Paul's commendation for the church
This epistle is quite similar to I Thessalonians in that it also carries the key message of the Lord’s coming. The difference is that in this epistle, Paul’s concern has become more serious and the message is more of warning than of comfort. We shall analyze this epistle similar to the former one and shall find the similarity with both epistles.
Paul’s commendation for the church
“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet (合宜), because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity (NRSV, ‘love’) of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.” (1:3-4) In I Thessalonians, Paul also offers thankful prayer for the faith, love and patience of hope of the church. (I Thes 1:3) Here, Paul also mentions their tribulations, as in I Thessalonians.