Ruins of an Ancient Forum in Modern Thessaloniki

STUDIES

IN THE EPISTLE

SECOND THESSALONIANS

Bob Buchanan

RUINS OF AN ANCIENT FORUM IN MODERN THESSALONIKI

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND THESSALONIANS

PLEASE NOTE: The following sections, Roman Numerals “I” and “II,” concerning both the

CITY of Thessalonica, as well as the beginning of the CHURCH in thatCity, are being copied and re-printed from the booklet on FIRST Thessalonians.

I. The CITY of THESSALONICA

A. The modern name of the city is “Thessaloniki” or “Salonika”

B. In 315 B. C., Cassander, who had been a general under Alexander the Great, built a

new City.

C. The City was named after “Thessalonica” the daughter of Philip II of Macedon. She

was also the step-sister of Alexander the Great.

D. Thessalonica was conquered by the ROMANS in 168 B. C. and became the provincial

capital. Later, it was made the CAPITAL of the entire region.

E. The City was located on the famous EGNATIAN WAY, the Roman road that crossed

Macedonia from East to West. Some of the remains of this highway may still be

seen in that area. Many people walked on this road on their way to the coast and

then to Italy and the City of Rome. The City was a TRADE CENTER, and had a

natural harbor with extensive shipping.

F. Thessalonica was conquered by the TURKS in 1430 A. D. and by the GREEKS in

1912 A. D..

G. In the days of the apostle Paul, Thessalonica was an important city, but also a wicked

city. The population included GREEKS, ROMANS, and JEWS.

H. The RUINS of the ancient City of Thessalonica, known by the apostle Paul and first

century Christians, are covered by the MODERN THESSALONIKI. The ruins of

the ancient forum seen in the picture on the previous page of this booklet were

at one time covered by a BUS TERMINAL

I. Today, “THESSALONIKI” is the second largest city in Greece, second only to

Athens, and has a population of more than 320,000 people, The general area has more than 700,000 people.

II. The BEGINNING of the CHURCH of our Lord at Thessalonica in the days of the apostle Paul

A. Please examine Acts 17:1-9 to see the initial preaching of the gospel in Thessalonica.

B. This evangelism took place on the SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY of Paul

1. While at PHILIPPI, Paul’s companions were SILAS, TIMOTHY, and LUKE

2. Paul and Silas had been joined by TIMOTHY at LYSTRA (Acts 15:40;

16:1-5).

3. It is observed that LUKEjoined the team at TROAS. This is seen in the use of

the pronoun, “WE” in Acts 16:10-13. The author of Acts, LUKE, included

himself in the group.

4. However, when Paul and his companions left Philippi and went to Thessalonica,

a distance of about 160 kilometers, Luke used the pronoun “THEY.” This

indicates that Luke was NOT WITH THEM. He evidently remained in

Philippi. Examine Acts 17:1, 10, etc..

C. In Thessalonica, Paul reasoned in the Jewish SYNAGOGUE for THREE SABBATH

DAYS (Acts 17:2)

1. Paul preached the RESURRECTED CHRIST (Acts 17:3, 4)

2. The jealous JEWS raised up a MOB, and opposition began (Acts 17:5-9)

3. “SOME” of the Jews believed, as well as many “God-fearers” among the

Greeks, and a number of leading women (Acts 17:4)

4. From this we learn that GENTILES obeyed the gospel in Thessalonica. Paul

stated that they had “turned to God from idols” (I Thessalonians 1:9, 10).

Read also First Thessalonians 2:14.

5. From Thessalonica, Paul went to the city of BEREA (Acts 17:10-13).

5. NOTE: It is not possible to determine exactly HOW LONG Paul remained at

Thessalonica.

III. CIRCUMSTANCES existing in the CHURCH at Thessalonica at the time of writing of

II Thessalonians. This epistle was probably writtenin the NEAR FUTURE AFTER the

writing of FIRST Thessalonians. The date of writing is UNCERTAIN. (See the possible DATE below).

A. One of the challenges facing the church was the CONTINUATION of PERSECUTION

in Thessalonica.

