2nd THESSALONIANS at a glance

PURPOSE: The purpose for Paul to write this 2^nd letter only several months after the 1^st one was to clear up a misunderstanding regarding Christ’s return. 

AUTHOR: Another epistle (letter) written by the Apostle Paul.

DATE WRITTEN: This letter was written around AD 51 or 52 ... just a few months after 1^st Thessalonians, from Corinth.

THE SETTING: “Many in the church were confused about the timing of Christ’s return. Because of the mounting persecution, they thought the day of the Lord must be imminent, and they interpreted Paul’s first letter to say that the Second Coming would be at any moment. In light of this misunderstanding, many persisted in being idle and disorderly, with the excuse of waiting for Christ’s Return.” ^[1]

SPECIAL FEATURES: This is a follow-up letter to 1^st Thessalonians. In this letter, Paul indicates various events that must precede the second coming of Christ.

 

            This letter starts as Paul’s always do, with a personal greeting & an encouraging statement of thanksgiving for their courageous faith in spite of the heavy persecution that they are being bombarded with daily. He praises them for their perseverance in spite of the trials & tribulations they are facing. He uses this situation to broach the subject of Christ’s return. At the time of Christ’s return he will defend the righteous who endure till the end & punish those who have proven to be wicked.

            Paul then deals straight on with the misunderstanding of when Christ will return. He tells the Thessalonians NOT to listen to rumors and/or reports that say that Christ’s return has already begun. This is because a number of events must take place before Christ’s return. While they wait they mustn’t become idle. They need to stand firm in their faith and on the truth of God. They must seek to receive God’s encouragement and a sense of hope. They are to pray for strength as they look to spread the gospel. Those that are idle need to be warned. His ending to the letter is a personal greeting and a benediction (a blessing or utterance of good wishes).

            As you read 2^nd Thessalonians see clearly the reality of Christ’s return & our responsibility to live for him until that day. Up next we will look at The Blueprint & The Mega Themes. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible

^[1] Taken from the Life Application Study Bible; p. 2677.