2 Thessalonians 2:1–17

The end of this central section is demarcated by a thanksgiving and benediction (2:13–17; cf. 1 Thess. 3:11–13), and the next major division begins in 3:1 with the word “finally.” In 2:1–12, the authors first turn to a question from the Thessalonian church: has the day of the Lord already come upon them? Thematic connection between 2:1–12 and 2:13–17 can be seen in the appeal to not be “shaken” or “alarmed” in 2:2 and in the directive to “stand firm” in 2:15. Ultimately, like much of the epistle, this central section encourages the persecuted church to persevere and stand firm against false teaching.