Reading through the Bible - 2 THESSALONIANS

Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.

2nd Thessalonians  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

14th book of the NT 

53rd book of the Bible

It starts with a greeting of grace and peace from God in chapter 1 verses 1&2

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

           To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  

Grace to you and peace from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ."

and immediately reassures the believers of the prayers and thanks made to God about them in the third verse of the first chapter because of their faith and Love

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, 

as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, 

and the love of every one of you all 

abounds toward each other,"

What is it?

The Book of 2nd Thessalonians is one of the EPISTLES in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.

How Long is it?

It has 3 chapters.

When was it Written?

It was written about 51-52 AD

Who Wrote it?

The Apostle Paul

The first verse tells us the author and the names of two others who were with him at the time.

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

           To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:"

Who was it Written to?

It was written to the believers living in Thessalonica in Macedonia (which is now northern Greece)

What is it normally well-known for?

As being one of the places in the bible to find info on the second coming.

Why was it Written? 

It was written to encourage the Thessalonian Christians as they lived through persecution and kept faithful.

It was also to encourage them about the return of Christ in ch. 1 v 7-10  and reinforce the fact that while others were promoting the view that this event had already taken place they must not believe this false doctrine.

The Overview Bible  tells us the following

Quick outline of 2 Thessalonians

1. How persecution of the church ends (2 Thess 1)
2. What must happen before Jesus returns (2 Thess 2)
3. How to live and work together (2 Thess 3)

Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"In an effort to clear up a misunderstanding that Jesus will be returning immediately or had already returned, Paul explains that the church members should be steadfast in their holiness so that they will be ready when Jesus does come.

In chapters 2-3 of this short book, he gives details about Jesus' second coming, including information about the Antichrist, whom he says will come first."

Which other Epistles speak of the second coming of Christ?

Romans

1st Corinthians

1st Thessalonians

2nd Peter

Jude

see 

Reading Through the Bible - 2 Peter

Reading Through the Bible - Jude

Reading Through the Bible - 1 Thessalonians  

Which other books of the Bible is this linked to? 

Paul wrote 2 epistles to the Thessalonians so this one is preceded by

 1st Thessalonians

How does it end?

With the famous admonition in ch. 3 v 13

 

 

and as usual in Paul's epistles we also have the final blessing centred here around peace

chapter 3 v 16

OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE 

Reading through The Bible - 1 Thessalonians

Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.

1st Thessalonians  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

13th book of the NT 

52nd book of the Bible

It starts with a greeting of grace and peace from God in chapter 1 verse 1

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

        Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the           Lord Jesus Christ."

and immediately reassures the believers of the prayers and thanks made to God about them in the second verse of the first chapter

What is it?

The Book of 1 Thessalonians is one of the EPISTLES in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.

How Long is it?

It has 5 chapters.

When was it Written?

It was written about 50 AD

Who Wrote it?

The Apostle Paul

The first verse tells us the author and the names of two others who were with him at the time.

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

 

Who was it Written to?

It was written to the believers living in Thessalonica in Macedonia (which is now northern Greece)

Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

Paul had spent around 3 months in Thessalonica.

Later he wanted to check up on them so he sent Timothy to visit them and he came back with a good report so Paul wrote this as a letter of encouragement. 

 

 

What is it normally well-known for?

As being one of the places in the bible to find info on the second coming

and 

encouragement for how to live in the will of God.

Why was it Written? 

It was written to commend the believers for their love as seen in

verse 12 of chapter 3

and to instruct them about the return of Christ in

verses 16-17 of chapter 4

and to have them continue to love, encourage and support each other in

verse 11 of chapter 5

The Overview Bible  tells us the following

"Paul has heard a good report on the church at Thessalonica, and encourages them to “excel still more” in faith, hope, and love."

Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"Paul uses this book to encourage the church in their pursuit of holiness, diligence, love and hope.  He tells them to walk in the light and makes many mentions of the second coming."

Which other Epistles speak of the second coming of Christ?

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Thessalonians

2 Peter

Jude

see 

Reading Through the Bible - 2 Peter

Reading Through the Bible - Jude

Which other books of the Bible is this linked to? 

Paul wrote 2 epistles to the Thessalonians so this one is followed by 2nd Thessalonians

How does it end?

With the famous admonition in

 verses 16-18 of chapter 5

 

and as usual in Paul's epistles we also have the final greeting or blessing

verses 23 of chapter 5

The Overview Bible  gives us this

Quick outline of 1 Thessalonians

1. Commendation for faith, hope, and love (1Thes 1–3)
   • The Thessalonians’ example (1 Thes 1)
   • Paul’s history with them (1 Thes 2)
   • Timothy’s visit and report (1 Thes 3)
2. Challenge to grow in these areas even more (1Thes 4–5)
   • Love for others (1 Thes 4:1–12)
   • Hope for the Lord’s return (1 Thes 4:13–18)
   • Preparation for the Lord’s return (1 Thes 5)

OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE 

Reading Through The Bible - Ephesians

Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.

Ephesians  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

10th book of the NT 

49th book of the Bible

It starts with a reminder about the redemption & forgiveness we have in Jesus and His grace in

  chapter 1 v 7

What is it?

The Book of Ephesians is one of the Epistles in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.

How Long is it?

It has 6 chapters.

When was it Written?

It is generally thought to have been written between 60 & 62 AD.

Who Wrote it?

Apostle Paul

Chapter 1 v 1 tells us the answer straight away 

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,"

Who was it Written to?

It was written to the church at Ephesus as we see in

ch. 1 v 1

 "To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus"

Why was it Written? 

Paul had visited Ephesus twice and this letter was written while he was in Prison to encourage the Christians he had met there and the others in the church.  

The Overview Bible  tells us the following

"Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about how to walk in grace, peace, and love."

 

What is the main theme? 

It focuses on being called by Grace 

and how to walk in the Faith

The Overview Bible  tells us the following:

"Paul wrote Ephesians to accomplish two things:

1. Describe the Christian’s calling. The first half of the letter focuses on the Ephesians’ calling. They were chosen by God, sealed with His Spirit, and saved by His grace. 
2. Prescribe the Christian’s walk. The second half teaches how to “walk in a manner worthy” of the Christian’s calling (Eph 4:1). Paul outlines what the Christian walk looks like in various facets of life."

Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"Paul encouraged the believers telling them they were the adopted sons of God ....  picked before the foundation of the world."

"Paul encouraged the believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling."

What 2 special relationships does Paul teach about in Ephesians?

Parents & Children.

Husbands and wives.

What very well-known passage in included in this Book?

The Christian Armour in Chapter 6 v 10 - 18

This is where Paul tells the believers to know their enemy and how to stand against him.

This ends with the order to Pray continually in

 verse 18

How does it end?

It ends with the announcement that Paul has sent Tychicus to comfort them and tell them all the news of Paul.

and then a Blessing in ch. 6 v 23-24

23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

Quick outline of Ephesians

1. Our calling in Christ (Eph 1–3)
   • Identity in Christ (Eph 1)
   • Grace in Christ (Eph 2:1–10)
   • Peace in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)
   • Paul’s calling (Eph 3:1–13)
   • Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph 3:14–21)
2. Our walk in Christ (Eph 4–6)
   • Walk in unity (Eph 4:1–16)
   • Walk differently from the world (Eph 4:17–31)
   • Walk carefully (Eph 5:1–21)
   • Walk in love (Eph 5:22–6:9)
   • Stand firm in the armour of God (Eph 6:10–24)

OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE