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The second letter written to the church in Thessalonica began much as did the first: with praise for that church's spiritual growth and love. The first chapter was mostly a reminder to the Thessalonian Christians that their behavior was evidence of their salvation. It also reminded the readers of the fate awaiting those who reject God. This chapter tackles a weak point in this church's faith. Despite their spiritual growth, and Paul's earlier letter, it seems that the church at Thessalonica was plagued with wrong thinking about "the day of the Lord." This phrase refers to a time of wrath and judgment by God, also referred to as the tribulation. So, here in this second chapter, Paul clarifies the subject.

Paul first asks his readers to put aside their concerns that they might have entered that day. He writes about the timing of that upcoming period and cites prerequisites that must be met before the day of the Lord begins. There are two particular signs which will precede this judgment. The first is described as a rebellion, the second as the rise of a notable figure.

The first occurrence which must precede the day of the Lord is a rebellion. This is described in Greek using the phrase hē apostasia. The Greek phrase uses a definite article, implying a particular thing. In contrast, an indefinite article would have implied "a" rebellion, rather than "the" rebellion. This suggests a distinctive, special event or movement, rather than a general, long-term trend (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3).

Secondly, restraint against lawlessness will be removed and the man of lawlessness will be revealed. The implication is that God will stop, to some extent, holding back evil, and allow sin freer rein on earth. This mysterious figure, the man of lawlessness, opposes all worship except the worship of himself. In part, this means sitting in the temple and declaring that he is God. Empowered by Satan, this figure will deceive unbelievers by showing signs and wonders. However, at His second coming, Jesus will destroy the man of lawlessness and all who refused the truth and reveled in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:4–12).

Paul closes this chapter by thanking God for the believers at Thessalonica, whom God called to obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. In view of this bright prospect, Paul appeals to his readers to stand firm and adhere to the truths they had been taught. He prays that Jesus and the Father would encourage the Thessalonians and strengthen them in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:13–17).

The closing words of this chapter preview Paul's teaching found in chapter 3, focused on the importance of a strong work ethic.

Second Thessalonians 2:1–12 discusses the ''day of the Lord'' as an event from which Christians are exempt. Some Thessalonian believers were confused, thinking they had entered this time of hardship and judgment. Paul tells them to put such thinking aside, regardless of the source. He assures them the day of the Lord will not commence until a rebellion or apostasy occurs, followed by the emergence of the man of lawlessness. This figure will try to take on the role of God and deceive those who are lost and had rejected the truth. Empowered by Satan, the man of lawlessness will deceive unbelievers by performing signs and wonders. But at His coming, Jesus Christ will destroy the man of lawlessness.

Second Thessalonians 2:13–17 presents a stark contrast to the preceding passage. Previously, Paul wrote about the evil man of lawlessness, his wicked deeds, and the dreadful consequences that await him and his followers. Now Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers with a positive, uplifting message about their salvation, and he encourages them to take a defensive posture against false teaching and to adhere to what he had taught them. He concludes with an uplifting benediction, in which he calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father to encourage the Thessalonians and establish them in every good word and deed.

The Christians of Thessalonica have not missed out on the events described in Paul's prior letter. Despite what some teachers apparently thought, they were not experiencing the ''day of the Lord,'' a time of God's great wrath and judgment. As proof, Paul offers instruction on events which had yet to occur, prior to the coming of the day of the Lord. The first is a rebellion, or a ''falling away.'' The second is the emergence of a ''man of lawlessness'' who will demonstrate satanic power. This will correspond with God removing His restraint, in some way, leaving sin freer rein to enable His judgment.

Chapter 1 praised the Christians of Thessalonica for their spiritual growth and acts of love. This chapter seeks to correct a discouraging error present in that same church. Paul encourages these believers by stating that they have not missed out on the events described in his prior letter and have not entered into the judgment of the ''day of the Lord.'' Before that catastrophic time can begin, certain events must occur. These include a widespread spiritual apostasy and the rise of a satanically-empowered figure. Chapter 3 commends the value of a strong work ethic, both in a spiritual and a secular sense.

Second Thessalonians follows Paul's earlier letter to the same group of Christian believers. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul had praised them for their faithfulness and given them reassurances about the day of the Lord. This included teachings on the rapture and a description of death as ''sleep'' from a Christian viewpoint. In this second letter, Paul corrects possible misunderstandings about those ideas. Among his teachings here are the importance of a good work ethic and God's impending judgment on sin, including judgment on those who persecute the Christian church. Paul also provides the Thessalonians with reassurances that they have not somehow missed out on Christ's return.