2 Thessalonians 1:8
Verse
Context
Christ’s Coming
7and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels8in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.9They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In flaming fire - Εν φλογι πυρος· In thunder and lightning, taking vengeance - inflicting just punishment on them that know not God - the heathen who do not worship the true God, and will not acknowledge him, but worship idols; and on them that obey not the Gospel - the Jews, particularly who have rejected the Gospel, and persecuted Christ and his messengers; and all nominal Christians who, though they believe the Gospel as a revelation from God, yet do not obey it as a rule of life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In flaming fire--Greek, "In flame of fire"; or, as other oldest manuscripts read, "in fire of flame." This flame of fire accompanied His manifestation in the bush (Exo 3:2); also His giving of the law at Sinai (Exo 19:18). Also it shall accompany His revelation at His advent (Dan 7:9-10), symbolizing His own bright glory and His consuming vengeance against His foes (Heb 10:27; Heb 12:29; Pe2 3:7, Pe2 3:10). taking--literally, "giving" them, as their portion, "vengeance." know not God--the Gentiles primarily (Psa 79:6; Gal 4:8; Th1 4:5); not of course those involuntarily not knowing God, but those wilfully not knowing Him, as Pharaoh, who might have known God if he would, but who boasted "I know not the Lord" (Exo 5:2); and as the heathen persecutors who might have known God by the preaching of those whom they persecuted. Secondarily, all who "profess to know God but in works deny Him" (Tit 1:16). obey not the gospel--primarily the unbelieving Jews (Rom 10:3, Rom 10:16); secondarily, all who obey not the truth (Rom 2:8). Christ--omitted by some of the oldest manuscripts, and retained by others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In flaming fire,.... Which may either refer to Christ, who will be revealed from heaven in such a manner; and whose coming will be as the lightning, not only sudden, but glorious, illustrious, and visible; he will be seen and easily discerned; there will be such a light and flaming fire about him, which, as it will serve to make him visible, will greatly add to the majesty of his appearance, and strike terror to his enemies, and burn them up round about; see Dan 7:7 or else it may refer to the angels, who shall descend in fiery forms, which is agreeably to their nature, Psa 104:4 and so they appeared in the forms of horses of fire, and chariots of fire, when Elijah was carried up to heaven. And it is a tradition of the Jews (z), that the angel Gabriel descended , "in a flame of fire", to burn Moses, as he was in the inn, when upon his journey from Midian to Egypt: or this clause may be read in construction with the following, as it is in the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions, "in flaming fire taking vengeance"; and so expresses the manner in which vengeance will be taken on the wicked by Christ, the Judge of all, to whom it belongs: and the punishment of ungodly men is often signified by fire, and flames of fire, by the fire of hell, and a lake which burns with fire and brimstone, by a furnace of fire, everlasting fire, and fire that cannot be quenched, to set forth the endless torture and inconceivable misery of the damned; and it may be, some regard is had to the general conflagration, which will be at the coming of Christ, when the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and all that is in it, shall be burnt up, when the bodies of the wicked, then living, will be consumed in flames of fire, and their souls feel the wrath of the Almighty. The persons who will then be punished, and on whom vengeance will be taken, are described as follows, on them that know not God; which is a periphrasis, or common character of the Gentiles, Th1 4:5 who know not the one, true, and living God; or know him not so as to glorify him as God, and be thankful to him for the mercies they receive from him, and still less know him in Christ Jesus; which ignorance of theirs is not without sin, nor will it excuse from punishment; for though vengeance will not be taken on them, because they have not a spiritual saving knowledge of God, in the Mediator Jesus Christ, who never was revealed to them; yet forasmuch as they had the light and law of nature, by which the being of God, and the invisible perfections of his nature might be seen and understood, and much of his will, with respect to moral good and evil, be known, against both which they have rebelled, and having sinned, will perish without law: though it may also include all such persons, who having been favoured with an external revelation, have professed to know God, and yet in works have denied him: and that obey not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; of