to this
The word "this" refers back to the gospel and the salvation it brings, as mentioned in the preceding verses. It is a demonstrative pronoun in Greek, "τοῦτο" (touto), which points to the specific purpose and plan of God for the believers. The historical context here is crucial, as the Thessalonian church faced persecution and needed reassurance of their place in God's plan. This phrase serves as a reminder that their calling is not random but part of a divine purpose.

through our gospel
The phrase "through our gospel" highlights the means by which the calling is realized. The Greek word for "gospel" is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion), meaning "good news." This underscores the centrality of the apostolic message in the salvation process. Historically, the gospel was the core message preached by Paul and his companions, emphasizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The use of "our" indicates the personal responsibility and ownership Paul feels towards the message he preaches, as well as the authenticity and authority of the apostolic witness.

so that you might share
This phrase indicates the purpose of the calling. The Greek word for "share" is "περιποίησις" (peripoiēsis), which can also mean "acquisition" or "possession." It suggests that believers are not only recipients of salvation but are also brought into a communal relationship with God and other believers. Theologically, this sharing is both a present reality and a future hope, reflecting the "already but not yet" aspect of the Kingdom of God.

in the glory
The term "glory" in Greek is "δόξα" (doxa), which conveys the idea of splendor, honor, and divine radiance. In the biblical context, glory often refers to the manifest presence of God. For the Thessalonians, this promise of sharing in God's glory would have been a powerful encouragement amidst their trials. It assures them of their ultimate vindication and transformation, aligning with the eschatological hope found throughout the New Testament.

of our Lord Jesus Christ
This final phrase centers the entire verse on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The title "Lord" (κύριος, kurios) affirms His divine authority and sovereignty. "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is His human name, emphasizing His incarnation, while "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) means "Anointed One," signifying His messianic role. Historically, this reflects the early Christian confession of faith, acknowledging Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Theologically, it underscores that the glory believers are called to share is intrinsically linked to their union with Christ, who is the source and guarantor of their hope.

By our gospel--i.e., of course, "by our bringing you the happy message"--the historical delivery of the message is dwelt on rather than its contents.

To the obtaining of the glory of our Lord.--Almost all the ancient commentators render it, "for obtaining of glory to our Lord;" and St. Chrysostom says, beautifully:" No small thing this either, if Christ esteems our salvation His glory. It is, indeed, a glory to the lover of men that the number of those who are being saved should be large." But this version is not so easy grammatically as our own, nor does it suit so well with the context. St. Paul is encouraging his readers with the same thought of their destiny which he has put forward in 2Thessalonians 1:11-12--the identity of the joy of the Redeemer and the redeemed (Matthew 25:23). It is well to be observed that God did not call them straight "to the glory of our Lord," but "to the obtaining" of the same. This "obtaining" does not mean an otiose receiving of glory in the last day, but a laborious course of "earning" or "purchasing" it during this life. The word is the same as that used in 1Thessalonians 5:9, where see Note. . . .