INTRODUCTION, 1. 1-2. i. Address, 1. ii. Greeting, 2.
1. PROPHETICAL SECTION, 1. 3 to 2. 17; THE DAY
OF THE LORD. i. In Relation to Present Distress, 1. 3-12.
a. Thanksgiving, 3-5. Rendition, 3a. Reason, 3b-5.
b. Consolation, 6-10. Revelation of the Lord Jesus. Retribution upon Persecutors. Rest for Persecuted.
c. Prayer, 11-12.
ii. In Relation to Particular Difficulties, 2. 1-12.
a. Correction of Mistake, 1-3a.
b. Course of Events, 3b-4. Occurrence of the Apostasy and Revelation of the Man of Sin. (Lawless One, 8.)
c. Challenge to Memory, 5-6.
d. Course of Events, 7-12. Working of the Mystery and Revelation of the Lawless One.
iii. In Relation to Positive Destiny, 2. 13-17.
a. Thanksgiving, 13-14. Rendition, 13a. Reason, 13b-14.
b. Counsel, 15. ‘Stand fast’, ‘Hold’; (contrast 2. 2).
c. Prayer, 16-17.
2. PRACTICAL SECTION 3. 1-16; PROPER DUTY IN RELATION TO THE COMING.
i. Exhortation, 1-5.
a. Paul’s Request, 1-2. Prayer for him.
b. Paul’s Assurance, 3-4. As to the Lord, 3. As to the saints, 4.
c. Paul’s Desire, 5. Prayer for them. ii. Admonition, 6-15. Discipline enjoined for the disorderly and
disobedient. iii. Benediction, 16.
CONCLUSION, Authentication of the Epistle. i. Autographic Salutation, 17. ii. Autographic Benediction, 18.
