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Selected Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:5 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 2Th 1:5 |
Strong Concordance |
Which is a manifest token [1730] of the righteous [1342] judgment [2920] of God [2316], that [1519] ye [5209] may be counted worthy [2661] of the kingdom [932] of God [2316], for [5228] which [3739] ye [3958] also [2532] suffer [3958]: |
| |
King James |
Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Which--Your enduring these tribulations is a "token of the righteous judgment of God," manifested in your being enabled to endure them, and in your adversaries thereby filling up the measure of their guilt. The judgment is even now begun, but its consummation will be at the Lord's coming. David (Psa 73:1-14) and Jeremiah (Jer 12:1-4) were perplexed at the wicked prospering and the godly suffering. But Paul, by the light of the New Testament, makes this fact a matter of consolation. It is a proof (so the Greek) of the future judgment, which will set to rights the anomalies of the present state, by rewarding the now suffering saint, and by punishing the persecutor. And even now "the Judge of all the earth does right" (Gen 18:25); for the godly are in themselves sinful and need chastisement to amend them. What they suffer unjustly at the hands of cruel men they suffer justly at the hands of God; and they have their evil things here that they may escape condemnation with the world and have their good things hereafter (Luk 16:25; Co1 11:32) [EDMUNDS].
that ye may be counted worthy--expressing the purpose of God's "righteous judgment" as regards you.
for which--Greek, "in behalf of which ye are also suffering" (compare Act 5:41; Act 9:16; Phi 1:29). "Worthy" implies that, though men are justified by faith, they shall be judged "according to their works" (Rev 20:12; compare Th1 2:12; Pe1 1:6-7; Rev 20:4). The "also" implies the connection between the suffering for the kingdom and being counted worthy of it. Compare Rom 8:17-18. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
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 to what the apostle has reference as being "a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God." The general sense seems to be, that the fact that they were thus persecuted was an evidence that there would be a future judgment, when 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 an indication also of what the result would be in regard to 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 view as to what it refers. Some suppose that it is to "patience," others to "persecutions and tribulations," and others to the "whole sentence" preceding. The latter is probably the true construction, and the sense is, that the endurance of affliction in a proper manner by the righteous is a proof that there will be a righteous judgment of God in the last day:
(1) It is evidence that there will be a future judgment - since the righteous here suffer so much, and the wicked triumph.
(2) these things are now permitted in order that the character may be developed, and that the reason of the sentence in the last day may be seen.
(3) the manner in which these afflictions are borne is an evidence - an indication (ἔνδειγμα endeigma) of what the results of the judgment will be. The word rendered "manifest token" (ἔνδειγμα endeigma), occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means an indication, token, proof - anything that shows or points out how a thing is, or is to be (from ἐνδείκνυμι endeiknumi, to show, to point out). The meaning here is, therefore, that the course of events referred to - the persecutions which they endured, and the manner in which they were borne - furnished a proof that there would be a righteous judgment, and also afforded an indication of what the result of that judgment would be. We may, in general, learn what will be the issues of the judgment in the case of an individual from the manner in which he bears trials.
Of the righteous judgment of God - That there will be a just judgment hereafter. The crimes of the wicked who go unpunished on the earth, and the sufferings of the good who are unavenged, are a demonstration that there will be a judgment, when all these inequalities will be adjusted.
That ye may be counted worthy - As the result of your affliction, that you may be fitted for the kingdom of God. This does not mean that Christians will merit heaven by their sufferings, but that they may show that they have such a character that there is a fitness or propriety that they should be admitted there. They may evince by their patience and resignation, by their deadness to the world and their holy lives, that they are not disqualified to enter into 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 has the characteristics to which God has promised salvation, and is fitted to dwell in heaven.
Of the kingdom of God. - In heaven, see the notes on Mat 3:2.
For which ye also suffer. - The sufferings which you now endure are because you are professed heirs of the kingdom; that is, you are persecuted because you are Christians; see Th1 2:14. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
A manifest token (ἔνδειγμα)
N.T.o. Comp. ἔνδειξις, Phi 1:28. The token is the patience and faith with which they endure persecution and tribulation. It is a token of the righteous judgment of God, in that it points to the future glory which God will confer at the final judgment and the righteous award which will be dispensed to the persecutors. Similarly Phi 1:28.
