Author and Audience: The book of 2 Thessalonians was written by Paul and addressed to the church at Thessalonica (see 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:17). Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 50–51 (see Bible Dictionary, (“Pauline Epistles,” p. 743).
Historical Background: The similarities between this letter and 1 Thessalonians are so strong that many believe they were written within six months of each other. Paul wrote it soon after hearing the reports of Silas and Timothy when they returned from delivering his first letter. For more information see the introduction to the book of 1 Thessalonians (p. 208).