The external attestation to the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians as a Pauline Epistle is even stronger than that for 1 Thessalonians. Internally the vocabulary, style, and doctrinal content support the claims in 1:1 and 3:17 that it was written by Paul. This letter was probably written a few months after 1 Thessalonians, while Paul was still in Corinth with Silas and Timothy (1:1; Acts 18:5)
TIMES AD 51
KEY VERSES: 2 Th 2:2-3, 8, 11,12; 3;6
THEME: This letter to the Thessalonians appears to have been written fairly soon after the first one. Paul provides some further clarification on some of the same issues he addressed in his first letter. There still seems to be some confusion about the events of the end times, which he clarifies. He also wisely encourages the believers in the basics he has taught them in his role as a caring pastor.
Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance
1:1-3 Paul with Silas and Timothy gives greetings to the church of Thessalonians wishing them grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ acknowledging them for their growing faith and growing love for one another.
1:4 He acknowledges their steadfastness, endurance, patience, and firm faith in the midst of persecution and distress that they are enduring.
1:5 Paul tells them that this is proof that they will be considered worthy of God’s kingdom.
considered worthy of God’s kingdom. If believers handle their persecutions properly, they will be counted worthy of a great reward in the coming kingdom of God. (Mt 5:12; 1 Peter 2:19-20). Christians are called to endure suffering in this world, for they will receive a far greater reward in the next (2 Tim. 2:12) Also, in Matthew 24:13 says he that endureth ‘til the end will be saved.
1:6-7 Paul says it is only just for God to repay with distress those who have distressed the Thessalonians and at the same time give relief to those who are distressed when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in a flame of fire.
when the Lord Jesus is revealed-Presently Jesus is enthroned in glory at the right hand of the Father (Jn 17:5). Stephen saw this glory before he was martyred (Acts 17:55-56), but one day every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7)
1:8 He (Jesus) will deal out complete vengeance to those who do not seek to know God (the Gentiles) and those who ignore and refuse to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus by choosing not to respond to Him (unbelieving Jews).
1:9-10 These people will pay the penalty and endure the punishment of everlasting destruction and banishment from the presence of the Lord (when he comes to be glorified on that day to all that have accepted him as Lord and Savior).
1:11-12 Paul prays that God will count them worthy of their calling to faith and that God fulfills their every desire for goodness and complete every work of faith so that the name of Jesus will be glorified in them.
will be glorified in them – Christ will be glorified not only among but also in the saints, for believers reflect his glory.
Man of Lawlessness
2:1-2 Brothers and sisters do not be alarmed by so-called prophet revelation of a spirit or message or letter that is supposed to be from us saying the day of the Lord has already come when we meet Jesus. This refers to the believers meeting Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The phrase gathering together to meet him -this will be the first time that the whole church, including every believer, will be gathered before the Lord to worship him.
the day of the Lord has already come-was a false teaching causing some Thessalonians to think they missed the 2nd coming.
2:3 Let no one deceive you That day will not come until the great apostasy comes first (the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians, and the son of destruction [the Antichrist]is revealed, the one who is destined to be destroyed. [Dan 725; 8:25; 1 Tim 4:1]
apostasy- is from the Greek word used to describe a military rebellion. But in the scriptures, the word is used as a rebellion against God. So, some have interpreted this verse to refer to a general defection from the truth, even by those who professed to be the church.
2:4 The Antichrist exalts himself above every god and takes his seat in the temple of God and proclaims that he is God. This is the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel [Dan 7:23; 9:26; 11:31,36-37; 12:11)] and Jesus (Mt 24:15; Mk 13:14)
2:6 The thing that prevents him from being revealed now is that he will be revealed at his own appointed time. [we could probably think about what was written in Ecclesiastes saying for everything there is a season].
2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work. [but is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way.
The evil and deception that the man of sin embodies already exists in this world (1 Jn 2:18) Anyone who opposes Christ and His church and seeks to deceive others in worshipping false gods is against Christ (antichrist).
taken out of the way – many believe that this verse refers to the rapture of the church (1 Th 4:16-17), and the cessation of the Holy Spirit working through believers to restrain the power of sin in this world. There are a variety of other interpretations for the identity of the restrainer, including the Roman state, or the principle of law and government embodied in the state.
2:8 The lawless one (Antichrist) will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. The Lord Jesus will slay him…and bring him to an end- Although the Antichrist will be revealed as extremely powerful, he will be destroyed by Christ and cast into the lake of fire when the Lord comes (Rev 19:19-20)
2:9-10 The Antichrist comes with great power through the activity of Satan with al kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and false wonders [all of them lies] with all deception of wickedness for those who are perishing because they did not welcome the truth. They were spiritually blind because they rejected the truth that would have saved them.
2:11-12 So, because of this God will send them a misleading influence [an activity of error] so they will believe the lie, in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin] and instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.
2:13 But we give thanks to you believers, beloved by God, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit (that sets you apart for God’s purpose) and by your faith in the truth (of God’s word that leads you to spiritual maturity.
2:14 It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection] so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Obtain and share in the glory-The Thessalonians have already been saved (v 13), and called, but they must respond to Gods work in them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit believers on this earth prepare for a future with Christ by living in a holy manner.
2:17 Comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
Exhortation
3:1-2 Brothers and sisters pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored as it was by you, and pray that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men.
3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ. [The heart, the seat of a persons will and emotions, is the place where spiritual renewal begins. There God plants love and patience, traits that will produce a harvest of good works.
3:6 Now we command you, believers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by His authority, that you withdraw and keep away from every brother or sister who leads an undisciplined life and does not live in accordance with the tradition and teaching that you have received from us. [this is a binding order with the authority of Jesus Christ].
3:7 Follow our example
3:8 We did not try to be financial burden on any of you.
3:9 We provided our own support.
3:10 If someone is not willing to work, then that person is not to eat.
3:11-12 The people who are undisciplined should settle down and work for their food and other necessities (supporting themselves rather than depending on the hospitality of others)
3:13 The rest of you believers, do not get tired of doing good.
3:14 Do not associate with anyone in the church that does not obey what we say.
3:15 Do not treat him as an enemy, but keep admonishing him as a [believing] brother. as a believing brother- The disobedient one is not an enemy, but one who needs compassionate correction.
316 Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every good way[that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.
CONCLUSION
Paul clarifies some misinformation about the end times which includes the revelation of the lawless one who opposes Christ (the Antichrist) and tells of his ultimate defeat and eternal torment (referring to the Lake of Fire). He also encourages believers to disassociate themselves with people who oppose Christ or who refuse to follow the teachings of the apostles.
Have you seen people who are willing to believe lies or have refused to believe the truth? As you may know, our society is becoming more and more permissive of acts that are contrary to Gods will. If you have experienced such things how do you react to it?
Feel free to comment below.