Our discussion suggests that it is possible that 2 Thessalonians was not written by Paul but by a later follower writing in his name. Does this change your sense of how authoritative or helpful the book may be? (The same issue arises with several other letters attributed to Paul.)
2 Thessalonians suggests that the suffering of Christians may serve to strengthen their faith and to make clear the faults of their persecutors. How do you understand human suffering and its relationship to God’s love and providence?
This letter places stress on the judgment that God will bring on the ungodly at the end of time. In many of our churches we are very reluctant to talk about God’s judgment, since we don’t want to be judgmental. Can we draw helpfully on the claims that this letter makes about God as judge?