2 Thessalonians 1
The MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that the timing of this letter "was surely a few months after the first epistle" citing Acts 18:11 indication that the 18 month period when Paul was in Corinth was "ample" time for both epistles to be authored. Per this overview, The church in Thessalonica needed encouragement, instruction on how to discern false teachers, and to focus on their faith, service to God and to one another, and to remain unified.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to remain strong in the face of perspecution. He tells them that "God is just" - indeed. See also posts here on this topic. In particular this post is useful.
We often grow weary when we face persecution. Yet we can take comfort that God sees it all and the wicked will not go unpunished and the faithful will be rewarded.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who sees everything and is just. I am encouraged to remain faithful and to be strong in the face of persecution. Thank You Jesus. I am not worthy of such love and blessing. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. v6-7
The MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that the timing of this letter "was surely a few months after the first epistle" citing Acts 18:11 indication that the 18 month period when Paul was in Corinth was "ample" time for both epistles to be authored. Per this overview, The church in Thessalonica needed encouragement, instruction on how to discern false teachers, and to focus on their faith, service to God and to one another, and to remain unified.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to remain strong in the face of perspecution. He tells them that "God is just" - indeed. See also posts here on this topic. In particular this post is useful.
We often grow weary when we face persecution. Yet we can take comfort that God sees it all and the wicked will not go unpunished and the faithful will be rewarded.
For
there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing
concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who sees everything and is just. I am encouraged to remain faithful and to be strong in the face of persecution. Thank You Jesus. I am not worthy of such love and blessing. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
