Posts

2 Thessalonians 2:11 – Hardened Hearts

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Will

And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

Truth to Learn

Hardening one’s heart toward God is never a good idea.

Behind the Words

The expression “for this reason” is translated from the Greek words dia touto, which literally mean “through this.”

“Will send” is from pempō, meaning “to dispatch” or “to send.” It is expressed here in the present tense, indicating current action. However, this may be seen as a “prophetic present tense” in which the action is spoken of as current with regard to the future events (when the antichrist is revealed). For this reason, most translations express this as a future tense.

Energeia is the word translated “strong.” It is composed of en, meaning “in” and ergon, meaning “work.” Thus, energeia refers literally to something that is engaged in work. In other words it means “working” or “energizing.”

“Delusion” is from planē, which means “a wandering out of the right way” or “a straying from what is right.” Objectively, it refers to that which is a fraud, a deception, or a delusion.

The word translated “lie” is pseudos, of which we saw another form in verse nine. It refers to something that is not truthful. Some translations say “a lie” but the definite article is included in the text, so the proper translation is “the lie.”

Meaning Explained

Because this verse starts off with “for this reason,” we have to determine what it is referring to. It is a reference to “because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” It is because the earth dwellers, living at the time when the lawless one is revealed, refuse to believe God’s truth that God will send them an “energized deception.”

This immediately brings to mind what happened to the Pharaoh of Egypt when Moses delivered God’s demand that he let the children of Israel leave Egypt. Reading Exodus chapters seven through ten we see a progression of “Pharaoh’s heart grew hard” (Exodus 7:13, 22; 8:9, 32) to Pharaoh hardened his heart,” (Exodus 8:15; 9:12, 34, 35) to the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (Exodus 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27). Initially it was Pharaoh’s own sinful nature that caused his heart to become hardened against God. Then Pharaoh consciously hardened his own heart against God. Finally, in an act of judgment against him, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.

Even today, many people have a hardened heart toward God and the gospel message. In the last days the earth dwellers will have consciously hardened their own hearts against God, “refusing to receive the love of the truth.” Finally, God will send such energized deception on the part of the antichrist that they will not be able to believe the truth but will believe the lie conveyed to them. Paul vividly describes this progression in his letter to the Christians in Rome (Romans 1:18-32).

So what is this lie? Perhaps it began with Satan’s message to Eve, “and you will be like God.” In today’s secular humanism it is believed that we are our own god. In the final days, there will be one who deceptively “proves” himself to be God.

Application

Refusing to listen to God’s truth can have terrible consequences. Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean it can't happen to you. Remember what happened to Jonah?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:10 – Unrighteous Deception

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Will

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Truth to Learn

The world ruler during the Tribulation will be a great deceiver.

Behind the Words

The word “unrighteousness” is from adikia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and dikē, meaning “that which is right or just.” Thus, adikia means “not right” or “not just.”

Apatē is the Greek word translated “deception.” It refers to that which is deceitful or a delusion (something that is perceived despite strong evidence to the contrary).

“Perish” is from the Greek verb apollumi, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Therefore, apollumi means “to completely destroy.” The word does not imply complete annihilation (cessation of being), but physical destruction.

The word “receive” is translated from the verb dechomai, which means “to take to oneself” or “to deliberately and readily accept something offered.”

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has been teaching the Christians in Thessalonica about the Day of the Lord. False teachers had told them that this day of God’s judgment against the “permanent earth dwellers” had already arrived. In response to that, Paul explained that the time of God’s wrath would not happen until two specific events occurred. The first is the apostasia, either a reference to a great “falling away” from true faith or the rapture of the church. The second event is the revealing of “the lawless one,” the antichrist.

He taught that this “lawless one” would become evident because of great signs and miraculous deeds which will be performed through the power of our great adversary, Satan. Paul now gives some more details about how this future world ruler will become evident.

The antichrist will be a great deceiver who, like a modern day illusionist, will use deception to convince people that he is righteous. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:4, he will declare himself to be a god, and the great signs and wonders that he and his false prophet perform will convince many that he really is a god. To a Bible believing Christian, this seems hard to believe. We know that there is only one true God, but those who reject the truth taught in the Bible will readily accept this imposter for what he claims to be.

True Christians not only believe the truth about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, but they have a love of the truth taught in Scripture. We love to read our Bibles and we love to learn the truth about God’s desire to have a personal relationship with us. But, the unbelievers in the last days will not have this love of the truth and will be easily deceived. As a result, they will not receive salvation, but will, instead, perish in the lake of fire for all eternity.

