The traditional view is that the second letter to the Thessalonians was probably written from Corinth shortly after the first letter. Paul opens the letter praising this church for their faithfulness and perseverance in the face of persecution: 2 Thessalonians 1:4 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: They visited Thessalonica and established a church there (Acts 17:1-4). This allows only a very small-time window for the letters to be written – from 50 to 52 AD.
Paul, Silas and Timothy established a church in Thessalonica, they then traveled to Berea and on to Athens. At this time, Paul and Silas sent Timothy back to check on things (1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:), and after Timothy returned with a report, the trio penned this letter.
Primary opposition to the gospel at this time is described as coming from the Jews, and Paul likens the Thessalonian church to the churches in Judea. This, along with the reference in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 “so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,” to a standing temple, further confirm a date of writing prior to the 70 AD destruction of the temple.
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