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2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians front

2 Thessalonians front:intro

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians
  1. Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)
  2. Christians suffering from persecution
    • They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:4-7)
    • God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)
  3. Some believers' misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ
    • Christ's return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
    • Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
  4. Paul's confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians
    • His call to "stand firm" (2:13-15)
    • His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)
  5. Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
  6. Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
  7. Closing (3:16-17)
Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?

Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth.

What is the Book of 2 Thessalonians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He encouraged the believers because they were being persecuted. He told them to continue living in a way that pleased God. And he wanted to teach them again about Christ's return.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "2 Thessalonians" or "Second Thessalonians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica," or "The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the "second coming" of Jesus?

Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus' eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation. And he will cause there to be peace everywhere. Paul also explained that a "man of lawlessness" will come before Christ's return. This person will obey Satan and cause many people to oppose God. But Jesus will destroy this person when he returns.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by the expression "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc.?

Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?

The following are the most significant textual issues in 2 Thessalonians:

  • "and the man of lawlessness is revealed" (2:3). The ULB, UDB, and most modern versions read this way. Older versions have, "and the man of sin is revealed."
  • "For God chose you as the firstfruits for salvation" (2:13) The ULB, UDB, and some other versions read this way. Other versions have, "For God chose you from the first for salvation." If there are other versions in their region, translators should consider following their reading in this passage.

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-textvariants/01.md]])

2 Thessalonians 1

2 Thessalonians 1:intro-0

2 Thessalonians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1:1-2 forms a formal introduction to this letter. It was a common way of introducing a letter in the ancient Near East.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# The use of paradox

A paradox is a seemingly absurd statement, which appears to contradict itself, but it is not absurd. A paradox occurs in 1:4-5: "We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God's righteous judgment." People would not normally think that having faith in God when being persecuted is a sign of God's righteous judgment. But in 1:5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who have faith in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

Links:

2 Thessalonians 1:1-2

General Information:

Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica.

General Information:

The words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Silvanus

This is the Latin form of "Silas." He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul's fellow traveler.

May grace be to you

Paul commonly uses this greeting in his letters.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

General Information:

Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica.

We should always give thanks to God

Paul uses "always" as a generalization meaning "often" or "regularly. The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. AT: "We should often give thanks to God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

For this is appropriate

"For it is the right thing to do" or "For it is good"

the love each of you has for one another increases

"you sincerely love one another"

one another

Here "one another" means fellow Christians.

we ourselves

Here "ourselves" is used to emphasize Paul's boasting. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8

Connecting Statement:

As Paul continues, he talks about God being just.

It is righteous for God

"God is right" or "God is just"

for God to return affliction to those who afflict you

"to return" here is an idiom meaning "to pay back" AT: "for God to pay back with affliction upon those who afflict you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

relief to you

You can make it explicit that God is the one who provides relief. AT: "for God to provide relief to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

the angels of his power

"his powerful angels"

In flaming fire he will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who

"He will punish with blazing fire those who do not know God and those who" or "Then with blazing fire he will punish those who do not know God and those who"

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 1:9-10

They will be punished

Here "They" refers to the people who do not obey the gospel. This can be stated in active form. AT: "The Lord will punish them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

when he comes on that day

Here "that day" is the day when Jesus will return to the world.

to be glorified by his people and to be marveled at by all those who believed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

we also pray continually for you

Paul is emphasizing how often he prays for them. AT: we also pray regularly for you" or "we continue to pray for you"

calling

Here "calling" refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.

fulfill every desire of goodness

"make you able to do good in every way that you desire"

that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified by you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that you may glorify the name of our Lord Jesus" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you will be glorified by him

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Jesus will glorify you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

because of the grace of our God

"because of God's grace"

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2:intro-0

2 Thessalonians 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter
# "Being gathered together to be with him"

Many scholars believe this passage refers to an event known as the "rapture." This is a time when Jesus calls those who believe in him to himself. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])

# Antichrist

Other names for the Antichrist in this chapter are the "man of lawlessness," "the lawless one," and the "son of destruction." During the time prophesied in this chapter, Satan will be actively at work in the world. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/antichrist.md]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# Sits in the temple of God

Since the temple no longer exists, it is possible this is a reference to the idea that the temple will one day be rebuilt. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Links:

<< | >>

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

General Information:

Paul exhorts believers not to be deceived about the day Jesus will come back.

Now

The word "Now" marks a change of topic in Paul's instructions.

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

that you not be easily disturbed or troubled

"that you do not easily let yourselves be disturbed"

by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us

"by spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us"

to the effect that

"saying that"

the day of the Lord

This refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

General Information:

Paul teaches about the man of lawlessness.

it will not come

"the day of the Lord will not come"

the falling away

This refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God.

the man of lawlessness is revealed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God reveals the man of lawlessness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the son of destruction

Paul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. AT: "the one who destroys everything he can" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

all that is called God or that is worshiped

This can be stated in active form. AT: "everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

exhibits himself as God

"shows himself as God"

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:5-7

Do you not remember ... these things?

Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. AT: "I am sure you remember ... these things." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

these things

This refers to the return of Jesus, the day of the Lord, and the man of lawlessness.

he will be revealed only at the right time

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

mystery of lawlessness

This refers to a sacred secret that only God knows.

who restrains him

To restrain someone is to hold them back or to keep them from doing what they want to do.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:8-10

Then the lawless one will be revealed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Then God will allow the lawless one to show himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

with the breath of his mouth

Here "breath" represents the power of God. AT: "by the power of his spoken word" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming

When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the lawless one.

with all power, signs, and false wonders

"with all kinds of power, signs, and false wonders"

with all deceit of unrighteousness

This person will use every sort of evil to deceive people to believe in him instead of God.

These things will be for those who are perishing

This man who is given power by Satan will deceive everyone who did not believe in Jesus.

who are perishing

Here "perishing" has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

For this reason

"Because the people do not love the truth"

God is sending them a work of error so that they would believe a lie

Paul is speaking of God allowing something to happen to people as if he is sending them something. AT: "God is allowing the man of lawlessness to deceive them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will all be judged

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will judge all of them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

those who did not believe the truth but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness

"those who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth"

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Connecting Statement:

Paul now changes topics.

General Information:

Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them.

But

Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.

we should always give thanks

The word "always" is a generalization. AT: "we should continually give thanks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

we should

Here "we" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.

brothers loved by the Lord

This can be stated in active form. AT: "for the Lord loves you, brothers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

as the firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth

Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers are "firstfruits." This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns "salvation," "sanctification," "belief," and "truth." AT: "to be among the first people who believe what is true, and whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

So then, brothers, stand firm

Paul exhorts the believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus.

hold tightly to the traditions

Here "traditions" refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. AT: "remember the traditions" or "believe the truths" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you were taught

This can be stated in active form. AT: "we have taught you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

whether by word or by our letter

"By word" here is a synecdoche for "by instructions" or "by teachings." You can make clear the implicit information. AT: "whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Connecting Statement:

Paul ends with a blessing from God.

Now

Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.

may our Lord ... who loved us and gave us

The words "our" and "us" refer to all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

Lord Jesus Christ himself

Here "himself" gives additional emphasis to the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

comfort and establish your hearts in

"hearts" refers to the seat of emotions. AT: "comfort you and strengthen you for" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

every good work and word

"Word" here is a metonym for "message." AT: "every good thing you say and do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:intro-0

2 Thessalonians 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter
# Idleness and laziness

In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in their church who were able to work but refused to do so. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

# What should you do if "your brother sins"?

In this chapter, Paul teaches it is important for Christians to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for their actions. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Links:

<< |

2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

General Information:

Paul asks the believers to pray for him and his companions.

Now

Paul uses the word "now" to mark a change in topic.

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you

Paul speaks of God's word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. AT: "that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

that we may be delivered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that God may save us" or "that God may rescue us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for not all have faith

"for many people do not believe in Jesus"

who will establish you

"who will strengthen you"

the evil one

"Satan"

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

We have confidence

"We have faith" or "We trust"

direct your hearts

"Hearts" here is a metonym for "thoughts and intentions." AT: "cause you to understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ

Paul speaks of God's love and Christ's endurance as if they were destinations on a path. AT: "how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3:6-9

General Information:

Paul gives the believers some final instructions about working and not being idle.

Now

Paul uses this word to mark a change in topic.

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. AT: "by means of our Lord Jesus Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]]) "by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ"

our Lord

Here "our" refers to all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

to imitate us

"to act the way that my fellow workers and I act"

We did not live among you as those who had no discipline

Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. AT: "We lived among you as those who had much discipline" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

we worked night and day

"we worked during the night and during the day." Here "night" and "day" are a merism and they mean "all the time." AT: "we worked all the time" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

in difficult labor and hardship

Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. Difficult labor implies work that requires great effort. Hardship implies they endured pain and suffering. AT: "in very difficult circumstances" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

We did this not because we have no authority. Instead, we did

Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. AT: "We certainly have the right to receive food from you, but instead we worked for our food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

The one who is unwilling to work must not eat

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "If a person wants to eat, he must work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

some walk idly

Here "walk" stands for behavior in life. AT: "some live idle lives" or "some are lazy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but are instead meddlers

Meddlers are people who interfere in the affairs of others without being asked to help.

with quietness

"in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner." Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people's affairs.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3:13-15

But

Paul uses this word to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers.

you, brothers

The word "you" refers to all the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

brothers

Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. AT: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

do not lose heart

To "lose heart" is an idiom that means to get tired, weary, or discouraged. AT: "do not be discouraged" or "do not grow weary" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

If anyone does not obey our word

"Word" here is a synecdoche for "message" or "teaching." AT: "if anyone does not obey our instructions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

take note of him

Notice who he is. AT: "publicly identify that person" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

so that he may be ashamed

Paul instructs believers to shun lazy believers as a disciplinary action.

translationWords

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

General Information:

Paul makes closing remarks to the believers at Thessalonica.

May the Lord of peace himself give you

You can make explicit that this is Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians. AT: "I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the Lord of peace himself

Here "himself" emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

This is my greeting, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter

"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which I do in every letter, as a sign that this letter is truly from me"

This is how I write

Paul makes it clear that this letter is from him and is not a forgery.

translationWords