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How well do you know the book of II Thessalonians? Have you ever paused to consider why the Spirit of God moved to have it included in Holy Scripture?
In many ways this Pauline letter restated and elaborated on issues raised in the First Letter to The Thessalonians. One would expect this in some measure since the author was the same; the audience, the baby church in Thessalonica was the same; and the time of writing, early 50’s, was close to the first. Circumstances had not significantly changed, but a need remained. If we consider that “all scripture is inspired by God and profitable,” then we would do well to take a closer look – not only at the issues revisited in the book, but also at the example of shepherding shown by the Apostle Paul.
While the city of Thessalonica thrived because of its safe physical harbor, the church itself was situated on precarious waters spiritually speaking. Due to trials and difficulties, it was as if they lived on a rocky shore that was perpetually battered by high and stormy seas.
Facing persecution by unbelievers, misleading by false teachers, and sapping of resources by idle and unruly characters from within their ranks, the church was in need of apostolic help. God through the Apostle revealed the “big picture” of their standing. A standing which was related to five major players: God, the Apostle Paul, the Hostile World, Satan, and Eternal Glory. Their understanding of the “big picture” – a true world view – was essential to their survival.
Paul also refined further his teaching on the return of Christ and corrected more erroneous notions that had cropped up around this teaching. A clear understanding of end times events seemed essential to Paul for warding off discouragement.
Like bedrock on a stormy sea-coast, these truths were unmovable. While the rock would not move, the Thessalonian church had to cling to it! The command to “stand firm” and hold on was laid out in chapters 2 and 3. Involved in this were practical things the church could do immediately – like keep working and confront idleness and laziness among the people of God – while they waited for Christ’s return.
If this letter was applicable to the church of Paul’s day, how much more to the church of today!
I look forward to being your temporary teacher as we dive deeper into the riches of God’s Word. May Christ be glorified and may you be encouraged!
Andy Jamieson
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