second thessalonians

Background

Author.  As with 1 Thessalonians Pauline authorship is strong both internally and externally. However, some claim to have found reasons for disputing the authenticity of this one, listed in Guthrie (p. 572) as Eschatology, Change of tone, Readers, and Similarities. In reply, none of these provides objective grounds for rejecting Pauline authorship. All are every bit as explainable within a Pauline framework as in any other. As well, none of the alternative theories of authorship is as compelling as the obvious, straightforward proposal that Paul wrote the letter. Von Dubschutz is credited with the very interesting and cogent point that

. . . the only reason for doubting the Pauline authorship of 2 Thessalonians is that we possess 1 Thessalonians. It is strange procedure to reject an Epistle which contains nothing un-Pauline, and bears all the marks of a Pauline utterance, simply because we have another Pauline utterance which is markedly similar.[1]

Destination.  See 1 Thessalonians.

Date of composition.  The order of the Thessalonian epistles is commonly explained as reflecting the length, rather than chronology. (Yet, Marcion’s canon does not seem to follow the rule of length, and still puts 1 Thessalonians first.) Some take 2 Thessalonians as prior for various reasons, such as its “crude and Judaistic” eschatology in comparison with 1 Thessalonians; the appearance of trials as past in 1 Thessalonians and future in 2 Thessalonians; and the theory that there is nothing in 1 Thessalonians to give rise to a misunderstanding such as is answered in 2 Thessalonians. These and other arguments are completely answerable.[2]

On the other hand, there appear to be references to a previous letter in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, 15; 3:17. Also it is difficult to see how the personal comments in 1 Thessalonians 2:17—3:6 could have followed 2 Thessalonians which lacks any such comments.

The collaboration of Paul, Silas/Silvanus, and Timothy (1:1) argues very strongly for the letter coming from Corinth at about the same time as 1 Thessalonians, since we know of no other time that these three were together. On the whole then it is probably best to date this letter from a few months to a year after 1 Thessalonians; about 51–52.

Purpose.  There is a strong pastoral element in the letter, in that Paul is always bolstering their sense of identity as God’s special people, called to holiness and destined to glory (note chapter 1 and its reprise in 2:13–17). The other two main points of the letter also indicate purpose: correction of an erroneous understanding relative to the onset of the Day of the Lord (2:1–12); and elaboration of a point made in 1 Thessalonians (4:11–12; and possibly 5:14a) to the effect that it is unbecoming for an able-bodied Christian not to work for a living, and that any who persist in the same need to be shunned (3:6–15).

Argument

In his opening comments Paul quite emphatically ties the Thessalonians’ faith and its appropriate manifestations of love and endurance (1:3–4) to the judgment associated with the return of the Christ (1:5–10). These words are designed to encourage those who might otherwise be inclined toward discouragement in the face of their present persecutions. Very much in the tradition of the OT prophets, Paul promises a retributive reversal of fortunes. The prayer (1:11–12) marks the end of the introduction (compare his later letters); but it also prods and encourages the Thessalonians in their high present calling (11), and toward their destiny of glory (12).

The next section (2:1–12) evidently signals erroneous thinking connected with some pseudo-apostolic teaching to the effect that they had entered the Day of the Lord without being raptured. To calm their minds (2:1–2) Paul first reminds them (2:5) of facts he had already taught them as to the events which must occur at the onset of that Day (2:3–4). By referring to the restraint of the lawless one Paul by allusion reminded them of the pretribulational rapture, thus providing further encouragement and reassurance (2:6–7). The end of both the lawless one and his followers (2:8–12) not only echoed the teaching of 1:8–10, but also answered the question of the outcome of that lawless one unrestrained.

The paragraph that follows (2:13–17) is so similar to the opening of the epistle that it is a virtual reprise of many of those ideas. This note of thanksgiving however looks at the divine side of their salvation (election; 2:13–14), where before the focus was human faith and its fruits. The charge and prayer that follow (2:15–17) are based on that sovereign election, and merely speak of stability of life in keeping with it.

The rest of the epistle deals with three exhortations (3:1–15). Paul shows great confidence in his converts—which is itself an encouraging thing in the first two of them. His request for prayer draws them into his confidence and partnership in ministry, identifying his priorities and concerns (3:1–2). The next expression of confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness (3:3) answers the fearful exclamation, If Paul is in danger from wicked men, how much more we! Yet again Paul seeks to strengthen their faith (compare 2:17) with his expression of confidence and his prayer (3:4–5).

The concluding exhortation (3:6–15) was a follow-up from the first letter. Since some had failed to understand his seriousness or else simply to heed his note concerning indolence (see 1 Thess 4:11–12), he reiterated and underscored his message that believers ought to work to earn their living. As well, he directed that disregard for this message should be met with discipline, which he spelled out, along with the design of such actions; namely, restoration.

Outline

I. Salutation  1:1–2

II. Personal encouragement of their faith  1:3–12

A. Thanksgiving for spiritual growth  1:3–4

1. Growing faith and love  1:3

2. Faith and endurance of trials  1:4

B. Consolation of the final judgment  1:5–10

1. Indication of God’s righteous judgment  1:5

2. Description of the judgment  1:6–7

a) Just recompense to all  1:6–7a

b) Awesome revelation of the Judge  1:7b

3. Outcome of the judgment  1:8–10

a) Destruction of the lost  1:8–9

b) Glorification of Christ in his saints  1:10

C. Prayer for divine favor  1:11–12

III. Correction of their eschatology  2:1–12

A. The onset of the Day of the Lord  2:1–5

1. Appeal for calmness  2:1–2

2. Information concerning specific events  2:3–4

a) The apostasy  2:3a

b) The man of lawlessness  2:3b–4

3. Reminder of previous instruction  2:5

B. The career of the lawless one  2:6–12

1. His restraint  2:6–7

a) Purpose of the restraint  2:6

b) Removal of the restrainer  2:7

2. His destruction  2:8

3. His followers  2:9–12

a) Their deception by him  2:9–10

b) Their delusion by God  2:11

c) Their condemnation by God  2:12

IV. Renewed encouragement of their faith  2:13–17

A. Thanksgiving for their election  2:13–14

B. Charge to hold firmly to the teaching  2:15

C. Prayer for strength  2:16–17

V. Exhortations in practical matters  3:1–15

A. Request for prayer  3:1–2

1. Evangelistic success  3:1

2. Protection from evil men  3:2

B. Encouragement in light of the Lord’s faithfulness  3:3–5

1. Confidence in God’s faithfulness  3:3

2. Confidence in their obedience  3:4

3. Prayer for their love and endurance  3:5

C. Discipline of the lazy  3:6–15

1. Command to the church to exact discipline  3:6

2. Apostolic example of hard work  3:7–10

a) His practice  3:7–8

b) His purpose  3:9–10

3. Direct command to the idle to work  3:11–12

4. Encouragement of the diligent  3:13

5. Instruction for disciplining the lazy  3:14–15

VI. Benediction  3:16–18