2Th 1:8 | JFB | STEP | 8. In flaming fire-- Greek, "In flame of fire"; or, as other oldest manuscripts read, "in fire of flame." This flame of fire accompanied His manifestation in the bush ( ); also His giving of the law at Sinai ( ). Also it shall accompany His revelation at His advent ( , ), symbolizing His own bright glory and His consuming vengeance against His foes ( ; ; , ). taking-- literally, "giving" them, as their portion, "vengeance." know not God-- the Gentiles primarily ( ; ; ); not of course those involuntarily not knowing God, but those wilfully not knowing Him, as Pharaoh, who might have known God if he would, but who boasted "I know not the Lord" ( ); and as the heathen persecutors who might have known God by the preaching of those whom they persecuted. Secondarily, all who "profess to know God but in works deny Him" ( ). obey not the gospel-- primarily the unbelieving Jews ( , ); secondarily, all who obey not the truth ( ). Christ-- omitted by some of the oldest manuscripts, and retained by others.

‏ 2 Thessalonians 1:8

8. In flaming fire--Greek, "In flame of fire"; or, as other oldest manuscripts read, "in fire of flame." This flame of fire accompanied His manifestation in the bush (Ex 3:2); also His giving of the law at Sinai (Ex 19:18). Also it shall accompany His revelation at His advent (Da 7:9, 10), symbolizing His own bright glory and His consuming vengeance against His foes (He 10:27; 12:29; 2Pe 3:7, 10).

taking--literally, "giving" them, as their portion, "vengeance."

know not God--the Gentiles primarily (Psa 79:6; Ga 4:8; 1Th 4:5); not of course those involuntarily not knowing God, but those wilfully not knowing Him, as Pharaoh, who might have known God if he would, but who boasted "I know not the Lord" (Ex 5:2); and as the heathen persecutors who might have known God by the preaching of those whom they persecuted. Secondarily, all who "profess to know God but in works deny Him" (Tit 1:16).

obey not the gospel--primarily the unbelieving Jews (Ro 10:3, 16); secondarily, all who obey not the truth (Ro 2:8).

Christ--omitted by some of the oldest manuscripts, and retained by others.