That ye may be counted worthy
The structure of the sentence is loose. These words should be directly connected with righteous judgment, and denote the purport of that judgment - their assignment to an inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Of the kingdom of God (τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ)
The phrase is not frequent in Paul. βασιλεία θεοῦ four times; βασιλεία τοῦ χριστοῦ καὶ θεοῦ kingdom of Christ and of God, once. Here in the eschatological sense - the future, consummated kingdom, the goal of their striving and the recompense of their suffering. See on Luk 6:20. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| A manifest token - This is treated of in Th2 1:6 and following verses. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
A manifest token of the righteousness judgement of God - The persecutions and tribulations which you endure, are a manifest proof that God has judged righteously in calling you Gentiles into his Church; and these sufferings are also a proof that ye are called in; for they who enter into the kingdom of God go through great tribulation; your going through that tribulation is a proof that ye are entering in, and God sees it right and just that ye should be permitted to suffer before ye enjoy that endless felicity.
The words, however, may be understood in another sense, and will form this maxim: "The sufferings of the just, and the triumphs of the wicked, in this life, are a sure proof that there will be a future judgment, in which the wicked shall be punished and the righteous rewarded. "This maxim is not only true in itself, but it is most likely that this is the apostle's meaning.
That ye may be counted worthy - Your patient endurance of these sufferings is a proof that ye are rendered meet for that glory on account of which ye suffer and, in a true Gospel sense of the word, worthy of that glory; for he who is a child of God, and a partaker of the Divine nature, is worthy of God's kingdom, not because he has done any thing to merit it, but because he bears the image of God; and the image is that which gives the title. |
17 And [1161] if [1487] children [5043], then [2532] heirs [2818]; heirs [2818] of God [3303] [2316], and [1161] joint-heirs [4789] with Christ [5547]; if so be [1512] that we suffer with [4841] him, that [2443] we may be [4888] also [2532] glorified together [4888].
18 For [1063] I reckon [3049] that [3754] the sufferings [3804] of this present [3568] time [2540] are not [3756] worthy [514] to be compared with [4314] the glory [1391] which shall [3195] be revealed [601] in [1519] us [2248].
4 And [2532] I saw [1492] thrones [2362], and [2532] they sat [2523] upon [1909] them [846], and [2532] judgment [2917] was given [1325] unto them [846]: and [2532] I saw the souls [5590] of them that were beheaded [3990] for [1223] the witness [3141] of Jesus [2424], and [2532] for [1223] the word [3056] of God [2316], and [2532] which [3748] had [4352] not [3756] worshipped [4352] the beast [2342], neither [3777] his [846] image [1504], [2532] neither [3756] had received [2983] his mark [5480] upon [1909] their [846] foreheads [3359], or [2532] in [1909] their [846] hands [5495]; and [2532] they lived [2198] and [2532] reigned [936] with [3326] Christ [5547] a thousand [5507] years [2094].
6 Wherein [1722] [3739] ye greatly rejoice [21], though now [737] for a season [3641], if [1487] need [1163] be [2076], ye are in heaviness [3076] through [1722] manifold [4164] temptations [3986]:
7 That [2443] the trial [1383] of your [5216] faith [4102], being much [4183] more precious [5093] than of gold [5553] that perisheth [622], though [1223] [1161] it be tried [1381] with fire [4442], might be found [2147] unto [1519] praise [1868] and [2532] honour [5092] and [2532] glory [1391] at [1722] the appearing [602] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547]:
12 [2532] That [1519] ye [5209] would walk [4043] worthy [516] of God [2316], who hath called [2564] you [5209] unto [1519] his [1438] kingdom [932] and [2532] glory [1391].
12 And [2532] I saw [1492] the dead [3498], small [3398] and [2532] great [3173], stand [2476] before [1799] God [2316]; and [2532] the books [975] were opened [455]: and [2532] another [243] book [975] was opened [455], which [3739] is [2076] the book of life [2222]: and [2532] the dead [3498] were judged [2919] out of [1537] those things which were written [1125] in [1722] the books [975], according to [2596] their [846] works [2041].
29 For [3754] unto you [5213] it is given [5483] in the behalf [5228] of Christ [5547], not [3756] only [3440] to believe [4100] on [1519] him [846], but [235] also [2532] to suffer [3958] for [5228] his sake [846] [5228];
16 For [1063] I [1473] will shew [5263] him [846] how great things [3745] he [846] must [1163] suffer [3958] for [5228] my [3450] name's sake [3686] [5228].
41 And [3767] they departed [4198] [3303] from [575] the presence [4383] of the council [4892], rejoicing [5463] that [3754] they were counted worthy [2661] to suffer shame [818] for [5228] his [846] name [3686].
32 But [1161] when we are judged [2919], we are chastened [3811] of [5259] the Lord [2962], that [3363] we should [2632] not [3363] be condemned [2632] with [4862] the world [2889].
25 But [1161] Abraham [11] said [2036], Son [5043], remember [3415] that [3754] thou [4771] in [1722] thy [4675] lifetime [2222] receivedst [618] thy [4675] good things [18], and [2532] likewise [3668] Lazarus [2976] evil things [2556]: but [1161] now [3568] [3592] he is comforted [3870], and [1161] thou [4771] art tormented [3600].
