We will study of the book of 2 Thessalonians of the New Testament this week.
Preface to 2 Thessalonians
This second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians was also written around AD. 51-52, and was also sent from Corinth after the first letter. It was likely sent within a few weeks or a few months. This letter was presumably necessitated by their misunderstanding of the suddenness of Jesus’ return that Paul wrote about in the previous letter, to the point that some opined that the Lord had already returned, given their present intense sufferings. In this second letter, Paul gives information about the Man of Lawlessness to clarify that this man’s appearance would have to precede Christ’s second coming. Also, presumably Paul’s admonition to the idle was not listened to, so he feels obliged to tell the church how they should deal with such disobedience. This letter also provides Paul the opportunity to further encourage the Thessalonians in the midst of their trials.
(1) Paul must have somehow heard not only the response of the Thessalonians to his first letter, but also the latest spiritual condition of the church which caused him to say, “We ought always to” give thanks to God for them.
a. With his thanksgiving in vv. 3-5, how special is this church in Thessalonica?
b. As we reach the months of October and November, the season of Thanksgiving in many parts of the world, for what can you give thanks for your church?
(2) V. 5 is difficult to understand given the NIV translation. However, scholars like Lenski and Morris have helpfully pointed out that (a) “judgment” is best seen as a verdict, (b) given the aorist infinitive of “counted worthy”, it would be best translated as “should be counted worthy” and (c) “for which” is best translated as “on behalf of”. Thus v. 5 should read something like: “All this is evidence that God’s verdict is right so that you should be deemed worthy of the kingdom of God, on behalf of which you are suffering.”
a. How then does this statement serve as an encouragement to the Thessalonians?
b. How might it help you understand sufferings in the lives of Christians?
(3) While Paul points out that there will be relief to their sufferings, when does Paul expect it to happen? Why doesn’t Paul feel that it might be “too late”? Why does he see it as a great comfort instead?
(4) Carefully underline all the words Paul uses to denote the coming of the Lord and the punishment He will inflict on “those who trouble” the Thessalonians in vv. 6-9. What adjectives may you use to describe such a judgment?
(5) To whom will the punishment be extended to, apart from those who trouble them?
(6) But to us who have believed, what kind of an occasion will it be?
(7) With this promise and hope in mind, how then should we look upon our present sufferings?
(8) Pause and reflect on the main message to you today. How may you apply it to your life?
(1) Paul concludes his previous thought with sharing the things that he constantly prays for the Thessalonians by saying, “with this in mind”. What is he referring to?
(2) His constant prayer for them has a purpose:
a. God may count them worthy of His calling. What is God’s calling given the preceding context?
b. God with His power, may fulfill every good purpose and every act prompted by their faith. How it applies in your own case:
- What are your “good purposes” that God may fulfill for you?
- What might be some of your recent or current acts that could be called a result of faith?
(3) What is the ultimate purpose of Paul’s prayer for them, according to v. 12?
(4) Paul has already pointed out the day of the Lord’s return would come as a thief (1 Thess. 5:1-3). What might be the reason that some of them still say that “the day of the Lord has already come”? (Imagine yourself living through the time of say, World War II, or that of the early centuries where persecution was very severe against Christians.)
(5) Paul clarifies that the day of Jesus’ return will not precede the revealing of the “man of lawlessness”. While we do not know who he is, Paul gives us some information concerning him:
a. The revealing of this man will be accompanied by the occurrence of “rebellion”. What does it mean? Do you agree with Neil’s interpretation that it means “a widespread and violent defiance of the authority of God"?
b. This man is doomed to destruction as he is called “the son of perdition”. What does it mean? (See Jn. 17:12)
c. This man will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called God or that is worshipped: Does that refer only to Christ Jesus then?
d. He will set himself up in God’s temple: Based on the immediately preceding words, does it necessarily refer to God’s temple or a “god’s” temple?
e. He will proclaim himself to be God: Again, does it necessarily refer to God or any god?
(6) Since very little else is mentioned of this man in the Bible, and based just on the above, do you think it is enough for the Thessalonians to know that this man has yet to be revealed? What about now?
(7) Should you be scared of this man? Why or why not?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
I think it is important to bear in mind while we may not fully understand what Paul is saying about the subject matter, it appears that the Thessalonians do fully understand as Paul says, “Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?” (2:5).
(1) Further information about this Man of Lawlessness is given by Paul:
- He is being held until the proper time.
- Yet the secret power of lawlessness is already at work.
- Once the “one” who is holding him back is taken away, he will be revealed.
While many opinions have been expressed in the last 2,000 years about this passage, let’s try to use our simple, “sanctified” biblical common-sense to consider the following:
a. Who has the ultimate power to hold back such a man of lawlessness?
b. Who determines the “proper time” and what does “proper time” mean?
c. The power of evil has always been at work since the Fall of Adam. Why does Paul say that it is a “secret” power which is related to the eventual revelation of this man of lawlessness? What do you understand by “secret” and what then should the attitude of believers be toward the revelation of this man of lawlessness?
d. The early Christian fathers often see this holding back as the force of Roman Emperor(s), but Severian of Gabala (of late 4th C. A.D.) considers “That which restrain and prevent the coming of the lawless one is the Holy Spirit”. What do you think and why? (Some scholars object to this view based on a lack of precedent of the Holy Spirit being taken away).
