2 Thessalonians

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Those scholars, who maintain that Paul wrote this letter before the previous one, presume that he wrote it while in Corinth. (That, of course, would make 2 Thessalonians the earliest New Testament document.) Reasons for possibly reversing their order are rooted in the facts of the Corinthian letters. Most scholars agree that 1 Corinthians is a response to a previous exchange between Paul and the Corinthians. In like manner, they suggest 2 Thessalonians was the first letter, addressing issues in the church, and 1 Thessalonians was the more joy-filled letter, written after those issues had been resolved.

It's an interesting suggestion, but not widely held by modern scholars. The vast majority of scholars who argue for Pauline authorship accept their current order, wherein 1 precedes 2. These same scholars feel that the letters were written within a very short time, possibly within weeks of each other. Then the question arises as to the need for having two letters, especially considering how similar they are in their repetition of words and phraseology. Why would Paul virtually be writing the same letter twice? The most plausible theory is that the second letter was written to clear up certain misinformation about the coming "Day of the Lord." Paul suggested in his first letter that it would be imminent, "like a thief in the night." The result was that people sort of sat around waiting for it to happen. Obviously, that was not in accord with the ministry of Christianity. So the second letter was needed to remind people that many events needed to happen before the coming of the Day of the Lord, and that they needed to stay engaged and to continue to work. This scenario also explains some of the more contradictory statements in the two letters.

Most recently, however, scholars are questioning Pauline authorship altogether, and basing their conclusion on many of those same arguments. If Paul really wrote them so close together, it's unlikely he would have repeated himself that much. The opening verses are almost identical; the structure of the letters is the same. It is a stylistic technique oftentimes used by students of the apostles (as well as other great teachers), whereby phrases are copied to intentionally imitate their teacher. They write in his name; they identify themselves as the teacher. This was common in antiquity. The author of this letter, then, would have been one of Paul's students and writing in 70-80CE. Some have even suggested that Timothy or Silas might have written it.

Those arguments are gaining ground because they resolve more of the differences that exist between the letters. Notwithstanding the similarities between the letters, 2 Thessalonians also has many un-Pauline phrases and lacks stylistic features typically associated with Paul's writings. Attempts to imitate Paul can explain the similarities; second generation Pauline authorship can explain the differences. Relying on later authorship is also a better explanation for the change in focus regarding the Second Coming. Obviously, the Day of the Lord had not been imminent and Christian leaders were compelled to address that point. Thus it is that the author of 2 Thessalonians can talk about the things that must happen before that event can occur. Words like "anti-Christ", apostasy, and "what restrains" were later developments. These terms do not occur in authentic Pauline writings, even the ones that were written long after 1 Thessalonians.

Another big issue in 2 Thessalonian is the reward that awaits those who have been persecuted and the punishment of the persecutors. It is a common theme of apocalyptic literature, but is not typical of Paul. There is also evidence of a higher Christology that would have evolved over time and was not associated with Paul. God is still first in authentic Pauline writings; in 2 Thessalonians, Jesus is usually put first. It suggests that in the time that had passed, the teachings about Jesus' importance had progressed.

The issue of authorship need not define our study of how this letter might be relevant for us today. Whoever wrote this letter wanted it to be helpful and encouraging. On that basis, he proclaimed "the whole will of God." These were letters addressed to a small church surrounded by a large pagan society. The church was constantly under pressure to conform and adapt to that society. The author's response was to call them to holiness and steadfastness, not complacency or indifference. The truth is that Christ will return. Insofar as they could consecrate their lives and live in holiness, they would be ready. The author exhorts them to persevere a bit longer, expounding on what they can expect both in terms of rewards for being steadfast and signs of the Second Coming. Lastly, however, is the encouragement to stay involved, to stay connected, and to continue to provide for their families and themselves while they were waiting.

There are roughly five sections in this second letter to the Thessalonians: 1:1-12 – Introduction and Thanksgiving; 2:1-12 – The Delay of The Day of the Lord; 2:13-3:5 – Their Responsibilities; IV -- 3:6-15 – A Warning Against Idleness; 3:16-18 -- Final Greetings and Conclusion.

