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Outline of Second Thessalonians
Introduction
1:1-12
Salutation
1:1-2
Thanksgiving and Prayer in Light of their Suffering
1:3-12
Thanksgiving
1:3-5
God's Vindication of Believers
1:6-10
Prayer
1:11-12
Correct Teaching on the Day of the Lord
2:1-12
Don't Be Discouraged by False Claims that the Day of the Lord Has Already Come
2:1-2
The Man of Lawlessness Must Come First
2:3-4
He is Currently Being Held Back
2:5-7
The Punishment of the Man of Lawlessness
2:8
The Coming of the Man of Lawlessness
2:9-12
Thanksgiving and Encouragement
2:13-17
Thanksgiving
2:13a
Reason
2:13b-14
Implication/Response
2:15
Prayer
2:16-17
Regarding Prayer
3:1-5
Request for Prayer
3:1a
Content of Requested Prayer
3:1b-2a
Reason
3:2b
Confidence in the Lord
3:3-4
Prayer for the Thessalonians
3:5
The Unruly Idle
3:6-15
Stay Separate from the Unruly Idle
3:6-12
Take Note of Them
3:13-15
Conclusion
3:16-18
Peace Wish/Prayer
3:16
Autograph/Greeting
3:17
Blessing
3:18
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Individual Passages
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Detailed Outline
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1
Salutation
1a
Authors:
Paul and Silas and Timothy
1b
Recipients:
To the church of the Thessalonians
In God our Father
And in the Lord Jesus Christ
Almost exactly the same wording as in I Thessalonians except Paul adds "our" with "Father"
2
Blessing
2a
Grace and peace to you
Same as I Thessalonians, but Paul adds the next phrase
2b
From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
God our Father
And the Lord Jesus Christ
Notice the repetition from v. 1
This is not redundant, but has a purpose
This emphasis is on God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah
Everything else is secondary
This is not redundant, but has a purpose
This emphasis is on God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah
Everything else is secondary
3-12
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3-10
We thank God for you
3-4
We thank God for your faith and love, which are growing even in persecution
3
We thank God for your faith and love, which are growing
3a-b
We ought to thank God concerning you because it is appropriate
3a
We ought to always give thanks to God concerning you, brothers
3b
Just as it is appropriate
3c-d
Reason: Because your faith and love are growing
3c
Because your faith is increasing abundantly
3d
And [because] the love of every one of you is growing greatly
4
Result:
We are confident of these things in you in the church of God
On behalf of your patience and faith
In all your persecution and affliction which you are enduring
5-10
Reason: The evidence of God's work in your life prove God and guarantee His coming vindication
5
This proves that God is right and you are on God's side
5a
this is evidence of the righteous judgment of God
"this" = their faith, love and patience in trials
It is evidence of God's just judgment
The Thessalonians prove God right
They are considered worthy to experience the Kingdom of God, which they are suffering for
It is evidence of God's just judgment
The Thessalonians prove God right
They are considered worthy to experience the Kingdom of God, which they are suffering for
5b
Purpose:
So that you may be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God on behalf of which you are suffering
6-10
Reason: God is just and right, vindicating believers
6
Since it is right for God to pay back affliction to those afflicting you
Since justice is from/of God
7-10
God will vindicate Himself and His believers against their oppressors
7
And [it is right to pay back] relief to you, the ones being afflicted
With us
In the revelation of the Lord Jesus
Different word than "parousia" used in 1 Thessalonians
From heaven
With angels of His power
In flames of fire
-cf. Isa. 66:15-16 - speaks of God's fury and judgment coming using similar wording
8-10
He will pay back punishment to unbelievers
8
Giving retribution/punishment
to those who do not know God
And [to those] who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus
These two descriptions describe the same group of people
To disobey the Gospel is to not know God
Those who know God obey the Gospel
To disobey the Gospel is to not know God
Those who know God obey the Gospel
9-10
Elaboration of the punishment they will experience
9
Who will undergo punishment:
