Introduction to 2 Thessalonians (2)

Introduction:

When we open 2 Thessalonians, we find Paul writing to a church still learning what it means to live faithfully under pressure—political, cultural, and spiritual. The Thessalonian Christians faced persecution from all around them and confusion from within, especially concerning the return of Christ. Some had become fearful, thinking the “day of the Lord” had already come; others had become idle, abandoning their work and witness.

Yet Paul’s second letter is not a message of despair but of hope—hope grounded in the unstoppable advance of Christ’s kingdom. I believe we are to read this letter as part of God’s unfolding plan to bring all nations and people under the rule of Christ through the gospel. Paul writes to correct and to encourage misunderstanding about Christ’s coming, as we will read there are those who essentially have given up and have become idle. Paul’s call to the Christians are to persevere in faith, diligent labor, and confident expectation that Christ’s kingdom will triumph.

Recap of 1 Thessalonians:

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encouraged the church to stand firm in holiness and hope while waiting for Christ’s appearing. Reminding them of Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the resurrection of His people, and that the coming “day of the Lord” would bring both judgement and deliverance.

Family, Paul wrote to these Christians and subsequently us, to live in light of Christ’s victory through His death, burial, and resurrection. Paul never told the believer of Christ to withdraw from the world, but to walk properly:

1 Thessalonians 4:12 NKJV

12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Bearing witness through a distinct and disciplined life. The kingdom of God is being established through believers, and it is not collapsing; it is expanding through the gospel proclamation, holy living, and patient endurance. We are all called to work unto the Lord to glorify God through the great commission given to us:

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The Reading of 2 Thessalonians:

Now we turn to Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, a reminder Jesus Christ reigns now, and His righteous judgement will one day set all things right. Let us hear the Word of The Lord.

A quick reminder of why we are reading through whole books of Scripture: The early church did; what could be better than hearing the Word of God? and:

1 Thessalonians 5:27 NKJV

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

Chapter One Pastor Thomas

Chapter Two Karl Waak

Chapter Three Kent Hellman

Setting the Foundation for the book:

Paul writes not to discourage believers, at no point in the reading of Scripture should a Christian walk away with being discouraged. If that is the case, other than being convicted of sin or some failure on our part which would dishonor our Savior and God, we have read and exegeted Scripture incorrectly. Family, though persecution raged and false ideas spread throughout the early church, Christ was and still is enthroned, working His purpose through their and our faithfulness.

I believe 2 Thessalonians reminds us that history is moving toward the full manifestation of Christ’s rule and reign. Evil and deception may appear strong for a time, sure, but they will be exposed and overthrown by:

2 Thessalonians 2:8 NKJV

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

This letter grounds believers in hope which should inspire obedience and create optimistic Christians who who seek to spread the gospel throughout the World, through evangelism and discipleship, raising up ministry leader and being a sending out church.

Author and Title:

It seems there are more and more modern scholars who question whether this epistle (letter) was really written by Paul. However, we have the unanimous testimony of the early church fathers who support Paul’s authorship.

Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians bear the clear marks of Paul’s pastoral voice—rooted in theology (what we thinking about God), compassion (the love for the brethren and our neighbor), and concern for order tin the church.

Date:

Most likely penned from Corinth in A.D. 49–51, shortly after 1 Thessalonians was written.

Relationship to 1 Thessalonians:

There are those who believe this letter was written first before 1 Thessalonians, however this verse I believer rules that out:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Others have offered Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians for a Jewish group within the church. Or even perhaps to the Philippians; however, this is a stretch because of what is written in 2 Thessalonians 1:1

2 Thessalonians 1:1 NKJV

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

The early church consistently held that Paul wrote this second letter shortly after the first, in response to troubling news that some believers had grown idle and alarmed by false reports concerning the day of the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 NKJV

11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Theme:

The theme of the second coming of Jesus dominates 2 Thessalonians just as it dominated 1 Thessalonians. Jesus’ coming will be preceded by an “apostasy” (or rebellion) and by the revelation of the man of lawlessness, a antichrist. When Jesus comes, he will defeat all rebellious world rulers and bring justice to the oppressed believers, and wrath to unbelievers.

