WRITER, The apostle Paul. 
DATE. Probably written from Corinth shortly after the first epistle.
HISTORICAL OCCASION. It is apparent that certain expressions in
Paul's first epistle to this church, had been misinterpreted. When he had referred to the uncertainty of the time of Christ's coming, his words had been understood as teaching that the day of the Lord was just at hand. SEE R.V. 2.2
2Th 2:2
This resulted in undue excitement. The converts were "Shaken in mind." They were entertaining wrong views as to the nearness of the Lord's advent which unsettled their lives.
2Th 2:2
Some have thought from the wording of verses two and three, of chapter two, that the church had received a forged letter which had added fuel to the fire. This is purely conjectural. There is not much doubt that the epistle was the outcome of an excited state of the church.
CENTRAL THEME. The Second Coming of Christ.
KEY TEXT: 2Th 3:5
SYNOPSIS, The epistle may be divided into three parts.
PART I. Ch.1
(1) The salutation and thanksgiving
2Th 1:1-3
(2) (a) Words of comfort to the church in persecution
2Th 1:4-6
(b) A sharp contrast is drawn between the glorious destiny of believers at the advent of Christ, and the fate of the impenitent
wicked
2Th 1:7-12
PART II. Ch. 2
(1) Warnings against unrest caused by wrong views concerning The Lord's speedy coming
2Th 2:1,2
(2) The announcement of events that will occur prior to the advent.
(a) A coming apostasy
2Th 2:3
(b) The self-exaltation of the man of sin
2Th 2:3,4
(c) In due time the lawless one will be revealed, accompanied by
signs and lying wonders
2Th 2:5-9
(d) The satanic personage shall be destroyed at the coming of Christ
2Th 2:8
(e) A mighty delusion shall deceive the wicked
2Th 2:10-12
(3) An affectionate appeal to believers who had enjoyed the great privileges of the gospel, to hold fast to sound doctrine
2Th 2:13-15
(4) A comforting benediction
2Th 2:16,17
PART III. Ch. 3.
(1) The apostle's confidence in the church.
(a) He requests their prayers
2Th 3:1,2
(b) He believes they will be kept from evil and be obedient to his commands
2Th 3:3,4
(c) He enjoins upon them patient waiting for the advent of Christ and separation from disorderly brethren
2Th 3:5,6
(2) The apostolic example
(a) Of orderly living
2Th 3:7
(b) Of voluntary self-support, for the sake of a good influence
2Th 3:8,9
(c) Of insistence upon industry on the part of believers
2Th 3:10
(3) Concluding admonitions.
(a) Concerning idlers and busybodies
2Th 3:11,12
(b) Respecting persevering labour, and recalcitrants
2Th 3:13,14
(4) The benediction and salutation
2Th 3:16-18
(Outline from Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible)