2 Thessalonians 1:1-2; Acts 17:1-9, Introduction

Both letters to the Thessalonian Church might be called the “Book of Christ’s Return.”  We have noted that at the end of all eight chapters there is a reference to the return of Christ.  The distinction we might make between the two letters, however, is that the first imparted information and encouragement while the emphasis in the second letter is on correction.  Someone was going around the churches saying that the Day of the Lord had already come (2:2-3).  Paul assures them that is not the case.

How could this false teaching have already found its way into the Thessalonian Church?  It is believed this letter was written shortly after the first.  And your study of Acts 17 would show that Paul had not been long in Thessalonica.  You might think this teaching found its way in because the church was quite young, and that is possible.  If you add to their immaturity the fact they were in the midst of persecution for their faith you can really see how they might fall for this teaching.  If someone comes and says, “See how much you are suffering?  This is the Day of the Lord that Paul said would come before Christ is revealed.” 

I can remember in the years of the Soviet Union and the persecution that was brought on that there were many churches that taught that they were in the time of tribulation in the last days.  Their suffering was so difficult that they concluded it must be the end.  The problem with this is that it is interpreting the Bible by our experience rather than by sound doctrine.  e matter how difficult our lives, and how justified we feel by the extent of our persecutions, we cannot allow those circumstances to interpret Scripture.  I say this, not because I suffer a lot.  In God’s plan I do not suffer as so many of my/our brethren do in this world.  I say this because I see that Paul said the same thing.  He had actually taught on this subject in 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11. But now, especially in Ch. 2, he teaches again only in more of a corrective manner.

If you read the opening salutation in both Thessalonian letters you will see they are exactly the same.  They are still on the second journey which began with Paul and Silas (Silvanus) and then added Timothy.  2 Thessalonians is the shortest of Paul’s letters written to churches.  All three chapters can be said to speak of the “coming of the Lord” but the emphasis in each chapter is different:

·        Ch. 1: comfort in their present situation.

·        Ch. 2: the Day of the Lord.

·        Ch. 3: practical Christian living.

Be blessed by Paul’s standard salutation.  In every letter written to churches Paul greets them with grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us not miss this.  God our Father had us in mind from before the foundation of the world.  But He has chosen to do all things in and for the glory of His Son, our Lord.  Thus we can say confidently that if you are a believer, in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (v1) then grace and peace is extended to you at all times in all places.