Survey of the Bible - II Thessalonians

Text: II Thessalonians 2:15-3:5

 

I.         Paul is still at Corinth with Timothy and Silas when he wrote II Thessalonians - II Thessalonians 1:1

            A.        It would be the same period referred to in Acts 18:5

            B.        Thus, the conclusion is that this letter was written just a few months after the first letter

                        1.         Still about A.D. 50.

                        2.         This would be Paul’s second letter to the churches.

            C.        Likely the messenger who delivered the first letter, brought back news to Paul, which prompted him to send a second letter.

                        1.         The first letter mentioned the need to work - I Thessalonians 4:11-12

                                    a.         This issue was a significant problem because Paul mentions it again - II Thessalonians 3:10-12

                                    b.         He again points to his example - I Thessalonians 1:5-7; 2:10; II Thessalonians 3:6-9

                        2.         It may be that some, instead of heeding Paul’s command focused on his mention of Christ’s return and assumed it would be so soon that it wasn’t worth getting a job.

                                    a.         A case of hearing what they wanted to hear.

                                    b.         A good deal of II Thessalonians expands on the topic of the Second Coming to clarify what Paul had said earlier.

II.        Purpose

            A.        To give encouragement in the face of persecution

            B.        To correct their misunderstandings about the second coming

            C.        To instruct how to handle the disobedient

            D.        These then become the topics of each chapter.

III.       Outline

            A.        Encouragement - II Thessalonians 1

                        1.         Salutation - II Thessalonians 1:1

                        2.         Thankfulness for their growing faith and love - II Thessalonians 1:2-3

                        3.         Encouragement in the face of persecution - II Thessalonians 1:4-10

                        4.         Prayer on their behalf - II Thessalonians 1:11-12

            B.        Christ’s coming will not be immediate - II Thessalonians 2

                        1.         Some are saying it has already come - II Thessalonians 2:1-2

                        2.         First a falling away must take place - II Thessalonians 2:3-7

                        3.         The lawless will be revealed - II Thessalonians 2:8-12

                        4.         Paul expects the Thessalonians to stand firm - II Thessalonians 2:13-15

                        5.         A prayer for their strength and comfort - II Thessalonians 2:16-17

            C.        - II Thessalonians 3

                        1.         Paul’s request for prayers of strength - II Thessalonians 3:1-2

                        2.         Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonians - II Thessalonians 3:3-5

                        3.         Withdraw from the unruly, those not working, and busybodies - II Thessalonians 3:6-15

                        4.         Benediction - II Thessalonians 3:16-18

IV.      Notice that false teaching is already a problem at this early date

            A.        The return has already taken place - II Thessalonians 2:1-2

                        1.         I Corinthians 15:12 - No future resurrection

                        2.         II Timothy 2:16-18 - Two teaching that the resurrection was in the passed.

            B.        Unfaithful persecutors - II Thessalonians 3:2