Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of 2 Thessalonians
Second Thessalonians encourages a persecuted church, corrects confusion about the day of the Lord, and warns against idleness. It is a call to stand firm and faithful while awaiting the return of Christ, who will bring rest to His people and justice to the world. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy, around AD 51 or 52, shortly after his first letter to the same young church. The believers were enduring persecution and had become confused, and even alarmed, by false teaching claiming the day of the Lord had already come. Paul writes to encourage their steadfastness, correct the error about Christ's coming, and rebuke idleness among some who had stopped working.
This commentary covers 2 Thessalonians verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. The letter comforts the suffering with the certainty of God's righteous judgment at the revelation of Christ, clarifies the events surrounding the day of the Lord, and calls believers to stand firm and hold fast to the truth. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
This commentary on 2 Thessalonians is now complete, covering all three chapters verse by verse.
Author
The apostle Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy.
Setting
A follow-up letter to the Thessalonians, around AD 51 or 52.
Key Themes
Steadfastness in persecution, the day of the Lord, and diligence.
Central Hope
Rest and justice when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (1:7).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
2 Thessalonians Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Counted Worthy of the Kingdom
Paul steadies a persecuted church whose faith is growing under trial, assuring them of God's righteous judgment and rest when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, and praying that Christ be glorified in them.
Read Chapter 1 →2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
That Man of Sin
Do not be 'soon shaken in mind' by claims the day of Christ has come, for first 'there come a falling away... and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,' who exalts himself as God, yet 'the Lord shall consume' him 'with the brightness of his coming.' The deceived perish because they 'received not the love of the truth.' But God 'chose you to salvation,' so 'stand fast, and hold the traditions,' comforted by 'our Lord Jesus Christ... and God, even our Father.'
Read Chapter 2 →2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Be Not Weary in Well Doing
Paul asks prayer that 'the word of the Lord may have free course,' and rests the church on God: 'the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.' He corrects idleness, 'if any would not work, neither should he eat,' urges the faithful, 'be not weary in well doing,' and to admonish the erring 'as a brother.' He closes: 'the Lord of peace himself give you peace always... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.'
Read Chapter 3 →