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2 Thessalonians Background Info

  • Author: Paul, with Silas (Silvanus), and Timothy
  • Audience: The church in Thessalonica
  • Time: ~49-51 AD, closely after 1 Thessalonians.
  • Purpose:
    • According to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 some of the Thessalonians seemed to think the day of the Lord had already come, and they were frightened by the thought. Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to tell them that it has not come and the other things must happen before the second coming (2:1-12).
    • Paul addresses another problem that was occurring in the church which was some Christians were being lazy and not working because they could just get money from wealthier Christians (3:6-15).
    • Throughout this letter Paul encourages the Thessalonians in the face of persecution they have been facing (1:4).