Bible Book: II Thessalonians

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: Paul

Type of Book: Epistle

Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-2)
Encouraging the Thessalonians in Their Persecution (1:3-12)
Paul’s Gratitude for Their Spiritual Growth (1:3)
Paul’s Praise to Other Churches for Their Endurance (1:4)
Paul’s Assurance Concerning the Final Outcome (1:5-10)
Paul’s Prayers for Their Spiritual Progress (1:11-12)
Correcting the Thessalonians in Their Profession (2:1-17)
The Day of the Lord Has Not Yet Come (2:1-2)
The Man of Lawlessness Will First Be Revealed (2:3-12)
Stand Firm in the Truth and Strong in Your Testimony (2:13-17)
Challenging the Thessalonians in Their Practice (3:1-15)
To Pray for Him Personally (3:1-2)
To Remain Firm in their Faith (3:3-5)
To Avoid the Lazy and Live a Disciplined Life (3:6-15)
Final Greeting and Benediction (3:16-18)

Theme: Perseverance Through Persecution and Readiness for Christ’s Return

Date of Writing: c. A.D. 51 or 52

Background
When this letter was written, the situation in the Thessalonian church was much the same as when Paul wrote his first letter (see the introduction to 1 Thessalonians). It is likely, therefore, that this letter was written only a few months after 1 Thessalonians, while Paul was still working in Corinth with Silas and Timothy (1:1; cf. Ac 18:5; see map of Paul’s Second Missionary Journey). Perhaps when Paul was informed about the reception of his first letter and about new developments in the Thessalonian church, he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write this second letter.

Purpose
The purpose for this letter is similar to that of 1 Thessalonians: (1) to encourage Christ’s followers during a time of persecution; (2) to challenge them to live disciplined lives and to work for a living; and (3) to correct some misunderstandings about end-time events related to Christ’s coming and “the day of the Lord” (2:2).

Survey
The tone of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church reflected a relationship as tender as that of a “mother caring for her little children” (1Th 2:7). Both Paul and his ministry team truly embraced these believers in a strong bond of Christlike love. In this second letter, however, the mood is more like that of a father disciplining some unruly children and correcting their course (3:7-12; cf. 1Th 2:11). He does praise them for their persistent faith and again encourages them to remain loyal to God through the opposition and suffering they are encountering for their faith (1:3-7).
    The main section of the letter deals with the end-time “day of the Lord” (2:1-12; cf. 1:6-10)-the period of time when God unleashes his severe end-time judgments on the earth (see 1Th 5:2, first note). It appears from 2:2 that some in Thessalonica were claiming, either by a “prophecy” (a supposed revelation), a “report” (verbal message) or a “letter” (supposedly from Paul), that the time of great tribulation and the day of the Lord had begun (see article on The Great Tribulation). Paul corrects this misunderstanding by clarifying that three major events will signal that the day of the Lord has arrived (2:2): (1) a major apostasy (i.e., a rejection or turning away from faith) and spiritual rebellion will occur (2:3), (2) God’s current restraint (i.e., holding back) against evil will be lifted (2:6-7) and (3) “the man of lawlessness” will be revealed (2:3-4, 8-12; see article on the Age of the Antichrist). Paul also sternly rebukes those in the church who are using the expectation of Christ’s return as an excuse for not working daily for a living. He challenges all believers to live diligent and disciplined lives (3:6-12).

Special Features
Three major features characterize this letter. (1) It contains one of the NT’s most detailed passages about unrestrained lawlessness and deception at the end of history (2:3-12). (2) God’s judgment that will accompany Christ’s second coming is described here in apocalyptic terms (i.e., warning of future disaster, devastation and judgment) similar to the book of Revelation (1:6-10; 2:8). (3) It uses terms for the end-time antichrist not found anywhere else in the Bible (2:3, 8).

Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.