Paul planted the church at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. Envy-induced persecution forced Paul to flee the city weeks after its formation. Being hindered from returning, Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to teach Christian doctrine and duty. Shortly after, Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to address confusion about the second coming of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2 rebuts the claim that the day of the Lord had already come.  2 Thessalonians 3 rebukes those who used the second coming as an excuse not to work.  Alongside these doctrinal and ethical concerns surrounding the Lord’s return, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says they faced “persecutions” and “afflictions.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 addresses these issues head-on. Verses 13-14 is thanksgiving: “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose...

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 is a prayer report. Paul writes to let the Thessalonians know that and what he prays for them. He begins by telling why he prays for them. Verse 11 says: “To this end we always pray for you.” “To this end” points back...

Mutual Prayer for Difficult times (2 Thessalonians 3: 1-5)