In his second letter Paul sought to correct their misunderstanding of his teaching and to set before them his true position. He again expressed his confidence in their integrity, and his gratitude that their faith was strong, and that their love abounded for one another and for the cause of their Master. He told them that he presented them to other churches as an example of the patient, persevering faith that bravely withstands persecution and tribulation, and he carried their minds forward to the time of the second coming of Christ, when the people of God shall rest from all their cares and perplexities.

"Vi selv" skrev han, "roser os af jer i Guds menigheder på grund af jeres udholdenhed og tro under alle de forfølgelser og trængsler, som I må udstå; ..... og give jer, der lider trængsel, hvile sammen med os, når Herren Jesus åbenbarer sig fra Himmelen med sine mægtige engle, med flammende ild og bringer straf over dem, der ikke vil vide af Gud at sige og over dem, som ikke er lydige mod vor Herres Jesu evangelium; de skal nemlig straffes med evig undergang bort fra Herrens ansigt og fra hans vældes herlighed på hin dag....."