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 1:11-12Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.