Application

Do you love the truth of God’s Word? If so, hold fast to sound Biblical teaching. If not, prepare yourself to be easily deceived.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Glorious Second Coming

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Will

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Truth to Learn

Jesus will destroy the antichrist at His second coming.

Behind the Words

“Consume” is translated from the Greek verb anaireō. This word is made up of ana, meaning “up,” used here as an intensifier and haireō, meaning “to take.” Thus, anaireō means “to take away” or “to abolish.” This is the word used of a public execution.

The word “breath” is from pneuma, which literally means “breath,” but it is frequently used as a metaphor for spirit.

Stomatos is the word translated “mouth.” It specifically refers to “the opening through which breathing or blowing occurs.”

“Destroy” is translated from katargeō, which is made up of the intensifier kata and argeō, meaning “to be idle.” So we see that katargeō means “to render completely inactive or useless.”

Epiphaneia it the Greek word translated “brightness.” It is composed of epi, meaning “over” or “upon” and phainō, which means “to shine.” Thus, epiphaneia refers to our Lords shining brightness or His Shekinah glory.

The word “coming” is from parousia, which refers to “presence” or “arrival.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul talked about the restraining force, which we concluded is most likely the Holy Spirit that is holding back the full force of lawlessness in the world. After the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way, the “man of sin” or “the lawless one,” as Paul calls him here, will be revealed and allowed to take control of the people of the world.

Once this person (whom the Apostle John calls the antichrist) is revealed, the Day of the Lord will begin. This is the time, beginning with the Tribulation, during which God will judge “the inhabitants of the earth” (see Revelation 8:13; 12:12; 17:2). In these passages, the word translated “inhabitants” is a form of katoikeō, meaning “to dwell permanently in a fixed dwelling.” Believers are never referred to as “inhabitants of the earth.” Instead, we are said to dwell (Greek word skēnoō, meaning “to pitch a tent and encamp”) here.

At the end of the seven year Tribulation (the last half of which Jesus referred to as “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:21), Jesus Christ will return to earth. His glorious return and His complete victory over the armies of the antichrist (also called the Beast), the antichrist himself, the False Prophet, and Satan is described in Revelation 19:11 – 20:2. This is the “second coming” of Christ which is spoken of throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Application

Fortunately for Christians, we will not be here when the Tribulation begins. Paul makes it clear that Christians will be kept “out of” this time of trouble. The rapture could occur any day now. If you have friends or loved ones who aren’t saved, now is the time to witness to them. Don’t wait!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:7 – The Restraining One

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Will

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Truth to Learn

The restraining one is probably a reference to the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

The word “mystery” is transliterated from the Greek noun musterion. This word is used at least twenty other times in the New Testament. In each case it describes a truth that has previously been hidden but that is now being made known.

“Lawlessness” is from anomia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and nomos, meaning “law.” So, anomia literally means “without law” or “lawless.”

The word “already” is translated from ēdē, which is an adverb of time meaning “now,” “even now,” or “already.”

“Taken” is from the verb ginomai, meaning “to begin to be” or “to become.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating probability or possibility. Thus this should probably be translated as “should become” or “should be.”

The words “out of the way” are translated from the Greek words ek mesou. Ek means “out” or “out of” and mesou, a form of mesos, means “in the midst, either in time or position.” Therefore ek mesou means “out of the midst.”

Meaning Explained

In this current chapter, Paul has been focusing on the Day of the Lord, that period of time when God will judge the inhabitants of the earth. Back in verse three, he told us that this day will not come until the apostasia occurs and the “man of sin” is revealed. But, Paul taught us that the “man of sin,” whom the Apostle John calls “the antichrist,” will not be revealed until the restraining force is taken out of the way.

As we discussed in yesterday’s verse, we don’t know for certain what this restraining force is, but it seems reasonable to conclude that it is the Holy Spirit of God. The primary argument against such a conclusion is the fact that in yesterday’s verse it was referred to as a “restraining thing” (neuter article and verb in the Greek), whereas in today’s verse He is referred to with a masculine article and verb (literally, “the restraining one”). This is not a problem when you realize that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit both in the neuter and the masculine. In John’s gospel, He refers to the Holy Spirit as “the helper” (neuter) and as “the spirit of truth” (neuter), but He also refers to the Holy Spirit as “He,” which is a masculine pronoun in the Greek (see John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-14).

