Cover version or sequel?
2 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians
1 THESSALONIANS SAME CONTENT
AND FORMAT
2 THESSALONIANSTONE CHANGES
Paul, Silas, and Timothy
Judgment and destruction coming
Idlers to be admonished
All should hear the letter
Paul, Silas and Timothy
Letter gleefully announces destruction
Idlers to be denied food
All should obey the letter
IS PAUL RESTATING HIS OWN MATERIAL, ORDOES SOMEONE ELSE RESHAPE 1 THESSALONIANS?
Community founded by Paul, 48–51 CE Paul left community, sent 1
Thessalonians with Timothy A new crisis arises:
The day of the Lord has arrived!• Paul responds with a second letter from
Corinth• 2 Thess. 2:2• Between 50 and 53 CE
If Paul Wrote 2 Thessalonians . . .If Paul Wrote 2 Thessalonians . . .
Community founded by Paul, 48–51 CE Paul left community, sent 1
Thessalonians with Timothy in 49-52 CE
After Paul’s death in 64 (ca. 80s CE)• Unknown Christian writes letter from Paul• Summarizes later Christian views on second
coming of Christ• Sends 2 Thessalonians empire-wide
Alternative Scenario . . .Alternative Scenario . . .
Judgment is certain• Jesus, angels, flames• Judgment of others soothes community suffering
Coming of the “Lawless One” (2:3)• Someone restrains lawless one• This restraint is unique to 2 Thessalonians
Problem of idleness• Some believers take advantage of free meal• Or rich believers don’t need to work, busybodies
Christians are living at start of end times
Theological ThemesTheological Themes
Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1–4) God’s vengeance on oppressors (1:5–12) Teaching (2:1–3:5)
• Day of the Lord: correction of expectation• Hold fast to Paul’s teaching• Blessings and prayers for Thessalonians
Problem of idleness (3:6–15)• Follow Paul’s example of working• Do not eat with idle believers
Benedictions (3:16–18)
OutlineOutline