2 Thessalonians

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

The Writer

The writer of 2 Thessalonians is Paul (1:1; 3:17).

This second letter was written a few months after the first, while Paul was still in Corinth. Some people had misunderstood Paul and concluded that the coming of Christ was so imminent that they failed to live with a proper perspective. Paul attempted to correct this view.

Paul reminds them of what he had taught previously. He points out to them the signs and conditions that will prevail when the Lord returns. Lawlessness will increase. Consequently they are admonished to redeem the time, be active in their responsibilities, but at the same time they must be alert to the Lord's imminent return. Idlers or shirkers are severely reprimanded

The Purpose of Writing

The purpose of Paul writing this second epistle to the Thessalonians was to send a note of his thanks to God for their faith and experience, to encourage them to go on (1:3-12; 2:13-17), to give instructions concerning the Lord's coming (2:1-12), and to exhort the people to go back to work that had become busy bodies in other men's matters (3:11,12).

The Theme

The theme is the second coming of Christ (1:7,10; 2:1-3, 8; 3:5).

The Outline

There are three chapters, which are each deal with a separate subject:

  1. Chapter 1—The name of the Lord Jesus Christ glorified.
  2. Chapter 2—Instructions regarding the day of the Lord.
  3. Chapter 3—Exhortations regarding proper conduct.

The Truth about The Second Coming of Jesus

The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ Glorified (Ch. 1)

Thankfulness

"A church…in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1:1

The Apostles are thanking God for their brethren. 1:3

Paul was thankful because:

"The kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer." They had patience therefore they could hope. When you lose your patience you lose your hope, your testimony and your courage. Be strong and of a good courage (Josh. 1:6; Eph. 6:10; II Thess. 2:16).

Encouragement

They need encouragement in the midst of severe persecution. 1:4-7

Future judgment 1:8-10

The Apostle's prayer 1:11,12

"That the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified"

Instructions Regarding the Day of the Lord (Ch. 2)

2:10 deception 2:11 delusion 2:12 damnation

They were chosen to salvation (2:13). This is an act of God, not of man. It was through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now that they received salvation, they were commanded to "stand fast" (2:15).

Exhortations Regarding Proper Conduct (Ch. 3)

Our hearts need directing because they are deceitful. It is our privilege to have our hearts directed "into the love of God" and that they can then be made partakers of the patience of Christ. Our hearts' director is the Lord, for He knows what is in man (John 2:25) and He speaks to the heart (Ruth 2:13). The Lord directs our hearts if we are obedient (3:4, 5; 2:17).

2 Thessalonians Study Questions

  1. What two words describe the pressure the people of Thessalonica had to endure under?

  1. What happened to their faith while under this great pressure?

  1. What happened to their love while under this pressure?

  1. What happened to their patience?

  1. What happened to the people that troubled them?

  1. What happens when you loose your patience?

  1. List three signs of the progression of sin.

  1. Read I Thess. 2:12,13; II Thess. 2:13, 14 ,15; II Thess. 1:5; Rom. 8:30 What is our calling as believers?

  1. Give Paul's prayer request.

  1. The Lord directs the heart of the obedient. What does He do to the disobedient? (1:8)

  1. What are the methods Paul gave to them for brothers that walked disorderly? (3:6-15)

  1. What happens when good men become weary in well doing?