The “mystery of lawlessness” is probably a reference to the fact that sin and lawlessness are already present in the world, but will be revealed in full force after the restraining one is taken out of the midst. This may be a reference to the rapture, when the church and the indwelling of the Spirit are taken off the earth. Keep in mind, however, that the Holy Spirit is God, who is everywhere present at all times. We know that the Holy Spirit will still be present and active during the Tribulation because people will be saved during that terrible time, but He will not be restraining evil during that time like He is today.

Application

I firmly believe that the church will not be present for any part of the Tribulation, which is very comforting. However, that doesn’t mean our work is done. We need to be witnesses of the gospel of Christ more and more as that day approaches.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:6 – Holy Spirit Power

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Will

And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

Truth to Learn

Only God can completely control Satan.

Behind the Words

The words “you know” are from the Greek verb eidō, which means “to see with perception,” or “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating a past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

“Restraining” is translated from katechō. This word is made up of kata, meaning “down,” but used here as an intensifier and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Thus, katechō means “to hold firmly” or “to suppress.”

“Revealed” is from apokaluptō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to reveal.”

Meaning Explained

This verse is another one that is cryptic enough that theologians and Bible scholars have been discussing it for centuries. But before we talk about that which is not perfectly clear, let’s talk about what is very clear. The people in Thessalonica did know what Paul was talking about. He clearly tells them, “You have known in the past and now know perfectly well what is restraining.” Apparently, Paul had previously taught them about this restraining force so that he didn’t need to be specific about it in this letter.

Unfortunately for us, since Paul wasn’t specific about this restraining force, we don’t know for sure what it is. Some of the suggested explanations include human government, preaching of the gospel, the Jewish nation, the church, Michael the Archangel, and the Holy Spirit. Although we can’t know for certain, we can come to a pretty good logical conclusion based on what we know from other portions of Scripture.

As described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4: 8-10, this “man of sin” or “lawless one” accomplishes his deeds through the power of Satan. We know that nothing about mankind can restrain Satan. And, Michael the Archangel would not even bring an accusation against him:

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 1:9)

But we do know someone who is more powerful than Satan:

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

So, we can logically conclude that Paul must be talking about the Holy Spirit as that which restrains the power of Satan, preventing him from revealing the “man of sin” until God’s appointed time.

Application

Even though we are told in James 4:7 that resisting the Devil will cause him to flee, we don’t have the power to stop him. Only God can do that. Battling Satan and his demons can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit, and even then, we only know victory when we are submitted to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:5 – Learn God’s Truth

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Will

Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?

Truth to Learn

Your faith depends on a good understanding of God’s truth.

Behind the Words

“Remember” is translated from the Greek verb mnēmoneuō, meaning “to exercise memory” or “to remember.” The English word mnemonic (a device to assist in memorizing something) is based on this word.

The word “still” is from the adverb eti. This word is a reference to things in the past. It is most often translated “yet” or “still.”

The words “I told” are translated from the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth.” Figuratively, it means “to relate in words” or “to tell.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense indicating past, continuous action.

Houtos is the Greek word translated “these things.” In the singular it means “this.” In the current verse it is expressed as a neuter plural, so it means “these” with “things” being implied.

Meaning Explained

Shortly after starting the church in Thessalonica, Paul was forced to make a sudden departure. Having stayed for a while in Berea and then Athens, Paul moved on to Corinth from where he wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians. The purpose of that first letter was to comfort and encourage the Christians in Thessalonica in the face of the persecution they were suffering. As part of that letter, Paul also related to them some further teaching to clear up a misunderstanding they had regarding the Day of Christ (the Rapture) and the Day of the Lord (the Tribulation).

Sometime after that first letter was written, the Thessalonian church had received some false teaching (supposedly from Paul) indicating that the Day of the Lord had already begun. As a result, Paul wrote this second letter, to give them further encouragement and to clarify what he had already taught them. The primary theme of this second letter is to let them know some of the things that must first take place before the Day of the Lord will begin. He said that two events had to take place first: the apostasia (referring either to the Rapture or to a large-scale departure from the basic tenets of the Christian faith), and the revealing of the “man of sin,” also known to us as the antichrist.

Now that Paul has given them instruction regarding these two events, he asks them, “Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?” This makes it very evident that when he first started the church there, Paul gave them specific instruction regarding the Day of Christ and the Day of the Lord.

Do you see how easily false teaching can creep into the church? Every true Christian is eager to learn more about his or her faith and can get easily led astray without constantly reading the Bible and listening to good fundamental preaching. It’s no wonder that there are so many divisions within the church.

