New International Version Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. New Living Translation We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. English Standard Version Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. Berean Standard Bible That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. Berean Literal Bible so as for us ourselves to boast in you⁺ in the churches of God for your⁺ endurance and faith in all your⁺ persecutions and in the tribulations that you⁺ are bearing, King James Bible So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: New King James Version so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, New American Standard Bible As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. NASB 1995 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. NASB 1977 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. Legacy Standard Bible so that we ourselves boast about you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. Amplified Bible Therefore, we speak of you with pride among the churches of God for your steadfastness [your unflinching endurance, and patience] and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecution and [crushing] distress which you endure. Berean Annotated Bible That is why we boast among God’s {Theou} churches {ekklēsiais} about your⁺ perseverance (endurance) and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you⁺ are enduring. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your endurance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you endure. American Standard Version so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; Contemporary English Version This is why we brag about you to all of God's churches. We tell them how patient you are and how you keep on having faith, even though you are going through a lot of trouble and suffering. English Revised Version so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; GOD'S WORD® Translation That's why we brag in God's churches about your endurance and faith in all the persecutions and suffering you are experiencing. Good News Translation That is why we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God. We boast about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you are experiencing. International Standard Version As a result, we rejoice about you among God's churches—about your endurance and faith through all the persecutions and afflictions you are experiencing. NET Bible As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring. New Heart English Bible so that we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. Webster's Bible Translation So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Weymouth New Testament It so increases that we ourselves make honourable mention of you among the Churches of God because of your patience and faith amid all your persecutions and amid the afflictions which you are enduring. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. World English Bible so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionso that we ourselves glory in you in the assemblies of God, for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you bear— Berean Literal Bible so as for us ourselves to boast in you⁺ in the churches of God for your⁺ endurance and faith in all your⁺ persecutions and in the tribulations that you⁺ are bearing, Young's Literal Translation so that we ourselves do glory in you in the assemblies of God, for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye bear; Smith's Literal Translation So that we ourselves boast in you in all the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your expulsions and pressures which ye endure: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo 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, Catholic Public Domain Version so much so that we ourselves even glory in you among the churches of God, because of your patience and faith in all of your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, New American Bible Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure. New Revised Standard Version Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo that even we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God over your faith and patience in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure; Aramaic Bible in Plain English As we also will boast of you in the Assemblies of God for your faith and for your suffering which you endure in all your persecutions and your afflictions, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentso that we ourselves glory in you, among the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure; Godbey New Testament so that we ourselves rejoice over you in the churches of God, on account of your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations which you endure; Haweis New Testament so that we ourselves make our boast of you among the churches of God, for your patience and fidelity under all your persecutions and afflictions which ye endure: Mace New Testament so that you are the subject of our glorying in the churches of God, for the constancy of your faith, under all the persecutions and afflictions you endure from men, Weymouth New Testament It so increases that we ourselves make honourable mention of you among the Churches of God because of your patience and faith amid all your persecutions and amid the afflictions which you are enduring. Worrell New Testament so that we ourselves glory in you in the assemblies of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations which ye endure; Worsley New Testament so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God, for your patience and faith under all your persecutions and afflictions which ye endure. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Greetings to the Thessalonians3We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing. 4That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. 5All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.… Cross References That is why we boast among God’s churches 2 Corinthians 8:24 In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? / You are indeed our glory and our joy. about your perseverance and faith 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. James 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Romans 5:3-4 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. in the face of all the persecution and affliction Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. you are enduring. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. / Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. / And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. Treasury of Scripture So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure: glory. 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 2 Corinthians 9:2,4 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many… 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? your patience. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; … your persecutions. 1 Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 1 Thessalonians 3:3,4 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto… James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Jump to Previous Afflictions Amid Assemblies Boast Churches Endurance Endure Enduring Faith Glory God's Honourable Increases Mention Midst Mind Ourselves Patience Persecutions Perseverance Pride Proudly Sorrows Speak Steadfastness Sustaining Tribulations Troubles UntroubledJump to Next Afflictions Amid Assemblies Boast Churches Endurance Endure Enduring Faith Glory God's Honourable Increases Mention Midst Mind Ourselves Patience Persecutions Perseverance Pride Proudly Sorrows Speak Steadfastness Sustaining Tribulations Troubles Untroubled2 Thessalonians 1 1. Paul certifies the Thessalonians of the good opinion which he had of their faith, love, and patience;11. and therewithal uses various reasons for the comforting of them in persecution. That is why we boast among God’s churches Paul, Silas, and Timothy openly commend the Thessalonian believers before other congregations. Their praise centers on God’s sustaining work in a church planted amid opposition. Reports of faithful endurance strengthened the wider body of Christ and showed that the gospel was bearing lasting fruit in Thessalonica. 2Co 8:24 In full view of the churches, then, show these men… about your perseverance and faith The believers continued to trust Christ without retreating from their confession. Perseverance and faith belonged together: faith held fast to God’s promises, and perseverance remained steadfast through the cost of discipleship. Their growth fulfilled the apostles’ earlier concern that affliction might unsettle them after the missionaries were forced to leave the city. 1Th 1:3 continually recalling before our God and Father… in the face of all the persecution and affliction Hostility toward the church had begun soon after Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, when opponents stirred a mob and accused Christians of disloyalty to Caesar (Acts 17:5–9). The pressure likely included public slander, social exclusion, economic hardship, and threats from both Jewish and Gentile opponents. Their suffering identified them with Christ and with churches throughout the Roman world that endured opposition for His name. Mat 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted,… you are enduring. The trials had not passed; the Thessalonians were continuing to bear them faithfully. Their endurance was not passive resignation but steadfast obedience while awaiting Christ’s return and God’s righteous judgment. Their perseverance demonstrated that God was preserving them and preparing them for His kingdom. 2Co 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed;… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul, Silvanus, and TimothyThe authors of the letter to the Thessalonians, who are expressing their pride in the Thessalonian church. 2. Thessalonian Church The recipients of the letter, known for their perseverance and faith amidst persecution. 3. Churches of God Other Christian communities to whom Paul and his companions boast about the Thessalonians. 4. Persecution and Affliction The trials faced by the Thessalonian believers, which serve as a backdrop for their commendation. 5. Macedonia and Achaia Regions where the Thessalonian church's faith and perseverance were well-known. Teaching Points Perseverance in TrialsThe Thessalonians are a model of enduring faith amidst persecution. Believers today are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that trials can strengthen their spiritual resolve. Faith as a Testimony The faith of the Thessalonians served as a powerful testimony to other churches. Our faith, especially in difficult times, can inspire and encourage others in their spiritual journey. Boasting in the Lord Paul boasts about the Thessalonians not for their glory but to highlight God's work in them. We should share testimonies of God's faithfulness to encourage the body of Christ. Community Support The Thessalonian church's perseverance was known among other churches, suggesting a network of support and encouragement. Believers should seek and offer support within their faith communities. Endurance as a Witness The endurance of the Thessalonians under persecution was a witness to the power of the Gospel. Our endurance in faith can serve as a witness to the world of God's sustaining grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 1:4?2. How does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 inspire perseverance in your current trials? 3. What examples of faith and love can you emulate from 2 Thessalonians 1:4? 4. How does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 connect with James 1:2-4 on enduring trials? 5. In what ways can your church grow in faith and perseverance like Thessalonians? 6. How can you encourage others facing persecution, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:4? 7. How does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 encourage perseverance in the face of persecution and trials? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of 2 Thessalonians 1:4? 9. How does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 reflect the early church's experiences with suffering? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Thessalonians 1? What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Mean That is whyPaul has just expressed gratitude for the Thessalonians’ rapidly growing faith and abounding love (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Because of those evidences of grace, he can say, “That is why…”—linking verse 4 to what God is already doing. The flow is: • God is at work → we give thanks → therefore we have confidence to talk about you. • Similar logic appears in Philippians 1:6; because God began the work, Paul expects Him to finish it. • All praise ultimately returns to God, echoing Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, but to Your name give glory.” We boast among God’s churches Paul’s “boast” is not arrogant self-promotion (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:31); it’s a celebration of God’s grace displayed in people. By sharing the Thessalonians’ story with other congregations, he: • Encourages believers elsewhere—much like 2 Corinthians 9:2, where the zeal of Macedonians inspires Achaeans. • Highlights the universality of Christ’s body (Ephesians 3:10), reminding every church that endurance is normal Christian experience. • Gives testimony that stirs worship, as in Psalm 34:2, “My soul shall boast in the LORD.” About your perseverance and faith Two virtues stand out: • Perseverance—the steadfast refusal to quit (James 1:3-4). • Faith—continued trust in Christ’s character and promises (Hebrews 11:6). They aren’t separate tracks; faith fuels endurance (Hebrews 10:36). Paul rejoices that both are visible, public, and contagious (1 Thessalonians 1:8). In the face of all the persecution and affliction Their setting isn’t comfortable; it’s hostile. Acts 17:5-9 records the riots that greeted the gospel in Thessalonica. Yet: • Jesus promised, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). • Through many tribulations we enter the kingdom (Acts 14:22). • Fiery trials shouldn’t surprise saints (1 Peter 4:12-13). Opposition authenticates the message and refines the messengers. You are enduring Present tense: they keep on keeping on. Endurance isn’t a sprint but a marathon (Hebrews 12:1-2). Their ongoing faithfulness echoes: • Matthew 24:13, “the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” • Romans 5:3-4, where perseverance produces proven character and hope. Their consistency vindicates God’s work in them and provides a living commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8-9—“persecuted, yet not forsaken.” summary 2 Thessalonians 1:4 shows Paul pointing to the Thessalonians as Exhibit A of God’s sustaining power. Because the Lord plants faith and love, Paul confidently brags on these believers before other churches. Their perseverance and faith amid relentless pressure prove the gospel’s reality, strengthen fellow Christians, and bring glory to God. Staying faithful under fire is both the expectation and the evidence of genuine discipleship. (4) So that we ourselves.—Why was it less likely that St. Paul and his companions should thus glory in them than other friends did, or perhaps than the Thessalonians themselves? Possibly, because it seemed almost like self-praise to praise their own converts; but much more probably, because the writers had before felt and expressed misgivings on the point: this suits the thought of 2Thessalonians 1:3 better.Glory in you in the churches of God.—Not only in thanksgiving to God (though, perhaps, outbursts of praise in the public services of “the churches” may be included), but also in talking to other men, at Corinth and elsewhere: so, in return, St. Paul “boasted” to the Thessalonians about the Corinthians (2Corinthians 9:2). Your patience and faith.—It was well proved that St. Paul had no more cause for misgiving, and that the tempter’s tempting by persecution had not made the apostolic labours to be in vain. (See 1Thessalonians 3:5.) “Patience,” in the New Testament, does not mean a meek submissiveness, but a heroic endurance. The “faith” here becomes almost equivalent to “hope,” except that it introduces the ground of such hope: viz., confidence in the living God; it also includes the notion of faithfulness. Persecutions and tribulations.—The difference-between the two words is, that while “tribulation” is quite general, and implies no personal enmities, “persecution” means that a certain set of persons were organising active measures for the annoyance of the Church. Such persecution they were still “enduring” when the Letter was written. Verse 4. - So that we ourselves. "We" - Paul and Silas and Timothy, the founders of the Church of Thessalonica. "We ourselves," not merely we of our own accord (Hofmann), but we as well as our informants, who brought us this intelligence of the increase of your faith and love. Glory in you in the Churches of God; that is, in those Churches with which we come in contact; namely, the Church at Corinth and the Churches in Achaia. It would appear from this that several Churches had been founded in Achaia, as, for example, the Church of Cenchrea (Romans 16:1). For your patience and faith; not to be weakened as a Hebraism for "your patient faith," or "for the patience of your faith;" nor is faith to be taken in the sense of faithfulness or fidelity (Lunemann); but, as in the previous verse, it denotes "faith in Christ." Patience is steadfast endurance, which, in order to be of any value in the sight of God, must be combined with faith; stoical endurance is not here nor anywhere else inculcated in Scripture. In all your persecutions and tribulations - afflictions - that ye endure; or, are enduring; the persecution which arose when Paul was at Thessalonica being continued. The patience and faith of the Thessalonians shone the more brilliantly amid persecution and affliction, even as the stars shine brightest in the dark night. To be a true Christian in the time of peace is a great matter; but to be a true Christian in the season of persecution is a greater; faith is then tested in the furnace.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek That is whyὥστε (hōste) Conjunction Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. we ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. boast ἐνκαυχᾶσθαι (enkauchasthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt. among ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. churches ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. about ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. perseverance ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. faith πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. in the face of ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. all πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [the] ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. persecution διωγμοῖς (diōgmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 1375: Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. affliction θλίψεσιν (thlipsesin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure. you are enduring. ἀνέχεσθε (anechesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 430: To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. Additonal Resources 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Blue Letter Bible2 Thessalonians 1:4 Bible Gateway 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Bible.com 2 Thessalonians 1:4 NIV |
    |