Paul’s letters are generally very encouraging, but one of my very favorites is his second letter to the church in Thessalonica. Full of hope about the return of Christ, this letter, though short, is packed with encouragement.

Many scholars question if Paul actually wrote this letter, or if it was a pseudepigraph, a letter composed after his death, modeled after the first letter to the Thessalonians. However, this is problematic, and nothing in this letter would require someone to usurp Paul’s apostolic authority in order to lend weight to this letter. Reading this with the understanding that Paul is the author is best.

Paul writes this letter to address the pressures of persecution that the Thessalonians are facing. Paul encourages these believers, who are suffering intensely, to remain confident in the Lord’s return. Until then, they are to live as responsible members of their culture and community, and strive to represent Jesus well.

In that light, this letter is highly encouraging to modern readers, just as it was to the people of Paul’s day.

Here are a few of my favorite passages from the book of 2 Thessalonians:

Paul’s Prayer – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

The people in Thessalonica are suffering intense persecution. As a result, Paul prays a very specific prayer for them, and gives them some much needed encouragement.

This is a model for our prayers for those who suffer persecution around the world today. And even though we don’t face much persecution in western culture, we can still take some much needed encouragement from these words.

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will 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, NASB

Living As Called – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Paul is very grateful for the fact that God has chosen the people of Thessalonica for salvation. He gives sincere thanks for their lives and for their choice to live sanctified lives, for the glory of God.

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NASB

Standing Firm In The Word – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Here, Paul encourages the people of Thessalonica to take seriously the message of the Gospel, whether that is in written form, or in verbal teaching from Paul himself. This is a strong example of the importance of studying the Word of God, in order to stand firm before the traps and temptations the world throws our way.

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. – 2 Thessalonians 2:15, NASB

Comfort In Christ – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

The truth is, life does often throw things our way that are difficult to handle. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand strong, and offers these words of comfort and strength. This passage has been a source of encouragement to me more than once.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NASB

Do Good – 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Often, it seems like the good we do is overlooked. Everyone is a critic, and it seems as if they all have a problem with what we do. As our culture turns more and more antagonistic toward the message of the gospel, I’m afraid that this attitude will become more prevalent. Paul encourages the Thessalonian people with a brief, yet powerful, exhortation.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. – 2 Thessalonians 3:13, NASB

These three chapters are brief, and yet full of solid encouragement and comfort for those who are striving to live the life that God has called us to. Whether we are facing intense persecution, or just a general apathy, Paul’s encouragement gives us the strength to continue, knowing that others have faced the same predicaments before, and they managed to stay the course. So can we.

If you have not read Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s a short letter and can be easily read in a brief time. Take the time to do so, and soak in the encouragement we have from Paul, in Christ. You’ll be glad you did.

Question: What are your favorite stories from the book of 2 Thessalonians? You can leave a comment by clicking here.