1. Review the record in the book of Acts concerning the early persecution in that

City (Acts 17:1-9). Perhaps, when Paul left the City (Acts 17:10), the

persecution may have become LESS for a time, and then increased again.

Wecannot be certain about this.

2. Also, review Paul’s discussion of the “affliction” experienced by the church which

is seen in FIRST Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14-16.

3. However, their suffering, their “affliction” was CONTINUING at the time of the

writing of SECOND Thessalonians 1:3-7.

B. ASECONDCHALLENGE in the Thessalonian church at the time Paul wrote

II Thessalonians was their MISUNDERSTANDINGabout the TIME of the Second

Coming of theLord Jesus (II Thessalonians 2:1-12). They thought that “the day

of the Lord has come.” (II Thessalonians 2:2).

C. A THIRD CHALLENGE was the PROBLEM of “IDLENESS” in the congregation at

Thessalonica (II Thessalonica 3:6-15).

1. Observe that even in FIRST Thessalonians 4:11, 12, Paul exhorted them strongly

to “WORK!”

2. Also, in I Thessalonians 5:14, the church was to”admonish” the “UNRULY”

(“ataktous”). This word is the same root word that is used for “idle” in

II Thessalonians 3:6, 11. Therefore, it seems that this problem had continued

among the Thessalonian brothers.

IV. The inspired AUTHOR and DATE of writing of SecondThessalonians

A. The inspired AUTHOR

1. PAUL was the primary author, but SILVANUS and TIMOTHY were also

included in the greeting (II Thessalonians 1:1).

2. Just as he did in FIRST Thessalonians, Paul used the pronouns “WE”

(II Thessalonians 1:3, 4; 2:1, 13; 3:4, 8-11, etc.) and the word, “US”

(2:15; 3:1). This suggests that he was including his companions,

Silvanusand Timothy, in the exhortations which he gave to the Thessalonians.

3. However, Paul also used the pronoun “I” as he emphasized that, “while I was still

with you, I was telling you these things” (II Thessalonians 2:5).

4. Note also that Paul wrote the greeting at the end of the epistle WITH HIS OWN

HAND, and used the pronoun “I” again (II Thessalonians 3:17).

B. The DATE of the writing of SECOND Thessalonians

1. Because of the CONTINUING CIRCUMSTANCES at Thessalonica, it seems that

SECONDThessalonians was written NOT LONG AFTER the writing of FIRST Thessalonians.

2. II Thessalonians was probably written while Paul remained at Corinth for 18

months on the second missionary journey (Acts 18:11). If so, this would

be approximately 50-52 A. D.

V. Paul’s REASONS or PURPOSES for writing the epistle of SECOND Thessalonians

A. Paul desired to express his THANKFULNESS for their FAITHFULNESS. Read

II Thessalonians 1:3, 4.

B. To ENCOURAGE the Thessalonian disciples to continue in that faithfulness and

obedience to the teaching Paul had given them. Read II Thessalonians 2:13-15;

3:3-15.

C. He desired to CORRECT wrong ideas concerning the SECOND COMING of

Christ (II Thessalonians 2:1-12).

D. Paul urged proper DISCIPLINE of UNRULY or IDLE brothers (II Thessalonians

3:6-15) (Kelcy, pages 127, 128).

VI. IMPORTANT and RELEVANT LESSONS from II Thessalonians

A. A beautiful description of the “GODHEAD”

1. GOD the “FATHER”

a. He is the Christian’s heavenly “FATHER” and He is the ONE who gives

COMFORT, GRACE, PEACE, LOVE and HOPE (II Thessalonians 1:2; 2:16; 3:5).

b. God the Father has chosen Christians for SALVATION (II Thessalonians

2:13).

c. God’s JUDGMENT will be a “RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT”

(II Thessalonians 1:5).

2. JESUS CHRIST the SON

a. Because the name of Christ is “united” or “coupled” with the Father in

extending “GRACE,” His DEITY is clearly seen. See II Thessalonians

1:1, 2; 2:12.

b. At His SECOND COMING, He will appear in “FLAMING FIRE” to

execute “vengeance” (II Thessalonians 1:7-9).

c. He will destroy the “man of lawlessness” (II Thessalonians 2:8).

d. JESUS IS LORD! (II Thessalonians 1:1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 12; 2:1, 8, 14, 16;

3:6, 12)

3. The HOLY SPIRIT is involved in the “SANCTIFICATION” of the Christian

(II Thessalonians 2:13).

