SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS

Compiled by WD Kemner January 2024

Chapter 1

2 Thessalonians 1:1

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

As he did in the first letter, Paul does not start out declaring himself an apostle. He does not need to establish his “credentials” as he does in other letters.  Converts at Thessalonica are already established in their beliefs and the teachings of Jesus.

Paul is also in this letter addressing the people.  Church of the Thessalonians, not the church of Thessalonica, as he does in all of his other letters.  Silas and Timothy are with him.

2 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

They did not hesitate to share among themselves. Not just one but all of them.  This alone is gone in today’s world.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

The church was already experiencing persecutions but the patience and faith they were displaying was evident enough that Paul was learning about it.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

It is “Righteous” for God to “pay back” those that troubled the saints.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Just like Jesus says in Matthew 16, when he declared He will return with the angels. This passage however promises He will also bring vengeance upon those that do not know God.

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Evil will receive a punishment that will last forever.

2 Thessalonians 1:10-12

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Wherefore 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.

Is anyone truly worthy enough of the honor of being called a child of the one true God?

Chapter 2

Based off the two letters Paul wrote to the Thessalonians it would appear that there was a good deal of concern regarding the return of Christ (the day of the Lord). Paul takes time to address the topic.

There may well have been issues with people teaching false doctrine since Paul had to deal with that in several other occasions. Paul proceeds to layout that there are three major events that proceed the day of the Lord.  1) an increase of walking away from Godliness 2) the removal of a restraining force keeping evil in check 3) the unveiling of the anti-christ.

Paul describes in this passage what is required PRIOR to Jesus coming back.  Just as the three gospel writers did in Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21.  However, Paul goes into much more regarding the role and existence of the Antichrist that will occur BEFORE the Second Coming.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

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.

Paul was writing them due to confusion among the believers as to what was the truth regarding the return of Christ.  It is unknown whether this was due to Paul’s first letter or false letters claiming Paul had changed his doctrine and was now saying Christ was coming back soon. On the contrary, Paul now must give more details to clarify the teaching.

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

“Lawlessness” precedes the antichrist.  If the church is holding back lawlessness then it only makes sense that “Everything Godly” is gone before that. The Rapture has occurred and gone is the church and saints. The day of Christ’s return will not occur UNTIL the Antichrist is revealed.

2 Thessalonians 2:4-5

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

Descriptive of the Antichrist including the fact that he will enter the temple.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-7

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

There were things yet to come preventing this man from being revealed.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Paul now details the character of the anti-christ.  What is this man like?  Where does he obtain his power to fool man?  Many will follow his deception.

2 Thessalonians 2:13a

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation…

Paul now leaves his discussion of the man of sin and turns focus to the people he is writing.  From the beginning God had planned for all of us to choose salvation.  That does not mean that we do. He will not and never has forced anyone to make that decision. If that decision is made, it is a decision that requires total servitude to Him.

2 Thessalonians 2:13b

… through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Greek word for “sanctification” is “hagiasmos” which means purification or simply the state of purity. There has always been so much difficulty with this word, many will write elaborate thesis documents on the term. When it is so simple.

If one makes the decision of servitude to God, then the next step is living in purity as he instructs. As time progresses life will become purer and purer. This is sanctification.  This can only happen with the power of the Holy Spirit and living in the TRUTH of God’s Word.

2 Thessalonians 2:14

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was due to the ministry of Paul and Silas that these people came to know the Gospel and because of their willingness to share the message these people now get the opportunity of standing in the presence of Christ!

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Paul was urging them to Stand strong in the teachings and doctrines of the Gospel as Paul, Silas and Timothy had laid out to them both in person and by written letters.  Paul had done so much; that now he could refer them to the “tradition” of teachings they already had received.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now 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.

Chapter 3

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Praying for those that are ministering to us. It is such a simple idea, but Paul is reminding them and asking that they do so.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.  The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

There were those that were causing friction.  They did not attempt to work or keep themselves occupied with work, instead they were busy bodies. Paul said to stay away from them, not to treat them like an enemy but to not be distracted by their words and actions.

There appears to have been many who believed the “day of the Lord” was coming soon, so they took up the idea of “why do manual labor” since the return will come any day. Thus developing laziness instead.