2 Thessalonians 1:7

After noting the principle of recompence (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7 a), Paul proceeds (7 b 10), to dwell on its time and setting, especially in its punitive aspect. He consoles the Thessalonians by depicting the doom of their opponents rather than (9 c, 10) their own positive relief and reward. The entire passage breathes the hot air of the later Judaism, with its apocalyptic anticipation of the jus talionis applied by God to the enemies of His people; only, Paul identifies that people not with Israel but with believers in Christ Jesus. He appropriates Israel's promises for men and women whom Israel expelled and persecuted. The ἄγγελοι are the manifestation of Christ's δύναμις, as the ἅγιοι (saints not angels) are of his δόξα (2 Thessalonians 1:10); the position of ἀγγ. (cf. Win., § 80, 12 b) tells against Hofmann's interpretation of δυν. = “host” (צָבָא, so LXX). Here and in the following verses the divine prerogatives (e.g., fiery manifestation and judicial authority) are carried over to Jesus.