2 Thessalonians – Chapter 1

New Testament12 Verses

1Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians. In God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

2Grace unto you: and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith groweth exceedingly and the charity of every one of you towards each other aboundeth.

4So that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations: which you endure

5For an example of the just judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you suffer.

6Seeing it is a just thing with God to repay tribulation to them that trouble you:

7And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with the angels of his power:

8In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9Who shall suffer eternal punishment in destruction, from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his power:

10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be made wonderful in all them who have believed; because our testimony was believed upon you in that day.

11Wherefore also we pray always for you: That our God would make you worthy of his vocation and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith in power:

12That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection for Today

As you read 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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