I -- 1:1-12 – Introduction and Thanksgiving

1:1-2
- Salutation
- (Almost identical to greeting of 1 Thessalonians)
- Paul includes Timothy and Silas along with his own name
- He does not use the title "apostle"
- (There was probably no issue regarding his authority)
- He includes a greeting of "grace and peace"
- He adds "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"
- It suggests that God is the source of grace and peace
1:3-10
- Thanksgiving for their perseverance
  - 1:3
    - Paul gives thanks to God for their spiritual progress
    - We "ought" to thank God – sense of obligation
    - It is right and appropriate
    - He describes this progress in terms of their faith "growing more and more"
    - Faith could be trust or the body of teachings
    - And their love for each other is increasing
    - (In 1 Thess, Paul prayed that their love might increase – that prayer was answered)
    - Faith and love are foundational to Christian life
    - Verbs are in present tense – suggests faith and love were still growing
  - 1:4
    - Paul boasts about their faith to other churches
    - Generally, they did not boast, but here they could not remain silent
    - In spite of adversities, believers have remained faithful to Christ
    - They have been "enduring" persecutions
    - Verbs here are present tense as well; persecutions were ongoing
  - 1:5
    - Their work is a testament to God's righteous judgment
    - It is he who gives strength to endure
    - His judgment is "right" – evidence of the genuineness of their faith
    - His future judgment will include recognition of their sufferings
    - Not that they will "earn" it; rather it will be God's gracious gift
    - It is based on their decision to believe in Jesus
    - God does not "send" suffering; suffering is what happens to Christians
    - Their resolve in the face of persecution confirms their relation to God
  - 1:6-7
    - Treatment of persecutors
    - People will reap the consequences of their actions
    - They will be punished in accord with the sufferings they've inflicted
    - Their future sufferings will be much worse than present tribulations
    - Ultimately, they will be denied entrance into the kingdom
    - In turn, the persecuted will find rest
    - Relief will come when Jesus is revealed
    - Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his powerful angels
    - Power belongs to Jesus; angels will be in attendance
  - 1:8-10
    - Consequences for persecutors
    - He will punish those who "trouble" you
    - Troublers do not know God and do not obey the gospel
    - These are people who rejected the word (not those who've never heard it)
    - They had the opportunity but did not take it
    - Some people hear and respond; those that don't are accountable
    - They will be punished (literally, "pay the penalty")
    - The penalty fits their crime
    - Their punishment will be everlasting destruction
    - They will be shut out from the presence of the Lord and the majesty of his power
    - Their punishment, then, is separation from the Lord
    - In talking about the Lord's power, Paul is encouraging them in the face of their not having much in societal power
    - Mostly, though, his point is the destruction of those who do not obey gospel
    - They will receive their "wages" on the day he comes
    - Jesus will come to be glorified in his holy people
    - Believers are the "holy ones"; they will be vindicated on that day
    - Those who believe will marvel at the Lord
    - They, of course, would be included as believers
1:11-12
- Constant prayers
- Paul and company continually pray for them that they may be worthy of God's calling
- In the end, all that matters is God's appraisal of us
- It will be determined by what we allow him to do through us
- It will also have a bearing on our future glory
- Paul prays that by God's power, He [God] will fulfill every good purpose in them
- Expression is literally "good pleasure of goodness"
- The inspiration is always God's, and God will complete their good intentions
- Paul prays this so that the name of Jesus may be glorified in you
- The "name" means the person
- In other words, Paul prays so that the Lord Jesus may be glorified by their good and holy lives
- They don't have to wait for the Second Coming; they can do this now
- This should not give us a sense of pride; rather all glory is given as grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ

II -- 2:1-12 – The Delay of Day of the Lord

2:1-2
- The false claim
- The section begins with a plea concerning "coming" and "being gathered"
- When Jesus comes, it will be one event and a solemn occasion
- They should not become "easily unsettled" or "alarmed"
- "Unsettled" usually described action of raging sea – wave-tossed
- It involves a sudden shock to the mind
- Three things might unsettle them: a prophesy, report, or letter
- It might allegedly be from Paul saying Day of the Lord had already come
- (This could relate to something he said in 1 Thess re: the Day coming suddenly.)
- One thing led to another and "suddenly" became "soon," and "soon" became "NOW"
- Some Thessalonians believed that the Day of the Lord had already started
2:3-4
- The man of lawlessness, the antichrist
- They should not be deceived (possibly by false teachers)
- The rebellion had not yet begun
- Word is generally used in a political sense; here it probably relates to apostasy
- Basically there will be a final upsurge of evil
- This will be evidenced by deliberate opposition to the church
- This will be the church's "great tribulation"
- In all this, the man of lawlessness will be revealed
- He is characterized in terms of his opposition to God
- It is unclear whether this refers to an individual, group, institution, etc
- It is generally referred to as the "antichrist"
- Given that he is to be "revealed," it suggests that he already exists in some fashion
- He is also characterized as "the man doomed to destruction"
- He will oppose God and will exalt himself over everything that is called God
- He will try to usurp God's place and His claims
- He will try to set himself up in God's temple (figuratively speaking)
- In short, he will proclaim himself to be God
- (In 40CE, the emperor, Caligula tried to place his statue in the temple)
2:5-7
- These events have not yet occurred
- Paul reminds them of his previous words in this matter
- They should remember what he has already told them
- According to Paul, they also know what is holding the antichrist back
- (What was apparently obvious to them, however, is hidden from us.)
- Educated guesses include "God" or the "Holy Spirit" as holding him back
- Others think that perhaps Paul saw his own ministry in that capacity
- Nonetheless, the reason he is being held back is so that he can be revealed at the proper time
- In short, it is the time that God will choose for revealing him
- Until then, the antichrist is at work in the world opposing God
2:8-10
- The revealing of the lawless one
- Eventually the lawless one will be revealed – only to be destroyed
- The Lord Jesus will overthrow him by the breath of his mouth and the splendor of his coming
- It suggests that his overthrow will be easy
- It does not say the lawless one will be destroyed, just rendered powerless
- When Jesus comes in his splendor, the lawless one will be impotent
- It will not be able to stand in the presence of the Christ
- The work of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan
- There will be all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders
- (There is no additional information about how this works)
- Miracles, signs, and wonders are often used of the apostles' works
- Here, however, they will be used for deceit or evil
- The motive of the lawless one is only to deceive
- Satan's work will be seen in every evil that deceives
- His target will be those "who are perishing", i.e. the unbelievers
- They are perishing already because they refuse to love the truth and be saved
- (The "truth" is obviously the gospel)
- These are people who had the opportunity to hear and understand, but chose to reject the word of truth
2:11-12
- The lie
- Because they refuse to love the truth, God will send them a powerful delusion
- (This causes some problems in suggesting that God further deludes them.)
- Nonetheless, it suggests that God turns them over to their own devices
- Those who close their eyes to the truth will be misled by falsehood
- He does this so they will believe the lie – the denial of the truth
- Such is the work of Satan
- But this also accords with God's plan
- Those who refuse to believe in the truth and delight in wickedness will not be able to see the light of the gospel and the glory of Christ
- There are consequences for refusing to believe

III-- 2:13-3:5 – Their Responsibilities

2:13-17
- Exhortation to stand firm
  - 2:13-14
    - Giving thanks
    - Paul now turns away from those who are perishing to give thanks for those who have been faithful and are being saved
    - (This is very similar to the beginning of the book)
    - They feel obligated to thank God always for the Thessalonians
    - They are affectionately addressed as "brothers" and are loved by the Lord
    - The basis of their thanksgiving is that God chose them from the beginning through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth
    - These verses summarize how one becomes a Christian
    - First, they are graciously chosen, then the Spirit works through them, and finally there is the human response of faith in being receptive and in accepting the Spirit
    - God's purpose was to choose them to share in the glory of Jesus Christ
    - The means, of course, was in the preaching of the gospel by Paul
  - 2: 15
    - Hold on to the teachings
    - So then, they should stand firm in those teachings, whether by word of mouth or letter
    - Thus far, their steadfastness has been encouraging
    - Paul wanted them to continue to do so regardless of what the future might hold
    - They were to "hold to the teachings," the traditions that had been shared
    - Regardless whether by word or letter, God would always be the source
  - 2:16-17
    - Final petition
    - Finally, he prays that they will be encouraged and strengthened in every good deed and word
    - The petition is addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father
    - It is only through the Son that people have really come to know the Father
    - God so loved us that he gave us eternal encouragement and good hope
    - This is evidenced by his giving of Jesus
    - On this basis the Thessalonians were encouraged to offset their persecutions and doubts
    - By God's grace they should speak and act in accordance with what they already are
3:1-5
- A request for prayer
- In addition to Paul's prayers for them, he asks them to remember him in prayer
- He asks for their support in his preaching of the gospel
- They should pray that the message be spread rapidly and be honored
- The gospel will be honored only insofar as it is reflected in the lives of those who've heard it
- His second prayer is that they be delivered from evil and wicked men
- The ones who are wicked and evil are the ones who oppose the gospel
- It could include both Jews and Gentiles
- For Paul pragmatically states, "Not everyone has faith"
- (No doubt faith in this context refers to Christian faith)
- Despite the lack of faith, however, the Lord God remains faithful
- God can be relied upon and will not leave us to fend for ourselves
- He, therefore, will strengthen and protect them from the evil one
- (The evil one = Satan)
- Paul prays that they will be delivered from satanic power
- Because Paul trusts God, he knows he can trust the Thessalonians
- Because of God's grace, they will continue to do the things Paul commands
- All of this is possible because God will direct their hearts towards
- God's love and Christ's perseverance
- ("God's love" could be either His love for us or our love for Him – both work)