Key Themes:

God’s righteous judgement will be fully displayed at Christ’s return. Unbelievers will be condemned and believers will be saved.

Christians will share Christ’s glory.

The lawless one will deceive all those who have rejected the gospel, guaranteeing their condemnation upon Christ’s returns.

The gospel’s triumph is assured, giving us assurance that Christ will overthrow deception and darkness by His Word.

Christians must live disciplined, productive lives, reflecting God’s order and be faithful in all things.

Purpose, Occasion, and Background:

Paul wrote to comfort and correct this church. They were again enduring persecution and confusion. False teachers had claimed the day of the Lord had already come, and it unsettled their faith.

Paul reassures them:

Christ’s return is future and certain, not past or secret.

The present age belongs to Christ, who is subduing His enemies through the advancement of the gospel.

Believers are to remain steadfast and diligent, neither fearful nor idle, as they await the Christ’s return.

Family, it is important we at least grasp how this book fits within the larger redemptive arc of history—Christ rules and reigns now from heaven, extending His dominion, that original call of mankind, through His people until all nations bow before Him:

Psalm 110:1–3 NKJV

1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” 2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! 3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.

1 Corinthians 15:25 NKJV

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

Again family, this letter calls the church to patience, endurance, and faithful labor, trusting Christ to accomplish His will, purpose, and plan in us and through us.

Literary Features:

This letter follows the customary order of a NT letter. Beginning with a salutation and ending with a prayer and benediction. Between these two bookends is found the type of informal letter which goes through a series of topics in a way which present day letters often do.

There is the usual mixture of references to the writer’s relationship with the recipients and public information, and Christian doctrine and practical application.

Now in contrast to the warm one of the first epistle, 2 Thessalonians includes some rather blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and improper thinking.

Also this letter is noteworthy for Paul’s tough mindnesses in predicting judgment on the ungodly and rebuking church members who behave and think incorrectly.

2 Thessalonians also combines pastoral warmth with prophetic clarity. It follows a threefold structure:

Encouragement in affliction. (Chapter 1)

Correction of confusion. (Chapter 2)

Exhortation to disciplined living. (Chapter 3)

The letter moves from thanksgiving to theology to exhortation, showing how right doctrine fuels perseverance and productivity. Now the tone is firm yet incredibly hopeful, calling the church to live out the already—not yet reality of Christ’s kingdom.

vv. 1–2) The greeting:

[v.1] Paul, Silvanus, Timothy: Paul traveled with these men and together they contributed to this letter. Though Paul’s name is mentioned first, both Silvanus and Timothy were his trusted compatriots.

Silvanus (also known as Silas) was a long experience companion of Paul. He traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey and was imprisoned and set free with Paul in the Philippians jail (Acts 16:19–27). When Paul first came to Thessalonica, Silas came with him (Acts 17:1–9), so the Thessalonians knew Silvanus well. He also collaborated with Paul on the first epistle to the Thessalonians:

1 Thessalonians 1:1 NKJV

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Timothy was a resident of Lystra, a city in the province of Galatia (Acts 16:1–3). He was the son of a Greek father (Acts 16:1), and a Jewish mother named Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). From his youth, he had been taught in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Timothy was a trusted companion and associate of Paul, and he accompanied Paul on many of his missionary journeys. Paul even sent Timothy to the Thessalonians on a previous occasion (1 Thessalonians 3:2). With Silvanus, Timothy was also a collaborator on Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul himself founded the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. He was only in the city for a short time because he was forced out by the enemies of the gospel. However, this church left behind was very much alive and active.

Paul’s deep concern for this young church, which he had to live suddenly, prompted this letter—shortly following the letter of 1 Thessalonians.

Family what this should teach us is the simply truth that ministers should always remain faithful to their churches. Also, there are going to be times when ministers need to give special attention to their flock, special times when the flock of God needs to be strongly encouraged and exhorted to hold fast to Jesus Christ.

