II Thessalonians 2:14 · Bible study
2 Thessalonians 2:14 Commentary: Obtaining the Glory of Christ
Greek · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine how God called believers through the gospel to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, sharing his glory or being his possession.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God's call through the gospel aims at believers sharing in or being possessed for Christ's glory.
- Key words: ἐκάλεσεν (called), εὐαγγελίου (gospel), περιποίησιν (obtaining/possession), δόξης (glory).
- Main debate: Does 'obtaining the glory' mean sharing Christ's glory (most commentators) or being Christ's possession for his glory (Calvin's alternative)?
- Theological theme: The goal of salvation is glorification with Christ; election and preaching work together to secure it.
- Best use: Comfort for suffering believers and motivation for steadfastness; pastoral assurance of God's sovereign call.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
WEB World English Bible 2000
to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV King James Version 1769
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
to which He did call you through our good news, to the acquiring of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
whereto he has called you by our glad tidings, to [the] obtaining of [the] glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
A lo cual os llamó por nuestro evangelio, para alcanzar la gloria de nuestro Señor Jesucristo|strong="G2424, G5547".
Para a qual ele vos chamou por meio do nosso Evangelho, para a obtenção da glória de nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo.
C’ est à quoi il vous a appelés par notre Évangile, pour que vous possédiez la gloire de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ.
darein er euch berufen hat durch unser Evangelium zum herrlichen Eigentum unsers HERRN Jesu Christi.
Waartoe Hij u geroepen heeft door ons Evangelie, tot verkrijging der heerlijkheid van onzen Heere Jezus Christus.
A questo Egli vi ha pure chiamati per mezzo del nostro Evangelo, onde giungiate a ottenere la gloria del Signor nostro Gesù Cristo.
Do czego was powołał przez Ewangieliję naszę ku dostąpieniu chwały Pana naszego, Jezusa Chrystusa.
к которому и призвал вас благовествованием нашим, для достижения славы Господа нашего Иисуса Христа.
神藉 我們 所 傳的福音 召 你們到這地步，好 得著 我們 主 耶穌 基督 的榮光。
And in this purpose he gave you a part through the good news of which we were the preachers, even that you might have part in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · II Thessalonians 2:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that this verse describes the purpose of God's call through the gospel: believers are summoned not only to salvation but to a specific destiny connected to Christ's glory. The phrase 'obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ' is understood in two main ways. Many, including Barnes, the Cambridge Bible, and Gill, take it as sharing in Christ's own glory, believers will one day possess the same glorious state as their Lord. Barnes links this to John 17:22, where Christ gives his disciples the glory the Father gave him. Calvin, however, offers an alternative reading: Christ has acquired believers for his own glory, so that their salvation becomes his honor. The Greek noun περιποίησις (peripoiēsis) can mean either 'obtaining' or 'possession', and the genitive 'of the glory' is ambiguous, objective (believers obtain glory) or subjective (Christ obtains believers for his glory). Both readings find support in the letter's concern for Christ's honor at his coming.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Shared glory: Believers partake of Christ's own glory (Barnes, Gill, Cambridge), as in John 17:22, Rom 8:17.
- Possession for Christ's glory: Calvin: Christ acquires believers as his possession for his honor; peripoiēsis implies possession.
What is clear: God called believers through the gospel to a purpose inseparably tied to Christ's glory, whether shared or possessed.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'obtaining' (περιποίησις) | The word indicates a goal or outcome of God's call, involving some sort of 'acquisition' or 'obtaining.' | Most read it actively: believers obtain glory. Calvin offers a passive reading: believers are obtained (possessed) for Christ's glory. |
| Pronoun variant: 'you' vs. 'us' | The call comes through the apostolic gospel; Paul includes himself in the gospel he preaches. | The oldest manuscripts read 'us' (εκαλεσεν ημας), making Paul and his companions also called. Many later manuscripts and the Majority Text have 'you' (υμας). English versions follow the 'you' reading. |
| Relationship of 'glory' to salvation | 'Glory' is an eschatological reality connected to Christ's own glory, not merely human honor. | Is this glory something Christ imparts to believers (shared glory) or something he receives from them (his possession)? Both views appear in commentary tradition. |
| Scope of 'to which' (εἰς ὃ) | The phrase refers back to the salvation described in verse 13: sanctification and belief in the truth. | Some limit the referent to 'salvation' narrowly; others include the entire process of election and sanctification mentioned in that verse. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to a young church facing persecution and confusion about the Day of the Lord (2:2). Some thought the great tribulation had already arrived. To correct this, Paul describes the coming of the 'man of lawlessness' and the apostasy that must precede Christ's return. In the midst of this sobering prophecy, he turns to thanksgiving (v.13-14), reassuring the Thessalonians of God's electing love and certain call.
The phrase 'to which he called you through our Good News' refers back to the salvation and sanctification described in v.13. 'Our gospel' (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν) marks the apostolic message as the divinely appointed means. Calvin insists Paul did not invent the message; he was entrusted with it. Gill echoes this: the gospel is called 'ours' not because we originated it, but because we faithfully preach it, in contrast to false teachers.
The goal is 'the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' In the surrounding context, Paul has already spoken of the mutual glorification of Christ and his saints at his coming (1:10-12). The Thessalonians' present suffering would give way to a share in Christ's unveiled splendor. The word περιποίησις (peripoiēsis) appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 for 'obtaining salvation,' linking the two passages. This call is not a vague invitation but the outworking of God's eternal choice (v.13), made actual when the gospel was preached in Thessalonica.
