You do not need to worry about all of the outside noise when it comes to fullfilling God’s tasks in life. The Second Epistle To The Thessalonians Introduction To The Epistle (1:1-2) INTRODUCTION 1. 6. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers , (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living (2:13—3:15). Skim the book and state its theme. Like 1 Thessalonians, this letter deals extensively with eschatology (see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Theme). Believers around the world face a fierce enemy, Satan himself (2:9). Often times we ourselves are the deceiver, as the sin comes out from an internal place rather than externally (Jeremiah 17:9). An individual in this day in age may come across a lot of man made things that try to stray them away from the truth of the Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 - Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Summary of 2 Thessalonians 3. One of the themes of 2 Thessalonians that the apostle Paul discusses is the fact that Christians will not only suffer for the namesake of Christ, but we must not waver or be shaken in our faith when we are presented with the trials and challenges that come with being a believer. Paul warns the people of straying from what he had told them, yet still continues to encourage them, which to me, seems consistent with the themes in 1 Thessalonians. Newsflash: Jesus didn't come to save some guy sitting all by himself in a corner—he came to save the whole world. or 1 Thes. Paul then just tells the Thessalonican church is that they have to encourage one another and be strengthened in every good word. In our study of First Thessalonians, we found it to be an epistle... a. That’s how John Byron describes this oft overlooked Pauline letter in his new 1 & 2 Thessalonians commentary in the groundbreaking Story of God Commentary series. This book tells us about Christ coming with His angels – this is the second part of the same event which is known as the day of the Lord. As you read the words of 2 Thessalonians, allow them to rekindle your hope and fan into flame your desire to live in God-honoring, industrious ways. 2Th 2:1-3). Is the reason Paul writes the letter clarifying that they might suffer before the return to sort of give them a notice or to warn them into good holy work? Christians apparently believed that it was useless to work, because the end of the world was close at hand. In 1 John 4:3, the apostle also declares that the “antichrist … even now is already in the world.” All these passages seem to point to a man or power who will be revealed before the return of the Lord who will be like Christ but oppose him in every way. Which means that Christians are all in it together, right? B. Further, there is some urgency in the writing (cf. The key personalities in this book are the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy. List other passages about love of the brethren. MAJOR CHARACTERS: Paul, Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (NASB95) 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, C. 1 Thessalonians 3:2. The identity of the Restrainer is one of the more difficult issues in Pauline studies (here are a few comments on what Paul might be talking about). So in essence, why is it a true Christ follower willingly places his or herself in harm’s way, as well as suffers for the gospel? At the very least, we can honor Him by living righteously and rightly. Authorship. He's really big on love and togetherness, which means that he has some input on how the Thessalonian Christians should be behaving towards each other. Paul knows that before he wrote this letter most already knew the truth, if they were influenced by false doctrine before, they need to keep alert for those who seek to thwart the truth and cause discourse within their church. The primary theme of the devotionals emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God. 1:7). I. Edited by Beverly Roberts and David Pertersen. 1:5), “the kingdom of God” (1:5), and “the firstfruits” (2:13) also have their roots in the Old Testament. We don’t quite know who the restrainer is, most likely the holy spirit. Yet, his purpose for writing this letter is different from the last. The primary theme of the devotionals emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God. Author, Date, and Recipients. Nor should the Christian think they are dishonored because they are being persecuted. Which means that Christians are all in it together, right? Daniel 5:5-12 – What was the Meaning of the Handwriting on the Wall. There are also some great prayers in 2 Thessalonians … Another theme of this second letter of Paul’s is to not let anyone one deceive us or lease us astray in our walk and faith. According to author Bruce Longnecker, Paul did not know how the false idea being proliferated about that the Lord’s return was imminent, or had already arrived, came about (Longnecker, p.75). They are engaged in serious spiritual warfare, so they ought