1 Thessalonians 1:10

To wait. Or, “to keep on waiting.”

His Son. The only mention in this epistle of Christ as God’s Son, in contrast with frequent references in Romans and Galatians (Rom. 1:3, 4; Gal. 1:16; etc.).

From heaven. Compare on Phil. 3:20. The life aim of Paul’s converts was two-fold — to serve God and to wait for Christ’s return. In this epistle the apostle constantly emphasizes the great doctrine of the second advent of our Lord (1 Thess. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). What a practical influence this “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) had upon the lives of the Thessalonian believers! They lived in expectancy of their Lord’s return. It was not idle waiting, however, for they combined service with expectation. So ardent were they in their hope of a speedy deliverance from their persecutors by their Lord’s glorious intervention that they feared lest death deprive any of them of the great joy of personally meeting Him (cf. AA 258).

Whom he raised. In his epistle to the Romans the apostle sets forth the resurrection of Jesus as proof of Christ’s sonship (see on Rom. 1:4). Here, in what is probably the first of his epistles, Paul does not hesitate to follow the same reasoning, recognizing Christ as God’s resurrected Son.

Delivered. Rather, “is delivering.” While the vital act of deliverance was performed on Calvary, the process of deliverance is continuous, and will be completed only at Christ’s second coming, when those who have accepted the Saviour’s ministrations will be forever saved from the clutches of sin (cf. on Matt. 1:21; Rom. 11:26).

The wrath to come. Literally, “the wrath which is coming.” The use of the article before “wrath” points to a particular manifestation of divine displeasure (see on Matt. 3:7; Rom. 1:18).

For a discussion of the significance of “wrath” (orge) see on Rom. 2:8; cf. on Rom. 1:18. The gospel brings deliverance from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:9). Those who believe its message and accept its provisions are granted eternal life, and the wrath of God no longer remains on them (see on John 3:36; 5:24; 1 John 3:14).