Name
The title “2 Thessalonians” comes from the intended audience designated in 1:1, “To the church of the Thessalonians.” The body of the epistle makes it clear that Paul’s intended audience in Thessalonica is both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Author
Paul claims authorship of 2 Thessalonians in 1:1, and 3:17.
Externally, many early church fathers attribute the book of 2 Thessalonians to Paul, including Irenaeus, Polycarp, Ignatius, and Justin.
Genre
Epistle
Literary Form
The epistle to the 2 Thessalonians is a personal letter that includes sections of encouragement and instruction.
Time Frame
2 Thessalonians was written a few months after 1 Thessalonians while Paul was in Corinth in A.D. 50-51 during his second missionary journey to respond to questions arising from the first letter.
Emphasis
The emphasis of 2 Thessalonians is on 1) God’s greatness, 2) salvation through faith in Christ alone, 3) the second coming of Christ, and 4) the life of the believer. 2 Thessalonians is markedly cooler and less enthusiastic than 1 Thessalonians.
Outline
- Introduction, greeting, and thanksgiving (1:1-12)
- Instruction regarding the Day of the Lord (2:1-17)
- Instructions to the Thessalonians (3:1-16)
- Call to sanctification (4:1-12)
- Concluding blessing and greeting (3:17-18)
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