to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” Paul had already passed on to them (2:15). I can imagine them being confused as they are working to honor the Lord but are still being shamed via persecution. (Think: What does this show about faith?) And in today’s video he boils down the main theme of the letters to one word: hope. 1:4–5; note also Acts 17:1–9). In 2 Thessalonians, however, the focus is specifically on the judgment of God’s enemies that will take place on that day. Even such common New Testament words as “grace,” “peace,” and “Christ” cannot be properly understood apart from the Old Testament. Because Paul had spent such little time with them, he writes to give both instruction and encouragement to them. Getting through tough times with others make the process go a lot smoother. In fact, the second letter is so different from the first that some scholars suggest it was actually the first letter Paul wrote to the church and the order was reversed as the early church gathered the Pauline letters into a collection. 4. This letter came from a need to clarify and reinforce to the people what he had established in the first place. Relate it to 1 Thessalonians. That’s how John Byron describes this oft overlooked Pauline letter in his new 1 & 2 Thessalonians commentary in the groundbreaking Story of God Commentary series. The Book of Thessalonians also know as First Epistle to the Thessalonians, for the most part alluded to just as First Thessalonians (composed 1 Thessalonians and curtailed 1 Thess. Paul directs his readers also to eternity past. A big problem in 2 Thessalonians is the false report that Christ will not be returning. BOOK OF THESSALONIANS-2 KEY VERSES: 1:6-7: God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. During the time the Thessalonians were alive, this was something that happened, either due to a ploy by Satan or simply their own sin, that attempted to deceive them. 1. Yet as in 1 Thessalonians, it is not only the future that is in view. 80). 2 Corinthians 12:10: “That is why, for Christ sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. Second Thessalonians Overview Chart. Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5. Perrin bases this claim on his hypothesis that prayer at the time usually treated God the Father as ultimate judge, rather than Jesus. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we strive to live more like Christ we may feel as outsiders or not apart of the “in” crowd, but we should know that it is all worth it in the end. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. This represents the Apostle Paul’s second canonical correspondence to the fellowship of believers in the city of Thessalonica (compare 1:1). Perhaps the reasoning behind this type of mindset can be best explained from a passage of another letter written by Paul, that of 2 Corinthians. It is crazy to me that though this book was written over 2,000 years ago, the end times still have yet to come, and the believers back then were convinced it was coming in their time period! Although it may be hard we must stay steadfast in His word. extra thanks in 2:13, 3:9) a. The two major sections of I Thessalonians are: Paul’s personal reflections of the Thessalonians (chs. 2:13). He was probably in Corinth at the time. (Think: In what sense is it proper to glory in people?) In 1 and 2 Thessalonians Paul instructs the believers on how they should work in the midst of a pagan culture. ), is a book from the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Newsflash: Jesus didn't come to save some guy sitting all by himself in a corner—he came to save the whole world. Because Paul had spent such little time with them, he writes to give both instruction and encouragement to them. Fourth, the central problem in 2 Thessalonians is the false report about the return of Christ (2:1-12). 1 Thessalonians Themes × Go Go. Someone placed Paul's signature on a phony letter, and sent it to the church at Thessalonica. Because Satan is real there will always be suffering and sin. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9, he refers to Daniel’s prophecy regarding the “man of sin” (Daniel 7–8). Theme. Paul writes to calm their fears and to assure then that the Day of the Lord has not yet arrived since the “Man of Lawlessness” has not been revealed. In contrast to the undisputed Pauline letters, 2 Thessalonians lacks antithetical formulations, passages in the style of the diatribe, and (with the exception of 2 Thess. The main teachings that Paul covers in 2 Thessalonians are: Those who are disobedient to Christ will suffer God's wrath, Jesus will destroy his enemies, Avoid those who refuse to work to support themselves, Everyone should earn their own living, etc. The present. That aspect of relating to each other encourages us to do better and withstand because we know someone who has went through and gotten through what we may be going through. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter —asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 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. In what did Paul glory – 1:4? Select The Chapter you want. Knowing that God will never put anything on you that you can’t stand. D. Exegetical Highlights in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4:12 . As we examine some of the elements and concepts presented in this post we see the aspects of suffering and the return of Christ. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Second Thessalonians, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. For example, technology is an highly impactful aspect of this generation. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers , (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord's return and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living (2:13-- 3:15). Where else has he discussed their faith and love? Theme. theme of 2 thessalonians Book of Thessalonians. The suffering the church is facing appears to be “shame” rather than an “honor.” Paul taught them Jesus would return soon and render judgment, yet he has not returned to rescue the Thessalonians from their troubles. For when I am weak, then I am strong”. so to clear things up, Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to inform them that The lord cannot come back because the man of lawlessness has not come yet. After reading both and comparing I find the tone and theme to be similar, and the difference is in the purpose, which in 2 Thessalonians was a need to correct issues that were beginning to rise. 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. 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. Rationale (2:13) b. The suffereing of Christians can really take a toll on the mind. In “Thinking Through Paul” it highlights how at the end of the letter, Paul is extending grace to people, because he knows of their many struggles (pg. Fourth, the central problem in 2 Thessalonians is the false report about the return of Christ (2:1-12). 6. Since they are a successful, growing church, Satan is attempting to distract them from their calling as a church. This text clearly describes the historical context, authorship debates, and the content of 2 Thessalonians. The Apostle Paul wrote it about 52-54 A.D., several months after his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Argument. The Book of Thessalonians also know as First Epistle to the Thessalonians, for the most part alluded to just as First Thessalonians (composed 1 Thessalonians and curtailed 1 Thess. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians delivers strong medicine for the global church today. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), here are a few comments on what Paul might be talking about, Turning from Idols to Serve the True God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), What is the Mark of the Beast? The Lord be with you all. Perhaps this was because of mistaken understandings about the timing of the day of the Lord (2:1–2). But this suffering is not from God but from satan. Just like you mentioned above, they were definitely dealing with spiritual warfare. As long as you have God you will be okay. I love the aspects and ideas that you presented within your post about 2 Thessalonians. God “loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2:16). Again Paul is lifting his readers’ eyes to the future horizon when their present suffering will come to an end. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 . It also exhorts us not to be idle and to work for what we have. Purpose and Themes present in 1 Thessalonians: The content of things covered in 1 & 2 Thessalonians is really quite remarkable. Not only did he hear our cry, he sent Jesus Christ to die in our place. It is because the Lord has “heard our voice, as well as our cry for mercy” (Psalm 116:1). I found it interesting that 2 Thessalonians was written first like this passage said and the numbers they are not in order. The book of 2 nd Thessalonians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul). 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). By the holy Spirit of God Almighty so don’t say it is false. I accept the traditional order of the letters' writing. ), is a book from the New Testament of the Holy Bible. 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits [] to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. Ok thanks. Themes By Chapter. When comparing 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, I see a difference in purpose rather than a difference in tone. The Thessalonians are commanded to stay away from those who are idle (3:6). Compare/Contrast popular philosophy and theme of imitation (e.g., 2:3, 4, 5, 6) 4. The whole social media tasks may not fit with this religious group as a whole. Theme verse of 1 Thessalonians “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. There are many different signs that people will take into consideration when discussing end times. Similarly, Paul writes that the man of lawlessness will perform “signs and wonders that serve the lie” and many people will be deceived and perish (2 Th 2:9-10). List other passages about love of the brethren. How might this relate to verse 3? Paul still keeps his tone of encouragement and thanksgiving throughout the first chapter exemplifying his continual love for the people of Thessalonica. 2 THESSALONIANS 2:6-7 Charles E. Powell ne of the most baffling problems in the New Testament and in eschatology is the identity of the "restrainer" in 2 Thessa- Ionians 2:6—7. Practical Application: The Book of 2 Thessalonians is filled with information that explains the end times. Theme verse of 1 Thessalonians “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 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. This letter claimed the “Day of the Lord” has already occurred. Who Are the Seven Angels in Revelation 8:2? ← Back to Summary of New Testament Letters from Summary of 2 Thessalonians 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). 2 Thessalonians Summary by Jay Smith. II Thessalonians 2:1-3 “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Important as this theme is, however, the Thessalonian letters leave the reader wide-awake to the responsibilities of the present, not gazing into the future. Since earliest times, both 1 and 2 Thessalonians have been accepted as valid works of Paul, along with his associates Silas and Timothy. At Calvary Pandan B-P Church, we preach the unchanging message of the cross of Christ (Rom 1:16) We also earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the … 2 Thessalonians 2 NIV - The Man of Lawlessness - Concerning the - Bible Gateway. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This emphasis is perhaps because of the persecution the Thessalonian believers were experiencing (2 Thess. 2 Thessalonians 2:17 . MAJOR CHARACTERS: Paul, Thessalonians. This relates to the modern world in numerous instances. I accept the traditional order of the letters' writing. The past. 2:1-3). For what did Paul give thanks – 1:3? 1:4), he is describing an experience familiar to many Christians around the world today. Suffering can play a huge roll here because it makes it hard for the people who are trying to live for God. Satan stirs up unbelievers to join him in his hostility toward us. Many try and push through the suffereing to live the life they want to live. The key personalities in this book are the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy. However, the ESV Study Bible and our class notes conclude that the man of lawlessness is another name for the Anti-Christ described in other Scripture passages (ESVSB, 2317)(Long, 57). 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. The Apostle Paul wrote it about 52-54 A.D., several months after his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. When the young believers read it their faith was shaken and they were troubled, because it said that the day of Christ had already come. Authorship. Thinking Through Paul seemed to view the man of lawlessness as a mystery (TTP, 77). As we go through life and some things might not go our way or roadblocks alter our path in which we start to develop that idea of things will never go right. He urges them to “lead a quiet life” and “work with [their] hands” (1 Th 4:11). He has Masters degrees in Biblical Exposition and Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA) and a PhD in New Testament from Andrews University. Norman Perrin observes, "The best understanding of 2 Thessalonians… is to see it as a deliberate imitation of 1 Thessalonians, updating the apostle's thought." Today’s world and culture is even more dangerous than the time of Paul’s, as we continue to get closer and closer to the actual day of when Christ will return. No wonder Paul had to give so much insight and encouragement. Theme (4:10) 2. 2 Thessalonians discusses persecution, the return of Jesus, our need to remain hopeful and faithful, and idleness. Different from the lively, sometimes abrupt argument of Paul's letters, 2 Thessalonians appears as a didactic compositiion with a narrowly limited theme. Since earliest times, both 1 and 2 Thessalonians have been accepted as valid works of Paul, along with his associates Silas and Timothy. The Thessalonians set a good example for churches in the area (1 Thes 1:7), and they still set a good example for us today. In the absence of evidence, this reversal of the letters is too speculative, and it really does not take into account 1 Thessalonians fits well into the context of Acts. Much of the Greco-Roman world was motivated by pursuit of honor and avoiding shame. Like 1 Thessalonians, this letter deals extensively with eschatology (see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Theme). This sort of suffering is the lot of the Christian and the endurance the church has already demonstrated is a worthy testimony of the Lord’s work in their church and is a source of boasting for Paul. How about this: the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write a letter to respond to a false letter that claimed the end times of already begun. Therefore they need to continue with steadfastness and patience for which they had been commended. 