Who Wrote the Book of 2 Thessalonians?
This letter is attributed to the Apostle Paul although some have questioned the authorship based on ten-spot vocabulary words not used elsewhere by Paul, it ’ s a little more formal in a different tone than Paul normally wrote, and the doctrine of ‘ man of lawlessness ’ is not in any of Paul ’ s other letters. church service fathers quoted from the letter in the second century, indicating it was accepted at that time. The opening words declare it is from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, the lapp writers of 1 Thessalonians. Context and Background Paul probably wrote this letter about six months after writing 1 Thessalonians, around AD 51-52.. It appears the position at Thessalonica remained the like. In accession, some people left their jobs and their faineance gave originate to being busybodies meddling into early people ’ s lives. The church included many people who had come out of idolatry that implies that Paul had preached to gentiles there. Paul had worked identical hard establishing the church ( 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 Paul is writing to the early church service and new believers. He wants to stop any confusion they have about their religion, specially the render of Jesus. Jesus has not returned yet, but one day he will. They should be aware of the events that will happen before Christ returns.
chapter two refers to an nameless ‘ man of lawlessness. ” There are respective interpretations and theories about this person. It is most often connected to prophecies in Daniel chapter seven and the anti-Christ in Revelation 13. The term used, besides called a son of hell, is used in one other space, in John 17:12, to describe Judas. For that reason, some theologians believe Paul may have been referring to a informer [ 1 ] in the church .
Main Theme and Purpose of 2 Thessalonians
Paul wrote this letter with the same purpose as his earlier one. He wants to encourage them to hold fast against outside persecution, avoid delusive doctrine and the one he calls anarchic, and to live a worthwhile and fat life. Paul responded to news that people who believed Jesus had already returned had left their jobs and become disruptive. He exhorts them to work for a living even as he showed them through his own example of hard cultivate. Paul fills the first chapter with thanksgiving for the believer ’ south religion, love, and continued perseverance. The second chapter focuses on clarifying end-times beliefs and truths about the hark back of Jesus. The final chapter focuses on correcting bad demeanor. He concludes with a prayer for God ’ s peace to be among them and the grace of Jesus to be with them. Paul states that they are praying that by God ’ s power they will live desirable lives and help them accomplish the works they feel inspired to do .
What Can We Learn From 2 Thessalonians Today?
Paul ’ randomness words and model remind us that to fill our hearts with gratitude, beg for God ’ sulfur blessings, and work hard. His exemplar of thanksgiving that permeates the letter is a reminder to express thanks to the people around us. Idleness inactive breeds disorderliness and meddle into other people ’ mho lives. In summation, Jesus will come again as Paul reminds us, but we need to wait on God ’ s time and not believe false rumors about the end times. It ’ south been closely 2000 years and we still wait patiently and cling to hope. persecution however exists and in some places in the world, Christians experience intense attacks. This letter helps as they remain steadfast in their religion. Paul as in all his letters, models how to live as Christians. Paul ’ randomness concern for others a well as his concern that people examine data to discern truth reminds us that holding onto God ’ s truth keeps us grounded and focused on what God calls us to do.
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Our Favorite Verses from Second Thessalonians
“ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your religion is growing more and more, and the sleep together all of you have for one another is increasing. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your religion is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ” – 2nd Thess. 1:3 “ With this in take care, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his world power he may bring to fruition your every desire for good and your every deed prompted by faith. ” – 2 Thess. 1:11 “ Don ’ t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the valet of anarchy is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. ” – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “ For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work ; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do indeed till he is taken out of the way. And then the anarchic one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouthpiece and destroy by the luster of his coming. ” – 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 “ But we ought constantly to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as beginning fruits to be saved through the consecrate work of the Spirit and through impression in the truth. ” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13 “ But the Lord is close, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. ” – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
“ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule : “ The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. ” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our education in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an foe, but warn them as you would a colleague believer. ” – 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Sources
- Biblehub.com, 2 Thessalonians
- BibleStudyTools.com, 2 Thessalonians
- The Open Bible Expanded Edition, 1965, Thomas Nelson, pp. 1207-8, La Habra, California.
- WhatChristiansWanttoKnow.com, 2 Thessalonians Commentary
Karen Whiting is a ma, writer, international speaker, writing coach, and former television host who loves sharing ideas to strengthen families. She has written Growing a Mother ’ sulfur Heart : Devotions of Faith, Hope, and Love from Mothers Past, Present, and Future. Check out her new book 52 weekly Devotions for Family Prayer that includes a different means to pray each week plus stories and activities to explore questions children ask about prayer She loves venture including camel tease, aqualung dive, crown courses, and egg white water rafting plus time at dwelling craft and baking.
