2 Thessalonians

Introduction:

As we have repeatedly done throughout this series, let us consider again the nature of first century letter. The second letter to the Thessalonians fits the outline below better than what we noticed in the first letter to the Thessalonians.

Structure of New Testament Letters

Knowing the form of a typical letter will help us find the key themes and key purpose for the writing of the book. The form of a first century letter had this look typically:
1. Author and rank
2. Recipients
3. Salutation
4. Thanksgiving
5. Body of letter
6. Closing
7. Greeting

Let us examine Paul’s letter looking for these elements to determine the overall message of the letter.

Structure of 2 Thessalonians

The second letter to the Thessalonians begins with the same authors as the first letter: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.” The recipients are, of course, the same: “To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” We also see the same salutation that Paul gives in all his letters: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

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