2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:1–2 Opening. See note on 1 Thess. 1:1. All three missionaries are still together, so 2 Thessalonians was probably written soon after 1 Thessalonians.
Why were Christians being persecuted? The fact that Christians worshiped only one God excluded them from participation in community gatherings, which often focused on other gods. The church’s custom of meeting secretly also raised suspicions of disloyalty to the Roman Empire.
1:3–12 Thanksgiving and Comfort for the Persecuted Thessalonians. In Greek, vv. 3–10 are one long sentence expressing Paul’s gratefulness and words of encouragement.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:3 ought . . . as is right. Paul gives thanks to God for the Thessalonians’ increasing faith and love (compare 1 Thess. 3:6). The fact that their love for one another is increasing is an answer to Paul’s prayer in 1 Thess. 3:12.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:5 The Thessalonians’ endurance and faith under persecution show evidence of the righteous judgment of God. God is giving them the grace to endure. He is clearly on their side and is working to make them worthy for entrance into the kingdom of God. Compare Phil. 1:28, where the Philippian Christians’ fearless perseverance during persecution is a proof that they will be saved and their enemies destroyed when Jesus returns.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:6–7a God judges fairly. Those now causing trouble for the Thessalonian Christians will be afflicted. The believers will get relief at the second coming.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:7b when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (see 1 Thess. 4:16–17). Jesus is called “Lord.” This identifies him as Yahweh, who carries out final judgment (see Isaiah 64; 66).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:8 in flaming fire. See Isa. 66:15–16.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:9 eternal destruction. Unbelievers will not simply cease to exist. See Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9–11.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:10 when he comes. The punishment of unbelievers and the reward of believers both occur on the day of the Lord (that day). This is the day when Jesus comes to save his people. Confusion over the timing of the day of the Lord is a major problem in Thessalonica (2:2). Paul’s description of the day in 1:7b–10 was intended to solve the problem. glorified in his saints. By saving his people from sin; Jesus’ glory will be seen in them (see Rom. 8:17–18, 30). Saints are “holy ones.” our testimony to you. God’s saving act in Christ.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:11 To this end. That is, in view of vv. 5–10. make you worthy. Building on v. 5, Paul now prays that the Thessalonians may be made worthy of this calling (see 1 Thess. 2:12). work of faith. Work inspired by faith.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:1–17 Disproving the False Claim about the Day of the Lord. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord has not come. In 1 Thess. 5:1–11 he responded to a question from the community about the timing of the day of the Lord. He has now heard that some of them have believed the false idea that the day of the Lord has already arrived (2 Thess. 2:1–2). Paul states that before that day comes, a final rebellion and the appearance of the “man of lawlessness” must occur (vv. 3–12). Then he reassures the Thessalonians that they are destined for glory (vv. 13–14). Finally, he calls on them to hold firmly to the traditions he passed on to them (v. 15). He concludes with prayer (vv. 16–17).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:2 The Thessalonians were shaken and alarmed by the false claim that the day of the Lord had already come. Paul did not know the source of the confusion, but he suggests a number of possibilities: a spirit. An alleged prophetic word. a spoken word. A teaching or a sermon. a letter seeming to be from us. Paul seems to have suspected that a letter forged in his name was circulating (see 3:17). the day of the Lord. See notes on Amos 5:18–20; 1 Thess. 5:2–3. Paul seems to teach here, as elsewhere (1 Cor. 1:8; Phil. 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:1–4; 2 Thess. 1:7–10), that the day of the Lord and Christ’s second coming occur at the same time. They are parts of one event.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:3 Two events will come before the day of the Lord. Neither has happened yet. The first event is the rebellion. In light of vv. 9–12, Paul probably is describing a rebellion of all humanity against God. the man of lawlessness is revealed. The person in this second event is elsewhere called the “antichrist” (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). He will oppose God. He is the son of destruction. He will be defeated and destroyed when Jesus returns (2 Thess. 2:8).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:4 Paul draws on Dan. 11:36–37 when he writes that the lawless one opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship. The Antichrist will insist that he alone is God. His actions will be like those of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (see Dan. 11:31–35 and notes). The context seems to indicate a concrete and observable act of defiance against God. The temple of God has been variously interpreted as the church, the heavenly temple, and the Jerusalem temple.