B. The Thessalonians were “IN GOD” and “INTHE LORDJESUS CHRIST”

(II Thessalonians 1:1). This is where SALVATIONIS FOUND!

1. EXAMINE HOW a person COMES “INTO CHRIST” (Galatians 3:26, 27;

Romans 6:1-5).

2. God had “CHOSEN” the Thessalonians FOR SALVATION

(II Thessalonians 2:13).

3. God had “CALLED” them through Paul’s gospel (II Thessalonians 2:14).

Observe that TRUTH is also involved (II Thessalonians 2:10-12, 13).

C. There is an emphasis in II Thessalonians on CHRISTIAN LIVING!

1. Paul gave THANKS for the increasing FAITH and the increasing LOVE they

had FOR EACH OTHER (II Thessalonians 1:3).

2. They should be STEADFAST and FAITHFUL in the midst of sufferingfor the

Kingdom (II Thessalonians 1:5).

3. The Thessalonians should live in PEACE and NOT be disturbed or shaken from

their “composure” (II Thessalonians 2:2).

4. They should NOT permit anyone to DECEIVE them (II Thessalonians 2:3)

5. They should be COMFORTED and STRENGTHENED in heart and should

practice “EVERY GOOD WORK AND WORD” (II Thessalonians 2:17).

6. They should be engaged in “HONEST TOIL” (II Thessalonians 3:7-10).

7. The Thessalonians should practice CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE against the

“UNRULY” but show love and “admonish him as a brother”

(II Thessalonians 3:6, 14, 15) (Kelcy, page 133).

D. In II Thessalonians, the Lord’s SECOND COMING is emphasized again

(II Thessalonians 1:5-10).

1. God will give “REST” to those who are “AFFLICTED”

2. Those who are DISOBEDIENT will receive ETERNAL”DESTRUCTION”

3. The “APOSTASY” or “REBELLION” wouldCOME FIRST (II Thessalonians

2:3, 4).

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OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE OF SECOND THESSALONIANS

I. The GREETING of Paul and his companions (1:1, 2)

II. ENCOURAGEMENT given to the Thessalonians (1:3-12)

A. The THANKFULNESS of the preachers for the Thessalonians (1:3, 4)

B. God will bring RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT (1:5-10)

C. The PRAYER of the preachers for the Thessalonians (1:11, 12)

III. ADDITIONAL TEACHING concerning the SECOND COMING (2:1-17).

A. INTRODUCTORY Thoughts

B. The Lord’s COMING had NOT YET ARRIVED (2:1, 2)

C. The “REBELLION” and the “MAN OF LAWLESSNESS” must come first (2:3-12)

D. More THANKFULNESS and ENCOURAGEMENT to “STAND FIRM” (2:13-15)

E. Paul’s PRAYER for the Thessalonians (2:16, 17)

IV. Paul’s “COMMANDS” and EXHORTATIONS (3:1-15)

A. Encouragement to PRAY for PAUL, SILAS, and TIMOTHY (3:1, 2)

B. The CONFIDENCE of the preachers in the LORD and in the THESSALONIANS

(3:3-5)

C. The “COMMANDS” of Paul and his companions concerning the “DISORDERLY”

(3:6-15)

V. CONCLUSION of the epistle (3:16-18)

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REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE INTRODUCTION TO SECOND THESSALONIANS

1. What is the modern name of the city of THESSALONICA?

2. Who founded the city of Thessalonica in ancient times and WHEN was it founded?

3. After WHOM was the city NAMED?

4. What famous ROMAN ROAD passed through Thessalonica?

5. When Paul preached there, which ETHNIC GROUPS inhabited the City?

6. What is the approximate POPULATION of that City TODAY?

7. On which MISSION JOURNEY did Paul preach there, and WHO were his companions?

8. WHERE was LUKE at this time?

9. What do the pronouns “WE” and “THEY” indicate in Acts 16, 17, etc.?

10. TO WHOM did Paul preach on three Sabbath days, and WHAT WAS HIS TOPIC?

(Acts 17:1-9)

11. WHICH GROUPSaccepted the message of Paul at Thessalonica?

12. Give THREE CHALLENGES or PROBLEMSfacing the congregation

In Thessalonica at the time of the writing of II Thessalonians?