Eternal destruction
From the presence of the Lord
And from the glory of His power
"from" can mean separation - i.e. they will be separated from His presence and glory
"from" can mean source - i.e. the punishment comes from His presence and His glorious strength -very strong punishment
Quoting Isa. 2:10, 19, 21 - They will flee "from the dread of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty"
"from" can mean source - i.e. the punishment comes from His presence and His glorious strength -very strong punishment
Quoting Isa. 2:10, 19, 21 - They will flee "from the dread of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty"
10
At the glorious coming of Jesus
10a
When He comes
10b-d
Purpose: to be glorified and held in awe
10b
to be glorified in His holy ones
10c-d
and to be held in awe by believers
10c
and to be marveled at
by all those who believe
in that day
10d
Reason:
Because our testimony to you was believed
Notice again the focus on future eschatology
Reward and punishment of the Gospel
Reward and punishment of the Gospel
11-12
We are praying for you
11a
And for which we are always praying concerning you
11b-12
Content: That God would be glorified by fulfilling His purpose for you
11b-c
That God would shine His face on you and fulfill His calling for you
11b
That our God would consider you suitable of [His] calling
11c
And he may fulfill every good disposition and work of faith
12
Purpose: So Christ may be glorified, and we as well
12a
So that the Name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you
12b
And we [may be glorified] in Him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ
Detailed Outline
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1-2
We are asking you not to believe falsehood about the Day of the Lord
Don't be discouraged by false ideas that the Day of the Lord has already come
1
We are requesting you, brothers
Concerning the parousia of our Lord Jesus Christ
Parousia means "presence" in the sense of "showing up"
It became a technical term for the "Messianic Advent in glory to judge the world at the end of this age" BDAG
It became a technical term for the "Messianic Advent in glory to judge the world at the end of this age" BDAG
And concerning our gathering together to Him
Both of these topics were described in the previous section
2
Purpose: that you won't be shocked by a false report about the Day of the Lord
2a-b
In order that you would not be disturbed or frightened by a false report
2a
In order that you would not be so easily disturbed/shaken from your mindset/attitude
2b
Neither would you be shocked/alarmed either through a spirit or word or epistle as from us
Apparently they had received a false report from somewhere and thought it had originated with Paul
Notice that below Paul will tell them that he had already told them differently - they should have tested new information against revelation they already had - test the spirits
Notice that below Paul will tell them that he had already told them differently - they should have tested new information against revelation they already had - test the spirits
2c
As that the Day of the Lord had come
The Day of the Lord was/is the climactic next step in God's plan, when He will decisively bring to a close this age, vindicate His righteousness, punish His enemies, and begin the next age
How could the Thessalonians possibly believe this had already happened?
There was an idea current in this time (now called "over-realized eschatology"), based on the Platonic separation of the 'spiritual' and 'physical' realms. This taught that the purely spiritual Kingdom of God was already completely present in the lives of believers through a purely spiritual Day of the Lord, which had no impact on the physical realm. Paul was battling against this idea in Corinth as well.
Paul deals with this mistaken idea by talking about the impact that Christ's parousia will have on real life history
How could the Thessalonians possibly believe this had already happened?
There was an idea current in this time (now called "over-realized eschatology"), based on the Platonic separation of the 'spiritual' and 'physical' realms. This taught that the purely spiritual Kingdom of God was already completely present in the lives of believers through a purely spiritual Day of the Lord, which had no impact on the physical realm. Paul was battling against this idea in Corinth as well.
