FocusFaith and love under persecution
Connection to the wholeThe church's increasing faith and mutual love are recognized within its continuing trials.
interpretation 2 Thessalonians 1:3
KJVWe are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
Read it in context
Thanksgiving for growth
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:1 (2 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2 Thessalonians 1:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The church's increasing faith and mutual love are recognized within its continuing trials.
- 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
- 1:2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
- 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:
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Thanksgiving for growth. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1 through 2 Thessalonians 1:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The church's increasing faith and mutual love are recognized within its continuing trials. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Thanksgiving for growth (2 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2 Thessalonians 1:4). Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cited: 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and points to his signature as the mark of authenticity.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 Thessalonians 3:17
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- are 2 Thess 2:13 Rom 1:8 1 Cor 1:4 1 Thess 1:2-3 1 Thess 3:6,9
- as is Luke 15:32 Phil 1:7 2 Pet 1:13
- your Job 17:9 Ps 84:7 Ps 92:13 Prov 4:18 Isa 40:29-31 Luke 17:5 John 15:2 Phil 1:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Judgment and prayer
2 Thessalonians 1:5–12FocusThe Lord's revelation
Connection to the wholePaul places present affliction beside God's coming judgment and prays that the readers' calling and work of faith will glorify Jesus.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
FocusComfort for an afflicted church
Connection to the wholePaul gives thanks for perseverance and directs the readers toward God's righteous judgment and Christ's revelation.
interpretation Correction concerning the day
2 Thessalonians 2:1–17FocusDiscernment and steadfastness
Connection to the wholePaul warns against being shaken by claims that the day is at hand and exhorts the church to hold the teaching it received.
interpretation Prayer and orderly conduct
2 Thessalonians 3:1–18FocusWork and brotherly correction
Connection to the wholePractical instruction addresses the mission and disorderly conduct, closing with peace and Paul's identifying greeting.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.