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Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians
- Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)
- Christians suffering from persecution
- They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:5-7)
- God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)
- Some believers' misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ
- Christ's return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
- Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
- Paul's confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians
- His call to "stand firm" (2:13-15)
- His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)
- Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
- Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
- Closing (3:16-17)
What is the Book of 2 Thessalonians about?
This letter was probably written because of new information about events affecting the church in Thessalonica since Paul's first letter. It implies that there was a false letter written in the name of Paul, received by the church in Thessalonica, and that its false teaching led to some confusion.
There are several major issues addressed in 2 Thessalonians. The first matter is the confusion that arose about the second coming of Jesus Christ. The second matter Paul addresses is the issue of idleness. Thirdly, Paul also encourages Christians who are suffering from persecution.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "2 Thessalonians" or "Second Thessalonians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica," or "The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What is the "second coming" of Jesus?
The Book of 2 Thessalonians focuses on Jesus' eventual return to Earth. At this time, mankind will be judged, Christ's kingdom will begin, and peace will reign. This letter also explains that the Antichrist, the most powerful enemy of Christ, will appear before the return of Christ. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist)
What are eternal rewards and punishment?
Those who do not believe in Jesus will suffer eternal punishment after they die. Christians are saved from this punishment, but they will be rewarded based on the faithfulness of the life they lived as Christians. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful)
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What does Paul mean by the expression "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc.?
Paul means to express the idea of very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.
What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?
- "and the man of lawlessness is revealed" (2:3). The ULB, UDB, and most modern versions have this reading. Older versions have, "and the man of sin is revealed."
- "For God chose you as the first fruits for salvation" (2:13) The ULB, UDB, and some other versions have this reading. Other versions have, "For God chose you from the first for salvation." If there are other versions in their region, translators should consider following their reading in this passage.