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2Thessalonians is the seventh shortest book in the entire King James in terms of words. It is also the third shortest in terms of chapters and the seventh shortest in terms of total verses. This letter to Thessalonica is also tied with the book of Titus as the second shortest of Paul's writings in terms of chapters.
This second epistle to the church in Thessalonica, in Scripture's original manuscript order, is in the sixth of seven sets of Biblical writings known as the Epistles of Paul.
[Timeline of Apostle Paul's Books]
Date Written
2Thessalonians, dated to 51 A.D., is the sixth oldest New Testament book. Chronologically, it is also Paul's second writing, coming only one year after he wrote 1Thessalonians.
[Paul's Second Missionary Journey Map]
The Author
Apostle Paul wrote 2Thessalonians during a long stay in Corinth which ran from late summer of 50 A.D. to Autumn of 52. Paul arrived in the city after evangelizing Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and Athens (Acts 16 - 18). In 51 A.D. Paul was about 49 years old.
2Thessalonians Chapter Outline
Chpt. 1: Paul opens his letter to the church at Thessalonica with a greeting from Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy. Silas helped evangelize the city with Paul during their first visit (Acts 17). Timothy was sent to check on the church during the apostle's short stay in Athens (1Thessalonians 3:1 - 2).
Paul commends the fairly new church at Thessalonica for their faith and love in the midst of the persecutions they were experiencing (2Thessalonians 1:3 - 5). Such persecutions were instigated by zealous Jews in the city who were envious of the gospel's success (Acts 17:5).
The apostle then offers comfort to brethren in Thessalonica by reminding them that God will someday punish all those who persecuted true Christians (2Thessalonians 1:6 - 10).
The chapter closes by revealing that God knowingly allows trials not only to bring glory to his name but also to have his spiritual children glorified in him (verses 11 - 12).
[Who Are the Least in God's Kingdom?]
Chpt. 2: Chapter two opens with a warning for those in Thessalonica to not be deceived by anyone, either in person or through a counterfeit letter, that Jesus' return is imminent (2Thessalonians 2:1 - 2).
Paul then reveals that a falling away of Christians, along with Satan the devil revealed to humanity, must happen first before the Lord's Second Coming. The chief characteristic pointing to the devil's appearance in the world will be his demand that he be worshiped as if he were humanity's only deity (verses 3 - 4)!
The devil's appearance will only occur after the restraint placed on him is finally removed (verses 7 - 8). Revelation tells us that Satan, after he is tossed out of heaven for the last time and banned from ever returning, will turn his attention to destroying Christians and openly ruling the earth.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him . . .
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time . . .
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:9, 12, 17).
The devil's deceptions to get the world to follow his wicked ways will be reinforced by the performance of many signs and lying wonders (2Thessalonians 2:9). Those who believe the lies of Satan will be allowed to completely soak up his deceptions so that they might fully taste their consequences (verses 10 - 12).
Paul closes the chapter by encouraging the church at Thessalonica to stand firm in God's truth and continue to do good works (verses 15 - 17).
Chpt. 3: Paul opens the chapter by requesting prayers from those in Thessalonica.
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith (2Thessalonians 3:1 - 2).
[Best Bible Verses About Prayer]
The apostle then commands the church, in Jesus' name, to avoid those brethren who could work to earn a living but decided not to do so (verses 6 - 12). It was a subject he discussed in his first letter to Thessalonica (1Thessalonians 4:11 - 12, 5:14). These idle folk, who mooch off other brethren for food, spent their time gossiping about others. Paul's teaching on this subject is crystal clear.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat (verse 10).
The chapter closes with Paul encouraging each member in Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from those who continue to be idle. The church, however, should not cut off all interactions with such disobedient brethren as they need to be admonished to repent and change their ways (verses 14 - 15).
Amazing Facts About 2Thessalonians