13. What do the pronouns, “WE” and “US” indicate in the book of

Second Thessalonians?

14. WHEN was Second Thessalonians written?

15. What were Paul’s “PURPOSES” in writingSecond Thessalonians?

16. Discuss the following important LESSONS in Second Thessalonians:

a. What does this epistle say about the “Father,” “Son” and “Holy

Spirit?”

b. What does it really mean to be “IN CHRIST?”

c. What does this epistle say about CHRISTIAN LIVING?

17. What does Second Thessalonians say about the SECOND COMING?

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STUDIES IN THE TEXT OF SECOND THESSALONIANS CHAPTER ONE

I. The GREETING from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy (II Thessalonians 1:1, 2).

A. The epistle is addressed to “the church of the Thessalonians” (II Thessalonians 1:1)

1. Observe that this same phrase is found in FIRST Thessalonians 1:1.

2. Consider that God’s people are simply called “the church” which was located

in the city of Thessalonica. See also “the church” in Colossians 1:18, 24, etc.

3. The word, “church” (“ekklesia”) meant a group of citizens such as the citizens

of Ephesus who “assembled” together (Note Acts 19:32, 39, 41).

a. Thus, in the secular world, “ekklesia” referred to a “regularly summoned

political body” However, in the spiritual sense, it referred to the

“totality of Christians living in one place” (A. and G., page 240).

Read II Corinthians 1:1.

b. Thus, the term, “church of Christ” is NOT a title, but, it refers to those

“citizens” in the “body” or “kingdom” who BELONG TO CHRIST!

Christ “purchased” them with His blood (I Peter 1:18, 19; Acts 20:28;

Revelation 5:9, 10)

4. The word, “church” (“ekklesia”) can refer to the Lord’s “citizens” throughout

the world, the “UNIVERSAL” church (Ephesians 1:22; 3:10, 21, etc.).

5. The word, “church” is also used in Scripture for the Lord’s “citizens” in a

“provincial” sense, those Christians living in a certain geographical area

(Acts 9:31). NOTE the church in “Judea, Galilee, and Samaria” in

this Scripture.

6. Consider also that the Lord’s “citizens” in a congregational sense are also

called“churches of God” (II Thessalonians 1:4; See also I Corinthians 1:2).

7. The phrases, “OF GOD” and “OF CHRIST” (Romans 16:16) designate

OWNERSHIP!

B. The Thessalonians were “in God OUR Father” and “in the Lord Jesus Christ”

(II Thessalonians 1:1).

1. Sometimes, the word “FATHER” refers to the relationship the “Father” has with

His Son, the Lord Jesus. Read Romans 15:6; II Corinthians 1:3, etc.).

2. Here, however, Paul said “God OUR Father” which emphasizes God’s

relationship with His people. Study also Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:3;

II Corinthians 1:2 (Kelcy, page 137).

3. The phrases, “IN GOD” and “IN CHRIST” describe the relationship which

Christians have with the Father and the Son

a. Those “IN CHRIST” are “NEW CREATURES” (II Corinthians 5:17).

b. Examine the great “spiritual blessings” that are “IN CHRIST” which are

recorded in Ephesians 1:3-14.

c. Review the notes on FIRST Thessalonians 1:1 found in the booklet on

thatepistle.

4. Study concerning HOW one enters that “RELATIONSHIP” with the Father and

the Son (Romans 6:1-5; Galatians 3:26, 27). HOW DOES ONE GET

“INTO CHRIST?”

C. May there be GRACE and PEACE from BOTH the Father and the Lord Jesus

(II Thessalonians 1:2).

1. Because “grace” and “peace” find their origin in BOTH the Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ, the DEITY of Christ is clearly seen in this statement.