This church was facing one of those times.

The church was savagely attacked and persecuted by both the world and the religionists. They were being:

Ridiculed

Mocked

Cursed

Ostracized

Threatened

Rejected

There a high likelihood some within the church had been physically attacked, beaten, and even martyred for their faith in Christ:

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NKJV

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

What ever the case, the point is this: the believers desperately needed the help of their pastor; they needed encouragement and comfort.

The church was confused about the return of the Lord and the great day of the Lord, and about the glorious and terrifying day of God’s wrath.

Apparently some had begun to feel and experience tribulation. And thought the terrible time of trouble had come upon the earth and that the tribulation had already begun. Some felt this because of the savage persecution they were suffering.

There were other matters concerning the second coming which were misunderstood as well. In fact, there was great confusion in the church about the Lord’s return.

I will address this in a later passage. For now, the point to grasp is to see how confused the believers were over the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. They needed the help of their pastors; and needed to be taught the truth about the coming of the Christ.

Family when special needs arise among believers, the leadership of a church should give special attention to the flock of God.

It is a very special duty of the pastors and elders to comfort and encourage the people, God gives them charge over, when they:

Suffering persecution

Need to be taught

Suffer disease or accidents

Face death

Need correction

Need reproof

Need counsel

This list could go on and on, but the point is clear. The pastors must give special attention and help to the people when they face special needs. A church can be a model church only if its pastors are faithful—especially faithful when its people are facing trying times:

Acts 20:35 NKJV

35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Romans 15:1 NKJV

1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Hebrews 13:3 NKJV

3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

James 1:27 NKJV

27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

For our church to be a model church, we must be believers who have a firm foundation in God and Christ.

Jesus Christ, in Scripture, is equal with God the Father. God is acknowledged as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the distinctive belief upon which the church is built.

We believe, what Christians have always believed:

John 3:16 NKJV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

We believe God the Father sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, into the world to save us from perishing and to give us eternal life.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord sent from heaven, that He is God, the eternal Son embodied in human flesh and sent to earth by God the Father.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is Jesus the Carpenter from nazareth, born of a virgin.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the Messiah (which is the Hebrew for Christ), the Anointed one, who had been promised from the very beginning of history.

Matthew 16:15–18 NKJV

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,       creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,       who was conceived by the Holy Spirit       and born of the virgin Mary.       He suffered under Pontius Pilate,       was crucified, died, and was buried;       he descended to hell.       The third day he rose again from the dead.       He ascended to heaven       and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.       From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,       the holy catholic* church,       the communion of saints,       the forgiveness of sins,       the resurrection of the body,       and the life everlasting. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

Nicene Creed:

We believe in one God,       the Father almighty,       maker of heaven and earth,       of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,       the only Son of God,       begotten from the Father before all ages,            God from God,            Light from Light,            true God from true God,       begotten, not made;       of the same essence as the Father.       Through him all things were made.       For us and for our salvation            he came down from heaven;            he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,            and was made human.            He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;            he suffered and was buried.            The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.            He ascended to heaven            and is seated at the right hand of the Father.            He will come again with glory            to judge the living and the dead.            His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,       the Lord, the giver of life.       He proceeds from the Father and the Son,       and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.       He spoke through the prophets.       We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.       We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.       We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,       and to life in the world to come. Amen.

Athanasian Creed:

Whoever desires to be saved should above all hold to the catholic faith.

Anyone who does not keep it whole and unbroken will doubtless perish eternally.

Now this is the catholic faith:

    That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity,     neither blending their persons     nor dividing their essence.         For the person of the Father is a distinct person,         the person of the Son is another,         and that of the Holy Spirit still another.         But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one,         their glory equal, their majesty coeternal.

    What quality the Father has, the Son has, and the Holy Spirit has.         The Father is uncreated,         the Son is uncreated,         the Holy Spirit is uncreated.

        The Father is immeasurable,         the Son is immeasurable,         the Holy Spirit is immeasurable.

