I. Encouragement to faithfulness in spite of persecution 1:1-12
A. Salutation 1:1-2
B. Thankfulness for their faithfulness 1:3-5
C. Assurance of judgment on their persecutors 1:6-10
D. Prayer for their glorification 1:11,12
II. Explanations concerning the day of the Lord 2:1-17
A. Correction of the false teaching that the day of the Lord
has already begun 2:1-2
B. Evidence that the day of the Lord has not begun 2:3-12
C. God's work in believers and the believers' response 2:13-17
III. Exhortation to continue in faithfulness to God 3:1-15
A. Desire for prayer and continued service for God 3:1-5
B. Idleness condemned 3:6-15
IV. Benediction of grace and peace 3:16-18
