2 Thessalonians 1

In this second letter to the Thessalonians, we find the same subjects of the first letter. The first chapter, deals with tribulation /  Thlipsis θλῖψις. It means to "press" or "squeeze". The Thessalonians are evicted by their families because they don't worship the same gods. They are seen by the Thessalonica city as rebels against Caesar because they proclaim that "Jesus is Lord". In this context, it is difficult to work, to have clients.

Paul give reasons for being glad in tribulation:

1) Hope: Jesus will return - there will be a reversal
5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.

2) Growth: The discomfort makes us grow:
3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater.