December 9, 2025

Jesus will come back!

2 Thessalonians 1-3

Sarah-Hope Nail
Tuesday's Devo

December 9, 2025

Tuesday's Devo

December 9, 2025

Tuesday's Devo

December 9, 2025

Tuesday's Devo

December 9, 2025

Big Book Idea

One day Christ will be back, so until then keep moving forward in a life that's honoring to him.

Key Verse | 2 Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

2 Thessalonians 1-3

Chapter 1

Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, 1 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

The Judgment at Christ's Coming

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from 2 1:9 Or destruction that comes from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2

The Man of Lawlessness

1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 3 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 15 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness 4 2:3 Some manuscripts sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 5 2:3 Greek the son of perdition (a Hebrew idiom) 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits 6 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Chapter 3

Pray for Us

1 Finally, brothers, 7 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 6, 13 pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, 8 3:1 Or glorified as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 9 3:3 Or evil 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 10 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread

13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Footnotes

[1] 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
[2] 1:9 Or destruction that comes from
[3] 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 15
[4] 2:3 Some manuscripts sin
[5] 2:3 Greek the son of perdition (a Hebrew idiom)
[6] 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning
[7] 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 6, 13
[8] 3:1 Or glorified
[9] 3:3 Or evil
[10] 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread
Table of Contents
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Timeline

Author, Date, and Recipients

Shortly after writing 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul received a report (2 Thess. 3:11) that the Thessalonian church had accepted the strange claim that “the day of the Lord has come” (2:1–2). Paul sent them a second letter in A.D. 49–51. He was probably in Corinth at the time.

Theme

The letter’s main theme is Jesus’ second coming. Jesus’ return will be preceded by an “apostasy” (or rebellion) and by the appearance of the “man of lawlessness,” the Antichrist (2:3). When Jesus comes, he will defeat this rebellious world ruler (2:8). He will bring justice to oppressed Christians and wrath to unbelievers (1:5–10; 2:9–15).

Purpose, Occasion, and Background

Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians (1) to reassure those terrified that the day of the Lord had already come (2:1–3:5); (2) to strengthen the Thessalonians in the face of continuing persecution (1:3–12); and (3) to deal with the problem of some of the church members refusing to earn their own living (3:6–15).

Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knew that the second coming of Jesus Christ would occur at the same time as the coming of the “day of the Lord.” Yet the Thessalonians may simply have fallen victim to a belief that the day of the Lord had already come. The persecution they were undergoing may have fueled their confusion about the end times.

Some of the Thessalonians may have stopped working to await and proclaim the second coming. More likely, lazy Christians may have been exploiting the generosity of wealthier Christians in order to avoid work.

In contrast to the warm emotional tone of 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians includes some blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and bad thinking. Further, this letter is noteworthy for Paul’s tough-mindedness in predicting judgment on the ungodly and in rebuking church members who behave and think incorrectly. Still, there is a regular swing back and forth between reproof and warm encouragement.

Key Themes

  1. God’s righteous judgment will be completed when Jesus returns. Unbelievers will be condemned and believers will be saved (1:5–10; 2:9–14).
  2. Christians will share Christ’s glory (1:10, 12; 2:14).
  3. Jesus will return after the “man of lawlessness” appears and humanity rebels for a final time (2:3–4, 9–12).
  4. The man of lawlessness will deceive all those who have rejected the gospel. Jesus will judge them when he returns (2:3, 6–12).
  5. Christians must not take advantage of the charity of fellow Christians (3:6–15).

Outline

  1. Opening (1:1–2)
  2. Thanksgiving and Comfort for the Persecuted Thessalonians (1:3–12)
  3. Disproving the False Claim about the Day of the Lord (2:1–17)
  4. Transition (3:1–5)
  5. The Problem of Lazy Christians (3:6–15)
  6. Conclusion (3:16–18)
The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians

The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians

The global message of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is that amid suffering, believers must remember the sovereign grace that has rescued them in Jesus Christ. Everything in 2 Thessalonians contributes to these twin themes of endurance through suffering and the eternal scope of divine grace.

Second Thessalonians and Redemptive History

Second Thessalonians does not contain any explicit quotations from the Old Testament. Yet, as is true of all Paul’s letters, it uses Old Testament language and themes throughout. Even such common New Testament words as “grace,” “peace,” and “Christ” cannot be properly understood apart from the Old Testament. Ideas such as “the righteous judgment of God” (2 Thess. 1:5), “the kingdom of God” (1:5), and “the firstfruits” (2:13) also have their roots in the Old Testament.

As is the case with all New Testament books, 2 Thessalonians reflects on who Christ is and how his coming has affected human history (2 Thess. 1:5–7; 2:1–2, 13). Paul directs his readers to the future and to the past, reminding them of how these two time-horizons affect the present.

The future. As was true of 1 Thessalonians, the second coming of Christ is of particular importance in 2 Thessalonians. Again Paul is lifting his readers’ eyes to the future horizon when their present suffering will come to an end. God will “grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven” (2 Thess. 1:7). Jesus will be worshiped and praised in that day, and his enemies will suffer the horrific fate of righteous condemnation before God (1:5–12).

The past. Yet as in 1 Thessalonians, it is not only the future that is in view. Paul directs his readers also to eternity past. He reminds them that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved” (2 Thess. 2:13). God’s steadfast love for his people stretches back to even before the dawn of time (see also Eph. 1:4–5, 11). We therefore have “eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2 Thess. 2:16).

The present. All of this affects the way believers live in the present. If we have been chosen by undeserved grace, and if we are destined to be vindicated gloriously when Jesus comes again, then we are strengthened to endure adversity (2 Thess. 1:4). We stand fast against the Evil One (2:15; 3:3). We persist in well-doing (1:11; 3:13).

Universal Themes in 2 Thessalonians

Justice at Christ’s return. As in his previous letter to the Thessalonians, Paul speaks throughout this letter of the second coming of Jesus. In 2 Thessalonians, however, the focus is specifically on the judgment of God’s enemies that will take place on that day. This emphasis is perhaps because of the persecution the Thessalonian believers were experiencing (2 Thess. 1:4–5; note also Acts 17:1–9). Paul says therefore that Jesus will appear “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction” (2 Thess. 1:8–9). This cosmic judgment will extend to every corner of creation, including all people groups and tribes who have not bowed the knee to Jesus Christ.

Opposition to Christ. The Old Testament predicted final opposition to God and God’s people, and in chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians Paul indicates that this opposition has already begun (2 Thess. 2:1–12; and note 2:3–4, with reference to Dan. 11:31, 36). “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thess. 2:7). Believers around the world face a fierce enemy, Satan himself (2:9). Satan stirs up unbelievers to join him in his hostility toward us. Even the work of Satan, however, is ultimately under the sovereign hand of God (2:11; see also Job 1:21–22; 2:10; Acts 2:23). Amid such hostility believers are called to “stand firm and hold to the traditions” that have been handed down to them through the Bible and those who faithfully teach it (2 Thess. 2:15).

Warning against laziness. The third chapter of 2 Thessalonians contains many exhortations but the central theme is that of working diligently for the Lord. Paul says he has heard that some of the Thessalonians are proving slack in their efforts (2 Thess. 3:11). Perhaps this was because of mistaken understandings about the timing of the day of the Lord (2:1–2). The Thessalonians are commanded to stay away from those who are idle (3:6). Instead, they should imitate the intense efforts of Paul and his companions (3:7–8). Paul’s exhortations land with force on the global church today as there is much need that we “not grow weary in doing good” (3:13) in light of the staggering needs around the world. One thinks not only of the fundamental need for all people everywhere to hear the good news of the gospel, but also of all kinds of earthly needs, such as basic human rights and the kind of legislation that supports such rights.

The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians for Today

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians delivers strong medicine for the global church today. Never before in world history has the church been as widely persecuted for its faith in Christ. When Paul speaks to the Thessalonians of “the afflictions that you are enduring” (2 Thess. 1:4), he is describing an experience familiar to many Christians around the world today. Even where persecution is not carried out publicly or systemically, it is the universal experience of faithful believers, as Jesus said, that “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matt. 10:22).

Yet whatever kind of hostility Christians are enduring, the great promises of the gospel of grace hold true and provide solid footing. God has chosen us through a definitive act of cleansing by the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13). He has summoned us to himself through the gospel, leading us ultimately into the very glory of Jesus himself (2:14). God “loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2:16).

As believers around the world find themselves embroiled in conflict due to their faith, whether locally or all the way up to nationally, we can take heart at the great promises of the gospel. In the midst of battles for human rights, the sanctity of life, human dignity, and for ending the many deplorable modern-day forms of slavery, we press on with hope. For although “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” and “the activity of Satan” seems overwhelming, “Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing” the hostile forces of hell that spur on the earthly evils we see all around us (2 Thess. 2:7–9).

2 Thessalonians Fact #3: Tough love

Fact: Tough love

Tough love. In contrast to the warm and joyful tone of 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians includes some blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and bad thinking within the church. Some, for instance, were refusing to work for a living (3:6–15).

2 Thessalonians Fact #1: Why were Christians being persecuted?

Fact: Why were Christians being persecuted?

Why were Christians being persecuted? The fact that Christians worshiped only one God excluded them from participation in community gatherings, which often focused on other gods. The church’s custom of meeting secretly also raised suspicions of disloyalty to the Roman Empire.

2 Thessalonians Fact #2: Sanctification

Fact: Sanctification

Sanctification (2:13) refers to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, whereby the person becomes increasingly more like Christ. This ongoing process continues until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven (glorification).

Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul

Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul

A.D. 5–10? Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus
15–20? Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6)
30/33? Death, resurrection of Christ
31–34 Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6)
33/34* Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16)
33/34–36/37 Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33)
36/37* Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21)
37–45 Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?)
44–47* Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10)
46–47 First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years?
48* With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians
48–49* Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41)
48/49–51* Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years?
49 Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9])
49–51* Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians
51 Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22)
52–57* Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years?
52 Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23)
52–55 Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16)
55–56* Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians
57* Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36)
57–59 Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27)
60* Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome
62* Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
62–67 Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred

* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or

The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.

1 Cor. 16:21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
2 Cor. 10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you
Gal. 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you
Gal. 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand
Eph. 3:1 I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus
Col. 1:23 of which I, Paul, became a minister
Col. 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
1 Thess. 2:18 we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again
2 Thess. 2:2 not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us
2 Thess. 3:17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write
Philem. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand
The Epistles

The Epistles

Book Author Date Recipients Place of Writing
James James 40–45 Jewish Christians in or near Palestine Jerusalem?
Galatians Paul 48 South Galatian churches Syrian Antioch
1 Thessalonians Paul 49–51 Church in Thessalonica Corinth
2 Thessalonians Paul 49–51 Church in Thessalonica Corinth
1 Corinthians Paul 53–55 Church in Corinth Ephesus
2 Corinthians Paul 55–56 Church in Corinth Macedonia
Romans Paul 57 Church in Rome Corinth
Philippians Paul 62 Church in Philippi Rome
Colossians Paul 62 Church in Colossae Rome
Philemon Paul 62 Philemon Rome
Ephesians Paul 62 Churches in Asia Minor (circular letter?) Rome
1 Timothy Paul 62–64 Timothy Macedonia?
Titus Paul 62–64 Titus Nicopolis
1 Peter Peter 62–63 Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor Rome
2 Peter Peter 64–67 Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor? Rome
2 Timothy Paul 64–67 Timothy Rome
Jude Jude Mid–60s Jewish Christians in Egypt? Asia Minor? Antioch? Unknown
Hebrews Unknown 60–70 Jewish Christians in Rome or in or near Palestine Unknown
1 John John 85–95 Churches near Ephesus? Ephesus
2 John John 85–95 Church or churches near Ephesus Ephesus
3 John John 85–95 Gaius Ephesus
Imitating Paul as Paul Imitates Christ

Imitating Paul as Paul Imitates Christ

1 Cor. 4:15–17 I became your father in Christ Jesus . . . be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ.
1 Cor. 10:32–11:1 Give no offense . . . just as I try to please everyone in everything . . . Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Phil. 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Phil. 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things.
2 Thess. 3:7–9 You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us . . . but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
2 Tim. 3:10–11 You . . . have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings.
Study Notes
2 Thessalonians Fact #1: Why were Christians being persecuted?