IV -- 3:6-15 – A Warning Against Idleness

(It's noteworthy that this follows his teachings on God's grace and love)

3:6-9
- Paul's example of himself
- Paul commands them to keep away from every brother who is idle
- Idleness was not in accord with what Paul had taught them
- Those who were idle were ignoring his teachings
- They already knew how to follow his teachings – by following his example!
- He was not idle while he was among them
- (Paul's trade as a tentmaker is well known)
- Nor did they eat food without paying for it
- Indeed, they had worked night and day to keep from being a burden on anyone
- He is holding himself up as a model for all to follow
- (This caused many problems for several churches who believed they had a duty to provide for Paul and his companions. As their spiritual leader, he had the right to ask for their financial support, but he turned it down.)
3:10
- The Maxim
- Now, however, Paul reminds them of his years of labor and states: "if a man will not work, he shall not eat"
- This may have been a well-known proverb or a maxim created by Paul
- This is God's will for his people
- He is not condemning "unemployment," but the unwillingness to work
3:11-12
- 3:13-15
  - How to deal with "busybodies"
  - First believers are to continue doing right If they've been tempted to "join the crowd," they should refrain from such thinking
  - They should never tire of doing what is right
  - Yet, they should be aware of those who refuse to accept these instructions
  - They are to separate themselves from these individuals
  - They would be denied the fellowship of the church In so doing, the offender would be ashamed
  - That alone might motivate him to settle down and become a useful member
  - Regardless of his response, he should be warned as a brother, not as an enemy
  - He should be able to "learn" from his discipline
  - Rehabilitation is the goal

V -- 3:16-18 -- Final Greetings and Conclusion.

3:16-18
- Paul ends with two short prayers
- The first is for peace
- He prays that the Lord of peace will give them an enduring peace
- The Lord alone can give peace
- That peace should continue regardless of outward circumstances
- Paul signs the letter with his own hand
- He claims this was the distinguishing mark of all his letters (not!)
- It was unusual for an author to put his name at the end
- It was not unusual for an author to add a few words at the end
- Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all
- Almost identical to ending of 1 Thessalonians
- Paul continues to demonstrate what he preaches, identifying them as brothers
- He shares with them the grace of God in Christ

Regardless of the authorship of this book, the writer prays for the blessing of peace upon all of them. Moreover, he prays that this peace may be granted by the God of peace. If modern scholars are correct in assigning a later date for this book, then that prayer stands over against the growing persecution that Christians were experiencing. It is to say that they must reject the outward circumstances; they must trust that the God of peace will provide peace despite all evidence to the contrary. Such was the task of first century Christians. Next month we will begin our study of the Pastoral letters, which are derived from an even later time period.

Bibliography

Barclay, William. "The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians." Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press. 1975.

Bruce, FF. "1 and 2 Thessalonians." Word Biblical Commentary. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1982.

Duling, Dennis and Norman Perrin. The New Testament. Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History. Philadelphia, PA: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. 1994.

Gaebelein, Frank. "I Thessalonians." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 1985.

Williams, David. "1 and 2 Thessalonians." New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. 1999.

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