INTRODUCTION

Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica not long after his first letter around 53 A.D.

People were behaving in a cruel way towards the Christians there. Paul told them to have confidence in God. When Jesus returned God would punish those wicked people. He would also punish everybody who did not accept the good news about Jesus. Some Christians in Thessalonica thought that Jesus had already returned. Paul said that the Wicked One would come first. He would oppose Jesus. Christians should trust God, even when they suffer. Some Christians in Thessalonica thought that Jesus was coming back very soon. So, they refused to work. Paul reminded them that he himself worked hard in Thessalonica. And they all must work too.

Chapter 1 Encouragement in Persecutions. After his greeting, Paul gives thanks to God for their faith and love in all their persecutions. He encourages them in view of the Lords return with the outcome they would be rewarded and those who trouble them would be punished. He prays for them to be worthy of their calling.

Chapter 2 Enlightenment about the Coming of the Lord. Paul clarifies the Day of the Lord. He gives description of the lawless one to come first. There will be a falling away of believers. He encourages them to stand firm.

Chapter 3 Exhortations to Christian Living. He requests prayer that simultaneously bring their deliverance and enlargement of their ministry through perseverance. He charges them to discipline the disorderly and to live diligently by working and serving those in need.

Conclusion with prayer of the Lords blessing upon them with His peace and presence and attesting this is personally written to them.

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