Paul, Silvanus and Timothy (v1) thank God for the Thessalonians, just like they did in the first letter. I think Paul must have heard good news about them because their work of “faith and labour of love”, of 1 Thessalonians, had now become faith “growing abundantly” and love for each other “increasing” (v3). Paul was also proud of their steadfastness and faith during persecutions and afflictions (v4).
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT
To help them in their affliction, Paul pointed them, once again, to the hope of Christ’s coming, when relief would come to them. At the same time, justice would come to their persecutors (v6) and those who do not know God or obey the gospel of Christ (v8). We are told that the mighty angels will come back with Jesus, in flaming fire, to avenge them. The punishment will be eternal destruction, separation from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (v9). Jesus will be marvelous on that day but, until it happens, Paul would keep praying for them to live a worthy life, empowered by Him for works of faith (v11), so that Jesus would be glorified in them (v12). Notice the importance of prayer which is at the heart of both letters.
REBELLION AND THE ANTICHRIST
The Thessalonians had been alarmed by a group of people, pretending to be writing from Paul, who were saying that the day of the Lord had, already, arrived (2v2). That day, Paul said, would come like a thief in the night but two things must, definitely, happen first (v3), the rebellion and the arrival of a frightening, Satanic leader of men called here the “man of lawlessness.” He will be some kind of religious leader; not any particular religion, but his own, as he exalts himself above other religions, takes his seat in the temple of God and then declares himself to be God (v4). Some think the temple will be physical and rebuilt in Jerusalem but Paul always called the true church God’s temple. So, it is possible that the Antichrist might even grow up in the Christian church itself.
The spirit which we know as Antichrist is already in the world (v7) but something is holding him back before his time of revelation. Some believe the true church is restraining him and, when the church is raptured to heaven, he will then come into his own. This means that Christians would not suffer the tribulation period under the Antichrist. One alternative view is that the restrainer may well be the archangel Michael who we know from the book of Daniel can hold back demonic kingdom power (Daniel 10). See also Daniel 12. Thankfully, though, the evil leader will be, immediately, destroyed by Jesus when he comes again (v8). Sadly, not before he does a lot of damage first (9-12). He will have Satanic power, with his own version of signs and wonders (v9), and many non-Christians will be attracted by his powerful delusion (v11).
OBTAINING THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
In the middle of persecution, these Thessalonian Christians should stand firm in their salvation and look forward to obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (v14). Paul prayed that Jesus and his Father would comfort them and strengthen them for every good work and word (17).
Prayer for Christians often flows backwards and forwards and Paul asked the Thessalonian Christians to pray for him to be rescued from wicked and evil people (3v2). In Thessalonica (3v1), Paul had been so encouraged by the rapid spreading of God’s glorious word that he wanted them to pray for everywhere else. Assuring them that the Lord would strengthen them and guard them from the evil one and praying that the Lord would direct their hearts to the love of God (v5).
KEEP AWAY FROM IDLE PEOPLE
2 Thessalonians has very similar content to the first letter and, starting at verse six, he addresses again the problem caused by believers living in idleness and sponging off other people’s generosity (6-8). Paul, when he was there, set an example for them to follow and was adamant-no work-no food! (v10). Christians should work quietly, earn their own living (v12), not be idle busybodies (v11) or weary in doing what is right (v13). In these days of the welfare state, Paul might seem to take a hard line on this issue. He insisted that they warn these people and have nothing to do with them, so as to make them ashamed (14,15). Presumably, if unemployed, we can have faith that God will provide the work that we need, paid or unpaid. Whatever our view, we should find something for idle hands to do!
Paul ends in prayer for the Thessalonians (v16) that the Lord of peace himself would give them “peace at all times and in all ways.” “The Lord be with all of you”, prayed Paul, because he knew that there is nothing greater than the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.