Book Introduction

2 Thessalonians

Written by Paul

The Author

Paul — Former Christian hunter turned Christianity's greatest missionary — wrote this quick follow-up to clear up end-times panic

Traditionally attributed to Paul. Some scholars debate this because the tone on Jesus' return seems different from 1 Thessalonians, but the letter claims Pauline authorship.

Written

~51-52 AD

Audience

The church in — still confused about Jesus' return

Purpose

To correct the idea that Jesus has already returned and to address idleness in the church

Thessalonica & the Early Church

3 locations

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What's It About?

Second Thessalonians is a follow-up because the Thessalonians are still stressed about end times. Some thought Jesus had already returned and they missed it. Others straight up quit their jobs to wait for Him. Paul sets the record straight on both counts: a 'man of lawlessness' has to show up first, so no, you didn't miss it — and in the meantime, get back to work. The famous line 'if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat' comes from this letter.

Key Themes

Related Books

Chapters coming soon