2. Note that Paul often expressed his desire for his readers to have “GRACE” and

“PEACE” (Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:3; II Corinthians 1:2; Galatians

1:3; Ephesians 1:2, etc.).

II. Paul ENCOURAGED the Thessalonians again as he did in the FIRST epistle

(II Thessalonians 1:3-12).

A. The THANKFULNESS of Paul and his companions (II Thessalonians 1:3, 4). They

are thankful for the INCREASEin the FAITH and LOVE of the Thessalonians.

1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy felt an “obligation” (“opheilomen”) . Paul said, “We

ought always to give thanks.” They were thankful for the growth and maturity of the Thessalonian Christians during a period of persecution.

a. This word, “OUGHT” is translated “OWE” in Romans 13:8. Consider

that Paul also said, “We should always give thanks….” in

II Thessalonians 2:13.

b. They were CONSTANTLYgiving thanks for these disciples. Examine

this thought also inFIRST Thessalonians 1:2.

2. BOTH the “FAITH” (“pistis”) of the Thessalonians and their “LOVE”

(“agape”) for one anotherhad been increasing.

a. Their “FAITH” was “greatly enlarged.” The word here, “huperauxanei”

means to “grow wonderfully” (A. and G., page 847).

b. Their LOVE for one another had also been “increasing.” Observe the

useof this word in II Peter 1:8 and Philippians 4:17. Review also that Paulwanted them to “excel still more” in their LOVE FOR EACH

OTHER! (FIRST Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9, 10).

IS THIS A GREAT NEED IN EVERY CONGREGATIONTODAY?

3. Paul “spoke proudly” about the Thessalonians to other “churches of God”

(II Thessalonians 1:4).

a. Paul was “speaking proudly,” and had “boasted” (A. and G., page 215)

about their “steadfastness” or “perseverance” (“hupomones”) in the

middle of “persecutions and afflictions”

b. It is Biblical to “COMMEND” the good works of our brethren. Study

this principle in Paul’s “commendation” of many brothers and sisters

in Romans 16:1-15.

c. Examine the word, “steadfastness,” or “bearing up under” which is found

inFIRST Thessalonians 1:3; I Timothy 6:11; II Timothy 3:10, etc.

d. NOTE ESPECIALLY that “steadfastness” in trials will come out of our

“HOPE” (I Thessalonians 1:3)

e. God will give “REST” to those who suffer for the gospel. See the next

section below based on SECOND Thessalonians 1:5-10.

B. GOD’S JUDGMENT will be a “RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT” (II Thessalonians 1:5-10).

1. The ENDURANCE of the Thessalonians under PERSECUTION indicates that

God’s final JUDGMENT will be RIGHTEOUS (II Thessalonians 1:5).

Suffering is a “refining,” “testing,” “purifying” process. Read also

I Peter 1:6, 7; 4:12, 13.

a. God is WITH His children who suffer for the sake of RIGHTEOUSNESS

(Matthew 5:10-12). Note also Hebrews 13:5, 6.

b. There is great VALUE, and a great amount of GOOD that can come out of

PERSECUTION. “Tribulation” brings “steadfastness” which also

bringsabout “proven character” (Romans 5:3, 4).

c. Christians are to LIVE in a manner which is “worthy of the KINGDOM.”

Review the phrases, “worthy of the LORD” (Colossians 1:10),

“worthy of your CALLING” (Ephesians 4:1), and “worthy of the

GOSPEL” (Philippians 1:27). Read also the notes on “worthy of the

God” (Booklet on FIRST Thessalonians 2:12).

d. Christians suffer for the KINGDOM and look forward to entrance into

theETERNAL KINGDOM (Matthew 25:34; II Peter 1:11).

2. God is JUST or RIGHTEOUS in “afflicting” those who PERSECUTE His

people (II Thessalonians 1:6). The NIV translation says, “If indeed it is

just with God to pay back trouble to those troubling you.”

a. God will “REPAY” (“antapodounai”) or bring “vengeance” on the

PERSECUTORS. Note this also in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30.

b. However, God’s “JUDGMENTS” will ALWAYS be JUST (Romans 2:5).