Studying the Bible -- What is the Book of II Thessalonians About?

In his second letter to the church of Thessalonica, Paul commended their faithfulness during a time of persecution. He reminded them that God would judge and punish those who persecuted them. He warned them of a time when some would depart from the faith following a "son of perdition". This person would be manifest with false wonders and would deceive those who did not have pleasure in the truth but in unrighteousness. Truth is the means of avoiding any falling away. Finally, Paul urged them to be diligent in God’s service and to hold fast to the word of God and the example of the apostles. He told the church to withdraw from members who were not working, perhaps in anticipation of the judgment discussed in the first letter. Those who did not work should not eat. Withdrawing their fellowship from the lazy brother would shame him into working, as he should. In their punishment, they were to regard him as a brother, not an enemy.