2nd. Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians is another letter attributed to the Apostle Paul in
the New Testament of the Bible. It is believed to have been
written by Paul, along with his associates Silas and Timothy, as a
follow-up to the first letter addressed to the Thessalonian
community.
The letter was likely composed shortly after the writing of 1
Thessalonians, although the exact date is uncertain. It was
written in response to certain issues and questions that had
arisen within the Thessalonian church following the reception of
the first letter.
Like 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians was also written in Corinth,
where Paul was staying during his second missionary journey.
After its composition, the letter was sent back to the Christian
community in Thessalonica.
Thessalonica, as mentioned earlier, was a prominent seaport city
in the Roman province of Macedonia (modern-day Thessaloniki,
Greece). It was a cosmopolitan center of trade and culture,
known for its diversity and influence.
The social dynamics of Thessalonica were similar to those
described in relation to 1 Thessalonians. The city had a
hierarchical structure, with a significant number of slaves and
a sizable population of impoverished individuals. The wealthier
citizens enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy and influence.
In terms of cultural and religious context, Thessalonica
remained primarily Hellenistic, influenced by Greek customs
and philosophy. The presence of a Jewish community also
played a significant role in the city's religious landscape.
While 2 Thessalonians touches on various theological and
practical matters, it is particularly known for its discussion of
eschatology (the study of the end times). The letter addresses
questions and concerns about the return of Christ, the coming
of the "man of lawlessness," and the proper Christian
response to these events.
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Chapter 1
Paul, Silas, and Timothy greet the Thessalonians, giving thanks for
their growing faith and love, and their patient endurance in trials
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Paul assures them that God will repay with affliction those who afflict
them and give relief to the afflicted at the revelation of the Lord Jesus
2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
He describes the Lord Jesus being revealed from heaven with his
mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do
not know God and do not obey the gospel 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
Paul speaks of the glorious coming of Christ, praying that God may
make the Thessalonians worthy of His calling and fulfill every resolve
for good and every work of faith by His power.
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12
Chapter 2
Paul requests that the Thessalonians not be quickly shaken in mind or
alarmed by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from
them, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
He speaks about the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction, who
opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of
worship, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Paul reminds them of his previous teachings about these things,
telling them that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but
the one who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 2
Thessalonians 2:5-7
He warns of the coming of the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus will
kill with the breath of His mouth and bring to nothing by the
appearance of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9
Paul speaks of the deception of wickedness for those who are
perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
For this reason, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may
believe what is false. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
He thanks God for the Thessalonians, whom God chose as the
firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief
in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
He exhorts them to stand firm and hold to the traditions that they
were taught by him, either by word of mouth or by his letter.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Paul concludes the chapter with a prayer for the Lord Jesus Christ
himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal
comfort and good hope through grace, to comfort their hearts and
establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
A summary of all three chapters of 2 Thessalonians
Chapter 3
Finally, Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for them, that the word
of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as it happened among
them, and that they may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For
not all have faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
He assures them that the Lord is faithful and He will establish them
and guard them against the evil one. He also expresses confidence in
the Lord that they are doing and will do the things that they
command.
2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
Paul prays that the Lord direct their hearts to the love of God and to
the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
He commands them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep
(Chapter 3 Cntd.)
away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord
with the tradition that they received from them. For even when they
were with them, they would give them this command: If anyone is
not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10
Paul encourages them to not grow weary in doing good. If anyone
does not obey what they say in this letter, they are to take note of
that person and have nothing to do with him, that he may be
ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-14
He concludes the letter with a prayer for the Lord of peace himself
to give them peace at all times in every way. He greets them with
his own hand, which is how he signs every letter. This is his mark in
every letter. This is the way he writes 2 Thessalonians 3:16-17
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with them all.
2 Thessalonians 3:18
