2 Thessalonians
1 THESSALONIANS
Thessalonica. Thessalonica, now called Thessaloniki in Greece, was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia from 146 B.C. and was considered a free city within the empire’s legal system since 44 B.C. It served as a port city, a commercial hub, the queen of the Aegean, and was close to the Via Ignatia, which linked southern Italy with Asia. It was a cosmopolitan and prosperous city that, like many important cities, was open to religious syncretism: Eastern, Egyptian, and Greek cults, along with the imperial cult.
Circumstances of the Letters. Their situation can be pieced together by combining the somewhat schematic account in Acts 17 with direct or implied information from the letters themselves. After being expelled from Philippi, Paul went to Thessalonica, where he established a community. Soon, fleeing from there, he moved on to Berea, where he faced persecution, and then he left for Athens. After failing to gain cultural influence, he settled for relative stability in Corinth. He was troubled by memories of the Thessalonians and worried about that young and vulnerable community. He sent his trusted coworker Timothy to encourage them and bring back updates. Timothy returned with great news and also a theological concern.
The Theological Problem. This concerns the parousia, or the Lord’s coming and return. The Greek term “parousia” originally referred to the visit of an emperor or legate to a province or city within his kingdom. He would arrive with his entourage, displaying his splendor, and was greeted by officials and the people with celebrations and solemn ceremonies. This imperial practice, well known in ancient times, helps translate the biblical theme of the “coming of the Lord” to judge or govern the world into Greek language and culture (see Ps 96 and 98; Is 62:10ff and many other texts). Where the Old Testament describes God as Yahweh, Paul refers to Him as Kyrios (Lord Jesus): the one who came through the Incarnation will return at the Parousia. His entourage will include angels and saints; his splendor, the glory of the Father; and his role, to judge and reign. His followers will go out to meet him, and for them, his return will be a day of joy and victory.
When Will This Happen? When will that joyful day arrive? Here, another important theological theme from the Old Testament comes into focus: “the day of the Lord.” It can be any day in human history when God intervenes specially, either to judge or to save. It will be, above all, “that day” when the Lord finally establishes his reign over the world. Phrases like “the days will come” or “at the end of the days” are also used.
But when? On what date will it happen? It is impossible to know. It is near and will be sudden, says the First Letter to the Thessalonians (4:16; 5:1-6). It is delayed and will be announced by prior signs, the Second Letter says. What has caused the change? Some think that Paul’s thinking has evolved; others argue that these are two complementary aspects of the same reality. The first view turns hope into expectation, keeping Christian life tense; the second shifts expectation into calm hope and perseverance. The New Testament never allows for speculation about exact dates.
Who Will Go Out to Meet the Lord? The question remains: who will go out to meet the Lord? Will it only be those whom the “coming” finds still alive? Will the dead not take part in the event? This concern shows a lack of solidarity with deceased brothers and sisters and is quite a basic view. Paul explains that there will be a resurrection for them, and they will be caught up to meet the Lord (4:16ff).
First Letter. This is the earliest writing of the New Testament, composed in 51 A.D. in Corinth. It offers a glimpse of what a young and passionate Church was like, steadfast in the face of suffering. It informs us about Christian beliefs roughly 20 years after the Ascension, including: the Trinity; God as Father; the mission of Jesus, the Messiah; his death and resurrection; his future return; and the three virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
Second Letter. Some of the faithful drew wrong conclusions from the expected prophecy: they believed it was not worth working or engaging with worldly affairs. Let us remain patient and wait. Paul writes a second letter shortly afterward, also from Corinth, clarifying his teachings on the parousia and offering a theological interpretation of history. It will happen in stages: now Satan, the adversary, is already at work, inciting persecutions and spreading impiety; then the Antichrist and a great apostasy will come; finally, Jesus Christ will return in victory. Therefore, Christians must continue working and wait.