which Christ is the author, was the preacher, and is the sum and substance; which is good news and glad tidings of the grace of, God, of peace, pardon, righteousness, life, and salvation by Christ; which may be said to be obeyed, when it is received and embraced by faith, with and from the heart, and confession is made of it with the mouth, and the ordinances of it are submitted to; and which is called the obedience of faith, because faith without obedience is not right, and obedience without faith is of no avail: but all that hear the Gospel do not obey it; there are some that disbelieve and reject the doctrines and ordinances of it, and others that, do profess it, and do not yield a cordial and cheerful obedience to it; both may be reckoned among the disobeyers of it: and though the unbelieving Jews may be chiefly designed here, yet deists of every age and place, where the Gospel revelation has come, and carnal professors, and profane despisers everywhere, may be included; whose condemnation will be aggravated by the external light which has shone around them, and they have hated; the severest punishment will be inflicted on them; it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, than for such persons; see Pe1 4:17. (z) Zohar in Gen. fol. 63. 2.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
Christ’s Coming
7and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels8in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.9They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
He Was Despised and Rejected of Men and We Will Be Also
By Keith Daniel1.7K1:22:45RejectionPRO 11:30MAT 21:13JHN 3:162CO 5:142TH 1:82TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher describes a disturbing incident where a person blasphemes and shows no fear of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that God loves the world and gave His only Son for salvation. The sermon highlights the power of Christ's love that drives believers to share the gospel and win souls. The preacher urges Christians to have compassion and urgency for the lost, warning that a lack of concern for the unsaved may indicate a lack of true faith.
The Evangel
By James A. Stewart1.3K29:11Good NewsISA 1:18MAT 6:33MRK 16:162CO 5:202TH 1:8In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of John Newton, who experienced a life-threatening storm at sea. In the midst of the danger, Newton realized his guilt as a sinner before a holy God and cried out for mercy. The preacher then transitions to discussing the role of an evangelist and the importance of their ministry. He emphasizes the need for evangelists to proclaim both the warning and wooing aspects of the gospel, reminding sinners of the judgment of God and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Studies in 2 Thessalonians-01 2 Thes 1:1-5
By William MacDonald1.2K32:17Studies2TH 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God through the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains that those who refuse to know God will face the vengeance of Christ when he comes in flaming fire. The preacher urges the audience to obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus and receive him as their Lord and Savior. He also highlights the purpose of suffering and persecution in the lives of believers, as God tests their fitness for ruling and manifests the fitness of their persecutors for judgment. The sermon concludes with a message of comfort and hope for Christians and a warning for those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel.
Separated From Our Loved Ones
By Keith Daniel7771:27:04PSA 27:10PRO 18:19PRO 18:24ISA 49:15ISA 58:7MAT 5:10MAT 10:21EPH 6:42TH 1:81TI 4:1HEB 13:5This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for sincere repentance and reconciliation. It warns against doctrinal differences, exclusivity in religion, and the tragic outcomes of pride, folly, and un-Christlike behavior that can lead to alienation from family members. The urgency of seeking God's salvation and living in righteousness is highlighted to avoid eternal separation and to mend broken relationships on Earth.
The Great Sin of Trying to Make the Gospel Palatable
By Michael L. Brown0ISA 55:7ACT 24:241CO 1:182TH 1:8Michael L. Brown preaches about the danger of trying to make the gospel more palatable to sinners by watering down its message and removing its offense, ultimately leading to a message that no longer saves. He emphasizes the importance of presenting the full gospel, including repentance, submission to Jesus' lordship, and a call to live a new life in Him. Brown urges believers to return to the New Testament gospel, exalting the holiness and love of God, presenting Jesus as both Lord and Savior, and preaching a message that may seem foolish to the world but is the power of God for those who believe.