Application

Read the Bible and listen to good preaching, but always check what you hear against what is written in the Bible! Your faith will only be as strong as your understanding of God’s truth.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:4 – The Man of Sin

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Will

who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Truth to Learn

The “man of sin” will be revealed before the Day of the Lord.

Behind the Words

The verb translated “opposes” is antikeimai. This word is made up of anti, meaning “opposite” or “against” and keimai, meaning “to lie outstretched.” Thus, it literally means “to lie against.” Antikeimai means “to be an opposer or an adversary.”

“Exalts” is translated from the verb huperairomai, which is composed of huper (or hyper), meaning “above” or “over” and a form of airō, meaning “to lift up.” Hence, it means “to lift above” or “to exalt.”

Sebasma is the word translated “worshiped.” This word means “an object of worship or adoration.”

“Showing” is from the verb apodeiknumi, which means “to show off” or “to exhibit something.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just written about the two events that will precede the Day of the Lord, which begins with the Tribulation. The Tribulation is identified in Daniel 9:24-27 as the seventieth week (of years). In Daniel 9:27 he talks about how “the prince who is to come” will establish a seven year covenant (with Israel). In the middle of that week (after three and one-half years), this prince will perform an abominable act which causes desolation. In Matthew chapter twenty-four, Jesus Christ also describes this act as “the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”

In today’s verse Paul gives us more information regarding this abominable act. This person, who Paul calls “the man of sin,” is the person referred to by Daniel as “the prince who is to come.” He is also referred to by the Apostle John as “the antichrist” (1 John 2:18, 22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7). According to Paul, this person will proclaim himself to be God, and he will demonstrate his deity by sitting in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, exhibiting himself as God.

This man of sin, whom Paul also calls “the lawless one” in verse eight, is described in Revelation chapter thirteen as “the beast out of the sea.” He will be controlled by Satan (the dragon) and will be worshipped as a god by the people on earth during the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week:

So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. (Revelation 13:4-5)

This “man of sin” may very well be alive today, but he has not yet been revealed. Neither has the apostasia occurred yet, so (as Paul has been teaching) the Day of the Lord has not yet come upon us.

Application

World events are rapidly shaping up that point to the fact that the Day of the Lord is close at hand. But it has not yet arrived and we still have time to proclaim the gospel message. It is up to all Christians to proclaim the good news of salvation through the blood of Christ. Are you proclaiming it?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:3 – Two Preceding Events

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Will

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

Truth to Learn

The Tribulation won’t begin until a couple of other things happen first.

Behind the Words

“Deceive” is translated from the Greek verb exapataō, made up of ek, used as an intensifier, and apataō, meaning “to deceive” or “to seduce.” Thus, exapataō means “to completely deceive.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability. Therefore, the opening part of this verse should read, “No one should completely deceive you …”

The words “that Day will not come” have been inserted by the translators; however, they are implied by the context and are appropriately inserted.

The words “falling away” are translated from the Greek noun apostasia. This word is based on the verb aphistēmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to place.” Thus, aphistēmi, means “to put away” or “to remove.” So, the noun apostasia refers to “the departure.” It can refer to a departure from a place or a set of ideals. The English word apostasy primarily refers to a departure from the core beliefs of Christianity, but the Greek word could also refer to a physical departure.

“Perdition” is from the Greek noun apoliea, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used here as an intensifier, and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Thus, apoliea refers to “complete destruction.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we noted that Paul is talking about how the Thessalonian Christians had been fooled into believing that the Day of the Lord (the Tribulation) had already begun. In today’s verse he instructs us regarding certain events that must occur before the Tribulation can begin.

He says, “no one should completely deceive you …” The reason we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking the Tribulation is upon us is because it won’t happen until a couple of other things happen. The first thing that must occur is the apostasia; however, there is much debate as to what this specifically refers to. Some believe that it refers to the Rapture, when the church is removed from the earth. Others note that the only other use of the word in the New Testament is the following:

… that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses … (Acts 21:21)

Secular writers of the first century use the word to refer to political revolt as well as the religious movement away from fundamental Judaism. So, it is unclear as to whether Paul is referring to a religious apostasy or to the rapture.

The other event that must occur before the Tribulation is the “man of sin” must be revealed. This is most likely a reference to the one we call “antichrist,” although only the Apostle John uses that designation. Only after the apostasia and the revealing of the “man of sin” can the Tribulation begin.

Application

It’s very clear to many of us that the Rapture and the Day of the Lord are both very near. Until that day, keep your focus on God and listen for the trumpet blast!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:2 – No, Not Yet

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Will

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to read and study the Bible for themselves.

