Author and Date
Paul's authorship of 2 Thessalonians has been questioned more often than that of 1 Thessalonians, in spite of
the fact that it has more support from early Christian writers. Objections are based on internal factors rather
than on the adequacy of the statements of the church fathers. It is thought that there are differences in the
vocabulary (ten words not used elsewhere), in the style (it is said to be unexpectedly formal) and in the
eschatology (the doctrine of the "man of lawlessness" is not taught elsewhere). However, such arguments have
not convinced current interpreters. A majority still hold to Paul's authorship of 2 Thessalonians.
Because of its similarity to 1 Thessalonians, it must have been written not long after the first letter -- perhaps about six months. The situation in thechurch seems to have been much the same. Paul probably penned it (see ) c. a.d. 51 or 52 in Corinth, after Silas and Timothy had returned from delivering 1 Thessalonians; see also Introduction to 1 Thessalonians).
Purpose and Theme
Purpose
In as much as the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially,Paul's purpose in writing is very
much the same as in his first letter to them.
He writes
Theme
Like 1 Thessalonians, this letter deals extensively with eschatology (see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Theme).
In fact, in 2 Thessalonians 18 out of 47 verses deal with this subject.