2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 — The Coming of the Lord
Paul clarifies misconceptions about the day of the Lord, explaining that a rebellion and the revelation of the lawless one must happen first.
1Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we ask you
2not to be quickly shaken in your mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come.
3Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be unless the rebellion*or, falling away, or, defection comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction.
4He opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
5Don’t you remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?
6Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
7For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.
8Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the manifestation of his coming;
9even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11Because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion, that they should believe a lie,
12that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth,
14to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.
16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,
17comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Thessalonians 2:3
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction.”
This verse establishes the sequence of events that Paul says must precede the return of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.”
Paul provides a practical exhortation for believers to remain steadfast in the apostolic teachings they received.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, Paul addresses concerns that the day of Christ had already arrived, urging the Thessalonians not to be easily shaken or deceived. He explains that before the Lord returns, a great rebellion or falling away must occur, and the man of sin, also called the son of destruction, must be revealed. This figure is described as one who opposes God and sets himself up in God's temple. Paul mentions a power currently restraining this lawless one until the appointed time. When the lawless one appears, the Lord will destroy him with the breath of His mouth. Paul warns that many will be deceived by signs and lying wonders because they did not receive the love of the truth. In contrast, Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians, noting that they were chosen for salvation through sanctification. He concludes by encouraging them to stand firm in the teachings they received and prays for their eternal comfort and strength in every good work and word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul states that the day of Christ will not come until two specific events occur: a rebellion or falling away, and the revelation of the man of sin. He emphasizes that believers should not be easily troubled by claims that the day has already passed.
The man of sin is described as the son of destruction who opposes and exalts himself against God. The text says he will even sit in the temple of God, claiming to be God, and will eventually be destroyed by the Lord at His coming.
Paul explains that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work in the world but is currently being held back by a restrainer. Once this restrainer is removed, the lawless one will be fully revealed and perform deceptive signs and wonders.
Study Note
The Greek word 'apostasia' used in verse 3 is often translated as 'falling away' or 'rebellion,' indicating a significant departure from the faith.
Related Chapters
Matthew 24
Jesus provides a similar discourse on the signs of the end of the age and the need for endurance.
1 Thessalonians 4
Paul previously wrote to this congregation about the coming of the Lord and the gathering of believers.
Revelation 13
This chapter describes a similar figure who opposes God and performs deceptive signs.
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