Behind the Words

In the previous verse, the words “we ask” are from erōtaō, meaning “to make a request.” Then, this verse starts out with eis to, which is one of Paul’s favorite idioms, indicating the subject of Paul’s request. Today, we might say, “Please … don’t be soon shaken …”

“Soon” is translated from tacheōs, meaning “quickly,” “hastily,” or “soon.”

The word “shaken” is from saleuō, which is based on the noun salos, meaning “an ocean wave.” It is a picture of a ship being buffeted by waves. Thus, saleuō means “to be rocked back and forth” or “to be shaken up.”

“Troubled” is from the verb throeō, based on the noun throos, meaning “the loud, disturbing noise of a riotous crowd.” Thus, throeō (expressed here in the passive voice) means “to be troubled, disturbed, or terrified.”

Meaning Explained

When Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy started the church in Thessalonica, they apparently had given instruction in the soon return of Christ to gather all believers to Himself (the Rapture) and the ensuing judgment of God against the unbelieving world (the Tribulation and future judgments). In his first letter to this church, Paul gave additional instruction regarding the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Now he tells them not to be easily shaken or disturbed by false teachings regarding these events.

There were three possible sources of these false teachings. The first is “by spirit.” This indicates that this teaching was supposedly given to a “spirit-filled” teacher or prophet speaking by direct revelation from God. The second is “by word,” implying that it is a message given verbally, probably as part of a sermon. The third is “by letter,” indicating a written message. Understand that it was not uncommon during the early years of the church for letters to be sent by imposters claiming to be Paul or another of the apostles.

Before we finish, we need to observe that the word translated “Christ” (christos) is disputed. The earliest and best manuscripts have the word translated “Lord” (kurios) instead. This is an important distinction since, as Paul has taught previously, the Day of Christ refers to the Rapture, but the Day of the Lord refers to God’s judgment against the world. The message of these false teachers was not that the rapture had already happened, but that the Tribulation had begun. Given the persecution and tribulation they were suffering, it would have been fairly easy to convince the Thessalonians that this was true. In the following verses, Paul will tell us of several things that must occur before the Tribulation will begin.

Application

Very few preachers or teachers intentionally teach false doctrine; they simply teach what they have been taught or what they believe based on their own study. It is critical for us to read and study the Bible for ourselves and verify all such teaching (see Acts 17:11). No matter how great the teacher or preacher, don’t believe their message without verifying it yourself based on your own study of what the Bible teaches!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 – Look Up

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Will

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,

Truth to Learn

In the midst of your suffering, look up! He is coming soon!

Behind the Words

The word translated “now” is de. This particle serves to introduce a new topic. It is most often translated as “and” or “but.”

“Concerning” is translated from the Greek preposition huper (hyper). This word generally means “over” or “above.” But, it can also mean “about,” “concerning,” or “with respect to.”

Parousia is the Greek noun translated “coming.” This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” Parousia can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into one’s presence.

“Gathering together” is from the verb episunagōgē. This is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” sun, meaning “with” or “together with,” and agō, meaning “to lead.” Putting these all together we see that episunagōgē literally means “to lead or bring together upon a place.” In other words, it means “a gathering together into one place.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul spent most of the first chapter of this letter talking about God’s righteous judgment: grace for believers and tortuous, blazing fire for unbelievers. This was necessary to reassure the Christians in Thessalonica that God is always righteous. Now he builds on that concept and proceeds to explain to them that God has not deserted them. The reason they needed this reassurance is that there were some false teachers in the church who were teaching that the rapture had already come and they had been left behind. Not only that, they were teaching that the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment of mankind) had begun.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Therefore, Paul now will explain to them (and to us) some of the truths that he had previously taught them. We need to keep in mind that there is a difference between the Day of Christ (the rapture) and the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment). By maintaining this critical distinction, we will be able to clearly see through some of the confusion that various teachers have taught concerning this second chapter of 2 Thessalonians.

Paul starts off this chapter talking about the rapture. He describes it as “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” This “coming of our Lord” is not a reference to the time of God’s judgment, but to the event that is the culmination of God’s grace. This is clear because he couples it with the “gathering together to Him.” The only future event spoken of in these terms is the rapture, when all Christians (those living as well as those who have previously died physically) “will be caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Application

Throughout history, Christians have been persecuted and have suffered at the hands of non-believers. More Christians are suffering today than at any time in the past. But, don’t despair, my friends, God is coming soon. When He does, He will take us out of the world. Then, He will judge our persecutors.

In God's service, for His glory,