THIS epistle seems to have been written soon after the former, chiefly on occasion of some things therein which had been misunderstood. Herein he,
- 1. Congratulates their constancy in the faith, and exhorts them to advance daily in grace and wisdom.
- 2. Reforms their mistake concerning the coming of our Lord And,
- 3. Recommends several Christian duties. The parts of it are five:
- I. The inscription, Chap. i. 1, 2
- II. Thanksgiving and prayer for them, 3-12
- III. The doctrine concerning the man of sin,. ii. 1-12 Whence he comforts them against this trial, 13, 14 Adding exhortation and prayer, 15-17
- IV. An exhortation to prayer, with a prayer for. iii. 1-5 them, to correct the disorderly, 6-16
- V. The conclusion, 17, 18