Textual Notes
The most notable textual variant in this verse is the pronoun in 'he called you.' The oldest manuscripts (𝔓30, 𝔓92, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus) read 'us' (ἡμᾶς), making Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy also recipients of the call. Many later manuscripts, along with the Majority Text, read 'you' (ὑμᾶς). The UBS/NA text adopts 'you' with a {B} rating. The difference does not change the meaning substantially, but the 'us' reading would emphasize that even the apostles stand under God's call. The supplied commentaries do not note other significant variants.
Reception History
This verse has been treasured across church traditions for its connection between God's eternal choosing, apostolic preaching, and the believer's final destiny. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom preached on it as a promise that the faithful would share Christ's glory. During the Reformation, commentators like Calvin and the Geneva Bible emphasized the means of the gospel call and the assurance it brings. The verse appears in discussions of theosis (sharing divine attributes) in Orthodox tradition, linked to John 17:22 and Romans 8:17. Modern evangelical preaching often uses it to highlight the goal of salvation as more than escape from hell, but as positive entrance into Christ's glory.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Call is Rooted in God's Choice. Verse 13 grounds the call in God's election 'from the beginning.' The call is not an afterthought; it flows from eternal love.
- The Call Comes through the Gospel. 'Through our Good News', the preached word is the instrument God uses to summon sinners to salvation. Paul's authority is tied to the message, not his own invention.
- The Call Has a Glorious Goal. 'Obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Whether we share his glory or are gathered for his glory, the outcome is breathtaking: our final state is bound up with Christ's honor.
Five-point outline
- The Source: God's eternal election (v.13)
- The Means: Apostolic preaching of the gospel (v.14a)
- The Content: Sanctification and belief in the truth (v.13)
- The Goal: Participation in or possession for Christ's glory (v.14b)
- The Response: Stand firm and hold to the traditions (v.15)
Illustration hooks
- A runner training for a marathon has the finish line in sight. The pain of the race becomes bearable because the prize awaits. Paul wants the Thessalonians to keep their eyes on the goal.
- An engaged couple is called to share one life. The glory of marriage is mutual: each brings honor to the other. So believers are called to share Christ's glory, and he shares his with them.
- A master craftsman teaches an apprentice, not just to copy but to carry on his legacy. The apprentice's work becomes a reflection of the master's skill. Believers are called to display Christ's glory.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If God chose me before time, does my response matter? This verse shows that election works through the gospel call, our faith is the echo of God's summons.
- What does it mean to 'obtain Christ's glory'? Do we become divine? No. We share in his radiant life, not his essence. We are conformed to him (Rom 8:29), not absorbed into him.
- How can I know I am truly called? Look for the means: the gospel preached, faith awakened, and a longing for Christ's glory. The call creates what it commands.
Leading a Discussion
This verse anchors the Christian life in God's eternal purpose and the concrete preaching of the gospel. It answers the question: what is the point of our faith? The Thessalonians needed this reassurance amid persecution and confusion about the future. We still need it today.
Discussion questions
- Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15. What does Paul say God has done from the beginning? (v.13)
- How does the 'call' in v.14 relate to the election in v.13? Are they the same thing or different?
- Paul calls the gospel 'our gospel.' Why does he say 'our'? What does this tell us about the role of preachers and apostles?
- The goal is 'the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' What are the two ways Christians have understood this phrase? Which do you find more compelling, and why?
- How does knowing the ultimate goal (glory) change the way you endure hardship or doubt?
- In John 17:22, Jesus says he has given his disciples the glory the Father gave him. How does that connect to this verse?
- Verse 15 says 'stand firm and hold the traditions.' How does the call to glory lead to practical steadfastness? What 'traditions' (teachings) might you need to hold more tightly?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Psalms 16:11 | You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more. |
| Matthew 25:21 | “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ |
| John 14:2 | In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. |
| John 14:3 | If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. |
| John 17:22 | The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one, |
| John 17:24 | Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. |
| Romans 2:16 | in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 8:17 | and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes stresses that God's eternal choice to save believers is not separate from the gospel preached by Paul and his companions. The gospel is the actual means by which God carries out His purpose, calling people to share the same glory as Christ in heaven.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin emphasizes that Paul calls the gospel "his" not as its originator but as its appointed preacher, so the Thessalonians can trust it as God's own life-giving voice. He interprets the call as being for Christ's glory and possession, meaning Christ will defend believers as His own inheritance, securing their salvation.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator stresses that God's call through the gospel aims directly at believers sharing Christ's own glory. While God's election initiates salvation, the actual summons came when the Thessalonians heard the good news. Christ's glory is already theirs in principle and will be fully theirs when He is revealed from heaven.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note highlights that the call to salvation comes specifically through the preaching of the Gospel, and its ultimate purpose is not just escape from judgment but active sharing in Christ's own glory. The calling is inseparably tied to the message proclaimed, and the goal is a transformed participation in Jesus' exaltation.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that Paul calls the Gospel "our Gospel" not because he authored it, but because it was faithfully entrusted to him and preached in contrast to false teachers. The glory believers are called to obtain is not Christ's own essential glory, but the personal glory they will receive in resurrection, being conformed to Christ and enjoying Him forever.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange insists that when Paul says God chose believers from the beginning, he means from eternity, not from the first preaching. This election to salvation is accomplished through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, giving the Thessalonians assurance against Antichristian deceptions.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley identifies the goal of God's call as faith and holiness, not just a general invitation. He stresses that this call came through the specific gospel the apostles preached, and it was made effective by the accompanying power of the Holy Spirit.