Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:10

"when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day." — 2 Thessalonians 1:10 (ASV)

Thankfully, another side of God’s repayment remains, that of glorification. “On the day he comes” further defines “when the Lord Jesus is revealed” (v.7). It is composed of two distinct parts: “when he comes” and “in that day.” “That day” is a frequent OT designation for the day of the Lord (cf. Isaiah 2:11, 17). Here it solemnly emphasizes a time coincident with “when he comes” (14:25; 2 Timothy 1:12, 18, 4:8). Earlier Paul has disclosed how the day of the Lord will encompass in its initial stage a period of wrath and tribulation. The tribulation will be climaxed when Jesus Christ returns personally to judge and to inaugurate his reign on earth. In v.10, however, Paul has in view the very beginning of the day, before the wrath—the meeting of Christ with his saints in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7a; 1 Thessalonians 2:1). This is the moment of reward for those who have faithfully persevered in all their persecutions and trials (v.4).

The substance of their reward will be participation in the glory and marvel of the Lord’s return. Our Lord intends to share his own glory and majesty “in [the midst of] his holy people and... among all those who have believed.” Here is a glorified assembly. Christ’s glorification belongs to Christians also. The fact that we will be glorified constitutes more than sufficient incentive to endure life’s present trials (cf. Romans 8:17–18; 9:23).

“Those who have believed” becomes very personal as Paul adds “because you believed our testimony to you.” These words remind the troubled readers that they themselves will participate in the glory and amazement of that day. Enjoyment of the future glory of Christ’s coming is the leading idea of the chapter and a prime incentive for faithfulness.