The Gospel Warning
By A.W. Tozer0Transformation through ChristThe Dual Nature of the GospelMAT 7:13JHN 3:18JHN 16:8ACT 2:38ROM 1:161CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 2:202TH 1:8HEB 4:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while the gospel brings joy and blessings to believers, it also serves as a warning to those who do not obey its message. The Cross represents good news for the repentant, but it also highlights the consequences of sin, righteousness, and judgment for the impenitent. The gospel can be received either as a powerless word or as a powerful truth that transforms lives, shifting one's identity from Adam to Christ. This transformation brings a new Spirit into the believer's life, resulting in a complete renewal of their being. Tozer calls for an understanding of the dual nature of the gospel, urging listeners to embrace its power for true change.
Without Christ
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual AwarenessThe Importance of ChristMAT 18:3JHN 3:36JHN 16:33JHN 17:3ROM 5:11CO 3:11EPH 2:122TH 1:8HEB 12:291PE 3:15J.C. Ryle emphasizes the dire state of being 'without Christ,' illustrating that this condition leads to ignorance, lack of faith, and absence of the Holy Spirit. He warns that many people, despite their outward religious practices, remain spiritually destitute and without true knowledge of Christ, which ultimately results in being without God, peace, hope, and heaven. Ryle urges listeners to examine their own lives and seek Christ earnestly, as true salvation and fulfillment can only be found in Him. He calls for compassion towards those who are without Christ, highlighting the urgency of sharing the gospel with others.
Events That Will Happen on the Second Coming of Christ, the Day of the Lord
By Bob Jennings0MAT 24:36JHN 6:39ACT 1:7ROM 13:111TH 4:162TH 1:8REV 11:15Bob Jennings preaches about the certainty of the great day of the Lord, emphasizing the events that will occur at the parousia, including the revelation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the 'rapture' of believers, the gathering of all believers, the judgment day, and the destruction of unbelievers. He highlights the importance of being ready for this day by repenting of sin, unconditionally giving one's life to God, and believing in Jesus as the one who paid our sin-debt, to be rescued from the wrath to come.
The Things Which Are Seen Are Temporal
By A.B. Simpson0DEU 9:27EZK 36:26JHN 5:24ROM 9:172TH 1:8Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35894 delves into the concept of stubbornness, describing it as a callous, hard, and obstinate attitude that resists change and remains unreceptive. The sermon emphasizes how stubbornness can lead to a hard and impenitent heart, as seen in Paul's description of unsaved 'religious' individuals. Drawing from biblical examples like Moses praying for Israel, the message warns about the dangers of persistently hardening one's heart against God's call and command, leading to irreversible enslavement. The spiritual analogy is made between arteriosclerosis and the hardening of one's heart, highlighting the eternal consequences of refusing to repent and believe in Jesus.
Epistle 111
By George Fox0Abiding in ChristPlainness of SpeechEXO 22:18DEU 18:10PSA 1:4ECC 5:2ISA 61:3MIC 4:4LUK 3:23JHN 1:9ROM 13:31CO 1:12CO 2:162CO 3:122CO 5:11COL 4:62TH 1:82TH 2:71TI 6:16TIT 2:122PE 1:201JN 1:7JUD 1:4George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and rooted in the grace of God, contrasting this with the consequences of ungodliness and deceit. Fox encourages the faithful to dwell in the light, which leads to purity in speech and unity among believers, ultimately producing righteousness. He reminds them that true ministry and prophecy come not from human will but from God, urging them to abide in Christ as branches of the true vine. The sermon calls for a life of integrity and sincerity, free from hypocrisy and flattery.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In flaming fire - Εν φλογι πυρος· In thunder and lightning, taking vengeance - inflicting just punishment on them that know not God - the heathen who do not worship the true God, and will not acknowledge him, but worship idols; and on them that obey not the Gospel - the Jews, particularly who have rejected the Gospel, and persecuted Christ and his messengers; and all nominal Christians who, though they believe the Gospel as a revelation from God, yet do not obey it as a rule of life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In flaming fire--Greek, "In flame of fire"; or, as other oldest manuscripts read, "in fire of flame." This flame of fire accompanied His manifestation in the bush (Exo 3:2); also His giving of the law at Sinai (Exo 19:18). Also it shall accompany His revelation at His advent (Dan 7:9-10), symbolizing His own bright glory and His consuming vengeance against His foes (Heb 10:27; Heb 12:29; Pe2 3:7, Pe2 