“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” (2 Thessalonians 1:9 (ESV)
Today’s text continues the Apostle Paul’s thoughts to the Thessalonian believers. It builds upon the foundation of the previous context of 2 Thess. 1:1-8. Review of these previous verses, and the corresponding commentary contained in previous blogs, would be beneficial.
Paul addressed the existence of evil. He acknowledged the Thessalonian believers had experienced suffering because of their “work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3). Apparently, some of their suffering was intense enough for the apostle to mention. This fulfills what Jesus told His disciples during the Upper Room Discourse (John 15:18-25).
Paul continued in today’s featured text to declare the ultimate damnation of those “who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thess. 1:8). Rather than denying the existence of Hell, the Scriptures affirm the biblical doctrine of eternal punishment for the unconverted (Is. 66:24; Matt. 25:42-46; Mark 9:43-48). Our examination of this doctrine is limited to today’s text. Paul describes Hell in three ways when referring to Isaiah 66:15-24.
First, Hell is a place of eternal punishment. “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction.” The personal pronoun they are those Paul mentioned in vs. 8. To suffer (τίσουσιν; tisousin) is a future, active, indicative, plural verb. It means to experience retribution. Retribution means vengeance, reprisal, and in the context, a divine reckoning. The word punishment (δίκην; diken) refers to the penalty and justice God brings upon these individuals. Destruction (ὄλεθρον; olethron) means ruination. Finally, eternal (αἰώνιον; aionion) modifies the noun indicating the punishment of unbelievers will be never ending.
Therefore, this initial phrase yields five observations concerning Hell. It is for unbelievers. It is a place of divine retribution. It is a place of divine justice. It is a place of perdition and loss. Finally, it is everlasting.
Second. Hell is “away from the presence of the Lord.” The preposition away from (ἀπὸ; apo) means to be separated or removed. The noun presence (προσώπου; prosopou) literally means face to face. It refers to being in the company of someone or something. In the context, God removes the uncovered from His presence or company.
Third, Hell is “from the glory of his might.” The glory (δόξης; doxes) means splendor, brightness and honor. Might (ἰσχύος; ischyos) is the Lord’s capability and strength.
“The attention is once more focused on the cruel individuals who, in their hatred of God and of the gospel, make life hard for sincere believers. They are such people as (οἵτινες is a qualitative relative pronoun, not the same as “who”) will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction (John 3:16). The very fact that this “destruction” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:3; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 6:9) is “everlasting” shows that it does not amount to “annihilation” or “going out of existence.” On the contrary it indicates an existence “away from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.”[1]
“While “everlasting life” manifests itself in the blessed contemplation of the face of the Lord, sweet fellowship with him, closeness to him (Rev. 22:4; cf. Ps. 17:15; Matt. 5:8), a most wonderful together-ness (1 Thess. 4:17), “everlasting destruction”—which is the product of God’s vengeance (see verse 8 above)—is the very opposite. Just as the “blessing” (?) of Esau consisted in this, that his dwelling would be away from the fatness of the earth, and away from the dew of heaven (Gen. 27:39 correctly translated), so the punishment which all the persecutors of God’s people will suffer will be everlasting existence away from (ἀπό) Christ, banished forever from his favor.” [2]
However, for the believer in Christ, there is everlasting life, eternal joy, and forever being in the presence of the Lord of glory.
What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone, Christ alone. What is our only confidence? That our souls to Him belong. Who holds our days within His hand? What comes, apart from His command? And what will keep us to the end? The love of Christ, in which we stand.
What truth can calm the troubled soul? God is good, God is good. Where is His grace and goodness known? In our great Redeemer’s blood. Who holds our faith when fears arise? Who stands above the stormy trial? Who sends the waves that bring us nigh; Unto the shore, the rock of Christ? Unto the grave, what shall we sing? “Christ, He lives; Christ, He lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring? Everlasting life with Him. There we will rise to meet the Lord, Then sin and death will be destroyed, And we will feast in endless joy, When Christ is ours forevermore.
Chorus
O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal; O sing hallelujah! Now and ever, we confess Christ our hope in life and death.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of I-II Thessalonians, vol. 3, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 160.
[2] Ibid.
3 Words and Music by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Matt Papa
His Word Today 