Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
YOU CAN STAY CALM
2 Thessalonians 2:1–17
Deception to Reject (1–4)
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a subject of widely divergent opinions. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been people claiming to know exactly when Christ is going to return or that He already has returned. In this passage, Paul was dealing with an erroneous teaching regarding the Second Coming. Apparently the Thessalonians were upset over this teaching. We do not know whence this teaching came; Paul said it came by either a spirit or letter allegedly from him. When he said a spirit, it is likely Paul meant from a supposed prophetic word, someone who claimed to have a word from the Lord that Christ had come back. If it came by letter, then Paul indicated it was not he who sent it, but that would explain the confusion of the brothers in Thessalonica — they thought Paul had said Christ had returned.
Paul emphasized Christ had not returned yet because there were certain events that must happen before He returns. First there must be the great apostasy. Apostasy usually refers to one turning away from his or her faith, but it also refers to a revolt or rebellion. In conjunction with this apostasy is the coming of the man of lawlessness. Whatever the apostasy refers to, which apparently the Thessalonians understood, it will come with this deceiver, so at that point, it will become obvious. This man of lawlessness is most likely the Antichrist, and as the son of destruction, he will suffer eternal torment that a rejection of God causes. This figure will oppose God and godliness and ultimately set himself up as God.
Truth to Remember (5–10)
Paul emphasized he already had spoken about this issue with the Thessalonians. He also referred to someone who restrains the man of lawlessness. Paul did not give many details regarding this restraining figure. Some have suggested this is a good figure such as the Holy Spirit, while others have suggested it is an impersonal force such as the Roman Empire or other government. Regardless of what the restraining force is, when it is removed in God’s timing, Satan will come in all his force along with the Antichrist. This time will be limited, however, because when the time is right, Jesus, by His mere breath, will completely end Satan’s reign.
Prior to this end, the man of lawlessness will deceive many because of the myriad of false miracles, signs and wonders he will perform. Those who oppose God and reject Him will believe in these miracles of the man of lawlessness because they do not believe in God. As long as we remain grounded in the teaching of the Bible, we will not fall prey to false teaching about Christ’s return. Furthermore we may be encouraged by the knowledge that while Satan is powerful, he has no power over God. Jesus only has to open His mouth and Satan is defeated. This should give us great confidence that though we face temptations from the great deceiver, we have an Ally on our side who can aid us against Satan’s attacks.
Truth to Rest On (11–17)
Because these individuals choose to reject God, He will allow them to be deluded — in fact, God will delude them as part of their punishment. Those who enjoy unrighteousness He will hand over to be deceived. We see a similar sentiment in Romans 1:24 and 26 when God hands over those who have continually rejected Him. This is not the fate of the believer, however. Paul knew the salvation the Thessalonian Christians had in Christ. These believers were being sanctified by the Holy Spirit and the truth of the gospel. Because of this salvation and knowledge of the truth, Paul emphasized the need to stand firm in this truth, which is known by the traditions the believers were taught in the Thessalonian church, by him and through his letters. He closed this section by encouraging the Thessalonian brothers, praying the Lord Jesus and God the Father would encourage their hearts and strengthen them. We should also let this passage encourage us, strengthening our resolve to follow Christ and live for Him in the knowledge of our salvation and in the fact that He will overcome Satan in the end.
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