2 Thessalonians 1

Purposes of 2 Thessalonians: To correct misunderstandings regarding the Lord’s return; warning against idleness; the nature of the second coming; what will happen to the wicked.

1. 1:1-2 Note differences and similarities between this greeting and the one in 1 Thessalonians 1:1.
   Class Answers: Differences: In 2 Thessalonians, he writes “God our Father, not God the Father. To “grace and peace to you” in 1 Thessalonians, here he adds “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Leon Morris (pg. 191) on this passage: The joining of God and Jesus are sources of grace and peace.
   Similarities: From Paul, Silas (Silvanus), and Timothy; to the church of the Thessalonians.
2. 1:3-4 For what four attributes does Paul give thanks or boast?
   Class Answers:
   1) Their faith was growing more and more
   2) Their love was increasing
   3) For their perseverance (steadfastness) through persecutions and afflictions
   4) For their faith through persecutions and afflictions
   Note: Paul says he is “bound to” or “must” give thanks because it is the right thing to do. Even if they don’t feel worthy of his praise, Paul is obligated to give it.
   Also note: In the original Greek manuscript (and 1901 American Standard Version), verses 3-10 are one sentence.
3. 1:5 How could persecutions and afflictions be evidence that God’s judgment is righteous?
   Class Answers: God provides strength in persecution; he didn’t leave the Thessalonians to their own devices. God was on their side. The Thessalonians were passing the test. They were working out God’s eternal purpose
   Morris (p. 196): “In the good providence of God, suffering is often the means of working out God’s eternal purpose.” It develops character. It teaches valuable lessons. For believers, it is inevitable. They are appointed (destined) to it (1 Thess. 3:3). Such suffering is a vivid token of the presence of God.
4. 1:5-7 What are three results of the Thessalonians’ perseverance and faith in suffering? (One each from verses 5, 6, and 7)
   Class Answers: v. 5 – They would be counted worthy; v. 6 – God would pay back the trouble they suffered; v. 7 – They would receive relief.
   Morris (p. 201) note on v. 7: “Now the Lord is hid from the view of the world, and it is even possible for people to deny his existence. But on that day he will be revealed in all his glory. He will be shown to be what he is.”
   This also reminds me of the revelation of Jesus in Revelation 1: Jesus with the flaming sword coming from his mouth, with eyes like flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze. Other references given in class were Revelation 19:1ff; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
5. 1:6-8 How does Paul describe God’s justice?
   Class Answers: This describes the other side of God’s judgment. v. 6 – He will avenge his people; v. 8 – He will punish the persecutors and those who do not acknowledge him.
6. 1:8 What does it mean to “not know God and obey not the gospel”?
   Class Answers: To not know God is to not acknowledge him or his power. See Romans 1:28. To not obey the gospel is to acknowledge his existence but to pay no attention to what he would want us to do. Morris: To reject the divine invitation.
7. 1:9 What is the punishment for those to whom verse 8 applies?
   Class Answers: Everlasting destruction – shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power. According to Morris (p. 204), the Greek word used here for punish comes from the same root word as right in verse 5 and just in verse 6. He is bringing them to justice. Morris again (p. 205):
   “Those who oppose the things of God here and now are not engaged in some minor error that can easily be put right in the hereafter. They are engaging in that defiance of the will of God which has eternal consequences. Life here and now has a high and serous dignity. In particular, facing up to the gospel invitation is a choice fraught with the most solemn and lasting consequences.”
8. 1:10 When will this happen?
   Class Answers: On the day he comes to be glorified. Believers will find rest, a shared glory with Christ.
9. 1:11 With that in mind, what is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians?
   Class Answers: 1) That they would be counted worthy of his calling; 2) That God would fulfill their purposes and acts.
10. 1:12 What is a more immediate purpose of Paul’s prayer for them?
    Class Answers: That Jesus would be glorified by them. That they would be glorified in Jesus. We reflect Jesus’ nature to others.