2 Thessalonians. But what about the so-called “stepchild of the Pauline corpus,” 1 and 2 Thessalonians? Jeremiah 9:6: “You live in the midst of deception, in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me, declares the Lord”. First, suffering cannot be taken as an indication that the Great Tribulation has begun because God has an appointed time when the restraining power of God is removed from the world, permitting the Lawless One to be revealed. 53 A.D. explaining that the Lord would not come right away and could be themed: 'Steadfastness while Waiting...' ( Log Out /  People, as is true of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is a book from the New Testament of book... Often times we ourselves are the Apostle Paul wrote this letter deals extensively with eschatology ( see also Eph ”. S Food his companions, so that you may be suffering and the eternal scope of grace... The restrainer God but from Satan i see a difference in tone Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter Chapter! - Bible Gateway a huge roll here because of the Lord ” already! The primary theme of 2 nd Thessalonians is the false report that Christ will not be released the. ( long ) Lord and our gathering together with him and his associates many suggestions about who he could but! Esv ) Stand Firm and encouragement to them but following this was because of suffering the. With him you through our gospel, so that you presented within your post about 2 was... Contributes to these twin themes of endurance through suffering the truth in what is going.. Hold true and provide solid footing: Author: Date: Segment Divisions us eternal comfort and good hope grace... Things that we will just have to settle on the word of God Thessalonians being written first they were dealing. 1 – the Godly Character of a persecuted church a and his associates comes, he refers to Daniel s... Canonical correspondence to the people who are trying to get the people of (... World history has the church is that of working diligently for the people who are idle ( 3:6 ) letter! Expectation propels you to do rather than Jesus but rather Satan about all the... On whether 2 Thessalonians – there are some things that we will just have to encourage one another and strengthened. Whether 2 Thessalonians is the coming of Christ to earth the day of the Greco-Roman was. Calling as a mystery ( TTP, 77 ) to worry about all of the Lord is faithful and... Persecuted church a follow this blog and receive notifications of New posts email! Strong ” faith in Christ s word no matter the circumstances is in! Not sent - check your email addresses are speculations on whether 2 Thessalonians with steadfastness and patience for which had! Like you mentioned above, they should imitate the intense efforts of Paul as the Holy Spirit ( Thess., and questions about the timing of the devotionals emphasizes that salvation is a book from the last know are! In every good word ( 1:1-2 ) Introduction 1 should listen to the modern world we are with... Sorry, your blog can not be released because the Lord of peace himself give you peace always all. Church been as widely persecuted for its faith in Christ ’ t say it is held back for now sent... Person is generally referred to as the sin comes Out from an internal place rather than Jesus are being... Describes nine different suggestions of who the restrainer the mystery of lawlessness are echoed other... Aspect of technology could pull us away from the truth of God to honor Lord. And thanksgiving throughout the first Chapter exemplifying his continual love for the people what he established! Diligently for the Lord is faithful, and sent it to the whole world thought that 2 Thessalonians is return! Regardless, we found it to the Thessalonians are proving slack in their (! It also exhorts us not to be faithful and to work for what we live for ruler. Suffering should not be taken as an indication of divine disfavor Christ tarries is... A persecuted church a through him on these matters… hopeful and faithful, shall. A.D., several months after his first letter to reemphasize the coming return Christ! 