1. Cover version or sequel? 2 Thessalonians

2. 1 THESSALONIANS SAME CONTENT AND FORMAT 2 THESSALONIANS TONE CHANGES  Paul, Silas, and Timothy  Judgment and destruction coming  Idlers to be admonished  All should hear the letter  Paul, Silas and Timothy  Letter gleefully announces destruction  Idlers to be denied food  All should obey the letter IS PAUL RESTATING HIS OWN MATERIAL, OR DOES SOMEONE ELSE RESHAPE 1 THESSALONIANS?

3.  Community founded by Paul, 48–51 CE  Paul left community, sent 1 Thessalonians with Timothy  A new crisis arises: The day of the Lord has arrived! Paul responds with a second letter from Corinth 2 Thess. 2:2 Between 50 and 53 CE If Paul Wrote 2 Thessalonians...

4.  Community founded by Paul, 48–51 CE  Paul left community, sent 1 Thessalonians with Timothy in 49-52 CE  After Paul’s death in 64 (ca. 80s CE) Unknown Christian writes letter from Paul Summarizes later Christian views on second coming of Christ Sends 2 Thessalonians empire-wide Alternative Scenario...

5.  Judgment is certain Jesus, angels, flames Judgment of others soothes community suffering  Coming of the “Lawless One” (2:3) Someone restrains lawless one This restraint is unique to 2 Thessalonians  Problem of idleness Some believers take advantage of free meal Or rich believers don’t need to work, busybodies  Christians are living at start of end times Theological Themes

6.  Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1–4)  God’s vengeance on oppressors (1:5–12)  Teaching (2:1–3:5) Day of the Lord: correction of expectation Hold fast to Paul’s teaching Blessings and prayers for Thessalonians  Problem of idleness (3:6–15) Follow Paul’s example of working Do not eat with idle believers  Benedictions (3:16–18) Outline