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:5–7 The man of lawlessness cannot be unveiled while what is restraining him now is at work. Paul refers also to he who now restrains. Scholarly theories on the identity of this restrainer include the Roman Empire/emperor, the Holy Spirit, and the archangel Michael. The restrainer makes sure that the man of lawlessness is revealed in his time, and not before (see v. 3).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:8 the breath of his mouth (compare Isa. 11:4). Jesus will easily destroy the Antichrist.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:9–10 those who are perishing. Those who have not believed the gospel.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:11–12 God sends them a strong delusion. As part of his righteous judgment, God lets unbelievers follow the Antichrist (believe what is false).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:13 beloved by the Lord. . . . God chose you. See note on 1 Thess. 1:4. This may echo Deut. 26:18, which refers to God’s choice of Israel. as the firstfruits. Like the first harvested fruit or grain, the Thessalonians are set apart for God’s use (see Lev. 23:10–11). Christians are divinely elected to be saved. Note the involvement of each person of the Trinity: the Father elects, the Son loves, and the Holy Spirit makes holy.
Sanctification (2:13) refers to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, whereby the person becomes increasingly more like Christ. This ongoing process continues until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven (glorification).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:14 this. That is, salvation (v. 13). obtain the glory. See 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:9.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:15 Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions that were communicated to them by our spoken word during his ministry among them and by 1 Thessalonians (our letter).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:1–5 Transition. Paul requests prayer for his work, reassures them of God’s faithfulness, and closes by praying for them.
Tough love. In contrast to the warm and joyful tone of 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians includes some blunt commands as Paul addresses bad behavior and bad thinking within the church. Some, for instance, were refusing to work for a living (3:6–15).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:1–2 Paul asks them to pray that the word of the Lord (the gospel) would speed ahead (progress) and be honored (by people accepting its truth).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:3–4 guard you against the evil one. Satan has been trying to destroy the Thessalonians’ young faith. But God’s faithfulness assures Paul that the Evil One will not succeed.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:5 the steadfastness of Christ. Either Christ’s endurance as a model for Christians or the perseverance Christ gives to believers.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:6–15 The Problem of Lazy Christians. Paul instructs the Thessalonians to discipline those refusing to work.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:6 Paul tells the Thessalonians to discipline those who refuse to work and depend on others to support them. They are to keep away from these people, which probably means removing them from the church. However, Paul still regards them as “brothers” (v. 15). This behavior was not in accord with the tradition passed on by the missionaries regarding the necessity of working for a living.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:7–10 The missionaries had taught the need to work for a living both by example and through instruction.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:8–9 eat anyone’s bread without paying for it. Paul refused to depend on others for his living. He took on manual labor in addition to his ministry commitments to avoid being a financial burden to the Thessalonians. He did so even though he had the God-given right to be supported (see 1 Cor. 9:3–15; 1 Thess. 2:9).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:11 not busy at work, but busybodies. See 1 Tim. 5:13.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:12 work quietly. The opposite of being “busybodies” (v. 11).
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:13 do not grow weary in doing good. Paul encourages those with money to continue being charitable, though only to those who are deserving.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:14 The purpose of keeping away from the lazy is so these brothers will be ashamed, repent, and be restored to the community.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:16–18 Conclusion. The letter concludes with a blessing, a final greeting, and a prayer for grace.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:16 Lord of peace. Jesus has reconciled Christians to God. He is able to replace their fear (2:2) with peace.
2 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:17 Paul makes it clear that most of the letter was dictated to a secretary. The final greeting was written in Paul’s own handwriting. This served as a mark of its authenticity.