2 Thessalonians 1

growing abundantly
The word ὑπεραυξάνω (hyperauxanō) here has the idea of growing or increasing beyond measure or to an extraordinary degree. The verb is in the present tense here, which signifies ongoing or continual action, so the continual sense of the translation “growing abundantly” captures this well. The Thessalonians’ faith had continued to grow abundantly since Paul’s first letter to them, and as this was clearly God at work in them, Paul was obligated to give thanks to Him for their extraordinary progress in the faith.

increases
The word “increases” translates the verb πλεονάζω (pleonazō), which also appears here in the present tense (see previous note), indicating a continual and progressive increase of something. While similar to ὑπεραυξάνω (hyperauxanō) above, this word is translated as “increases” rather than “grows” to differentiate it as it is a different word in Greek. This also provides consistency with 1 Thessalonians 3:12 where the same word is used. Not only is the Thessalonians’ faith growing abundantly, but their love for one another is continually increasing as well.

executing vengeance
“Executing vengeance” translates the phrase διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν (didontos ekdikēsin). “Executing” translates the verb δίδωμι (didōmi), literally having the idea of “giving” or “handing out.” It is translated as “executing” here to bring out the seriousness of the sense Paul intends here. “Vengeance” is an accurate translation of ἐκδίκησις (edkikēsis), and is translated consistently as such in contexts where God Himself explicitly punishes evildoers (cf. Luke 21:22; Rom 12:19; Heb 10:30). Here, Paul comforts the Thessalonians by reminding them that God is one who executes vengeance on those who afflict them because these afflicters do not know God or obey the gospel. The Thessalonians are to continue patiently enduring and trusting as God will certainly avenge them in the end.

AWAY FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND FROM THE GLORY OF HIS MIGHT
These words are formatted in caps because Paul is alluding to an Old Testament text here found in Isaiah 2 (esp. vv. 10, 19, 21). In that chapter of Isaiah, God promises a day of reckoning when He will punish the wicked. Paul uses wording here very similar to verses in that chapter to remind the Thessalonian believers of God’s promise to accomplish justice and punish the wicked. The formatting of this translation helps readers recognize that Paul is drawing on this logic from the Old Testament so that they may go back and ensure they understand what this Psalm is teaching in order to better track Paul’s argumentation here.

witness
In Pauline literature the word μαρτύριον (martyrion) is translated as “testimony” (cf. 2 Cor 1:12; ), but when it refers to the gospel it is translated as “witness” (cf. 1 Cor 1:6; 1 Tim 2:6; 2 Tim 1:8). Paul testifies about many things but only has one witness. This links to the Gospel of John and Acts, where μαρτύριον (martyrion) or the verb μαρτυρέω (martyreō) is always used to refer to the witness of the gospel (e.g., John 1:7, 8; Acts 4:33).

good pleasure
The translation here uses “good pleasure” rather than something like “desire” to better elucidate Paul’s intentional wordplay when he uses the same word later in 2:12. Whereas here, Paul prays God would fulfill every “good pleasure” (εὐδοκίαν; eudokian) of the Thessalonians for goodness and the work of faith, in 2:12, the wicked only “take pleasure” (εὐδοκήσαντες; eudokēsantes) in wickedness. Thus, a consistent translation using “pleasure” in both places helps to better set up for the contrast he will make in chapter 2. While the wicked are under God’s judgment, the Thessalonians are just the opposite—the objects of His grace to bring about their good pleasure.