when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 1:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to focus on Jesus' glorious return, but notice the text says he will be glorified in his saints. This means our lives, transformed by his grace, will actually be part of his splendor when he returns. Our belief in God's message then becomes the very thing that showcases his faithfulness and power to the world.
when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who are facing persecution and hardship. He's assuring them that God sees their struggles and that a day of divine justice and vindication is coming for Christ and His followers. This upcoming glory of Christ among His people is directly linked to the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and their acceptance of the message about Jesus.
Imagine the most spectacular event you've ever witnessed. Now, multiply that by infinity. That's the kind of glory Paul is talking about.
The Bible paints a picture of Jesus returning to Earth in incredible, awe-inspiring glory. This isn't a quiet arrival; it's a public display of His majesty.
A Public Spectacle
Paul says Jesus will come 'to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed.' This means His glory will be so immense that even believers, who know Him intimately, will be struck with wonder. It’s a revelation of His true, divine splendor.
The Reason for Wonder
Why will He be marveled at? Because of the confirmation of His powerful work and the faithfulness of His people. The 'testimony' that was believed led them to faith, and on that day, all will see the One who was testified about in His full glory.
Jesus’ return isn't just about His glory; it’s also about the incredible role His followers play in it. What’s our part?
Paul highlights a fascinating truth: Jesus will be glorified in His saints. This doesn't mean we contribute to His essential glory, but rather that His glory will be displayed through us and among us.
A Witness to His Power
Our presence, transformed and glorified alongside Him, will be a testament to His saving power and faithfulness. It’s like a king displaying the treasures he has acquired – we are the precious ones He has redeemed and will present in His magnificence.
Ask a follow-up
The Foundation of Faith
The fact that the Thessalonians believed the testimony about Jesus is central. Their faith, validated and rewarded, becomes part of the stunning picture of His victory. He is marveled at because His redeemed people, who trusted the message, are present with Him.
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun
Those who have been set apart for God; believers in Christ who are made holy through faith, justified, and belong entirely to Him.
thaumazō · Greek Verb
A profound sense of wonder, admiration, and awe; the response of the believer when confronted with the majesty and grace of Christ.
This verse speaks directly to the Thessalonian believers who were facing intense suffering and perhaps doubt about the certainty of Christ's return. Paul reminds them that their steadfast faith, even amidst hardship, will be a testament to God's glory when Jesus comes again.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul travels through Macedonia, establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. This marks the beginning of the Christian community in Thessalonica.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul, Silas, and Timothy preach the Gospel in Thessalonica, leading to the conversion of many Jews and Gentiles. They form a vibrant, though persecuted, church.
c. AD 51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits the churches he established, including Thessalonica, and writes his first letter to the Thessalonians, addressing their questions about the return of Christ and their suffering.
c. AD 51-52
First Letter to the Thessalonians
Written from Corinth, this letter reassures the believers about those who have died before Christ's return and encourages them to stand firm amidst persecution.
c. AD 52— this verse
Second Letter to the Thessalonians
Written shortly after the first, this letter clarifies further teaching on the Day of the Lord, addressing confusion and anxiety, likely caused by a forged letter circulating as Paul's.
c. AD 64-67
Paul's Imprisonment and Death
Paul faces persecution and eventual martyrdom, likely in Rome. His letters continue to guide and encourage the early Church.
This passage echoes the idea of God being glorified in His people, highlighting that the Spirit of glory rests on believers who are suffering for Christ.
Philippians 3:20-21It speaks of believers having a future hope in Christ's return, where their lowly bodies will be transformed to be like his glorious body, aligning with the glory associated with Christ's coming.
John 17:10Jesus prays that His followers would be glorified in Him, showing the deep connection between Christ's glory and the glory He shares with His saints.
Revelation 7:9-10This vision vividly depicts a great multitude from every nation worshiping God and the Lamb, providing a picture of the future marveling and glorification described in 2 Thessalonians.
It's easy to focus on Jesus' glorious return, but notice the text says he will be glorified in his saints. This means our lives, transformed by his grace, will actually be part of his splendor when he returns. Our belief in God's message then becomes the very thing that showcases his faithfulness and power to the world.
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who are facing persecution and hardship. He's assuring them that God sees their struggles and that a day of divine justice and vindication is coming for Christ and His followers. This upcoming glory of Christ among His people is directly linked to the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and their acceptance of the message about Jesus.
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who are facing persecution and hardship. He's assuring them that God sees their struggles and that a day of divine justice and vindication is coming for Christ and His followers. This upcoming glory of Christ among His people is directly linked to the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and their acceptance of the message about Jesus.
"when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed." — It's easy to focus on Jesus' glorious return, but notice the text says he will be glorified in his saints. This means our lives, transformed by his grace, will actually be part of his splendor when…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026