2 Thessalonians 1:6 Commentary and Bible Study

But then the apostle continues here to show us the righteous judgement of God. It is the exercise of his absolute perfect justice, ‘to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.’ Now that is very important for us to know. God’s very character, his justice, means he can do no else, he has to be scrupulously fair. He will reward all those who suffer for his kingdom and for his name’s sake, and he will give retribution to those who cause the suffering. That is not just something which God happens to do; it is something which he must do because it is part of his righteous character to be just. So it is a certain as this. Paul is able to say, the fact that you believers suffer shows that the righteousness of God is going to reward you.Where else do we find this in the Scripture? Well we find it constantly. Look at Deuteronomy 31 and you can see it starting back there in the books of Moses. Deuteronomy 31.28, the last address of Moses, the last great sermon – ‘Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.’ And verse 30 of chapter 31 – ‘And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended.’ It is a sermon-song. Chapter 32 – ‘Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak.’ This is such important material. ‘And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.’ A beautiful statement. And then on in chapter 32 to verse 35, and here is the verse for us which is significant – ‘To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and things that shall come upon them make haste.’ The same principle is there in Romans 12.17 – ‘Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written,’ – and here is Deuteronomy 32.35 – ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’