Names of the Book
English: | 2 Thessalonians |
Greek: | 2 Θεσσαλονικεύς |
Transliterated: | 2 Thessalonikeus |
Other names: | Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians |
Who
Wrote the book: | Paul |
Are the key people: | Paul, Silas, Timothy |
Is it written to: | Believers in Thessalonica |
What
Hope in Messiah's return (2 Thessalonians 1:1-2:17) |
Live in the light of Messiah's pending return (2 Thessalonians 3:1-18) |
When
Was it written: | c 51-52 CE |
Did the events occur: | c 50-51 CE |
Was it canonized: | c 108-117 CE |
(see the Timeline of the First Century) |
Where
Was it written: | Corinth |
Did the events occur: | Thessalonica |
Why
2 Thessalonians was written to inform us that: |
We should remain steadfast in the face of persecution. |
We should continue working and living until Messiah returns. |
Before Messiah returns there will be great rebellion and lawlessness. |
We should not be idle but should persist in our ministries and service. |
Introduction
Paul wrote a second letter to the believers in Thessalonica shortly after his first one. He wrote and let them know that he had spoken proudly of them among various congregations for their perseverance and faith in the midst of persecution. He also wrote and requested that they not be disturbed by rumors that Yeshua had already returned. Although "the mystery of lawlessness" was already at work leading to "the apostasy", they would be unable to mistake the events of Messiah's return! He also admonished those who had ceased their labors because they anticipated Messiah's return immediately and informed them "if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either". He concludes with the instruction to shun anyone of the community who does not obey the words of his letter.
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