Fact: Why were Christians being persecuted?

Why were Christians being persecuted? The fact that Christians worshiped only one God excluded them from participation in community gatherings, which often focused on other gods. The church’s custom of meeting secretly also raised suspicions of disloyalty to the Roman Empire.

Study Notes

1:1–2 Opening. See note on 1 Thess. 1:1. All three missionaries are still together, so 2 Thessalonians was probably written soon after 1 Thessalonians.

Study Notes

1:3 ought . . . as is right. Paul gives thanks to God for the Thessalonians’ increasing faith and love (compare 1 Thess. 3:6). The fact that their love for one another is increasing is an answer to Paul’s prayer in 1 Thess. 3:12.

Study Notes

1:5 The Thessalonians’ endurance and faith under persecution show evidence of the righteous judgment of God. God is giving them the grace to endure. He is clearly on their side and is working to make them worthy for entrance into the kingdom of God. Compare Phil. 1:28, where the Philippian Christians’ fearless perseverance during persecution is a proof that they will be saved and their enemies destroyed when Jesus returns.

Study Notes

1:6–7a God judges fairly. Those now causing trouble for the Thessalonian Christians will be afflicted. The believers will get relief at the second coming.

1:7b when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (see 1 Thess. 4:16–17). Jesus is called “Lord.” This identifies him as Yahweh, who carries out final judgment (see Isaiah 64; 66).

Study Notes

1:8 in flaming fire. See Isa. 66:15–16.

Study Notes

1:9 eternal destruction. Unbelievers will not simply cease to exist. See Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9–11.

Study Notes

1:10 when he comes. The punishment of unbelievers and the reward of believers both occur on the day of the Lord (that day). This is the day when Jesus comes to save his people. Confusion over the timing of the day of the Lord is a major problem in Thessalonica (2:2). Paul’s description of the day in 1:7b–10 was intended to solve the problem. glorified in his saints. By saving his people from sin; Jesus’ glory will be seen in them (see Rom. 8:17–18, 30). Saints are “holy ones.” our testimony to you. God’s saving act in Christ.

Study Notes

1:11 To this end. That is, in view of vv. 5–10. make you worthy. Building on v. 5, Paul now prays that the Thessalonians may be made worthy of this calling (see 1 Thess. 2:12). work of faith. Work inspired by faith.

Study Notes

1:3–12 Thanksgiving and Comfort for the Persecuted Thes­salonians. In Greek, vv. 3–10 are one long sentence expressing Paul’s gratefulness and words of encouragement.

Study Notes

2:2 The Thessalonians were shaken and alarmed by the false claim that the day of the Lord had already come. Paul did not know the source of the confusion, but he suggests a number of possibilities: a spirit. An alleged prophetic word. a spoken word. A teaching or a sermon. a letter seeming to be from us. Paul seems to have suspected that a letter forged in his name was circulating (see 3:17). the day of the Lord. See notes on Amos 5:18–20; 1 Thess. 5:2–3. Paul seems to teach here, as elsewhere (1 Cor. 1:8; Phil. 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:1–4; 2 Thess. 1:7–10), that the day of the Lord and Christ’s second coming occur at the same time. They are parts of one event.

See chart See chart
The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.

1 Cor. 16:21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
2 Cor. 10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you
Gal. 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you
Gal. 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand
Eph. 3:1 I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus
Col. 1:23 of which I, Paul, became a minister
Col. 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
1 Thess. 2:18 we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again
2 Thess. 2:2 not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us
2 Thess. 3:17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write
Philem. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand
Study Notes

2:3 Two events will come before the day of the Lord. Neither has happened yet. The first event is the rebellion. In light of vv. 9–12, Paul probably is describing a rebellion of all humanity against God. the man of lawlessness is revealed. The person in this second event is elsewhere called the “antichrist” (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). He will oppose God. He is the son of destruction. He will be defeated and destroyed when Jesus returns (2 Thess. 2:8).

