2 Thessalonians Introduction
Introduction
Paul wrote a second letter to the Thessalonians shortly after the first letter. Paul had to write to correct a false report about something he had said. Some believers thought Paul had said the day of the Lord had already come. The words “day of the Lord” are from the Old Testament prophets. These words are used to describe God’s victory over all of his enemies. And these words tell when his faithful followers will receive their reward. The Thessalonians were concerned about this. If that was so, they thought they could not expect anything better from God. Nothing more would be made right. And that was discouraging because they were suffering for their faith.
Paul begins by encouraging these believers in Thessalonica. He assures them God will pay back those who were giving them trouble. He goes on to remind them of details he had given them before. He had told them how the day of the Lord would arrive. Paul then repeats some instructions about how to live lives that please God. He tells them not to be lazy but to work hard. They are to earn their own living.
The letter was most likely written by a scribe. The scribe would write as Paul spoke to him. But at the end of the letter, Paul adds a greeting in his own handwriting. He does this so the Thessalonians will know for sure these teachings come from him.
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2 Thessalonians Introduction: NIrV
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