Overview
Second Thessalonians is addressed to the ekklesia at Thessalonica, which had been unsettled by the false teaching that the day of the Lord had already come. Paul explains the events that must precede the day of the Lord and exhorts the believers to perseverance under persecution and to diligent living.
Theme A right understanding of the day of the Lord, and perseverance
Historical background
The letter appears to have been written not long after First Thessalonians, in similar circumstances. It warns against letters falsely bearing Paul's name and refers to his own signature (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 3:17). It addresses those who had abandoned ordinary work because of a misunderstanding concerning the day of the Lord.