2 THESSALONIANS 1

SUFFERING IS TEMPORARY, GOD’S JUSTICE IS PERMANENT  

Following his first message to the Thessalonians, Paul writes another letter clarifying some of his previous ideas. Paul boasts in God’s goodness to the Thessalonians for preserving their faith and allowing them to remain steadfast. Despite facing many trials and great persecution, the Christians in Thessalonica have remained devout to the message of Jesus.

Paul reassures the Thessalonians that their suffering is not in vain and that it marks them as participants in God’s kingdom. Reminding the believers of God’s just nature, Paul comforts the believers by telling them that God will give relief to the troubled. When Jesus returns, peace will be restored and those who persecuted the Christians will be brought to justice.

With this in mind, Paul prays that God will bring to fruition every good deed that He desires from the people of Thessalonica. Paul knows that God has sustained the Thessalonians for a purpose and will continue to establish His will through believers.

2 THESSALONIANS 2

FOR BELIEVERS, THE END IS ACTUALLY THE BEGINNING

Paul realizes an incorrect message about the return of Jesus has reached the Thessalonians. The believers are frightened that Jesus has already returned, and they were forgotten or left behind. Paul encourages them not to believe everything that they hear and not be shaken or deceived by false information. Paul teaches that the return of Jesus should inspire the believers to feel hope and excitement for eternal life, not fear.

Based on different views of the end times or return of Jesus, this message can be interpreted to have different meanings. Paul speaks of a time of lawlessness and deception, which some believe to be the anti-Christ or Satan personified on Earth. Regardless of these views, Paul clearly speaks of a time before the return of Jesus where there would be clear signs of the end times.

Despite these concerns, Paul tells the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation. Because of their belief in Jesus, the end times will be the beginning of their eternity with Jesus. Although there may be havoc throughout the world, this persecution would not last forever. Paul emboldens believers to find comfort and hope in Jesus alone.

2 THESSALONIANS 3

DO NOT GROW WEARY IN DOING GOOD

Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and the other apostles as they continue to spread the message of Jesus. Not all who hear believe, but the faithfulness of the Thessalonians has fueled the apostles to continue preaching the gospel.

Paul warns against idleness, laziness, and irresponsible living and uplifts the believers, challenging them to not grow weary in doing good deeds. Finally, Paul signs the message, confirming that he is the author, so that the Thessalonians receive it as authentic.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.