Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians was also written from Corinth, the last location Paul, Silas, and Timothy were known to have been together. It was probably written shortly after the first letter, in response to new developments in Thessalonica. There persecution had intensified, and many of the victims were struggling with despair. The only way out seemed to be the return of Christ, and rumors had started that Paul himself was saying the time of the end had arrived! One impact of this on the church was that many simply stopped work and lived off others. Why worry if Jesus is coming back tomorrow?
In this letter Paul deals with each of these three issues. The Christian is suffering now, but God will repay the persecutors—and reward the faithful (1:1-12). As for Christ's return to earth, that takes place after the "Day of the Lord" described in Old Testament prophecy—after the Antichrist appears (2:1-17). As a result, there's no basis for the idleness of some. Paul's simple solution to that problem is don't feed idle people. If they're able-bodied and still won't work, they won't eat!
Chapter summary
As is his practice, Paul wishes the recipients of this letter grace and peace (1:1-2). He also expresses his thanks for the growing love for one another evidenced in the Thessalonian church and particularly for their perseverance in the face of growing persecution (vv. 3-4). Rather than meeting persecution with fear or doubts Paul reminds them that the active hostility of the unsaved is evidence that God's judgment is correct: People are sinners and desperately need the salvation they have experienced! (v. 5)
When Jesus returns, the persecutors will be punished terribly and they, who are victims now, will be revealed as Jesus' own holy people (1:6-10). Paul is not praying that the Thessalonians find immediate relief from their trials, but that they may be worthy of God's calling and fulfill His purposes in them (vv. 11-12). It is important to God and for us that we meet challenges well, not that we be released from them.
1) We are united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2) The power and peace of God belongs to us!
3) Our remarkable spiritual growth and development should cause our pastor to give praise to God.
4) Our faith should be growing and our love for each other increasing.
5) We must learn to endure the sufferings of this life.
6) When we endure suffering, God is proven right in His choice of us for His Kingdom.
7) When our suffering comes as a result of other people, God Himself will cause them to suffer.
8) We will be relieved of all suffering when Jesus comes back.
9) Those that refuse to acknowledge, and respond to the gospel of salvation, will be punished. Their punishment will be destruction; being separated from God’s presence forever.
10) The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will be a day of celebration and honor for the believer.
11) We must remain worthy of God’s call; living by God’s power and accomplishing good things, being productive in faith.
12) When we are productive, and Spirit- led and filled, the Lord Jesus Christ is honored.
13) Because we honor the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father will honor us.
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