2 Thessalonians 1–3

Be Not Weary in Well Doing

The Thessalonian Saints expected the Second Coming to occur very soon, so many stopped worrying about preparing for the future. Paul wrote to correct that false idea and to get them working toward their own salvation again. Notice what Paul taught must happen before the Lord will come again. Also look for how he inspired the Saints to continue in well doing.

Understanding the Scriptures

2 Thessalonians 1

Recompense (v. 6)Repay, reward

2 Thessalonians 2

Delusion (v. 11)Faulty thinking

Consolation (v. 16)Comfort, peace

2 Thessalonians 2:1–3—The Apostasy

In the early Christian Church many false teachers sought to change Church doctrines to fit the philosophies of the day. Those teachers were able to lead many away from the truth. Other Saints lost heart because they could not withstand the intense persecution from the Romans. Then when the Apostles were killed, the already weakening Church was left without leadership.

Over the years, the Church went from being the Church of Jesus Christ to a church based on the ideas and philosophies of men. That period in history when members fell away from the truth is now known as the Apostasy. It was not until the visitation of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith that the fulness of the gospel was restored to the earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:3–10—Who Is the “Mystery of Iniquity”?

Jesus Christ is “the mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16), and Satan is “the mystery of iniquity.” Satan and those who rebelled with him were cast out and are known as “sons of perdition.” Satan has had an influence on mankind only because God has allowed him to (see 2 Thessalonians 2:7). That is, Jesus Christ “suffereth [Satan] to work” for now (see JST, 2 Thessalonians 2:7). But the scriptures promise that eventually Jesus Christ shall destroy Satan and all wickedness “with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8; see also D&C 5:19).

2 Thessalonians 3

Wrought with labour and travail (v. 8)Accomplished through hard work

Busybodies (v. 11)Those who wrongfully assume concern about other people’s business

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 2 Thessalonians 1–3.

1. The Second Coming

   President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “This great and dreadful day can be no other time than the coming of Jesus Christ to establish his kingdom in power on the earth, and to cleanse it from all iniquity. It will not be a day of dread and fear to the righteous, but it will be a day of fear and terror to the ungodly. This we have learned from the words of the Savior himself” (Doctrines of Salvation,1:173).

   Read 2 Thessalonians 1 and write what it says will happen to the wicked and what will happen to the righteous at the Savior’s Second Coming.

2. Scripture Mastery—2 Thessalonians 2:1–3

   Review the information found in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3. Then read 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12. Explain what you think verses 3, 4, 8, and 10 mean.

3. Write a Note to a Friend

   What would you tell a friend who said he or she was tired of helping on Church service projects? Remember Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian Saints to “be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

   1. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–13 and identify at least two principles that would help a person feel less weary with giving service.

   2. Using those two principles, write an encouraging note to your friend.