2 Thessalonians 1:10 – “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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse paints a beautiful picture of the future for those who trust in Jesus. Paul has just been talking about the final judgment, the punishment for those who reject God, and now he turns to the joy that awaits believers. When Jesus returns, He will be glorified-that means honored, worshiped, and praised-not just in the sky or in heaven, but in His people. His beauty, power, and goodness will be seen through the lives of those who followed Him.
Paul also says Jesus will be marveled at by those who believe. When He returns, believers will stand in awe of Him. All the things we hoped for, longed for, and trusted in-will be fully revealed. We won’t just see Him with our eyes; we’ll see Him with hearts full of wonder.
Paul makes this personal. He tells the Thessalonian believers, “This includes you.” Why? Because they believed the message about Jesus when Paul and his team preached it to them. Their simple faith connects them to this glorious future.
Historical Context
The believers in Thessalonica were facing ongoing persecution. They were being treated badly for their faith in Jesus, and some of them may have been discouraged or tempted to give up. Paul writes to encourage them, reminding them that their suffering isn’t the end of the story.
The early church lived with a strong expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. They were eagerly waiting for Him. But they also needed reassurance that their faith wasn’t in vain. Paul gives them that reassurance by showing them the incredible hope they have-one day they will see Jesus glorified, and they’ll be part of that glory too.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that Jesus’ return isn’t just about judgment-it’s about glory and joy for His people. His followers won’t just watch Him from a distance-they will share in His glory. This speaks of deep union between Jesus and His people. He’s not ashamed of us. Instead, He will shine through us.
It also highlights the importance of faith. The ones who will see Him and marvel are those who believed. Faith isn’t just a one-time decision-it’s a living trust in Jesus that results in eternal reward. And that faith is built on the testimony of the gospel-on hearing and believing the truth about Jesus.
Literary Analysis
This verse brings a clear contrast to the judgment described in verses 8 and 9. Those verses talked about punishment and separation from God. This one talks about glory, wonder, and inclusion. It shifts the tone from warning to hope.
The phrases “glorified in his holy people” and “marveled at among all those who have believed” are rich with meaning. Paul uses repetition to emphasize that believers are at the heart of Jesus’ return. And the phrase “this includes you” is a personal encouragement-a reminder that salvation is not distant or vague; it’s real and personal.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 17:24 – “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…”
- Romans 8:17 – “If we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings…”
- Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
- 1 John 3:2 – “…we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
- Habakkuk 2:14 – “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a source of deep hope. Life can be hard. We face trials, doubts, and suffering. But this verse reminds us that a day is coming when all of that will be over. Jesus will return, and we will be with Him. We won’t just see His glory-we will share in it.
It also reminds us that faith matters. Believing in Jesus-even when it’s hard, even when we can’t see everything clearly-ties us to a future full of joy and amazement. When Jesus is revealed, we’ll be amazed-not just at His power, but at His goodness, His love, and His faithfulness to us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows the kindness and generosity of God. He doesn’t just save us from punishment-He brings us into His glory. He delights in His people. When Jesus returns, He will be glorified in us. That shows how much God treasures those who trust Him.
A loving God doesn’t want us to be afraid of the future. He wants us to be excited for it. He has prepared something amazing for those who love Him, and this verse is a glimpse of that promise.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of everything in this verse. He is the one returning. He is the one being glorified. He is the one we will marvel at. He is the one who made all of it possible through His life, death, and resurrection.
In Philippians 2:10-11, we’re told that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. But here, we see that His people will not only bow-they’ll rejoice. Because He’s not just Lord-He’s our Savior, our Shepherd, and our Friend.
And why will we be included? Because we believed the testimony-the message of the gospel that points to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). That faith connects us to His victory and His glory.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When I think about Jesus returning, what emotions come up-fear, joy, hope, or something else?
- What does it mean to “marvel” at Jesus? Do I do that now in my walk with Him?
- Am I living with my eyes on eternity, or am I too focused on temporary things?
- How does this promise of glory encourage me during hard or discouraging times?
- Have I believed the gospel from the heart-and am I helping others hear and believe it too?