. No true Christian will ever feel that he is worthy on his own account or that he has any claim to eternal life. Yet, he may have evidence that he possesses the characteristics to which God has promised salvation and is fitted to dwell in heaven.

Of the kingdom of God. This refers to heaven. (See Barnes on Matthew 3:2).

For which you also suffer. The sufferings you now endure are because you are professed heirs of the kingdom; that is, you are persecuted because you are Christians. (See 1 Thessalonians 2:14).