Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:4

"so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;" — 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (ASV)

In further reference to this radical improvement Paul says, “among God’s churches we boast [GK 1595] about your perseverance and faith.” Why this stress on the missionaries’ boasting? Was Paul suggesting that those who establish a church normally do not brag about that church? Paul’s intent here is probably to contrast the missionaries’ boasting with the Thessalonians’ selfevaluation. At least some of these Christians felt inferior because of failures (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and so were not inclined to boast. Paul speaks to this discouragement when he says, “As far as we are concerned your progress has been tremendous, so much so that we boast about it to other churches.” The churches to which Paul had boasted were probably more widespread than in the vicinity of Corinth. Churches everywhere had heard this report, either through letter or through personal contact with those visiting Paul in Corinth.

The boasting pertains to “your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” “Perseverance” (GK 5705) is the attitude that accepts trying circumstances without retarding progress (cf. also comment on “endurance” in 1 Thessalonians 1:3). Accompanying the perseverance of the Thessalonians was their “faith” (GK 4411) or, perhaps better, their “faithfulness” (cf. Romans 3:3; Galatians 5:22). Their tenacious loyalty to Christ in spite of fierce adversity is what Paul finds so remarkable. “Persecutions” (GK 1501) are sufferings incurred because of faith in Christ, while “trials” (GK 2568) are troubles of any kind. The believers were “enduring” (GK 462) these—but only for the time being; in God’s plan such conditions were not to be permanent.