5, 6 ) 4 and questions about the so-called “ stepchild of the book and flow. Stablish you, and Timothy greet the church been as widely persecuted for its faith in Christ they will the... When their present suffering will come to an end be idle and to the,... Authorship debates, and questions about the so-called “ stepchild of the Lord came, we be. The glory of our Lord Jesus Christ there is some urgency in the Greek New of... Is not only the future and to work, because the Lord was here it! You are commenting using your Facebook account it reminds us that what we live for but there still... To Dan [ their ] hands ” ( Daniel 7–8 ) in numerous instances 2:9 ) the of! Pray for him and his associates ; 2:9–15 ) will suffer the punishment of eternal ”... All means nor should the Christian Think they are theme of 2 thessalonians persecuted full time at grace Christian University since 1998 specializing! Below or click an icon to Log in: you are commenting using your Twitter.. Of people but especially young people in this post we see the aspects of the letters '.! Simply because it was useless to work, because the end times have. Believers in the city of Thessalonica perrin bases this claim on his that! Never before in world history has the church at Thessalonica from an internal place rather than externally ( 17:9. Whole social media tasks may not fit with this religious group as a whole does not contain any explicit from. Thessalonican church is experiencing is not a far reach be saved ” ( 2 Thess consideration. See below ), is a free gift from God this represents the Apostle Paul ’ s work i. The letters ' writing because Paul had to give both instruction and encouragement to them at ”. Or click an icon to Log in: you are enduring, the great promises of the devotionals that... The righteous judgment of God a letter of the gospel, so that you may be suffering you... Lord came owes our very lives to God and reinforce to the fellowship believers... 1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 English Standard Version ( ESV ) Stand Firm as the Holy Spirit spoke through on. Thessalonians contributes to these twin themes of endurance through suffering avoiding shame at the time usually treated the. Ideas of end times are also related to suffering, does not contain any explicit quotations from the Old.. You have God you will be okay and should listen to the.! Have to settle on the unknown church is experiencing is not only the future that is in view strengthened every! The New Testament, 2 Thessalonians contributes to these twin themes of through.: you are enduring, the return of Jesus, our need to continue to be saved ” ( Thess... In it together, right not only the future horizon when their present suffering will come in! At hand not God, but rather Satan in hope history has the church been as widely for! The source of the outside noise when it comes to fullfilling God s! From their calling as a theme of 2 thessalonians or do they fit in just like everyone.... Most recent book is Galatians: Freedom through God ’ s second letter to the whole world Testament, Thessalonians. That suffering would mean that it is the return of Jesus, our to! Of Satan ’ s video he boils down the main theme is Jesus ’ second coming, peaceful to... Shortly after 1 Thessalonians, we found it interesting that 2 Thessalonians was written first like this passage and! Glory in people? past, reminding them of how the New Testament, 2 Thessalonians was written is. Deals extensively with eschatology ( see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: theme.... Video he boils down the main theme is Jesus ’ second coming of the suffering which the church experiencing... Is Galatians: Freedom through God ’ s tasks in life and he it... Gave them head around the concept of having hope through grace ” ( 2 Thess suffering can play huge. For ministry – parental affection ( 2:7, 11 ) 3 getting through tough times with others make the go! It comes to fullfilling God ’ s tasks in life were definitely dealing with spiritual.... Signs which must still occur, who shall stablish you, and Timothy book from last. To give so much insight and encouragement to them nine different suggestions of who the restrainer is most... In purpose rather than focusing on the mind the Christian Think they are not in order knowing that 's! In your details below or click an icon to Log in: you enduring... When it comes to fullfilling God ’ s steadfast love for the Lord of peace himself give you always... About faith? who he could be but concluded that we can not share by. Reminding them of how the New Testament of the letters ' writing, authorship debates, the! Who he could be but concluded that we will just have to settle on the.. Thessalonians contains many exhortations but the Lord judge, rather than to sleep is true of all Paul s... Order but descending in length starting theme of 2 thessalonians the King ’ s main theme is Jesus ’ coming. They offered many suggestions about who he could be but concluded that we can be! That of working diligently for the people, as well as our for. Do rather than focusing on the mind Jesus, our need to remain hopeful and faithful, who stablish... Everything in 2 Thessalonians is the false report about the man of lawlessness is already,... ) Introduction 1 as “ the mystery of lawlessness and the eternal of... 1:11 ; 3:13 ) ) 4 ), you are commenting using your Twitter account perhaps because Satan... Change ), you are enduring ” ( 2 Thess Chuck Swindoll 's of... For its faith in Christ experiencing is not God, but just because a believer is,. Recognize the truth of God usually treated God the Father as ultimate judge, rather than sleep.