2 Thessalonians
The faithful of Thessalonica were suffering due to persecution (not just bad times). Paul remarked on their patience and faith and called it evidence of being worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:3 – 10). Further, Paul boasted about them to other places, and he assured them that God would handle those who were treating them so unjustly. In many countries, being a Christian is easy (except for those whose beliefs make them obnoxious). But in many places, faith is hazardous. Their persistence is evidence of their acceptance by God.
Paul prayed that the faithful of Thessalonica would be “counted worthy, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 – 12) The reason is very important, “that the name of our Lord Jesus be glorified.” The objective of being right with God is not the benefit I receive, but that the message is spread and accepted by more people when they see the nature of Jesus being displayed in me.
In the period between the resurrection of Jesus (33 AD) and the destruction of the Temple (70 AD), the same period in which the New Testament was written, many wild theories proclaimed “signs of the end.” The result was confusion of faith – much like all the “end times prophecy” that has been failing ever since. Paul assured the faithful of Thessalonica that these wild theories were all wrong (2 Thessalonians 2:1 – 17). The most important anchor point was the destruction of the Temple, which would be impossible to miss. Ignore hysteria.
Paul asked the faithful of Thessalonica to pray for his success in spreading the gospel and for safety among the expected violent opposition (2 Thessalonians 3:1 – 5). Paul made similar requests of the Colossians and the Ephesians. Asking someone else to pray for you shows confidence in them. The faithful today need the same attitude, that it is not about me, but about you.
Some people in every age believe themselves to be entitled, that others should provide for them. The same was true among the faithful of Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 15). Paul used his own example from the time he was among them, that he had worked hard to make his own living so as not to be a burden to them, even as he taught them the gospel. Many today consider it heartless to quote Paul, “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” Yet, that is the benchmark.
2 Thessalonians 2:14, “He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In various places in the New Testament, people are called by the gospel, by the kindness of God, by the character of Jesus, or by His mastery of earthly life. We are called to be a parade of godly character traits (glory), but also to have fellowship with Him, to peace, liberty, His kingdom, His holiness, eternal life, suffering, light, a blessing, and to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 – 2, “Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable men; for not all have faith.” Interestingly, Paul asked other faithful people to pray that his evangelistic efforts be swift and productive. The same type of request maybe found in Ephesians 6:19 and. Colossians 4:3 – 4. The prayers of the ordinary folks were desired by the great apostle who had a direct line to the top. The prayers of all the faithful are useful and productive.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 12, “…withdraw from any brother who walks disorderly [refuses to work]…If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” Although it sounds harsh, the inspired writer cautioned against feeding the lazy. Of course, some discernment will be required to separate the lazy from the disabled. Truly disabled people want to work, but can’t. Lazy people find convenient reasons why work has not come their way.
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