2 Thessalonians

Paul opens with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and love amid persecution, interpreting their suffering within an eschatological framework of divine justice. He assures them that God will vindicate the afflicted believers and repay their oppressors when Jesus is revealed from heaven with power and glory.

Paul urges the Thessalonians not to be shaken by claims that the day of the Lord has arrived, explaining that it will not come until the apostasy (apostasia) occurs and the man of lawlessness (anomos) is revealed, whose coming is according to the activity of Satan (Satanas).[1][2] He notes a restraining force currently holding back this evil, which will be removed, leading to the lawless one's destruction by the Lord Jesus at his parousia; believers must stand firm in the traditions taught by Paul.[1][2]

Paul requests prayers for the successful spread of the word of the Lord and expresses confidence in the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and protect from the evil one. He commands the community to withdraw from idle and disruptive members who refuse to work, urging all to follow his example of self-support, with a closing benediction of peace.