2Th 2:13-17

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2Th 2:13-3:18 PRESENT NEEDS IN THE CHURCH

Stability amid persecution (2Th 2:13-3:5)

From considering the terrible judgment that awaits the wicked, Paul turns to look at the bright future that awaits the Thessalonian believers. God will destroy the man of lawlessness and his followers, but the same God loves the Thessalonian believers. Their salvation is certain because God chose them as his from eternity, called them to himself through the gospel, and will in due course give them a share in Christ’s glory (2Th 2:13-14).

In view of the security that is theirs through the gospel, the Thessalonians need not be frightened by persecution or worried about future events. If they hold firmly to the apostolic teaching given to them, they will find that God strengthens them with courage and hope (2Th 2:15-17).

Paul asks for prayer that his proclamation of the gospel in Corinth will bring the same fruitful results as it did in Thessalonica. He desires also that God will protect both him and the Thessalonians against the attacks of Satan (2Th 3:1-3).

He is confident that they will continue to stand firm, and that they will obey the important instructions that he is about to give them (2Th 3:4-5).