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UA-NT-10 Essay on II Thessalonians
Written by Eddie Sharp Tuesday, 09 March 2010
This letter was written to tell the Thessalonians that it will be a while before Jesus comes. Some of them had gotten the impression that the return was imminent. Because Jesus was coming back soon, they quit working and started hanging out in idleness. Paul wants them to go back to work and correct their bad habits.
As we read this letter, we want to notice all the prayers in this short letter. Paul not only sends instruction about the return of Jesus; he also sends a powerful devotional for when they read this letter together.
Paul’s first prayer (1:3) is one of thanksgiving for their growing love and faith. He is going to instruct their hope just a bit.
Paul assures the Thessalonians that Jesus is, in fact, coming and will punish those who persecute them when he comes.
Paul’s second prayer (1:11, 12) is that God accept them and add his power to their efforts and plans for ministry. He asks that Jesus will be honored by what they do.
In chapter 2, Paul writes of the things that must come before the coming of Jesus. This letter is written in about 50 A.D. The things Paul writes about were not seen until the rise of the Roman persecution toward the end of the first century A.D. We don’t know. Some of these prophecies may be still to be fulfilled.
Paul’s third prayer (2:13-17) thanks God for saving the Thessalonians through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and their belief in the truth. Paul prays for their ability to stand firm in difficult times. He ends the prayer with a blessing asking the Father and the Lord Christ to give them encouragement and strength in all they do.
In chapter 3, Paul asks for their prayers for effective sharing of the gospel and for protection from the evil one.
Paul’s fourth prayer (3:5) is a brief call for God to direct their hearts into greater love and perseverance.
Paul addresses those who have stopped working while waiting for Jesus. He reminds them of the “if you don’t work, you don’t eat” rule. If anyone continues in idleness and gossip, they are to cut off association with him or her.
Paul’s fifth prayer (3:16) is a prayer for peace at all times in every way.
The paradox of II Thessalonians is that Paul’s message is that Jesus is not coming for a while, but his prayers remind the brothers and sisters that Jesus is very near with his power, his presence and his peace.
