2 Thessalonians

About 2 Thessalonians

Second Thessalonians answers a rumor that had shaken the young church: the claim that the day of the Lord had already arrived. Paul explains that certain things must happen first, assures the persecuted believers that God's justice is sure, and tells those who had quit working to get back to quiet, faithful labor. The letter teaches Christians how to wait for Christ, standing firm without either panic or idleness.

Written by

The letter names Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, and the church has traditionally accepted Paul's authorship, though some modern scholars question it.

When

If by Paul, it was written around AD 51-52, not long after 1 Thessalonians.

Themes

• The day of the Lord
• Standing firm under persecution
• God's sure justice
• Faithful everyday work

Key verses

• 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.