Paul deals with this mistaken idea by talking about the impact that Christ's parousia will have on real life history
3-12
Specifically: Don't be deceived, but remember the truth that you know
3-4
Neg: Don't be deceived about the coming of the Day of the Lord
3a
Do not let anyone deceive you in any way
3b-4
Reason: Because the Day of the Lord will not come until after the apostasy and deception of pretend deity
3b
Because [The day of the Lord will not come]
3c-4
Condition: Until after the apostasy and false pretender to deity comes first
3c
Except the apostasy comes first
3d-4
And the man of lawlessness, an arrogant pretender to deity, is revealed
3d
And the man of lawlessness is revealed - the son of destruction
4
Specifically: He exalts himself as a god against the true God
4a-b
He exalts himself in opposition against any deity
4a
The one opposing [God]
He hates and opposes God because he wants to be God
4b
And exalting himself against everything being called a god or an object of worship
-cf. Dan. 7:25, 11:36 - fulfilled by Antiochus IV (Epiphanes)
But also fulfilled in many world leaders since, cf. Rev. 13:6
But also fulfilled in many world leaders since, cf. Rev. 13:6
4c-e
Result: He would present himself in the temple as God [ to be worshiped]
4c
So that he would sit [as an authority & object of worship] in the temple of God
4d-e
Claiming to be God
4d
Declaring/advertising himself
4e
That he is God
The epitome of human rebellion/sin - rejecting God because we want to replace Him as King of our universe
We all do this in our heart every time we sin
The man of lawlessness does this publicly on a grand scale - the blatant manifestation of our rebellion for what it truly is
We all do this in our heart every time we sin
The man of lawlessness does this publicly on a grand scale - the blatant manifestation of our rebellion for what it truly is
5-12
Pos: You already know enough to resist the deception
5-8
You've already been told about the revelation of lawlessness and its destiny
5
Don't you remember that I told you these things when I was with you?
5a
Do you not remember?
Rhetorical device to gently rebuke them for not applying what they had already learned, which should have protected them from the deception they were believing
5b-c
That I told you these things when I was with you
5b
That I spoke these things to you
5c
While still being present with you
6-8
Lawlessness will be fully displayed and destroyed under God's control
6
You know that lawlessness is restrained until God's timing
6a
And you know the one/thing now restraining/holding back
Something or someone is currently holding back the full expression of lawlessness
Paul does not elaborate what or who this is because the Thessalonians already know what he is talking about
The problem is that we don't know for sure what he is talking about
Beware of theological/eschatological systems built on conjecture in uncertain passages such as these, as if their interpretations were certain
Paul does not elaborate what or who this is because the Thessalonians already know what he is talking about
The problem is that we don't know for sure what he is talking about
Beware of theological/eschatological systems built on conjecture in uncertain passages such as these, as if their interpretations were certain
6b
Purpose:
So that he/it will be revealed in its own time
He/it is held back by God's power, and will be fully revealed by God's power and permission and only in God's timing
7-8
Reason: Lawlessness will only be fully revealed in God's timing, and then will be destroyed by Christ's appearing
7
Lawlessness is active, but will only be fully revealed in God's timing
7a
For the secret/mystery of lawlessness is already active
7b-c
The one/thing restraining him will remain until he/it is removed from them
7b
Only the one/thing restraining/holding back [will remain] still
7c
Until he/it is removed from their midst
Until he/it is out of the way, no longer in their midst
When the restrainer is removed, lawlessness and the lawless one will have apparent free reign (but still under God's ultimate control)
When the restrainer is removed, lawlessness and the lawless one will have apparent free reign (but still under God's ultimate control)
8
Then the lawless one will be revealed and then destroyed by Jesus' greatness
8a
And then the lawless one will be revealed
He will be fully manifested for what he is
And will apparently exercise unlimited control [at least temporarily]
And will apparently exercise unlimited control [at least temporarily]
8b-c
And Jesus will totally destroy him with His arrival
8b
The Lord Jesus will annihilate him with the breath of his mouth
There won't even be any effort or fight on Jesus' part
