The Writings of 2 Thessalonians

Has Christ already come back? Why is there so much evil in this world? Have I been left behind? Have you ever found yourself asking these questions about the end of the world? If you have, you aren’t the first. The young Thessalonian church had not even been in existence for a year and they began to ask these questions. Fear and confusion were beginning to hurt their hope and faith, so Paul decided it was time to write them second letter. As he began to write Paul couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and joy as he thought about this young church. They had many questions, but that was because they were so hungry to know more about Jesus. Questions weren’t a bad thing. This church was facing great hardship, which always raises questions. Yet they were growing strong in faith and love for each other. Paul made sure they knew he was proud of them and saw them as examples to other churches. 

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul focused on Christ and the church. In this second letter Paul focused on the Antichrist and the events that will take place in the world. Paul puts their minds at ease. They have not been left behind. Christ will not return until a rebellion takes place and the Antichrist tries to set himself up against God. Paul’s letter tells them that things will get worse before they get better! Throughout the centuries Christians have tried to understand Paul’s letter, wanting to know exactly what happens and how long it takes. Paul teachings about the future is for the purpose of helping the church know how to live in the present. 

Paul reminds the church that judgment will come. Nothing evil that takes place will be left forgotten. God is the righteous judge of all, and Paul assured the church that God will pay back trouble to those who have caused trouble. But Paul also teaches a reward is coming for those who have done right and endured much for God’s name. Paul encourages the church to stand firm their current hardships because of the future coming. 

This letter from Paul was meant to give his readers hope. They weren’t meant to educate them on every detail of the end times, but instead give them a hope of how to live each day with eternity and the promise of Christ’s return in their hearts and minds. The exact details of God’s plan for the future are unknown to the church. Even what we do know, the church doesn’t fully agree on. But this letter teaches that understanding the eternal picture gives hope and faith for the church to live each day with trust and purpose to build His Church.