Isaiah describes people hiding from the LORD’s presence and glorious power when he rises to judge. Paul reuses that Greek language while describing the revelation and judgment of the Lord Jesus.

Isaiah pictures the LORD coming with fire to execute judgment; Paul describes the Lord Jesus revealed from heaven in flaming fire as God’s righteous judgment is made visible.

Psalm 79 speaks of nations that do not know God; 2 Thessalonians uses the same biblical category for those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of Jesus. The phrase belongs to a broader scriptural judgment tradition also preserved in Jeremiah 10:25.

Daniel 7 joins heavenly judgment, the defeat of oppressive powers, and vindication of the holy ones. Paul likewise promises afflicted believers relief and glorification when Jesus is revealed.

Jesus’ own teaching places the Son of Man in glory with angels at final judgment; Paul likewise presents Jesus coming with angels to judge and to be glorified among his people. Jesus’ teaching and Paul’s teaching converge on the Son’s glorious coming with angels for final judgment.

Revelation culminates the returning-warrior scene in Christ, the Faithful and True rider who judges and defeats hostile powers. This is where the canonical trajectory of 2 Thessalonians 1 visibly leads.