2 Thessalonians 2
Someone had falsely written the Thessalonian church in Paul’s name that the Day of the Lord (DOL) had come (v. 2). Paul told the church to remember what he told them when he was with them (v. 5); they should thus view the letter as a harmful forgery.
The Thessalonians were afraid the persecutions they were experiencing were tell-tale signs that the DOL had come. The DOL is the future period that will consist of God’s judgment on unbelievers followed by blessing in the Kingdom. Here Paul teaches them that (1) before the DOL they would be gathered together to Christ (v. 1; cf. 1 Thess 4:16-18); (2) the “Restrainer” (the Holy Spirit in the church) of the “mystery of lawlessness” (the Antichrist) would be removed when they were gathered to Christ (vv. 6-7); (3) then the Antichrist would be revealed, beginning the DOL (vv. 3-4, 8-10); and (4) God’s judgment would fall on all who follow the Antichrist (vv. 1-12).
The Thessalonians were to remember that their salvation through Christ enables them to look forward to Christ’s return, not dread it (vv. 13-15).
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- Being unfamiliar with basic Christian truth (such as the end times!) makes one easy prey for error and lies that unsettle the soul. Christian, learn God’s truth and stand fast in it! (v. 15)
- The Holy Spirit currently works through the church to hold back the power and effects of sin in society. Look where there are few true Christians and there will be rampant sin and corruption. Christian, the aim is not to reform society but to proclaim Christ! When God saves souls then society is changed!
- The basis of God’s judgment is always unbelief (v. 10).