He is so powerful; He will 'blow' him away with a minimum of effort [pun intended]
He is so powerful; He will 'blow' him away with a minimum of effort [pun intended]
8c
And He will wipe [him] out with the appearance/splendor of His arrival
The arrival and personal glory of Jesus will totally disintegrate anything which stands opposed to Him
The man of lawlessness arrogantly opposes Jesus only when Jesus is graciously allowing him to do so
But he stands no chance whatsoever when Jesus decides that his time is done
The man of lawlessness arrogantly opposes Jesus only when Jesus is graciously allowing him to do so
But he stands no chance whatsoever when Jesus decides that his time is done
9-12
Explanation: The man of lawlessness's ministry comes with deception to those who are self-deceived
9-10a
Situation: The appearance [of the man of lawlessness] is:
According to the working/operation of satan
The power behind the man of lawlessness is the devil
And the devil gives him supernatural power in order to deceive
And the devil gives him supernatural power in order to deceive
In all kinds of false power and [false] miraculous signs and [false] astounding miracles
Not ever miracle is from God
He has clearly warned us against false/counterfeit christs, false/counterfeit prophets, and false/counterfeit miracles
Be discerning and don't believe every supernatural manifestation is from God
Test everything by Scripture
He has clearly warned us against false/counterfeit christs, false/counterfeit prophets, and false/counterfeit miracles
Be discerning and don't believe every supernatural manifestation is from God
Test everything by Scripture
In all kinds of unrighteous deception
To those being lost/destroyed
Those who are lost will be deceived
The implication is that those who are saved will not be deceived, cf. Matt. 24:24
The implication is that those who are saved will not be deceived, cf. Matt. 24:24
10b-12
Response: They refuse to believe the truth and God confirms their self-deception
10b-c
Because of this, they rejected the truth by which they would be saved
10b
Because of which they do not receive/approve of the love of the truth
In Jesus' words, they hate the light and do not come to the light because their deeds are darkness, and they don't want them exposed for what they are
10c
So that they may be saved
11-12
Result: God sends them a deception so that those who love falsehood will be judged
11
God sends them a deception so that they will believe the falsehood
11a
Because of this, God sends to them a working/operation of deception
11b
Purpose:
so that they would believe the falsehood
12
Purpose:
So that all who do not believe the truth, but take pleasure in unrighteousness may be judged/condemned
Summary:
Uncertainties:
There are uncertainties in this passage, and we must be honest about this and not go beyond what is written in claiming more certainty than we have:
There are various possible answers offered to each of these questions with different levels of plausibility, but a high level of certainty is not possible.
- How they got the idea that the Day of the Lord already happened and what they thought that meant
- Who is this 'man of lawlessness'?
- What/Who is the one/thing that is holding him back? And when/how will it be taken out of the way?
Certainties:
There are certainties in this passage, and we should clearly teach them, apply them, and build any theology and application of this passage primarily on these certainties:
- They were troubled/shaken because they thought they missed something - they were deceived in some way.
- The man of lawlessness is prideful, claiming to be God and hating all rival claims, he sets himself up as and advertises himself as God. There have been many historical examples of this kind of attitude/spirit. Just like there are many antichrists (1Jn. 2:18) and there likely will be a figure at the end who qualifies as THE antichrist, there are many men of lawlessness throughout history, including ourselves to a small degree. And THE man of lawlessness - The full expression and revelation of lawlessness will not take place until God removes what is holding it back.
- Even if we don't know for sure who/what is holding him back and when/how he will be released, we know that it is all under God's control.
- Lawlessness is already at work to some degree, and we can/should resist it.
- The Lawless one will be revealed before the parousia.
- Jesus will quickly and easily destroy him - keeping in mind that for God, "quickly" is a relative term, which may not meet our expectations of quickness.
- Punishment will come to those who believe the lie because they love the lie more than the truth.
- Beware false signs.
- Beware false worship.
