The Book of 2 Thessalonians

When this letter was written, the situation in the Thessalonian church was much the same as when Paul wrote his first letter. Perhaps when Paul was informed about the reception of his first letter and about new developments in the Thessalonian church, he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write this second letter.

The purpose of this letter is similar to 1 Thessalonians to encourage Christ's followers during a time of persecution; to correct some misunderstandings about end-time events related to Christ's coming and "the day of the Lord."

The tone of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church reflected a relationship as tender as that of a "mother caring for her children" (1 Thess. 2:7). Both Paul and his ministry team truly embraced these believers in a strong bond of Christlike love. In this second letter, however, the mood is more like that of a father disciplining some unruly children and correcting their course. He does praise them for their persistent faith and again encourages them to remain loyal to God through the opposition and suffering they are encountering for their faith.

The main section of the letter deals with the end-times "day of the Lord." It appears from 2:2 that some in Thessalonians were claiming, either by prophecy, a report, or a letter, that the time of great tribulation and the day of the Lord had begun. Paul corrects this misunderstanding by clarifying that three major events will signal the day of the Lord has arrived: a major apostasy and spiritual rebellion will occur; God's current restraint against evil will be lifted and "the man of lawlessness" will be revealed. Paul also sternly rebukes those in the church who are using the expectation of Christ's return as an excuse for not working daily for a living. He challenges all believers to live diligent and disciplined lives.

Three major features characterize this letter. It contains one of the New Testament's most detailed passages about unrestrained lawlessness and deception at the end of history. God's judgment that will accompany Christ's second coming is described here in aocalyptic terms similar to the book of Revelation. It uses terms for the end-time antichrist not found anywhere else in the Bible.