Study Notes

2:4 Paul draws on Dan. 11:36–37 when he writes that the lawless one opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship. The Antichrist will insist that he alone is God. His actions will be like those of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (see Dan. 11:31–35 and notes). The context seems to indicate a concrete and observable act of defiance against God. The temple of God has been variously interpreted as the church, the heavenly temple, and the Jerusalem temple.

Study Notes

2:5–7 The man of lawlessness cannot be unveiled while what is restraining him now is at work. Paul refers also to he who now restrains. Scholarly theories on the identity of this restrainer include the Roman Empire/emperor, the Holy Spirit, and the archangel Michael. The restrainer makes sure that the man of lawlessness is revealed in his time, and not before (see v. 3).

Study Notes

2:8 the breath of his mouth (compare Isa. 11:4). Jesus will easily destroy the Antichrist.

Study Notes

2:9–10 those who are perishing. Those who have not believed the gospel.

Study Notes

2:11–12 God sends them a strong delusion. As part of his righteous judgment, God lets unbelievers follow the Antichrist (believe what is false).

Study Notes

2:13 beloved by the Lord. . . . God chose you. See note on 1 Thess. 1:4. This may echo Deut. 26:18, which refers to God’s choice of Israel. as the firstfruits. Like the first harvested fruit or grain, the Thessalonians are set apart for God’s use (see Lev. 23:10–11). Christians are divinely elected to be saved. Note the involvement of each person of the Trinity: the Father elects, the Son loves, and the Holy Spirit makes holy.

2 Thessalonians Fact #2: Sanctification

Fact: Sanctification

Sanctification (2:13) refers to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, whereby the person becomes increasingly more like Christ. This ongoing process continues until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven (glorification).

Study Notes

2:14 this. That is, salvation (v. 13). obtain the glory. See 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:9.

Study Notes

2:15 Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions that were communicated to them by our spoken word during his ministry among them and by 1 Thessalonians (our letter).

Study Notes

2:1–17 Disproving the False Claim about the Day of the Lord. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord has not come. In 1 Thess. 5:1–11 he responded to a question from the community about the timing of the day of the Lord. He has now heard that some of them have believed the false idea that the day of the Lord has already arrived (2 Thess. 2:1–2). Paul states that before that day comes, a final rebellion and the appearance of the “man of lawlessness” must occur (vv. 3–12). Then he reassures the Thessalonians that they are destined for glory (vv. 13–14). Finally, he calls on them to hold firmly to the traditions he passed on to them (v. 15). He concludes with prayer (vv. 16–17).

Study Notes

3:1–2 Paul asks them to pray that the word of the Lord (the gospel) would speed ahead (progress) and be honored (by people accepting its truth).

Study Notes

3:3–4 guard you against the evil one. Satan has been trying to destroy the Thessalonians’ young faith. But God’s faithfulness assures Paul that the Evil One will not succeed.

Study Notes

3:1–5 Transition. Paul requests prayer for his work, reassures them of God’s faithfulness, and closes by praying for them.

3:5 the steadfastness of Christ. Either Christ’s endurance as a model for Christians or the perseverance Christ gives to believers.

Study Notes

3:6 Paul tells the Thessalonians to discipline those who refuse to work and depend on others to support them. They are to keep away from these people, which probably means removing them from the church. However, Paul still regards them as “brothers” (v. 15). This behavior was not in accord with the tradition passed on by the missionaries regarding the necessity of working for a living.

Study Notes

3:8–9 eat anyone’s bread without paying for it. Paul refused to depend on others for his living. He took on manual labor in addition to his ministry commitments to avoid being a financial burden to the Thessalonians. He did so even though he had the God-given right to be supported (see 1 Cor. 9:3–15; 1 Thess. 2:9).

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Imitating Paul as Paul Imitates Christ

Imitating Paul as Paul Imitates Christ

1 Cor. 4:15–17 I became your father in Christ Jesus . . . be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ.
1 Cor. 10:32–11:1 Give no offense . . . just as I try to please everyone in everything . . . Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Phil. 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Phil. 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things.
2 Thess. 3:7–9 You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us . . . but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
2 Tim. 3:10–11 You . . . have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings.
Study Notes

3:7–10 The missionaries had taught the need to work for a living both by example and through instruction.

Study Notes

3:11 not busy at work, but busybodies. See 1 Tim. 5:13.

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3:12 work quietly. The opposite of being “busybodies” (v. 11).

Study Notes

3:13 do not grow weary in doing good. Paul encourages those with money to continue being charitable, though only to those who are deserving.

Study Notes

3:14 The purpose of keeping away from the lazy is so these brothers will be ashamed, repent, and be restored to the community.

Study Notes

3:6–15 The Problem of Lazy Christians. Paul instructs the Thes­salonians to discipline those refusing to work.

Study Notes

3:16 Lord of peace. Jesus has reconciled Christians to God. He is able to replace their fear (2:2) with peace.

Study Notes

3:17 Paul makes it clear that most of the letter was dictated to a secretary. The final greeting was written in Paul’s own handwriting. This served as a mark of its authenticity.

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The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

The Authentication of Paul’s Letters

In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.

1 Cor. 16:21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
2 Cor. 10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you
Gal. 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you
Gal. 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand
Eph. 3:1 I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus
Col. 1:23 of which I, Paul, became a minister
Col. 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand
1 Thess. 2:18 we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again
2 Thess. 2:2 not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us
2 Thess. 3:17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write
Philem. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand
Study Notes

3:16–18 Conclusion. The letter concludes with a blessing, a final greeting, and a prayer for grace.

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Timeline

Author, Date, and Recipients

Shortly after writing 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul received a report (2 Thess. 3:11) that the Thessalonian church had accepted the strange claim that “the day of the Lord has come” (2:1–2). Paul sent them a second letter in A.D. 49–51. He was probably in Corinth at the time.

Theme

The letter’s main theme is Jesus’ second coming. Jesus’ return will be preceded by an “apostasy” (or rebellion) and by the appearance of the “man of lawlessness,” the Antichrist (2:3). When Jesus comes, he will defeat this rebellious world ruler (2:8). He will bring justice to oppressed Christians and wrath to unbelievers (1:5–10; 2:9–15).

Purpose, Occasion, and Background

Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians (1) to reassure those terrified that the day of the Lord had already come (2:1–3:5); (2) to strengthen the Thessalonians in the face of continuing persecution (1:3–12); and (3) to deal with the problem of some of the church members refusing to earn their own living (3:6–15).

Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knew that the second coming of Jesus Christ would occur at the same time as the coming of the “day of the Lord.” Yet the Thessalonians may simply have fallen victim to a belief that the day of the Lord had already come. The persecution they were undergoing may have fueled their confusion about the end times.

Some of the Thessalonians may have stopped working to await and proclaim the second coming. More likely, lazy Christians may have been exploiting the generosity of wealthier Christians in order to avoid work.

In contrast to the warm emotional tone of 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians includes some blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and bad thinking. Further, this letter is noteworthy for Paul’s tough-mindedness in predicting judgment on the ungodly and in rebuking church members who behave and think incorrectly. Still, there is a regular swing back and forth between reproof and warm encouragement.

Key Themes

  1. God’s righteous judgment will be completed when Jesus returns. Unbelievers will be condemned and believers will be saved (1:5–10; 2:9–14).
  2. Christians will share Christ’s glory (1:10, 12; 2:14).
  3. Jesus will return after the “man of lawlessness” appears and humanity rebels for a final time (2:3–4, 9–12).
  4. The man of lawlessness will deceive all those who have rejected the gospel. Jesus will judge them when he returns (2:3, 6–12).
  5. Christians must not take advantage of the charity of fellow Christians (3:6–15).

Outline

  1. Opening (1:1–2)
  2. Thanksgiving and Comfort for the Persecuted Thessalonians (1:3–12)
  3. Disproving the False Claim about the Day of the Lord (2:1–17)
  4. Transition (3:1–5)
  5. The Problem of Lazy Christians (3:6–15)
  6. Conclusion (3:16–18)
The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians

The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians

The global message of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is that amid suffering, believers must remember the sovereign grace that has rescued them in Jesus Christ. Everything in 2 Thessalonians contributes to these twin themes of endurance through suffering and the eternal scope of divine grace.

Second Thessalonians and Redemptive History

Second Thessalonians does not contain any explicit quotations from the Old Testament. Yet, as is true of all Paul’s letters, it uses Old Testament language and themes throughout. Even such common New Testament words as “grace,” “peace,” and “Christ” cannot be properly understood apart from the Old Testament. Ideas such as “the righteous judgment of God” (2 Thess. 1:5), “the kingdom of God” (1:5), and “the firstfruits” (2:13) also have their roots in the Old Testament.

As is the case with all New Testament books, 2 Thessalonians reflects on who Christ is and how his coming has affected human history (2 Thess. 1:5–7; 2:1–2, 13). Paul directs his readers to the future and to the past, reminding them of how these two time-horizons affect the present.

The future. As was true of 1 Thessalonians, the second coming of Christ is of particular importance in 2 Thessalonians. Again Paul is lifting his readers’ eyes to the future horizon when their present suffering will come to an end. God will “grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven” (2 Thess. 1:7). Jesus will be worshiped and praised in that day, and his enemies will suffer the horrific fate of righteous condemnation before God (1:5–12).

The past. Yet as in 1 Thessalonians, it is not only the future that is in view. Paul directs his readers also to eternity past. He reminds them that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved” (2 Thess. 2:13). God’s steadfast love for his people stretches back to even before the dawn of time (see also Eph. 1:4–5, 11). We therefore have “eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2 Thess. 2:16).

The present. All of this affects the way believers live in the present. If we have been chosen by undeserved grace, and if we are destined to be vindicated gloriously when Jesus comes again, then we are strengthened to endure adversity (2 Thess. 1:4). We stand fast against the Evil One (2:15; 3:3). We persist in well-doing (1:11; 3:13).

Universal Themes in 2 Thessalonians

Justice at Christ’s return. As in his previous letter to the Thessalonians, Paul speaks throughout this letter of the second coming of Jesus. In 2 Thessalonians, however, the focus is specifically on the judgment of God’s enemies that will take place on that day. This emphasis is perhaps because of the persecution the Thessalonian believers were experiencing (2 Thess. 1:4–5; note also Acts 17:1–9). Paul says therefore that Jesus will appear “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction” (2 Thess. 1:8–9). This cosmic judgment will extend to every corner of creation, including all people groups and tribes who have not bowed the knee to Jesus Christ.

Opposition to Christ. The Old Testament predicted final opposition to God and God’s people, and in chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians Paul indicates that this opposition has already begun (2 Thess. 2:1–12; and note 2:3–4, with reference to Dan. 11:31, 36). “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thess. 2:7). Believers around the world face a fierce enemy, Satan himself (2:9). Satan stirs up unbelievers to join him in his hostility toward us. Even the work of Satan, however, is ultimately under the sovereign hand of God (2:11; see also Job 1:21–22; 2:10; Acts 2:23). Amid such hostility believers are called to “stand firm and hold to the traditions” that have been handed down to them through the Bible and those who faithfully teach it (2 Thess. 2:15).

Warning against laziness. The third chapter of 2 Thessalonians contains many exhortations but the central theme is that of working diligently for the Lord. Paul says he has heard that some of the Thessalonians are proving slack in their efforts (2 Thess. 3:11). Perhaps this was because of mistaken understandings about the timing of the day of the Lord (2:1–2). The Thessalonians are commanded to stay away from those who are idle (3:6). Instead, they should imitate the intense efforts of Paul and his companions (3:7–8). Paul’s exhortations land with force on the global church today as there is much need that we “not grow weary in doing good” (3:13) in light of the staggering needs around the world. One thinks not only of the fundamental need for all people everywhere to hear the good news of the gospel, but also of all kinds of earthly needs, such as basic human rights and the kind of legislation that supports such rights.

