Background
Paul wrote this very shortly after the first epistle. It was from Corinth as that was the only place that Silas and Timothy were with him (2Thes 1:1 and Acts 17:14-17). It was written because of persecution, confusion, and disorder. There was obviously a forged letter sent in Paul’s name telling the believers that they were going through the tribulation (Day of the Lord). Paul wrote to correct this.
• Commendation for Endurance
• Correction of Error
• Charge of Evil
Brevity
Short, concise, and to the point. Yet Paul, by the Spirit of God, reveals tremendous truths in these three brief chapters.
Breadth
Goes from eternity to eternity (ch 2:13 and 2:16)
From the mundane and day to day (ch 3:10-12), to the spiritual (ch 1:10)
From the cosmic (ch 1), to the universal and national (ch 2), to the local and personal (ch 3)
Deals with the future (ch 1), and forgery (ch 2), and with failure and freeloading (ch 3)
Balance
Look at the structure of the epistle and its balance
A. Grace and Peace 1:1-2
B. Thanksgiving 1:3-10
C. Prayer 1:11-12
D. Warning 2:1-12
D. Warning 3: 6-16
C. Prayer 2:16-3:4
B. Thanksgiving 2:13-15
A. Peace and Grace 3:16-18
Burden
ch 1 God Encouraging the Assembly in its Distress
ch 2 God Enlightening the Assembly as to Doctrine
ch 3 God Exhorting the Assembly as to Disorder
ch 1 Truth had been Forgotten
ch 2 Truth had been Forged
ch 3 Truth had been Forced to an Extreme
ch 1 Unveiling and Manifestation of the Savior
ch 2 Unveiling of the Man of Sin
ch 3 Unveiling and the Morals of the Saints
ch 1 The Lord’s Coming to Earth Recompensing for Trials Experienced
ch 2 The Lord’s Coming to Earth Reversing the Triumph of Evil
ch 3 The Lord’s Coming to Earth Regulating Behavior of the Saints
Bolstering
“Glory” mentioned in each chapter
ch 1:9, 10, 12 Future and the Work of God is Us
ch 2:14 Past and Linked with the Will of God for Us
ch 3:1 Present and Linked with the Word of God from Us
ch 1 God is Righteous
ch 2 God is Sovereign
ch 3 God is Faithful
Beauty and Benefit
Look at the 10 mentions of the “Lord Jesus Christ” through the epistle. Notice the five mentions in ch 1
The unfolding of Prophetic Truth and the view it gives us
The Greatness of God revealed in the epistle
The Value of Prayer
The Recompense for Suffering and Persecution
Breakdown of the Epistle
ch 1 Places the People of God are Found
vv 1-2 Under the Shadow of the Almighty – In the Hand of the Sovereign
vv 3-5 Amidst the Storm of Adversity – In the Heat of Suffering
vv 6-10 In the Showcase of Admiration – In Honor with the Savior
vv 11-12 In the Shepherd’s Affections – In the Heart of the Shepherd
ch 2 The Program for the Future
vv 1-2 The Great Concern of the Saints – The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
vv 3-8 The Great Climax of Sin – The Sovereignty of God
vv 9-12 The Great Counterfeit of Satan – Subtlety of Satan
vv 13-17 The Great Contrast of the Saved – The Salvation Possessed
ch 3 Problems Assemblies Face
vv 1-5 Defiance – Unreasonable and Wicked Men
vv 6-12 Disorder – Undisciplined Saints
v 13 Discouragement – Unappreciated Efforts
vv 14-15 Disobedience – Unrepentant Brother
vv 16-18 Distress – Unsettled Atmosphere
