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.