We are going to follow 1 Thessalonians with 2 Thessalonians. The opinions of whether this letter is genuine are split. There are many reasons to question its authenticity. Some of those reasons have to do with a comparison of the teachings in 2 Thessalonians to those in the first letter to the Thessalonians. We will take that in mind as we read.
The letter begins with a standard greeting from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, just as the first did. The first paragraph is thanking god for the Thessalonians. It mentions their love, faith, and endurance, also as the first did. The author says he boasts to other churches about the Thessalonians' faith under persecution.
According to the author, this proves god's judgment is right and the Thessalonians "will be counted worthy of the kingdom of god" for which they are suffering. Not to worry, god will pay back the persecutors and relieve the Thessalonians' troubles "when the lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." Jesus was supposed to punish those who didn't know god and who didn't obey the gospel. The persecutors were supposed to be condemned to "everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the lord." The Thessalonians would get to marvel at Jesus because they believed Paul's testimony. Too bad that day never came. The Thessalonians suffered for nothing.
We are not yet told what defines the gospel in this letter. Nor are we told what constitutes persecution. Paul and cohorts continue to pray for the Thessalonians, so they will behave the way he thinks the faithful believers should. That way the name of Jesus will be glorified in them.
More next time.
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