By Jack Wilkie
Background Information 
In many ways 2 Thessalonians is a continuation of 1 Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy wrote to the saints in Thessalonica to encourage them to keep their faith through persecution and excel still more in their growth, and also to correct some misunderstandings about Jesus’ return. 2 Thessalonians deals with these same issues in more specific ways. This epistle was written very shortly after the first. Most place 1 Thessalonians in either 50 or 51 A.D. and 2 Thessalonians in 51 or 52. It is clear from the text of the letter that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, heard another report on the brethren, and wrote quickly to follow-up and clarify some more misunderstandings. As mentioned in last month’s article, we find the account of the beginning of the Thessalonian church in Acts 17.  
Key Themes 
The return of Christ and the coming judgment are central to Paul’s message in this epistle, just as they were in 1 Thessalonians. As with the first epistle, Paul made sure to discuss the church’s faithfulness and the persecution they faced. He turns the discussion to judgment in chapter one, assuring them that steadfastness in faith will prove them worthy in God’s eyes and that their persecutors will be dealt retribution. A second theme that mirrors one found in the first is Paul’s clarification of the teaching on Christ’s return. In this writing he speaks of it, but he goes beyond what he said in 1 Thessalonians by providing a description of the events that would have to take place before the return. This discussion (found in chapter two) is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible when it comes to understanding and applying what Paul had in mind. The debate over the “Man of Sin” or “Man of Lawlessness” found in 2:3-10 has been examined for years, but it seems a definitive answer can’t really be found. The three most widely accepted views as to whom the Man of Sin refers are the Roman emperors, the papal line (Roman Catholic popes), or a metaphoric reference to sinfulness in the world. We certainly don’t have the time to discuss it here, but I encourage you to study the issue as it makes for an interesting bit of practice in dissecting the text contextually and verse by verse. Finally, some have become lazy and given up their work altogether (3:6-15). This, of course, is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated by the church. So, the three themes covered sequentially in chapters 1-3 (with a little bit of crossover) are the importance of faithfulness and the reward and punishment that go along with the decision to be faithful, the necessity of understanding some keys to the second coming, and the need for the brethren to work diligently.  
Key Verses 
To me, 2:1-2 is the most important section in understanding the discussion taking place in the epistle. “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” These two verses emphasize the importance of standing strong and discerning the truth about Jesus’ return. Another verse that bridges the gap between two themes (standing firm in the faith and the need to work) is 3:6. As in many of his epistles, Paul includes a prayer for his target audience, giving us a glimpse into the things he believed they needed (1:11-12). 
Key Words 
Another carryover from 1 Thessalonians that remains key in this letter is the word faith (and faithful, by extension). While there is not a specific key word attached to this idea, the point Paul continually makes about standing firm, holding to the traditions, and not giving up the faith they had learned occurs numerous times. Other words and phrases are important to the understanding of this short writing, of course, but I strongly encourage you to dig into this book (along with 1 Thessalonians) and find the thoughts and words that jump out in your study. Every Christian needs to be reminded from time to time of the need to remain faithful through whatever teachings or circumstances come upon us, and we all need the hope that comes with an accurate understanding of the second coming of our Lord.