25 That be far [02486] from thee to do [06213] after this manner [01697], to slay [04191] the righteous [06662] with the wicked [07563]: and that the righteous [06662] should be as the wicked [07563], that be far [02486] from thee: Shall not the Judge [08199] of all the earth [0776] do [06213] right [04941]?
1 Righteous [06662] art thou, O LORD [03068], when I plead [07378] with thee: yet let me talk [01696] with thee of thy judgments [04941]: Wherefore doth the way [01870] of the wicked [07563] prosper [06743]? wherefore are all they happy [07951] that deal very [0899] treacherously [0898]?
2 Thou hast planted [05193] them, yea, they have taken root [08327]: they grow [03212], yea, they bring forth [06213] fruit [06529]: thou art near [07138] in their mouth [06310], and far from [07350] their reins [03629].
3 But thou, O LORD [03068], knowest [03045] me: thou hast seen [07200] me, and tried [0974] mine heart [03820] toward thee: pull them out [05423] like sheep [06629] for the slaughter [02878], and prepare [06942] them for the day [03117] of slaughter [02028].
4 How long shall the land [0776] mourn [056], and the herbs [06212] of every field [07704] wither [03001], for the wickedness [07451] of them that dwell [03427] therein? the beasts [0929] are consumed [05595], and the birds [05775]; because they said [0559], He shall not see [07200] our last end [0319].
1 A Psalm [04210] of Asaph [0623]. Truly God [0430] is good [02896] to Israel [03478], even to such as are of a clean [01249] heart [03824].
2 But as for me, my feet [07272] were almost [04592] gone [05186] [05186]; my steps [0838] had well nigh [0369] slipped [08210].
3 For I was envious [07065] at the foolish [01984], when I saw [07200] the prosperity [07965] of the wicked [07563].
4 For there are no bands [02784] in their death [04194]: but their strength [0193] is firm [01277].
5 They are not in trouble [05999] as other men [0582]; neither are they plagued [05060] like [05973] other men [0120].
6 Therefore pride [01346] compasseth them about as a chain [06059]; violence [02555] covereth [05848] them as a garment [07897].
7 Their eyes [05869] stand out [03318] with fatness [02459]: they have more [05674] than heart [03824] could wish [04906].
8 They are corrupt [04167], and speak [01696] wickedly [07451] concerning oppression [06233]: they speak [01696] loftily [04791].
9 They set [08371] their mouth [06310] against the heavens [08064], and their tongue [03956] walketh [01980] through the earth [0776].
10 Therefore his people [05971] return [07725] [07725] hither [01988]: and waters [04325] of a full [04392] cup are wrung out [04680] to them.
11 And they say [0559], How doth God [0410] know [03045]? and is there [03426] knowledge [01844] in the most High [05945]?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly [07563], who prosper [07961] in the world [05769]; they increase [07685] in riches [02428].
13 Verily I have cleansed [02135] my heart [03824] in vain [07385], and washed [07364] my hands [03709] in innocency [05356].
14 For all the day [03117] long have I been plagued [05060], and chastened [08433] every morning [01242].
14 For [1063] ye [5210], brethren [80], became [1096] followers [3402] of the churches [1577] of God [2316] which [3588] in [1722] Judaea [2449] are [5607] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424]: for [3754] ye [5210] also [2532] have suffered [3958] like things [5024] of [5259] your own [2398] countrymen [4853], even [2532] as [2531] they have [846] of [5259] the Jews [2453]:
2 And [2532] saying [3004], Repent ye [3340]: for [1063] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] is at hand [1448].
20 And [2532] he [846] lifted up [1869] his [846] eyes [3788] on [1519] his [846] disciples [3101], and said [3004], Blessed [3107] be ye poor [4434]: for [3754] yours [5212] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of God [2316].
28 And [2532] in [1722] nothing [3367] [3361] terrified [4426] by [5259] your adversaries [480]: which [3748] is [2076] to them [846] [3303] an evident token [1732] of perdition [684], but [1161] to you [5213] of salvation [4991], and [2532] that [5124] of [575] God [2316].
28 And [2532] in [1722] nothing [3367] [3361] terrified [4426] by [5259] your adversaries [480]: which [3748] is [2076] to them [846] [3303] an evident token [1732] of perdition [684], but [1161] to you [5213] of salvation [4991], and [2532] that [5124] of [575] God [2316].
6 Seeing [1512] it is a righteous thing [1342] with [3844] God [2316] to recompense [467] tribulation [2347] to them that trouble [2346] you [5209];