2 Thessalonians — Introduction & Outline

Paul identifies himself as the author of this epistle in 1:1 and 3:17. The testimony of the early church fathers is earlier and stronger for Paul than in the case of 1 Thessalonians. The vocabulary, style, and theology of the epistle also bear Paul's imprint. When compared to the first epistle, it is evident both are from the same author. They contain similar prayers (2:16-17; 3:16 and 1 Thess. 3:11-13; 5:23), thanksgiving (1:3 and 1 Thess. 1:2-3) and transitions (3:1 and 1 Thess. 4:1). A few higher critics have objected that the eschatology of 2:1-12 could not be Paul's because it contradicts 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. But not only was this theology accepted very early as Paul's, it can easily be shown to address a different phase of Christ's coming. In the former epistle, Christ comes in the air, in the latter, it is to earth; the former is reason for comfort in the church, the latter speaks of judgment on the world. Therefore, no good reason exists to reject Pauline authorship.

Only a few months seem to pass since the writing of 1 Thessalonians. There is still persecution in Thessalonica (1:4), and the problem of idleness has developed far enough for stronger words (3:6-15; Cf. 1 Thess. 4:11-12). From 1:1 it is probable that Paul is still in Corinth with Timothy and Silas since there is no indication in Scripture that the three were together any time after Corinth (Cf. Acts 18:5). Thus the letter was written about A.D. 51 from Corinth.

From the similarity in circumstances and the continuity of subject matter with 1 Thessalonians (see preceding and following discussions), it is clear the second letter had the same readers as the first, that is, the church at Thessalonica.

It is not known how Paul received the additional information about the situation in Thessalonica that caused him to pen another letter. Perhaps it came by the messenger who delivered the first letter. In any case, Paul was given good news and bad news. The good news concerned the growing faith of the church in the face of persecution. This brought Paul's commendation (1:3-4). The bad news reported that false teaching about the Lord's return was upsetting people. Some were saying the Lord's return had already happened (2:2). As a consequence, some people were refusing to work in belief the end had come (3:6-15; Cf. 1 Thess. 4:11-12). Paul wrote in response to the news of these problems and also took the occasion to commend the church.

The major purpose for Paul's letter was to correct two related problems in the Thessalonian church. The first was a misunderstanding about the day of the Lord, which some claimed had already come (2:1-2). Perhaps the claim was made because the church was undergoing persecution. Paul argues that two key events must precede the day of the Lord: the final apostasy and the revelation of the man of sin (2:3-12). The second related purpose was to correct disorderliness in the church which was most likely caused by the conclusion that work was unnecessary if it really was the time of the Lord's coming. Paul gives instructions about dealing with idle Christians (3:6-16). The third purpose was simply to commend and encourage the Thessalonians in their steadfast faith amid the Jewish persecution (1:3-4).

The letter proceeds simply and deliberately to address one purpose after another.

Chapter 1 is the encouragement for their faith; chapter 2 the explanation of the day of the Lord; and chapter 3 the exhortation concerning those who are idle.

Paul wants to encourage the Thessalonians in their afflictions at the hands of the Jews (1:3-12). They have endured this trouble from the time he was among them (Acts 17:1-10). He is exceedingly thankful for their faith and good testimony in spite of their persecutions (1:3-4).

Paul then encourages them with the assurance that Christ will return in judgment on His enemies (1:5-10). The revelation of God's judgment at Christ's coming will render justice for the persecutors and those who are persecuted (1:6-8). Unbelievers will receive a severe penalty of fiery vengeance and destruction (1:8-9), while believers will share in Christ's glory (1:10). On this basis, Paul prays for God's power to sustain them so that their testimony may continue to glorify Christ (1:11-12).

Paul's shift in subjects is marked by the words "Now . . . concerning" (2:1). His next purpose is to explain the timing of the day of the Lord (2:1-17). He reminds them about the coming of Christ previously explained in 1 Thessalonians (4:13-5:11) and calms their fears that they have somehow missed their deliverance from God's wrath in the day of the Lord (2:1-2).

Two preliminary events were necessary before God's day of wrath. First, there must come "the falling away", or the apostasy of the church. Second, the man of sin must be revealed (2:3).

Paul goes into detail about the man of sin so as to make his identity unmistakable (2:4-12). He will exalt himself against God (2:4-5) and be revealed only after "He who now restrains" is taken out of the way (2:6-8). This must be a reference to the powerful Holy Spirit Who indwells the church and is removed at the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The man of sin will be characterized further by satanic power and deception (2:9-12). The description of the man of sin is thorough enough that the Thessalonians will have no false conclusions about his appearing.

Based on this correct understanding of the timing of the day of the Lord, Paul is now able to comfort the church (2:13-17). He thanks God for them, because from the beginning God chose them to experience "salvation", or deliverance, and to obtain glory, not wrath (2:13-14).

