Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you (John 15:18).” In other words, do not be surprised if the world hates you, followers of Christ.

Faith is an intimate relation between Christ and His followers. Growing faith is an action. Growing faith will be hated by the enemies of God, and associated battles will be inevitable. Therefore, faith must be practiced, trained, and disciplined to stand firm until the end. 

The second letter to the Thessalonians directly and indirectly describes the kinds of battles that the followers of Christ faced, are facing, and will be facing. More importantly, however, the letter highlights the fundamental principles of God that would empower the Thessalonians to withstand those battles. 

Chapter Summary

What kind of attacks do the followers of Christ face? Enemies of God launch multi-pronged attacks on the followers of Christ, especially those who are growing in faith. Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians provides a great, vivid example of three kinds of attacks: 1) brute persecutions from the Jews; 2) confusing, disturbing false message of the coming of the Christ; and 3) disorderly lives of some Thessalonians who belong to the church. 

The letter not only describes the attacks, but apostle Paul implicitly counters them by highlighting the principles of God, providing specific commands to the Thessalonian church, and praying for them. 

Each chapter corresponds to different kinds of battle that the Thessalonian church was undergoing. Chapter 1 addresses a situation that pertains to the direct, physical persecution of the Jews in Thessalonica. Chapter 2 depicts a situation where people were confused with false messages. In Chapter 3, Paul urges people to work and concludes with his prayer for the Thessalonian church. 

The table below provides a snapshot summary of the entire Second Thessalonians by chapter and criteria. 

In each chapter, the nature of attack on Christians is either explicitly or implicitly stated. In each chapter, Paul encourages the Thessalonians by reminding them of the relevant principle of God and in addition, gives customized commands to withstand the attacks. In each chapter, Paul includes prayers to strengthen them. the main takeaway applicable message is that we fill face attacks, but we have God and prayer to counter them. 

Conclusion

Last Sunday was Easter when we celebrated the victory of Christ. Some of us may be undergoing severe battles as the Thessalonian church did about 2000 years ago. I pray that you will be victorious by reminding yourself of God’s principles and being empowered by prayers of other fellow followers.