READ IT! - Introduction to 2nd Thessalonians

Introduction to 2nd Thessalonians

An increasing number of scholars are skeptical about the genuineness of 2nd Thessalonians. If Paul actually composed it, why does he repeat – almost verbatim – so much of what he has already just written to the same recipients? More seriously, why does the author present an eschatology so different from that presented in the first letter? In 1st Thessalonians, the Parousia will occur stealthily, “like a thief in the night.” In 2nd Thessalonians, a number of apocalyptic “signs” will first advertise its arrival.

Scholars defending Pauline authorship advance several theories to explain the writer’s apparent change of attitude toward the Parousia. In the first letter, Paul underscores the tension between the shortness of time the world has left and the necessity of believers’ vigilance and ethical purity as they await the Second Coming. In the second letter, Paul writes to correct the Thessalonians’ misconceptions about or misuses of his earlier emphasis on the nearness of the End Time. If Paul is in fact the author, he probably wrote 2nd Thessalonians within a few months of his earlier letter.

Some converts, claiming that “the Day of the Lord is already here,” were upsetting others with their otherworldly enthusiasms.  In their state of apocalyptic fervor, some even scorned everyday occupations and refused to work or support themselves. It is possible that the visionary Spirit of prophecy that he encouraged the Thessalonians to cultivate had come back to haunt him. Empowered by private revelations, a few Christian prophets may have interpreted the Spirit’s presence – made possible by Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to heaven – as a mystical fulfillment of the Parousia. Paul, however, consistently emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection and the Spirit’s coming are only the first stage in God’s plan of cosmic renewal. God’s purpose can be completed only at the apocalyptic End of history

Chapter 1

The letter claims to be written by Paul, Silas, and Timothy who offer a blessing of grace and peace upon the church of the Thessalonians. They then offer comfort in affliction, and encourage perseverance in the midst of persecutions. They state that they always thank God for them because their faith is growing more and more and the love they have for one another is increasing. And they say that they boast about their perseverance in persecution.

They then speak about the vindication of God’s Righteousness – that he is a just judge who will find them worthy of the Kingdom and who will punish their persecutors.

When will this happen?

When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels

How will they be punished?

Everlasting destruction in being shut out from the Lord’s presence

When this happens…

He will be glorified in his holy people and be marveled at among all who have believed

They then discuss the preparation of the Saints for the Kingdom. They state that with this in mind, they pray that…

God may make them worthy of his calling

Their every good desire will be made fruitful by God’s power

Their every deed prompted by faith will be made fruitful by God’s power

The name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in them

They may be glorified in Jesus by God’s grace

Chapter 2

Paul then offers a correction concerning the Day of the Lord. The Thessalonians were faced with a false teaching, saying that Christ had already returned. Paul corrects this, telling them not to be alarmed by such reports. He states that this message, whether it came by prophesy, by word of mouth, or by letter, is not apostolic

He then states that the Day of the Lord will not come until…

The rebellion occurs

The man of lawlessness is revealed

The man of lawlessness will…

Be doomed to destruction

Will oppose all gods

Will exalt himself above all that is worshiped

Will set himself up in God’s Temple, proclaiming himself to be God

Here, Paul asks the Thessalonians if they have forgotten how he already told them all this before

Paul then discusses the unveiling of the “Man of Lawlessness.” He says that the secret power of lawlessness is already at work, but at the proper time the man of lawlessness will be revealed, and the one who now holds this lawlessness at bay will be removed.

At that time, the Lord Jesus will…

Overthrow this man with the breath of his mouth

Destroy this man with the splendor of his coming

Paul also states that the lawless one’s coming will be accompanied by…

The works of Satan

Displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie

All the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing

Why do they perish?

Because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved

Because they hate the truth…

God sends them a delusion to believe in

Why does God give them a lie?

To punish them for hating the truth and loving wickedness

Paul then reminds the Thessalonians of their future hope. He says that they thank God for them because God chose them as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth.

Why did God call them to this?

So that they might share in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ

Paul then summarizes his point, saying to stand firm and hold to the teachings they passed on to them by word of mouth and letter.

He then offers a Benediction:

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Chapter 3

Paul then offers some exhortations concerning practical matters. He first requests prayer that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, and that they may be delivered from wicked people.

He says that the Lord…

Is faithful

Will strengthen them

Will protect them from the evil one

Gives confidence that they will continue to do as instructed

Will direct their hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance

Paul then offers a rebuke of those who are idle. He says to keep away from believers who are idle, disruptive, and who do not live according to their teachings.

Paul says to follow their example, saying…

We were not idle when we were with you

We didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it

We worked night and day so as not to be a burden to you

Why did we do these things?

Not because we didn’t have the right to such help

To model for you how to live

He then says that they applied to themselves the proverb they gave to them: “The one who will not work will not eat.”

He says that they’ve heard that some among them are idle, disruptive, and are not busy, but are busybodies. He says they command and urge these people in the name of Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

What should the rest of you do about these folks?

Take special note of the ones who disobey this letter

Don’t associate with them, so that they will be ashamed of themselves

Don’t treat them as an enemy

Warn them as fellow believers

Paul then offers the Thessalonians his final greetings:

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.