OUTLINE and STUDY NOTES FOR SECOND THESSALONIANS
INTRODUCTION: This is Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. It is a follow-up to his first epistle. Like what has happened to all of us at some time, Paul was misunderstood in his first epistle. In response to reports that had come to him while he was still in Corinth, Paul had learned that some were misrepresenting his teaching in his first epistle to say that the coming of the Lord’s seconding coming. There was the possibility that some were circulating counterfeit letters purportedly written by the apostle. He writes this epistle to both encourage and warn the saints. Paul instructs them to pay special attention to his signature, so that they may distinguish the genuine letters from the false (3:17). He points out that the ultimate source of this trouble is Satan himself, the “evil one” (3:3), and that he is certain that the Lord will protect them.
OUTLINE AND STUDY NOTES
- PAUL’S GREETING 1:1-2
- HIS PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT 1:3-12
- The Testimony of the Thessalonians 1:3-4
- The Purpose of God 1:5-6
1.the judgment of God
“the meaning of the words is this, that whereas good men are afflicted and persecuted in this life, they have now their evil things, and bad men prosper and flourish, and have their good things so that justice does not seem to take place; which seeming inequality in Providence has been sometimes the hardening of wicked men, and the staggering of the righteous, which should not be; this is now a manifest token, and a clear case, that there will be a righteous judgment, in which things will be set aright, and justice will take place; for God is neither unrighteous nor careless, nor negligent, and this is observed to support the saints under their sufferings, and to animate them to bear them patiently:” John Gill, BIBLE COMMENTARY
2.their worthiness
Matthew 10:38 he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. See Luke 20:35; Luke 21:36; Romans 8:18
3.the kingdom of God
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
4.God’s righteous judgment 1:6
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
C. The Coming of the Lord 1:7-10
1.Their Patience 1:7
Rest=Greek= ánesis= relaxation or (figuratively) relief:—eased, liberty
Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
Romans 5:3; Colossians 1:11;James 1:3;James 5:7; Revelation 1:9; 13:10
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
2.Their Hope….” the Lord”
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
3.His coming=revealed= apokálypsis= disclosure:—appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; This word is used in 1 Corinthians 1:7;1 Peter 1:7,13; 1 Peter 4:13
These persecuted saints were to be comforted by the truth of the coming of the Lord for them and also His coming to bring judgment on the ungodly.