Tag: satan

2 Thessalonians 2:9 – Counterfeit Miracles

Posted on by Will

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Truth to Learn

Miracles do not prove that someone is “from God.”

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “coming” is parousia, the same word used in the previous verse in reference to Christ’s second coming.

“According” is translated from kata, which primarily means “down” or “down upon.” However, it is used metaphorically to express a relationship of one thing to another.” In other words, it means “in accordance with,” and in such a case is translated as “according to.”

“Working” is from the Greek noun energeia. It is made up of en, meaning “in” and ergon, meaning “work” or “power.” Therefore, energeia refers to the “operation” or “effective power” of something.

The word “Satan” is transliterated from the Hebrew word sātān, which means “an adversary.” As such, it has become the proper name or our adversary.

The words “signs” and “wonders” are from the Greek words sēmeion and teras. These two words both refer to miraculous events, but teras (wonders) refers to the extraordinary character of the event whereas sēmeion refers to the spiritual significance of the event.

“Lying” is translated from the Greek word pseudon, meaning “a lie” or “a falsehood,” that which is not based on the truth.

The words “of the lawless one” do not appear in the Greek text, but have been added for clarity. A literal translation of the Greek text for this verse begins, “whose coming is according to …” From the grammatical construction of this and the previous verse it is clear that this verse is talking about “the lawless one” mentioned in the previous verse.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul talked about the revealing of the “lawless one” and parenthetically commented on how he will be destroyed at the second coming of Christ. In typical Pauline fashion, he now contrasts the coming of our Lord and the coming (or appearing) of the antichrist. The antichrist will come on the scene accompanied by miraculous events. These events will display power, signs, and wonders. According to Jesus, these will prove to be a very powerful deception:

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)

According to Revelation 13:1-18, these miraculous signs and wonders (even calling fire down from heaven) will so convince the “earth dwellers” that the “lawless one” is a god, that these people will worship him as a god and even receive his mark on their hand or forehead.

It is important to note here that not all miracles are of God. The devil and his agents can, do, and will perform supernatural acts that will deceive many.

 

Application

Do not be deceived, my Christian friends, by people performing miraculous feats, even doing so in the name of God. If what these people proclaim is not in complete agreement with God’s Word, do not believe them! Read your Bible; search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10).

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries

Posted on by Will

Therefore we determined to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

Truth to Learn

Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan.

 

Behind the Words

“We determined” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However, this word implies more than just a desire. It implies purpose and determination. Therefore, we translate this as “we determined.”

The words “time and again” are from the phrase kai hapax kai dis, which literally means “both once and twice.” This is an idiomatic phrase meaning “several times.”

“Satan” is transliterated from the word satanas, which is originally of Chaldean origin, appearing in the Old Testament as sawtawn. The word literally means “accuser” or “adversary.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) it is often translated as diabolos (devil) and these two words are often used interchangeably.

Engkoptō is the verb translated “hindered.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” or “into” and koptō, meaning “to strike” or “to cut.” This word was used to describe the cutting of a trench in a road as a hindrance to the progress of an advancing army.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul expressed his eagerness to return to Thessalonica to be with the people there whom he considered to be his spiritual children. He now tells them that he and his co-workers were determined to return there. He makes a point here that it was not just his companions who wanted to return, but that he specifically wanted to see them in person.

We also see here that it was not just a one-time plan to return, but something they determined to do over and over again. We see from 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 that he had already sent Timothy back there, and probably Silvanus as well, with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening them.

Therefore, when we could endure it no longer, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,  (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

The reason that Paul gives for his not having personally returned to Thessalonica is “hindrance from Satan.” We know from the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit had prevented him from carrying out some of his plans previously (see Acts 16:6, 7). This time, however, he perceives that it was the direct opposition of our adversary which thwarted his plans. We are not told how Paul knew that it was Satan rather than the Holy Spirit, but he seems certain as to the source of the opposition.

In some Christian circles it is common to blame Satan for any and all opposition to Christian ministry. Keep in mind, however, that Satan is not omnipresent like God. He can’t be in more than one place at a time. More often than not, satanic attack comes from one of his hoards rather than Satan himself.

 

Application

When we face opposition in our ministries, we need to prayerfully consider whether it is the Spirit of God or our enemy who is standing in our way. If it is God, we need to make other plans. If it is our enemy, however, we need to prayerfully decide whether or not we need to stand and fight.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries

Posted on by Will

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

Truth to Learn

Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan.

Behind the Words

“We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However, this word implies more than just a desire. It implies purpose and determination. Therefore, we could translate this as “we determined.”

The words “time and again” are from the phrase kai hapax kai dis, which literally means “both once and twice.” This is an idiomatic phrase meaning “several times.”

“Satan” is transliterated from the word satanas, which is originally of Chaldean origin, appearing in the Old Testament as sawtawn. The word literally means “accuser” or “adversary.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) it is often translated as diabolos (devil) and these two words are often used interchangeably.

Engkoptō is the verb translated “hindered.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” or “into” and koptō, meaning “to strike” or “to cut.” This word was used to describe the cutting of a trench in a road as a hindrance to the progress of an advancing army.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul expressed his eagerness to return to Thessalonica to be with the people there whom he considered to be his spiritual children. He now tells them that he and his co-workers were determined to return there. He makes a point here that it was not just his companions who wanted to return, but that he specifically wanted to see them in person.

We also see here that it was not just a one-time plan to return, but something they determined to do over and over again. We see from 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 that he had already sent Timothy back there, and probably Silvanus as well, with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening them.

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,  (1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2)

The reason that Paul gives for his not having personally returned to Thessalonica is hindrance from Satan. We know from the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit had prevented him from carrying out some of his plans previously (see Acts 16:6, 7). This time, however, he perceives that it was the direct opposition of our adversary which thwarted his plans. We are not told how Paul knew that it was Satan rather than the Holy Spirit, but he seems certain as to the source of the opposition.

In some Christian circles it is common to blame Satan for any and all opposition to Christian ministry. Keep in mind, however, that Satan is not omnipresent like God. He can’t be in more than one place at a time. More often than not, satanic attack comes from one of his hoards rather than Satan himself.

Application

When we face opposition in our ministries, we need to prayerfully consider whether it is the Spirit of God or our enemy who is standing in our way. If it is God, we need to make other plans. If it is our enemy, however, we need to prayerfully decide whether or not we need to stand and fight.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved