Page 97 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Purpose

Paul writes the second letter to the Christians at Thessalonica in order to urge them to faithfully
continue the work of the gospel. Paul revisits some of the same issues that he addressed in his first
letter to this church. He writes to commend them for standing firm in the face of persecution. He writes
to explain more concerning the Day of the Lord and tells idlers in the community to get back to work. He
writes to encourage them that a true understanding of the gospel will inspire hope for the future, as
well as diligence for the here and now.

Structure

Typical of a Pauline Epistle, 2 Thessalonians has a greeting (2 Thess. 1:1–2) directly connected a
thanksgiving (1:3–12) which ushers in the letter’s major issues. Clearly, here Paul’s key intention is to
comfort and encourage the Thessalonians as they are under persecution. Secondly, Paul corrects the
idea that Christ’s return had already happened. He argues that such an event had not yet happened
because the events before that day had not yet taken place (2:1–17).

In the next section, Paul deals with the issue of some Thessalonian believers who decided to stop
working (3:1–15). Apparently, this attitude is in direct connection to their philosophy on the coming of
Christ. They thought that, If the return of Christ had already come or is coming soon, then there was no
point in working. Therefore, Paul corrects them to follow his example. He shows them that When he
was with them, he did everything he could to avoid being a burden (3:7–9). Paul closes his letter with a
benediction “emphasizing the peace of God, which is especially important given the persecution and
uncertainty that was troubling the Thessalonian church (3:16–18).” 138

Outline
• Thanksgiving and prayer (1:1–12)
• Misunderstanding regarding the Day of the Lord (2:1–17)
• Exhortations to avoid idleness, benediction, and closing (3:1–18) 139

How does 2 Thessalonians Impact our lives?

Ch. 1:6-7, Shows us that God’s justice is both comforting and frustrating. God’s justice is comforting to a
perspective that we can now not dwell on the injustice done to us since because a day is set when God’s
justice to prevail, which is why it makes sense to give thanks to God in all circumstances. However, God’s
justice is frustrating because we are not always just and not always faithful. We need God’s grace and
mercy to prevail.

The Christ-followers at Thessalonica were facing persecution (2 Thess. 1:3–12). Where do you see the
church facing persecution because of the message of Christ? How can you help the church to remain
faithful as it faces those hardships?

The Thessalonian believers were so focused on Christ’s return that confusion on the subject caused
great trouble for them (2 Thess 2:1–2). What do you think is the best way to approach the difficult topic
of Jesus’ return (the Day of the Lord)?

138 Barry, J. D., et al
139 Ibid

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