March 14th: This letter was probably written a few months after Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians, while *Paul was still in Corinth with **Silas & ***Timothy (Acts 18:5 & 1 Thessalonians 1:1).
The bearer of the first letter may have brought Paul up to date on the new developments, prompting him to write this letter. They were still undergoing (endure: to go through, experience) persecution (when a person or group is mistreated by a person or group for their beliefs and customs. Examples of persecution include the confiscation or destruction of property, incitement of hatred, arrests, imprisonment, beatings, torture, murder, and executions), and the false teaching (any idea that adds to, takes away from, contradicts = deny the truth of: to be opposed or contrary to; go against, or nullifies = cancel out the doctrine given in God's Word) about the #Day of The Lord, led (to guide, direct) some of them to overact (behave foolishly; to panic) by giving up their jobs. The problem of idleness = lazy, recorded in 1 Thessalonians 3:6-15 had become more serious vv. 4:11-12. By this time, Paul was beginning to see the opposition (someone, or something, that is viewed as trouble) he would face in his ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:2).
The return of ****Yeshua Ha'Mashiach is mentioned more times (318) in the New Covenant (New Testament), than any other place in Scripture - and this concept is certainly the major theme in chapters 1 & 2 of this epistle. The return of the Lord Yeshua is a reassuring and joyful hope for Believers; but His revelation (knowledge that is shared) from ^Heaven holds a terrifying end for those who have not put their trust in Him (1:6-10 & 2:8-12).
This epistle (letter) is the theological (based on God's revelation to humankind of His nature, His designs, and His will) sequel (an event or circumstance following something) to First Thessalonians, which developed the theme (topic expanded in a discourse, discussion) of the coming Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). However, not long after the Thessalonians receive that Letter, they fall prey (a person or thing that is the victim of an enemy) to the false teaching - or outright (bold; right away) deception (the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid) - that the day of the Lord had already begun. Apostle Paul writes this brief letter to correct the error (belief in something untrue; the holding of mistaken opinions); and also to encourage (to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope: hearten = make more cheerful or confident) those ^^Believers whose faith is being tested by the difficulties presented by persecution. He also reproves (to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent: to express disapproval of; censure) those who have decided to cease (to bring an activity or action to an end: discontinue) working because they believe the coming of ****Christ is near.
The second chapter of this epistle is written to correct the fallacious (incorrect, wrong, mistaken, false) teaching that the Day of The Lord has already come upon the Thessalonian Church. This teaching, coupled with the afflictions (the state of being in pain or trouble: especially sickness, poverty, the oppression of the weak by the strong and rich, perverted justice) they have been suffering (the bearing or undergoing of pain, distress, or injury), is causing a great disturbance (stoppage or hindering of an activity for a time: of a state of peace, quiet, or calm) among the Believers who wonder when their "gathering together to Him" (1 Thessalonians 2:1 & 4:13-18) will take place. Paul makes it clear that certain identifiable (able to be named or recognized) events (an happening, especially one of some importance) will precede (to be, go, or come ahead or in front of) that Day, and that those events have not yet occurred (happened; taken place).
Because of the severity (the condition of being very bad, serious, unpleasant, or harsh) of their afflictions, the Thessalonians have become susceptible (exposed, liable, open, prone, sensitive, and subject) to false teaching, claiming that they are already in the Day of The Lord (vv. 2:1-2). This was particularly disturbing because Paul's previous Letter had given them the comforting hope that they were not destined (set apart for a specific purpose or place) for the wrath (great anger that shows itself in a desire to punish someone) of that Day (Thessalonians 5:9). Paul therefore assures them that the Day of The Lord is yet in their future … and will not arrive unannounced (vv. 2:3-12). Paul then concludes with a word of encouragement, and a benedictory (giving thanks) prayer of comfort before moving on to the next topic of this second letter.
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2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 2
Wait Patiently for Christ
(vv. 1 thru 5)
"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free (ease) course (manner of going forward) and be glorified (praised to the highest degree possible), just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered (set free; loosed) from unreasonable (not guided by reason or sound judgment) and wicked (a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue: morally bad in principle or practice) men; for not all have faith (a solid and firm belief in Elohim or Yeshua Ha'Mashiach) (Acts 28:24 & Romans 15:31).
But the Lord is faithful, Who will establish (to set and fix firmly in a manner that cannot be changed; to settle always and for ever) you and guard (in the Hebrew, “keep” - interchangeable with “guard” - literally means “to set a watchman over it”: but not just any watchman) you from the evil one (commonly used for the devil: in saying this, we are reminded that there is an enemy out there who opposes Elohim and seeks to destroy us). And we have confidence (the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust) in the Lord concerning you, both that you do - and will do, the things we command (to tell someone to do something in an official way) you (2 Corinthians 7:16). Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of *****Elohim and into the patience (the will or ability to wait without complaint: steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task) of Yeshua (1 Chronicles 29:18).
