Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:6

"if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you," — 2 Thessalonians 1:6 (ASV)

On the other hand, those responsible for troubling Christians will be repaid proportionately for the suffering they have caused. This is only “just” (GK 1465; translated “right” in v.5) in God’s eyes; i.e., this future judgment is righteous. The antagonists will thus receive “trouble” (GK 2568), a term not further defined at this point (cf. v.9). This word is often translated “tribulation.” It is the present lot of Christians to undergo tribulation (v.4; 1 Thessalonians 3:4). For the rest of the world, however, tribulation will be future and far greater in intensity (Matthew 24:21; cf. Revelation 3:10). In his first letter to this church, Paul described this period in relation to its source—God’s wrath (1:10; 2:16; 5:9). But here he speaks of it from the standpoint of circumstances that engulf the victims. After the period of tribulation has passed, these troublers will be denied entrance into the messianic kingdom that welcomes the faithful followers of Christ (v.5; Matthew 25:41, 46).