Introduction to Second Thessalonians

Authorship

• Same as 1 Thess
• Paul (“I, Paul, write this with my own hand,” 2 Th 3:17)
• Co-Senders: Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy

Date: AD 49–51

• Same window as 1 Thess, but after 1 Thess.

Place of writing

• Written from Corinth during Paul’s 2nd missionary journey.

Addressees

• To the church of Thessalonica
• Capital of the Roman province of Macedonia
• Paul and Silas planted church on Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey, AD 49-51 (Acts 17:1-9)
• The first converts were from the synagogue, both Jews and Gentile God-fearers
• Violent Jewish opposition (Acts 17:5-9, 13; 1 Th 1:6; 2:2, 14-16; 3:3-4)

Purpose of 2 Thessalonians

Paul had heard that some argued that the day of the Lord had already occurred and as a result were living idle lives. As a follow-up to 1 Thess, Paul gave further teaching “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Th 2:1-12) and commanded them not to be idle (3:6-12).

Outline of 2 Thessalonians

1. 1:1-4: Letter Opening
2. 1:5–3:15: Letter Body
   1. 1:5-12: Introduction
   2. 2:1-17: Instruction on Eschatology
   3. 3:1-15: Injunctions
3. 3:16-18: Letter Closing

Key Contributions of 2 Thessalonians

1. The importance of eschatology
   1. Eschatology was part of Paul’s basic instruction for new converts! (2 Th 2:5)
   2. Erroneous eschatology can negatively affect one’s behavior
   3. Sound eschatology is pastorally useful—“comfort one another with these words”
2. The Day of the Lord
   1. Cannot occur until the apostasia (apostasy or rebellion) occurs first (2 Th 2:3)
   2. The man of lawlessness (2 Th 2:3-4)
3. Who or what is the restrainer? (2 Th 2:6-7). Possibilities:
   1. The church (Dispensational)
   2. The Roman Empire (preterist)
   3. Michael the Archangel (cp. Dan 10:13, 20-21; Rev 12:7)
   4. God or the Holy Spirit (neuter & masculine gender)