        The Father is eternal,         the Son is eternal,         the Holy Spirit is eternal.

            And yet there are not three eternal beings;             there is but one eternal being.             So too there are not three uncreated or immeasurable beings;             there is but one uncreated and immeasurable being.

    Similarly, the Father is almighty,         the Son is almighty,         the Holy Spirit is almighty.             Yet there are not three almighty beings;             there is but one almighty being.

        Thus the Father is God,         the Son is God,         the Holy Spirit is God.             Yet there are not three gods;             there is but one God.

        Thus the Father is Lord,         the Son is Lord,         the Holy Spirit is Lord.             Yet there are not three lords;             there is but one Lord.

    Just as Christian truth compels us     to confess each person individually     as both God and Lord,     so catholic religion forbids us     to say that there are three gods or lords.

    The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten from anyone.     The Son was neither made nor created;     he was begotten from the Father alone.     The Holy Spirit was neither made nor created nor begotten;     he proceeds from the Father and the Son.

    Accordingly there is one Father, not three fathers;     there is one Son, not three sons;     there is one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits.

    Nothing in this trinity is before or after,     nothing is greater or smaller;     in their entirety the three persons     are coeternal and coequal with each other.

    So in everything, as was said earlier,     we must worship their trinity in their unity     and their unity in their trinity.

Anyone then who desires to be saved should think thus about the trinity.

But it is necessary for eternal salvation that one also believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully.

Now this is the true faith:

    That we believe and confess     that our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son,     is both God and human, equally.

     He is God from the essence of the Father,     begotten before time;     and he is human from the essence of his mother,     born in time;     completely God, completely human,     with a rational soul and human flesh;     equal to the Father as regards divinity,     less than the Father as regards humanity.

    Although he is God and human,     yet Christ is not two, but one.     He is one, however,     not by his divinity being turned into flesh,     but by God's taking humanity to himself.     He is one,     certainly not by the blending of his essence,     but by the unity of his person.     For just as one human is both rational soul and flesh,     so too the one Christ is both God and human.

    He suffered for our salvation;     he descended to hell;     he arose from the dead;     he ascended to heaven;     he is seated at the Father's right hand;     from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.     At his coming all people will arise bodily     and give an accounting of their own deeds.     Those who have done good will enter eternal life,     and those who have done evil will enter eternal fire.

This is the catholic faith: one cannot be saved without believing it firmly and faithfully.

Verse 2: grace and peace

Paul brought his customary greeting to the Thessalonians Christians, hailing them in the grace and peace of God the Father.

The greek makes it super clear and plain that the Father and the Son or Christ are one source. It is a remarkable because even at this early date of the letter the Son is placed side by side with the Father as the fount of divine grace.

Grace (charis) means the undeserved favor and blessings of God.

Peace (eirene) means to be bound, joined, and woven together. It really means to be assured, confident, and secure in the love and care of God. It means to sense and know that God will:

guide

provide

strengthen

sustain

deliver

encourage

empower

bless

But again, note that peace comes only from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Charge:

Family, the great message of 2 Thessalonians is not one of retreat but of reign. I do not believe Christ is waiting to rule—He rules now. The same Jesus who ascended now reigns until all His enemies are placed beneath His feet. ever act of faithfulness, every prayer, every proclamation of the gospel, every work done in His name is part of His triumph.

Our calling is not to despair at darkness but to shine as lights in it. Not to withdraw from the world, but to work while it is still day. Through the gospel, through godly families, through faithful churches, through truth lived out in love, we advance the kingdom.

So do not grow weary in doing good. Do not become idle in your waiting. Christ is wanting to use you for His glory.

Family, as we begin this study through 2 Thessalonians, I charge you:

Stand firm in the truth of Christ’s lordship.

Work diligently for His kingdom.

Live expectantly.

Speak the gospel boldly.

So rise up, church, in grace and peace, and live as citizens of this wonderful kingdom, to the glory of God the Father.

All of Christ for all of life.

Numbers 6:24–26 KJV 1900

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.