2 Thessalonians— The Second Coming
4.12.23
And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8)
This little letter serves as a sequel to 1 Thessalonians. It was written soon after and carries on the theme of Jesus’ Second Coming.
The believers in Thessalonica were grateful for Paul’s first letter, but it did not answer all of their questions. Then another letter came claiming to be from Paul, but it caused more confusion, saying that the Day of the Lord was actually present. The increased persecution that they were facing made it seem as if this were so. Paul, therefore, wrote his second letter to them to encourage them and give further instructions.
As mentioned last week, the city of Thessalonica was an important city in Paul’s day, being a large and prosperous seaport in the northern (Macedonian) section of Greece.
Again, as noted last week, the church was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey as recorded in Acts 17:1-10. He had received hs ‘Macedonian call’ (Acts 16:9, 10) and proceeded to preach in Europe, beginning in Philippi. He was only able to be in Thessalonica for less than a month. He met with violent opposition, but was able to lead some Jews and many Gentiles to the Savior. He wrote both of the Thessalonian epistles to encourage this vibrant church.
This second epistle was evidently prompted by three main developments about which Paul had heard. The first was the news of increasing persecution being faced by the church (1:4, 5). Second, he needed to deal with the confusion regarding the Day of the Lord (2:1+). Third, some were shirking their duties in view of the imminent return of the Lord (3:5-15).
In light of these three problems, Paul wrote to encourage, and encourage he does. He wrote to clarify, especially regarding the Day of the Lord, that it had not yet come. And he wrote to correct, primarily those who had ceased working and had thus become busybodies.
Though meant to be an encouraging book, about 40% of it deals with the topic of judgment, retribution and destruction. While in 1 Thessalonians, the emphasis is on Christ coming for His church [the Rapture], the emphasis here is on Christ coming with His church at the end of the Tribulation to put down all rebellion and bring retribution [the Revelation].
A suggested simple outline of the three chapters might be: 1—Comfort, the hope of Christ’s return; 2—Caution, regarding the timing of Christ’s return; 3—Command, keep on working and serving in the light of His return.
Paul prays three times for his readers in this brief book [1:11, 12; 2:16, 17; 3:5, 16].
The Antichrist is presented as the leader of the rebellion against Christ (2:1-12; also Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; Revelation 11:7; 13:1-10).
The Holy Spirit is without doubt the restrainer spoken of in 2:6, 7. Though the world is filled with its troubles, it could be much, much worse. Satan’s power is currently being held back in this world by the blessed Holy Spirit. One day when He leaves with the raptured saints, this old world will tumble into untold troubles.
You are urged to be ready for Christ’s return for it could be at any moment! Flee to the Savior and accept His gift of salvation by faith.