After the introduction (2 Thess. 1:1, 2) the apostle begins this epistle with an account of his high esteem for these Thessalonians, 2 Thess. 1:3, 4. He then comforts them under their afflictions and persecutions (2 Thess. 1:5-10) and tells them what his prayers were to God for them, 2 Thess. 1:11, 12.