2 Thessalonians

The first chapter concludes with Paul's prayer that God's purposes for the church will be fulfilled in them. Paul expressed his desire that glory will be ascribed to Christ for all He will do in the lives of the believers.

Some were wrongly teaching that the Day of the Lord had already occurred. Paul countered these false teachers by noting things that must precede the second coming of Christ. Before the Lord's coming the "man of lawlessness" must be revealed. Paul spoke of one who would hold back the mystery of lawlessness. The identification of this person or power remains unclear. Since the second century many have understood the restraining force as the Roman Empire. Others have suggested a supernatural power such as an angel; others have identified this power with the gospel message, the church, or the Holy Spirit. We cannot be sure about such an identification, but we can know that the coming of Christ will mean the overthrow of evil and those who oppose the gospel and take pleasure in unrighteousness.

Because of their deliberate rejection of the truth, God will send them "a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie." The "lie" is not just any lie but the great lie that the man of lawlessness is God.

Before taking up the discussion of the power of evil in people's lives, Paul offered thanksgiving for the Holy Spirit's work in the life of the church. He also encouraged them to remain faithful to all they had been taught. In typical Pauline style the apostle prayed that God would encourage their hearts and strengthen them in every good word and deed.

Paul in turn requested that they pray for him. He wanted God to bless and prosper the proclaimed word. He also expressed his concern to be delivered from wicked and evil men.

Paul noted that these evil men did not have faith. In sharp contrast to their faithlessness God is faithful (3:2-3; see 1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:18). The apostle expressed confidence that God would continue to direct their paths. Before Paul's rebuke of the idle, he prayed that God would direct their hearts into God's love. There should be no hard feelings among those who are completely indebted to the love of God.

Some in Thessalonica had ceased working in light of the imminent return of the Lord. While Paul maintained his confidence in the Lord's return, he rebuked the idleness of those who passively waited. Paul instead urged them to be examples in the community, to earn their own living, and not to grow weary in well doing.

The problem was mentioned in the first letter (1 Thess. 4:11-12; 5:14) and had apparently grown worse. Paul responded in a most serious fashion, giving more attention to this matter than any in the book except for Christ's return per se. Christians must not be loafers or busybodies. Worse than being idle, they were interfering in other people's lives. Paul strongly urged the faithful believers not to associate with those who rejected his teaching. They, however, should not be treated as enemies but admonished as brothers.

Paul concluded the letter with words of grace and peace and with his personal signature. Paul normally dictated his letters (see Rom. 16:22). Probably Silas penned the letter, but Paul added something in his own handwriting (see 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18). The book included encouragement, instruction, rebuke, and admonishment. But it is a word of grace from beginning to end, concluding with "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

Theological Significance. The emphasis on the second coming of Christ reminds us to be ready for Christ's coming at any time. We must be prepared, for He will come as suddenly as a thief in the night. Those who have died and those who are still alive will be united with Christ at His return. These words provide hope and encouragement for the church at all times.

Likewise, we must be alert to the evil schemes of the man of lawlessness. The church gains strength from the instruction about the wicked activity of Satan with all power and pretended signs and wonders. Believers are empowered with the truth that the man of lawlessness will be finally destroyed by the Lord Jesus at His coming (2:12). In the meantime the church must remain faithful and steadfast to the goodwill and providential purposes of God.