Introduction to II Thessalonians

Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church , Hamilton , Ohio

1. Author.   Paul wrote II Thessalonians (1:1) in about 53 A.D. from Corinth during his second missionary journey.   Paul also mentions Timothy and Silas, Paul clearly indicates that he was the author ( 3:17 ).
   
2. Recipients.   II Thessalonians is written to the church of the Thessalonians (1:1).
   
3. Theme.   The day of the Lord (2:2).
   
4. Key verses.   II Thessalonians 1:7-10 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
   
5. Key words used in II Thessalonians: alway, always – 4 times; coming [of the Lord Jesus] – 3 times.
   
6. References to the Lord’s church in II Thessalonians:
   1. The word church appears 2 times in II Thessalonians:
      1. 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   Paul clearly expects the faithful of Thessalonica (hence, then and always) to be members of a church body.
      2. 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.   Churches should share in fellowship and rejoice in the faithfulness of other churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.
7. II Thessalonians has 3 chapters, 47 verses, and about 1,042 words.

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