Therefore, they should stand fast in this truth as they have been taught (2:15). Paul closes this section with a prayer for their comfort and continuation in good works (2:16-17).

Paul's third purpose has to do with the Thessalonians' Christian duty (3:1-15). The section begins with a request for their prayers for the free spread of the gospel and deliverance from the wicked men who oppose him in Corinth (Cf. Acts 18:6,12). He then expresses his confidence in their obedience and progress in the Christian life (3:3-5). Perhaps the expression of confidence was meant to prepare them for the strong instructions regarding the disorderly (3:6-15). These may have been affected by the false teaching that the Lord's coming was upon them so that they refused to work. Their idleness was causing problems in the church. To correct the situation, Paul commands the church to withdraw from every disorderly brother (3:6).

He then reminds them of his own example; how he worked for his food while with them (3:7-9). His command is the same now as then: If anyone does not work, he shall not eat (3:10-12). To those who will obey, Paul concludes with an exhortation to persist in doing good and to lovingly discipline the disorderly offenders (3:13-15). His final prayer is a request for peace in their situation; appropriate in view of their problems (3:16).

This brief but pointed letter confirms the enthusiasm Paul had for the church in Thessalonica. His concern finds expression in encouraging words and correcting words concerning doctrine and behavior. Paul's tone appears confident that they will resolve both conflicts and continue with a good testimony of faith in Christ.

1. The Introduction

   1. The authors 1:1a
   2. The readers 1:1b
   3. The greeting 1:2
2. Paul's Encouragement in Their Affliction 1:3-12

   1. He gives thanks for their faith and love. 1:3-4

      1. The reasons for his thanks 1:3
      2. The effect of their faith in affliction 1:4
   2. He encourages them with Christ's return. 1:5-10

      1. The evidence of God's righteous judgment 1:5
      2. The revelation of God's righteous judgment 1:6-8
      1. In just retribution at His coming 1:6-7
      1. For those who persecute 1:6
      2. For those who are persecuted 1:7
      2. In vengeance upon unbelievers 1:8
      3. The consequence of God's righteous judgment 1:9-10
      1. Eternal destruction for unbelievers 1:9
      2. The glorification of Christ 1:10
   3. He prays for them in their affliction. 1:11-12

      1. For the outworking of God's power in them 1:11
      2. For Christ to be glorified in them 1:12
3. Paul's Explanation about the Day of the Lord 2:1-17

   1. The appeal for calmness about the day of the Lord 2:1-2
   2. The instruction about the order of events 2:3
   3. The instruction about the man of sin 2:4-12

      1. He will exalt himself above God. 2:4-5

         1. The teaching about his exaltation 2:4
         2. The reminder about this teaching 2:5
      2. He will be revealed when the restrainer is removed. 2:6-8

         1. Their knowledge of the restrainer 2:6
         2. The work of the restrainer 2:7
         3. The revelation and destruction of the lawless one 2:8
      3. He will come in power and deception. 2:9-12

         1. His satanic power 2:9
         2. His deception of unbelievers 2:10
         3. God's delusion upon unbelievers 2:11-12
   4. The comfort for believers in view of the day of the Lord 2:13-17

      1. Paul thanks God for them. 2:13-14
      1. Because God chose them 2:13
      2. Because God called them 2:14
      2. Paul exhorts them to steadfastness. 2:15
      3. Paul prays for their comfort and stability. 2:16-17
4. Paul's Exhortations to Christian Duty 3:1-15

   1. He requests their prayers. 3:1-2

      1. For the freedom of the gospel 3:1
      2. For deliverance from wicked men 3:2
   2. He expresses confidence in their progress. 3:3-5

      1. The reasons for his confidence 3:3-4
      1. God's faithfulness in keeping them 3:3
      2. The expectation of their obedience 3:4
      2. The prayer for their spiritual progress 3:5
   3. He instructs them about the disorderly. 3:6-15

      1. The command to withdraw from the disorderly 3:6
      2. The example behind the command 3:7-9
      1. Paul's orderly labor among them 3:7-8
      2. Paul's purpose in setting an example 3:9
      3. The correction of the disorderly 3:10-12
      1. Paul's previous command about working and eating 3:10
      2. Paul's information about the disorderly 3:11
      3. Paul's command to the disorderly 3:12
      4. The exhortation to those obeying Paul's commands 3:13-15
      1. To continue in doing good 3:13
      2. To discipline the disorderly person 3:14-15
      1. The action toward him 3:14
      2. The attitude toward him 3:15
5. The Conclusion

   1. Paul's prayer for their peace 3:16
   2. Paul's authentication by his handwriting 3:17
   3. Paul's benediction 3:18