ABSTRACT

The opening section of the third and final part of 2 Thessalonians is made up of loosely connected sentences. Still, there is a certain logic in the passage, as we saw above when we analysed the letter’s structure, and as will be explained further below. ‘Paul’ here reinforces his bonds with the addressees, not only by using again the vocative ‘brothers and sisters’, but also and especially by asking them to pray for him and his companions and by praising their faith (3.1; he prayed for them in what immediately preceded); by presenting himself and his companions as their fellow sufferers from persecution (3.2, cf. 1.4); by expressing his trust that they are already doing as he says (3.4). Because of the support of the Lord (3.3, 5) and of the author’s admonitions (3.4), the addressees will be kept on the right track. Thus ‘Paul’ makes them receptive to his specific injunctions that will follow in 3.6-12.