(2) The fate of this man of lawlessness is also revealed: This man will be...
a. ...overthrown with the breath of the mouth of the Lord Jesus. What is being depicted by these words?
b. ... destroyed by the splendor of His coming. What is being depicted by these words?
In a nutshell, what does Paul want to tell us?
(3) Paul continues to describe the work of this man of lawlessness:
a. This man can perform all kinds of miracles, signs and wonders. Why does Paul call them counterfeit (which does not mean fake)?
b. What is meant by every kind of evil that “will be accordance with the work of Satan”?
c. Who will be deceived and how does Paul describe them and their fate?
d. What is the reason for their being deceived according to v.10?
e. What does God do “for this reason”? What does it mean? Who then should be blamed for their condemnation?
(4) How does this passage help you understand the evil power at work in the world today?
(5) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) As Paul continues to give thanks to God for the Thessalonians, he uses the word “ought” here:
a. Why?
b. And what is the specific reason he gives?
(2) Paul reminds them that God has chosen them “from the beginning”:
a. What does it mean?
b. On what basis did God choose them? Is it any different from the basis He has chosen you?
(3) How were they saved? What does that mean?
(4) What is the purpose of His call?
(5) How should the above (i.e. vv. 13-14) be the reasons for them (and for you) to stand firm and hang on to the teachings so received?
(6) Read and reread the benediction given in vv. 16-17. How meaningful is it to the following persons?
a. To them, in the midst of severe trials
b. To you
(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Paul is the teacher, an Apostle and the founder of this church in Thessalonica and he has been praying for them constantly (1:11). Why then does he need intercession also?
(2) Who then should you also pray for constantly?
(3) How can you pray “constantly”?
a. What might be the hurdles?
b. What should you do to overcome such hurdles?
(4) What specifically does Paul ask to be prayed for? Why?
(5) Paul asks them to intercede on his behalf, especially because “not everyone has faith” and such could be wicked and evil men.
a. But ultimately, what should be the basis of their prayers in asking for deliverance and protection, according to v. 3?
b. Is he asking for prayers, or is he praying for the Thessalonians at this point?
(6) What is the basis of Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonians?
a. Is it “wishful thinking” or hope built on solid ground?
b. Why?
(7) V. 5 is a very meaningful prayer. Mull over this prayer of benediction.
a. Can you understand why Paul prays for the direction of their hearts?
b. How important is it that your heart be directed into God’s love?
c. How important is it that your heart be directed into Christ’s perseverance? (What then is Christ’s perseverance?)
(8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Since the Fall of man, the earth was cursed (Gen. 3:17), but does it mean that work is a curse? In what way might work be a curse, and in what way might it be a blessing? (See also Jn. 5:16-17)
(2) It appears those “idle” ones in Thessalonica are idle because they were eagerly anticipating the imminent return of Christ. If that is the case, why does Paul command them to work?
(3) Paul has already exhorted them in this respect in the first letter (4:11-12).
a. Do you detect a different tone in this exhortation in the second letter?
b. Instead of exhorting those who are idle, now Paul exhorts the rest as to how to deal with the idle. What should they do and why?
(4) What kind of an example is set by Paul?
(5) What reason does Paul give for his working “night and day” (likely in mending tents)?
(6) As we know Paul is not fond of “rules”, but here he lays down one and that is, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat”.
a. Why does he feel compelled to make such a rule?
b. How may you apply this to your life and that of your family?
(7) There are, in general, three proper reasons for Christians to work:
a. To earn a living (as Paul has commanded)
b. To make a contribution to society (as citizens of the earth should)
c. To make a difference for Christ
Examine yourself in light of these three reasons, and see whether you have ignored any one of them.
(8) Now offer your thanks for your God-given opportunity to work and create.
(9) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) The NIV translation vividly depicts the problem with those who choose not to work but are “busybodies”.
a. What does Paul mean by “they are not busy (because they do not work), but are busybodies”?
b. How might such busybodies be harmful to the family?
c. How might such busybodies be harmful to the church?
(2) We have a growing number of retirees (some early retirees) in the church family. How may they keep themselves from being “busybodies”?
(3) Can you think of constructive suggestions that can help physically healthy retirees “settle down” and become good stewards of the time they have?
(4) Paul closes with some harsh words for those who would not obey his instructions.
a. Why is Paul so harsh on them?
b. What is the purpose of not associating with them?
c. How important is it that with such harsh treatment we do not regard them as “enemies”, but still as brothers? Why?
d. How can we practically put this into practice and how can we make these people feel that we still regard them as brothers (and yet disassociate ourselves from them)?
(5) Why does Paul urge them to take note of his hand-writing (see 2:2)?
(6) As we come to close of this letter, may I suggest that you read aloud all the benedictions that Paul bestows upon the Thessalonians and apply them to yourself: 2:16-17; 3:5; 3:16; and 3:18.