In this part we find a call to remain steadfast in the faith (2:13–17) and a request from Paul to pray for him and his companions (3:1–5).
2:13–14 - Thanksgiving for the calling of the Thessalonians;
2:15
In the New Testament we read of two types of traditions:
The “tradition of men” (Matt 15:1–9; Col 2:8) is rightly condemned. Jesus (quoting Is 29:13) describes this as “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men”;
The tradition of the apostles or “Holy Tradition”, by contrast, is to be preserved by the Church for God is its source. Holy Tradition is that which Jesus taught to the apostles, and which they in turn taught the Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in (a) their instructions as they visited the churches and (b) in their writings. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we adhere to Holy Tradition as it is present in the apostles’ writings and as it is resident in the Church to which the truth is promised (John 16:13).
2:16–17
The source of consolation and hope is God, the Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. We usually speak about Christ’s love for us (see Rev 1:5), but here it is the Father (or both) who has loved us and gave us grace.
Paul prays that Jesus Christ - our Lord, and God, our Father continue to support the efforst of the Thesalonians in holy living.
Here, “work” precedes “word” - which is fitting in the case. In a moment, Paul will stress the importance of work with one’s own hands (3:6–14).
3:1–2 - A request of prayer
This prayer contains two aspects:
Mission - that the word of God will continue to spread;
Protection - not all people have faith and so the apostles will encounter hostility.
3:3–5
God is faithful to His promise of salvation. His gifts are irrevocable (Rom 11:29)and Christians can always count on His help and protection (1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18–20; 1 Thess 5:24; Heb 10:23; 1 Peter 4:19; 1 John 1:9).
Christians are called to do good. Trusting in God and expecting everything from him cannot mean passivity toward others, and even less can it express itself in living at the expense of others.
Commitment to the proclamation of the gospel does not absolve one from responsibility for the community in which one lives - it is even more of an obligation.
Christians cannot silently tolerate in their community attitudes that conflict with the basic principles of brotherly love.
St. Paul, citing the authority of Jesus Christ himself, forbids cooperation with those whose attitude undermines the peace and unity of the community. However, exclusion from the community cannot mean rejection, but should be a healing punishment, that is, leading to conversion (1 Cor 5:5).
3:13 - A warning filled with great wisdom. While sin is burdensome, we can also grow tired and fatigued by doing good. Paul cautions us not to cease or tire of good works.
Paul ends with prayer for the Thessalonians.
Paul’s authorship is emphasized here because of the fraudulent letters mentioned in 2 Thess 2:2.