2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 1
1-2 Salutation

• Writer: Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy
• Recipients: The church of the Thessalonians
• Greeting: Grace and peace from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

3-4 Thanksgiving

• Thanks to God for your faith and your love for one another. It's interesting here that Paul says (in the NRSV) that we must give thanks, as is right, as if it's their duty to thank God for the Thessalonians. Either that, or it indicates a compulsion to do so. What's really important here is that he commends them for their growth in both faith and love, which should be the case for all churches -- growth, not just holding our own.
• We boast of your steadfastness and faith in persecution. This indicates Paul's gratitude for them -- and the previous thanks was to let them know of his gratitude.

5-12 The Judgment at Christ's Coming

• [Your persecution?] is evidence of the God's judgment, and will make you "worthy of the kingdom of God." Another interesting concept: Can we actually be worthy of the kingdom? It's been my understanding that only the cross of Christ makes us worthy, not anything we can do.
• The vengeance of God: God will repay those who afflict his people, in the person of Jesus, coming from heaven in flaming fire, sentencing not only them but all who don't believe, to eternal destruction. Both those who overtly act against and passively ignore Jesus will be destroyed alike. This is such a scary thought and one I don't think we appreciate enough -- either that, or we just don't know what to do with that knowledge.
• This is what Paul does: He prays for the Thessalonians -- again, that "God will make [them] worthy of his call."
• Not for their sakes necessarily, but that "the name of...Jesus may be glorified, and you in him."

2 Thessalonians 2
1-11 The Man of Lawlessness

• Regarding the coming of Jesus, we beg you not to be influenced by anyone who would say that the day of the Lord is already here.
• Before that day comes, there will first be a rebellion.
• Also, a lawless one who 1) opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship; 2) takes his seat in God's temple; 3) declares himself to be God.
• He will be revealed, and Jesus will destroy him.
• His coming will be apparent through signs of Satan: power, signs, lying wonders.
• And God will allow his followers to be deluded, because they didn't love the truth.

Note: Although to us the lawless one bears striking resemblance to the man in Rome who calls himself God on earth, in the context of Thessalonians it might rather be representatives of the Roman empire, and for our purposes, a description of all men since who have accepted the worship of other men. What's important for us is the fact that God allows it to happen, and allows people to be deceived, but in the end will reveal and destroy those who are arrogant enough to take God's place and in doing so lead millions to eternal destruction. Here's a quote from a commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown. I'm not sure I agree with the conclusion, but the history is interesting.

Rome here again gives a presage of Antichrist. The Greek is Sebasma; and Sebastus is the Greek for Augustus, who was worshipped as the secular ruler and divine vicegerent. The papacy has risen on the overthrow of Cæsar's power. Antichrist shall exalt himself above every object of worship, whether on earth as the Cæsar, or in heaven as God. The various prefigurations of Antichrist, Mohammed, Rome, Napoleon, and modern infidel secularism, contain only some, not all, his characteristics. It is the union of all in some one person that shall form the full Antichrist, as the union in one Person, Jesus, of all the types and prophecies constituted the full Christ [OLSHAUSEN]

13-17 Chosen for Salvation

• But God chose you for salvation through "sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth." That is to say, because the Thessalonian church loved the truth, they would not be deceived. Questions for us who look at others whom we think are living a religious delusion, and then look at ourselves as possible victims of the same: "Do I love the truth? How can I tell?" One possible way to answer is to ask another question: "Am I willing to change when I read something in the Bible that challenges either a present belief or a present practice?"
  
• God called you through our proclamation of the good news. Which hasn't changed for us. God still calls us through his gospel.
  
• Stand firm; hold fast.
• And a benediction: May Christ our Lord and God our Father comfort and strengthen your hearts.

2 Thessalonians 3
1-5 Request for Prayers

• Pray for us that 1) the word may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere; 2) we may be rescued from wicked people, for not all have faith.
• But the Lord is faithful.
• And we have faith that you will continue in our commandments.
• May God direct your hearts to love and steadfastness.

6-14 Warning against Idleness

• Keep away from believers who live in idleness.
• We worked hard while we were with you, in order to be an example of industry.
• Some among you are idle, busybodies. If they don't work, they shouldn't eat.
• Have nothing to do with the disobedient; shame them and warn them -- not as enemies but as believers. Does he really mean this? Do we really have to confront brothers and sisters with their sin? But Paul, that makes us so uncomfortable!
  

16-18 Final Greetings and Benediction

• May the Lord of peace give you peace.
• I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
• Grace be with you.