A SEQUEL TO I THESSALONIANS

WRITER, The apostle Paul.

DATE. Probably written from Corinth shortly after the first epistle.

HISTORICAL OCCASION. It is apparent that certain expressions in Paul’s first epistle to this church, had been misinterpreted. When he had referred to the uncertainty of the time of Christ’s coming, his words had been understood as teaching that the day of the Lord was just at hand. # 2Th 2:2

This resulted in undue excitement. The converts were “Shaken in mind.” They were entertaining wrong views as to the nearness of the Lord’s advent which unsettled their lives. # 2Th 2:2

Some have thought from the wording of verses two and three, of chapter two, that the church had received a forged letter which had added fuel to the fire. This is purely conjectural. There is not much doubt that the epistle was the outcome of an excited state of the church.

CENTRAL THEME. The Second Coming of Christ.

KEY TEXT: # 2Th 3:5

SYNOPSIS, The epistle may be divided into three parts.

PART I. Ch.1
(1) The salutation and thanksgiving # 2Th 1:1-3
(2) (a) Words of comfort to the church in persecution # 2Th 1:4-6
(b) A sharp contrast is drawn between the glorious destiny of believers at the advent of Christ, and the fate of the impenitent wicked # 2Th 1:7-12

PART II. Ch. 2
(1) Warnings against unrest caused by wrong views concerning The Lord’s speedy coming # 2Th 2:1,2

(2) The announcement of events that will occur prior to the advent.
(a) A coming apostasy # 2Th 2:3
(b) The self-exaltation of the man of sin # 2Th 2:3,4
(c) In due time the lawless one will be revealed, accompanied by signs and lying wonders # 2Th 2:5-9
(d) The satanic personage shall be destroyed at the coming of Christ # 2Th 2:8
(e) A mighty delusion shall deceive the wicked # 2Th 2:10-12

(3) An affectionate appeal to believers who had enjoyed the great privileges of the gospel, to hold fast to sound doctrine # 2Th 2:13-15

(4) A comforting benediction # 2Th 2:16,17

PART III. Ch. 3.
(1) The apostle’s confidence in the church.
(a) He requests their prayers # 2Th 3:1,2
(b) He believes they will be kept from evil and be obedient to his commands # 2Th 3:3,4
(c) He enjoins upon them patient waiting for the advent of Christ and separation from disorderly brethren # 2Th 3:5,6

(2) The apostolic example
(a) Of orderly living # 2Th 3:7
(b) Of voluntary self-support, for the sake of a good influence # 2Th 3:8,9
(c) Of insistence upon industry on the part of believers # 2Th 3:10

(3) Concluding admonitions.
(a) Concerning idlers and busybodies # 2Th 3:11,12
(b) Respecting persevering labour, and recalcitrants # 2Th 3:13,14

(4) The benediction and salutation # 2Th 3:16-18