Jon Courson in his commentary on 2 Thessalonians

writes,

“A year after his first letter, Paul penned a

second letter to the Thessalonians. This was done

in order to clear up the confusion caused by those

who preached after he left. They were saying that

the persecution launched against the church in

Thessalonica was proof that the Tribulation had

already begun. Add to them a group who

supposedly prophesied in the Spirit, and a forged

letter from Paul saying the Tribulation had begun. It

is easy to see why the Thessalonians were

confused.

In the first verse of his first letter to the

Thessalonians, Paul had commended their work of

faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. Here, in

his second letter, he commends only their faith and

love. Why? They had lost their hope because they

were no longer living for Jesus' return.

Although of faith, hope, and love the greatest is love

(1Co 13:13)-all three elements are essential

because it is faith and hope that allow us to love.

How? I'd be too ashamed to love if I were hung up

over my past sins. Faith tells me my past failures

were totally cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I'd be

too afraid to love if I were worried about the future.

Hope tells me He's coming again, so there's no

need to fear.”