What does 2 Thessalonians 1:6 mean?
In this verse Paul tells the Thessalonians that God is just. In His good time He will recompense every wrong. Those who afflicted the Thessalonians had nothing to look forward to but divine retribution.Justice is an outgrowth of God's righteous and holy character. He would be neither righteous nor holy if He let sinners off scot-free. Hebrews 10:31 says, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." A holy God demands a penalty for sin, and Romans 6:23 tells us "the wages of sin is death." However, because Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), all who believe on Jesus as their Savior receive the gift of "eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Paul's description of God as just would provide much comfort and hope to the suffering Thessalonians. They could leave any thoughts of revenge or retribution behind, and leave a response for undeserved persecution and afflictions in God's holy and capable hands.