Summaries
In some of the second epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul clarifies things he had written in the first epistle. Other parts reiterate things Paul had written earlier. In both cases, it is important to remember that the Thessalonians had already receieved the first letter. The second is thought to have been written several months later.
1 Thessalonians 1
Greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Thanks to God for the Thessalonians; they received the gospel in word and in power and in the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonians are an example to all those who are in Greece and Macedonia. Paul and his companions don't have to tell other about the Thessalonians; their good reputation is spreading.
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul remembers his persecution, and how it only made him bolder in preaching to the Thessalonians. Paul and his companions didn't preach to make money, or for any ulterior motive, and were gentle, kind, and humble among the Thessalonians. Paul &c. worked hard alongside the Thessalonians, and shared the gospel. Paul again thanks God for the Thessalonians, and compares them with him, and with Jesus, for they all suffered for the sake of the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 3
Although Paul &c. tried to visit, they were always hindered, so they sent Timothy along with a letter, and to encourage them. Timothy returned to find that they hadn't fallen, or lost their faith, but had continued just as they should have; this fact comforted Paul. Paul prays for the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 4
Paul urges the Thessalonians to grow in their faith. God's will for their lives is sanctification; abstainance from sexual immorality, that a man not wrong his brother; he who does these isn't just rejecting Paul's comands, but is rejecting God. Christians should live simple, peaceful lives, and not be dependent on anyone.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they needn't worry about those who have died. When Christ returns and takes the church, those who have died will be ressurcted just as was Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
Paul won't (and can't) reveal the day and the hour of Jesus' coming, for it will come like a theif in the night. But the Thessalonians, as Christians, are to be constantly prepared for the coming of the Lord. God has not desinted us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation. Encourage one another!
Love the leaders and teachers among you. Live in peace with one another. Admonish those who need it. Don't repay evil for evil. Rejoice! Pray without ceasing. Be thankful! Do not quench the Spirit. Respect prophecy, examining everything, keeping what is good. Benediction and closing.
2 Thessalonians 1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy write to the Thessalonians. A blessing. Paul &c. thank God for the Thessalonians because they continue to grow in faith, and in love for one another. Paul &c. speak proudly about the Thessalonian church to the other churches, of their perseverance, even in the midst of persecution and affliction. Yet that same affliction will prove the Thessalonians worthy of the kingdom of God. (Bob Wilkins notes, that, while faith alone is sufficient to enter the kingdom, Jesus speaks of rewards for those who endure persecution for their faith.) Paul reminds the Thessalonians of God's eventual judgement and justice; those who afflict the church will be afflicted; their punishment will be everlasting destruction and they will be shut out from the presence of the Lord. Paul prays that the Thessalonians will be found worthy in this way.