Detailed Outline
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13-15
Thanksgiving and exhortation
13-14
We Thank God because He has chosen, called, saved and sanctified us
13a
We ought to always give thanks to God concerning you, brothers beloved by the Lord
Almost exactly the same as 1:3
13b-14
Reason: Because He chose, called, saved and will sanctify and glorify us
13b
Because God chose us as firstfruit into salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth
Text issue - could be "from the beginning" or "as firstfruit"
Most likely "firstfruit"
Firstfruit of what? Most special portion dedicated to God
Most likely "firstfruit"
Firstfruit of what? Most special portion dedicated to God
14
Into which He called you through our Gospel into acquisition of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ
15
Therefore: Stand firm and hold on to the doctrines which you were taught
15a
Therefore, brothers, stand firm
15b
And hold strong to the traditions which you were taught
Either through a word
Or through a letter from us
Echoing and contrasting the same phrase in 2:1-2
The false idea came through "spirit, word or letter, supposedly from us"
The true tradition came through "word or letter [certainly] from us"
The false idea came through "spirit, word or letter, supposedly from us"
The true tradition came through "word or letter [certainly] from us"
16-17
Blessing/Prayer Wish:
16
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father
16a
Who loved us
16b
And in grace gives eternal comfort/encouragement and good hope
17
Result: He will give us comfort and strength
17a
May He comfort/encourage our hearts
17b
And strengthen/establish [your heart] in every good work and word
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1-4
We are requesting your prayer, confident that you will do so
1-3
We need prayers because of continued opposition and opportunity for Word ministry
1-2a
Pray for the success of our ministry and against the opposition to our ministry
1a
Finally, brothers, pray concerning us
1b-2a
Purpose: So that the Word may do its work and we may be protected from opposition
This is the content of the prayer which Paul requests,
but also the intended result of the answered prayer
but also the intended result of the answered prayer
1b-d
That the Word may everywhere accomplish what it did among you
1b-c
that the Word may spread and be appropriately accepted
1b
That the Word of the Lord may spread rapidly
Literally "that the Word may run"
1c
And [The Word] may be glorified/honored
1d
Just as [it did] toward you
2a
So that we may be rescued from men who are wrong/wicked and evil
2b-3
Reason: For there is opposition, but God is able to overcome all opposition
2b
Neg:
For the faith is not possessed by all
3a-c
Pos: But the Lord is faithful to strengthen and guard you
3a
But the Lord is faithful
3b-c
Specifically: He will strengthen and guard you
3b
Who will strengthen [you]
3c
And guard you from the evil (one)
4
We are confident in your faith and continued obedience in prayer
4a
We are convinced in the Lord about you
4b-d
You are doing what we have asked
4b
That the things which we have commanded
In this context, most likely refers to his request for prayer in v. 1
But this also applies to a more general obedience to Paul's teaching
But this also applies to a more general obedience to Paul's teaching
4c-d
You are doing and will continue
4c
You are doing
4d
And you will [continue to] do
5
May the Lord lead/guide your hearts into the love of God and into the endurance of Christ
Paul's blessing and prayer for the Thessalonians
Detailed Outline
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This section takes up an issue first addressed in 1 Thes. 5:14
Apparently the first epistle did not completely clear up the issue and Paul had to address it again
Possibly because of the misunderstanding of the timing of the parousia, some people quit their jobs and were sponging off others as they waited for the second coming
Possibly some were by nature lazy and used the parousia as an excuse to be lazy
Paul has corrected the teaching on the parousia
Now he corrects the ethics/lifestyle of the Gospel
Apparently the first epistle did not completely clear up the issue and Paul had to address it again
Possibly because of the misunderstanding of the timing of the parousia, some people quit their jobs and were sponging off others as they waited for the second coming
Possibly some were by nature lazy and used the parousia as an excuse to be lazy
Paul has corrected the teaching on the parousia
Now he corrects the ethics/lifestyle of the Gospel
6-12
Deal with entitled, lazy idlers
6-10
Don't be, and shun entitled, lazy idlers
6
Command: Shun all entitled lazy idlers
6a
Brothers, we are commanding to you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Strong Warning, with language affirming the authority and seriousness of the command
6b
For you to stand aloof from/avoid every brother
Who is living as an entitled, lazy idler
Both laziness and disorderliness that has a connotation of expecting others to provide
