Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
All Commentaries on 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Go To 2 Thessalonians 1
John Chrysostom
AD 407
The phrase If so be that here is put for because, which we also use, in speaking of things that are quite evident and not to be denied; instead of saying, Because it is exceedingly righteous. If so be, he says, that it is a righteous thing with God to punish these, he will certainly punish them. As if he had said, If God cares for human affairs, If God takes thought. And he does not put it of his own opinion, but among things confessedly true; as if one said, If God hates the wicked, that he may compel them to grant that He does hate them. For such sentences are above all indisputable, inasmuch as they also themselves know that it is just. For if this is just with men, much more with God.
To recompense, he says, affliction to them that afflict you, and to you that are afflicted rest. What then? Is the retribution equal? By no means, but see by what follows how he shows that it is more severe, and the rest much greater. Behold also another consolation, in that they have their partners in the afflictions, as partners also in the retribution. He joins them in their crowns with those who had performed infinitely more and greater works. Then he adds also the period, and by the description leads their minds upward, all but opening heaven already by his word, and setting it before their eyes; and he places around Him the angelic host, both from the place and from the attendants amplifying the image, so that they may be refreshed a little. And to you that are afflicted rest with us, he says, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the Angels of his power.
