It seems perseverance and faith during trials and persecutions is an impressive thing worthy of praise and honor. Sometimes it's easy to think of "doing the right thing" as expected and no hoo-ha or praise should be offered, kind of like how a janitor is expected to make a bathroom or kitchen floor shine. He or she doesn't expect a huge pat on the back and a big deal made out of it. I have probably thought, at one time or another, that perseverance under trial is one of those "expected" things; but Paul talks about "...among God's churches we boast about your (the church in Thessalonica) perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." These persecutions were real and painful and dramatic. Anyone going through that and keeping their faith strong is due that kind of encouragement. It takes bravery to continue on when fear looms nearby.
Paul goes on to say:
"All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power on the day He comes to be glorified in His holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 15, 2006 08:16 AM