Pauline Epistles · New Testament
2 Thessalonians
c. AD 51
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 51
- Written
- c. AD 51, from Corinth critical view: Disputed; possibly a later disciple
- Author
- Paul the Apostle critical view: Paul or a later disciple (authorship disputed)
Paul writes again to steady the Thessalonians, who are shaken by a claim that the day of the Lord has already come. He assures them of God's justice, explains that a rebellion and a “man of sin” must come first, and warns the idle to get back to work.
Key themes
- The day of the Lord
- The man of sin
- Standing firm
- God's justice
- Work and discipline
The letter's message
- God will bring relief to the persecuted and just judgment on their persecutors
- The day of the Lord has not yet come; the rebellion and the man of sin must appear first
- Stand firm and hold to the teachings you were taught
- A warning against idleness: "if any would not work, neither should he eat"
“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”