3:10). taking--literally, "giving" them, as their portion, "vengeance." know not God--the Gentiles primarily (Psa 79:6; Gal 4:8; Th1 4:5); not of course those involuntarily not knowing God, but those wilfully not knowing Him, as Pharaoh, who might have known God if he would, but who boasted "I know not the Lord" (Exo 5:2); and as the heathen persecutors who might have known God by the preaching of those whom they persecuted. Secondarily, all who "profess to know God but in works deny Him" (Tit 1:16). obey not the gospel--primarily the unbelieving Jews (Rom 10:3, Rom 10:16); secondarily, all who obey not the truth (Rom 2:8). Christ--omitted by some of the oldest manuscripts, and retained by others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In flaming fire,.... Which may either refer to Christ, who will be revealed from heaven in such a manner; and whose coming will be as the lightning, not only sudden, but glorious, illustrious, and visible; he will be seen and easily discerned; there will be such a light and flaming fire about him, which, as it will serve to make him visible, will greatly add to the majesty of his appearance, and strike terror to his enemies, and burn them up round about; see Dan 7:7 or else it may refer to the angels, who shall descend in fiery forms, which is agreeably to their nature, Psa 104:4 and so they appeared in the forms of horses of fire, and chariots of fire, when Elijah was carried up to heaven. And it is a tradition of the Jews (z), that the angel Gabriel descended , "in a flame of fire", to burn Moses, as he was in the inn, when upon his journey from Midian to Egypt: or this clause may be read in construction with the following, as it is in the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions, "in flaming fire taking vengeance"; and so expresses the manner in which vengeance will be taken on the wicked by Christ, the Judge of all, to whom it belongs: and the punishment of ungodly men is often signified by fire, and flames of fire, by the fire of hell, and a lake which burns with fire and brimstone, by a furnace of fire, everlasting fire, and fire that cannot be quenched, to set forth the endless torture and inconceivable misery of the damned; and it may be, some regard is had to the general conflagration, which will be at the coming of Christ, when the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and all that is in it, shall be burnt up, when the bodies of the wicked, then living, will be consumed in flames of fire, and their souls feel the wrath of the Almighty. The persons who will then be punished, and on whom vengeance will be taken, are described as follows, on them that know not God; which is a periphrasis, or common character of the Gentiles, Th1 4:5 who know not the one, true, and living God; or know him not so as to glorify him as God, and be thankful to him for the mercies they receive from him, and still less know him in Christ Jesus; which ignorance of theirs is not without sin, nor will it excuse from punishment; for though vengeance will not be taken on them, because they have not a spiritual saving knowledge of God, in the Mediator Jesus Christ, who never was revealed to them; yet forasmuch as they had the light and law of nature, by which the being of God, and the invisible perfections of his nature might be seen and understood, and much of his will, with respect to moral good and evil, be known, against both which they have rebelled, and having sinned, will perish without law: though it may also include all such persons, who having been favoured with an external revelation, have professed to know God, and yet in works have denied him: and that obey not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; of which Christ is the author, was the preacher, and is the sum and substance; which is good news and glad tidings of the grace of, God, of peace, pardon, righteousness, life, and salvation by Christ; which may be said to be obeyed, when it is received and embraced by faith, with and from the heart, and confession is made of it with the mouth, and the ordinances of it are submitted to; and which is called the obedience of faith, because faith without obedience is not right, and obedience without faith is of no avail: but all that hear the Gospel do not obey it; there are some that disbelieve and reject the doctrines and ordinances of it, and others that, do profess it, and do not yield a cordial and cheerful obedience to it; both may be reckoned among the disobeyers of it: and though the unbelieving Jews may be chiefly designed here, yet deists of every age and place, where the Gospel revelation has come, and carnal professors, and profane despisers everywhere, may be included; whose condemnation will be aggravated by the external light which has shone around them, and they have hated; the severest punishment will be inflicted on them; it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, than for such persons; see Pe1 4:17. (z) Zohar in Gen. fol. 63. 2.