The Global Message of 2 Thessalonians for Today

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians delivers strong medicine for the global church today. Never before in world history has the church been as widely persecuted for its faith in Christ. When Paul speaks to the Thessalonians of “the afflictions that you are enduring” (2 Thess. 1:4), he is describing an experience familiar to many Christians around the world today. Even where persecution is not carried out publicly or systemically, it is the universal experience of faithful believers, as Jesus said, that “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matt. 10:22).

Yet whatever kind of hostility Christians are enduring, the great promises of the gospel of grace hold true and provide solid footing. God has chosen us through a definitive act of cleansing by the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13). He has summoned us to himself through the gospel, leading us ultimately into the very glory of Jesus himself (2:14). God “loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2:16).

As believers around the world find themselves embroiled in conflict due to their faith, whether locally or all the way up to nationally, we can take heart at the great promises of the gospel. In the midst of battles for human rights, the sanctity of life, human dignity, and for ending the many deplorable modern-day forms of slavery, we press on with hope. For although “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” and “the activity of Satan” seems overwhelming, “Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing” the hostile forces of hell that spur on the earthly evils we see all around us (2 Thess. 2:7–9).

2 Thessalonians Fact #3: Tough love

Fact: Tough love

Tough love. In contrast to the warm and joyful tone of 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians includes some blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and bad thinking within the church. Some, for instance, were refusing to work for a living (3:6–15).

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A prayer response to 2 Thessalonians:

Father, I confess my likeness to the Thessalonians.
I live in a state of fretting.
Wearing down the floors of my heart with my spiritual pacing, I doubt your provision for me.
Forgive my distrust in your sovereignty over all things, including suffering, evil, and fear.

King Jesus, you are sovereign over suffering.
You know the most about true suffering, tender Savior.
I deserved the agony, death, and separation from the Father that you endured; but you spared me.
You took my place and then rose triumphant over sin and death.
Through suffering, make me worthy of your calling.
May I see my own suffering as a way to identify with you.
Let my mouth sing your praise in the midst of turmoil.
Grant me the perspective to rejoice in these tears knowing you will wipe them away.
King Jesus, you are sovereign over suffering!

King Jesus, you are sovereign over evil.
Mighty God, your enemies work tirelessly to strangle my hope and courage.
In the name of wisdom, they teach falsely;
In the name of unity, they tear apart;
In the name of freedom, they bind up;
In the name of peace, they are lawless.
Like invasive vines, they creep steadily closer, trapping me with no escape.
Yet, you are restraining them!
You, Almighty God will bring them to nothing with the breath of your mouth!
Embolden me to stand firm, knowing your return is imminent.
King Jesus, you are sovereign over evil!

King Jesus, you are sovereign over fear.
Why should I fear?
For pain? You will relieve it.
For death? You have defeated it.
For sin? You have atoned for it.
For mourning? You will replace it.
For brokenness? You will heal it.
For loneliness? You have chosen me.
Therefore, direct my heart to not grow weary in doing good.
May I not cede your ground by indulging in temptation, by giving way to idleness, by shrinking back in fear.
Rather help me to stand firm.
You will do the conquering.
King Jesus, you are sovereign over fear!

Amen.

This month's memory verse

"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

– Revelation 21:5

Discussion Questions

1. Are there areas in your life where you doubt God's provision for you? How should the imminence of Christ's return impact the way you respond when you are tempted to doubt God's sovereignty over such things?

2. Are there places or interactions where you regularly become hyper-aware of a pressing fear, worry, or insecurity? What would those moments look like if you paused to pray, admitting your weakness and acknowledging God's sovereignty?

3. What are ways you can encourage other people within your sphere of influence to stand firm in the hope of Christ's return? Some examples include praying for them, serving them, or having bolder conversations with them.