Withdraw from the Disorderly
(vv. 6 thru 15)
We command you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, that you withdraw (pull back or move away) from those among you who walk disorderly (behavior that disturbs the peace, morals, or safety of the general public or of a class of people) and not according (in agreement or harmony) to the teaching which they/you have received (having been accepted as true or worthy) from us (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
For you yourselves know how you ought (commitment: committal condition; basic duty) to follow (to be similar, or identical to; obey, follow, respect, agree to, satisfy, observe, fulfil, submit to) us - for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor (practical work, especially when it involves hard physical effort) and toil (work you do for another without reward and without choice) day and night, that we might not be a burden (duty or responsibility that causes worry; difficulty) to any of you (1 Thessalonians 2:9), not because we do not have the authority (the power connected with a job, to make people carry out their responsibilities), but rather to make ourselves an example (a pattern or model, as of something to be copied in action) of how you should also be an example to others (1 Corinthians 6-14 & 9:4).
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Now, we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner (the way in which something is done), not working at all, but are busybodies (comes from the Greek βιζ- "biz-", meaning, “not ours” or “none of our” and -βόδης "bodēs", meaning “beeswax”; busybodies are people who go around meddling and prying into affairs that don’t concern them, people who elect themselves overseers of things not theirs): those who are such, we command and exhort through our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach that they work in quietness (to refrain from gossip or intruding in other people's affairs) and eat their own bread (Ephesians 4:28). But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary (tired or exhausted) of doing good (Galatians 6:9).
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle … note (identify: mention, reveal; specify) that person, and do not keep company (visit with; hang out with; spend time with) with them, that they may be ashamed (Matthew 18:17). Yet do not count them as enemies (opponent: foe; hostile), but admonish them as a brother/sister.
Conclusion
(vv. 16 thru 18)
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all (Romans 15:33).
The salutation (expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word) of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write (1 Corinthians 16:21). The grace (do honor or credit to someone or something, by one's presence) of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach be with you all. Amen (Romans 16:20 & 24)."
*Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.
**Silas or Silvanus (/ˈsaɪləs/; Greek: Σίλας/Σιλουανός; fl. 1st century AD) was a leading member of the Early Christian community, who according to the New Testament accompanied Paul the Apostle on his second missionary journey.
Silas is chiefly remembered as the companion of the Apostle Paul who was arrested with him at Philippi (Acts 16:19-40). They were beaten severely and confined in the inner prison, with their feet in stocks. There they sang hymns in the night, and an earthquake shook the prison, and released them - which led to the jail keeper's immediate conversion.
Silas was a Hellenistic Jew who, it seems, was also a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37); a fellow missionary with Paul, and a “faithful brother” (1 Peter 5:12).
***Timothy = son of the devout Jewish woman, Eunice, and a Greek father, Timothy became a follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel in Lystra, Timothy’s hometown. Paul invited the young convert to accompany him on his second missionary journey; and was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the fellowship there. After another journey with Paul, Timothy was sent to Corinth to straighten out some problems upsetting the fellowship there.
Timothy later looked after Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Timothy subsequently was asked to go to Ephesus to represent Paul, and received the two letters from Paul that bear Timothy’s Name. Timothy – these letters reveal, was like a son to Paul.
The last word in the New Covenant about this sensitive, sickly, but faithful young helper was that he was imprisoned but finally released. Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22 & 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4;17 & 16:10; 2 Corinthians1:1 & 19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, & 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 & 2 Timothy; Philemon 1; and Hebrews 13:23.
****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.
Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.
The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.
*****Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
#The phrase “the Day of Christ” or “the Day of the Lord Jesus” is unique to the Apostle Paul. Paul also called the Day of Christ “that Day” in his last letter. The phrases are found in: 1 Corinthians 1:8, 3:13, 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10 & 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:18 & 4:8.
On the other hand, the phrase, “the Day of The Lord” (also called “that Day”) is common throughout the Old Covenant/Old Testament = Abrahamic: the prophets referred constantly to it. In the New Covenant = Gospel, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Paul and Peter referred to it. Some of those passages are as follows: Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9, and 34:8; Ezekiel 13:5 & 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, & 31, and 3:14; Amos 5:18 & 5:20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Zechariah 14;1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:1-51; Acts 2:20; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5;2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 1:10 … and “that Day” phrases can be found in Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 & 3:18 – this Day is a time of terror, darkness, and wrath: it is a “Day of Visitation”, Isaiah 10:3. A “Day of the wrath of The Lord”, Ezekiel 7:19, and “the Great Day of The Lord”, Zephaniah 1:14.
^Heaven: The Hebrews acknowledge three heavens – the atmosphere surrounding Earth; the firmament of outer space, in which the stars are placed; and the heaven of Heavens, or third heaven, which is he residence of Jehovah.
Among Christians, Heaven is the place where the omnipresent God of Gods dwells and manifests His supreme glory; this habitation of God is represented by the residence of angels and the blessed spirits of those who are rewarded eternal salvation.
^^Believer: someone who has put faith and trust in the redemptive work of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.
**2 Thessalonians 1: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/02/2-thessalonians-chapter-1thursday-bible.html
Love this Val. What a wonderful Thursday Bible Study.
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Thanks Paula - I hope to post another one soon ;-)
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