And not according to the tradition which you received from us
-cf. 2:15 on "tradition"
see 1 Thes. for the content of the tradition
see 1 Thes. for the content of the tradition
7-10
Reason: You have already been taught against being entitled lazy idlers
7a
For you yourselves know how it is necessary to emulate us
7b-10
We taught and modeled against being entitled, lazy idlers
7b
Because we did not behave as entitled, lazy idlers among you
8-9
We modeled NOT being entitled, lazy idlers among you
8
We worked to avoid being a burden to others for support
8a
Neither did we eat bread from anyone for free
8b-c
Reason: We worked for our food to not burden others
8b
Working by labor and toil night and day
-cf. 1 Thes. 2:9, 3:10
8c
Purpose:
in order to not burden anyone of you
-cf. 2 Cor. 12:14 children don't support parents, parents support children
9
Explanation of the motivation: To model Christian responsibility
9a-b
Neg: We didn't do this because we had to
9a
[We did] not [do this]
9b
Reason:
because we don't have authority
(because we do have authority to receive payment, see 1 Cor. ch. 9)
9c-e
Pos: We did this to teach you Christian responsibility
9c
But [we did this]
9d-e
Purpose: To model responsible work ethic
9d
so that we might give ourselves to you as an example
9e
Purpose:
so that you might emulate us
10
We taught you that entitled, lazy idlers were not to be supported
10a
When we were with you
10b-d
We told you not to support someone not willing to work
10b
We commanded this to you
10c-d
Unwillingness to work should be met with denied ability to eat
10c
Condition:
If someone is not willing to work
Notice the issue is willingness, not ability
There is a place for welfare/charity toward those who are unable to work
There is no place for welfare cheats, who are unwilling to work
There is a place for welfare/charity toward those who are unable to work
There is no place for welfare cheats, who are unwilling to work
10d
Effect:
Neither let them eat
The two go together - working and eating
11-12
Reason: Entitled, lazy idlers are a problem, and need to be dealt with
11
We know there are lazy, unruly bums among you
11a
For we have heard
11b-d
What we have heard: that there are unruly, lazy bums among you
11b
That some among you are behaving as entitled, lazy idlers
11c-d
Specifically: They don't work, but meddle
11c
Doing no work
11d
But meddling in the affairs of others
There is a wordplay in the original language
"Not busy working, but busybodies/busy meddling"
"Not busy working, but busybodies/busy meddling"
12
Therefore: We command them to support themselves peaceably
12a-b
We are commanding and exhorting the unruly idle
12a
We are commanding
12b
And we are exhorting in the Lord Jesus Christ to such as these
Notice the repeat of the solemn language of exhortation in the Name of the Lord
-cf. v. 6
Paul is using his serious voice to emphasize the gravity of the command
-cf. v. 6
Paul is using his serious voice to emphasize the gravity of the command
12c-d
Purpose: So that they can support themselves peaceably
12c
That by working with a peaceful manner
Without disturbance, peaceably
12d
They would eat their own bread/food
13-15
Therefore: Continue to do good and deal with the bad in your midst
13
Pos: Continue to do good with perseverance
13a
Brothers, you yourselves, do not lose enthusiasm
13b
In doing good
14-15
Neg: Deal with a stubborn, unrepentant brother
14a
Condition:
If someone does not listen to our word through this command
In light of Paul's repeatedly invoking the authority of Christ in these commands cf. v. 6, 12
Disobedience to Paul's command is disobedience to Christ, and therefore sin
And it should be dealt with accordingly
Disobedience to Paul's command is disobedience to Christ, and therefore sin
And it should be dealt with accordingly
14b-15
Then: Confront his sin with a goal of repentance and change
14b-d
Exclude him from fellowship as a rebuke for his sin
14b-c
Take note of and shun him
14b
Take note of this one
Take note of them, recognize what they are doing
14c
To not associate with this one
to show that you do not approve of their sin - positive peer pressure
so that they will be ashamed of their sin
so that they will be ashamed of their sin
14d
Purpose:
in order that he may become embarrassed and/or ashamed
15
Do this with an aim toward his repentance and restoration
15a-b
Neg: Do not consider him an enemy
15a
As [being] an enemy
15b
Do not consider [him]
15c-d
Pos: But warn him as a brother
15c
But admonish [him]
15d
As [you would admonish] a brother
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16
Peace Wish/Prayer
16a
May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace
Through all/everything
In every way/manner
16b
May the Lord be with all of you
17
Autograph/Greeting
17a
The greeting with my own hand - "Paul"
17b-c
This is my trademark signature
17b
This is a sign in every epistle [of mine]
17c
I write in this way
Possibly to counteract possible forgery
-cf. 2:2 "epistle supposedly form us"
-cf. 2:2 "epistle supposedly form us"
18
Blessing:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you