Stay The Course

Introduction

Review of Chapter 1

They were an encouragement to Paul, Timothy and Silvanus and others.

As we review what we’ve covered so far in this book - remember that the Thessalonian’s were an encouragement to Paul and the others with him. Unlike the tones presented in some of Paul’s other epistles such as his letter to the church at Corinth…Paul is writing to encourage and instruct these believers that he was so quickly called away from and who have been such an encouragement to him.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

In the first chapter of this letter, Paul offered a broader perspective on the challenges that were facing the Thessalonians. He encouraged them to see that their tenacious and intrepid fidelity to God and love for one another was an inspiration to Silvanus, Timothy, and himself (1:1–3)

English Standard Version Chapter 1

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

Indeed, it brought encouragement to other churches (1:4)

Paul wants them to be encouraged in the persecution they were suffering

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

Paul also explained that they could live in the sure hope that God would ultimately afflict the afflictors and relieve the afflicted when the Lord Jesus returns in glory (1:5–10)

He wants them to hold fast

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

Paul rounded out chapter one with a wish-prayer that the Thessalonians hold fast to their calling to endure for the glory of Jesus and by the grace of God (1:11–12)

English Standard Version Chapter 1

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians is incredibly relevant for our lives today

Likewise for us today…in a world where persecution for true christianity is on the rise…in a country that moves further and further from the law of God and obedience to the truth of His word. In a time when the church is rocked by persecution without and heresies within…this book is a deep trough of encouragement from which we can drink.

Overview of Chapter 2

Stay the course

In chapter 1 Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to persevere through the persecution they were suffering under - to hold fast. In Chapter 2 Paul is going to encourage them to stay the course as false reports and teachings crop up from within their camp.

Interpretive Challenges

I used to always hate it when a commander would catch me in the hall and say that he wanted me to come to his office the next morning when I reported to work. What did he want? What had I done? What was going to happen?

Waiting is difficult. Even though we know we are to be anxious for nothing but devoted to prayer…it’s tough. It was tough for the Thessalonians.

Yet, even though the exact details of God’s plan for the end of times was a mystery to them and remains so to us today…Paul wanted them to stay the course.

It’s like flying a PAR

In the weather…can’t see the horizon clearly but your instruments tell you where the field is and how far from the runway you are.

You don’t know within your own aircraft how high you are or what course you are to fly to make a safe landing.

But you have a voice…a word…from someone that has the big picture…someone that is in control.

He guides you to final. He tells you when to start descending. He tells you the course to fly.

All you need to hear is On Course…On Glidepath…all the way down.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

In the second chapter, Paul engages more specifically with the matter of “the coming of our Lord Messiah Jesus” and his concern that the Thessalonians not have their walk with Jesus thrown off balance in light of what seems like recent events, circumstances, or information. In 2:1–12, Paul engages in what appears to be his primary concern in this letter.

So, in chapter 2 Paul is going to encourage the Thessalonians that even though they are in the weather they are still on course as long as they turn their squelch up and tune out the distracting false commands of others and follow the one true Controller - follow His word alone in order to be guided to the runway and a safe landing.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1–17)

There are many details in this chapter that have caught the attention of readers throughout the centuries—what is the “apostasy”? Who is the “Man of Sin”? What is the “mystery of lawlessness”? Who or what is “the restrainer”?

We don’t yet know what we don’t know. Eschatology is best seen clearly through a rear view mirror. Still, we don’t want to lose sight of the forest for the trees.

Paul’s Purpose

Paul is not so much putting forth an eschatological calendar of events to track but instead his purpose appears to be three fold.

To put at ease the minds of the Thessalonians believers who have been thrown off balance by false teachings being spread in the church.

That no matter what “trees” lie ahead…the beauty of the forest is in the fact that Jesus will prevail and His people be vindicated.

To encourage believers that no matter what lay ahead we are to:

“stand firm and hold firmly to the traditions you were taught.” Stay the course.”

We still look through a mirror dimly even as the early church did. There are just some things we will not know for sure until after the Lord returns and then we probably won’t care. They - like us - wanted to know what to expect…what was going to happen.

I used to always hate it when a commander would catch me in the hall and say that he wanted me to come to his office the next morning when I reported to work. What did he want? What had I done? What was going to happen?

Waiting is difficult. Even though we know we are to be anxious for nothing but devoted to prayer…it’s tough. It was tough for the Thessalonians.

Yet, even though the exact details of God’s plan for the end of times was a mystery to them and remains so to us today…Paul wanted them to stay the course.

It’s like flying a PAR

In the weather…can’t see the horizon clearly but your instruments tell you where the field is and how far from the runway you are.

You don’t know within your own aircraft how high you are or what course you are to fly to make a safe landing.

But you have a voice…a word…from someone that has the big picture…someone that is in control.

He guides you to final. He tells you when to start descending. He tells you the course to fly.

All you need to hear is On Course…On Glidepath…all the way down.

So, in chapter 2 Paul is going to encourage the Thessalonians that even though they are in the weather they are still on course as long as they turn their squelch up and tune out the distracting false commands of others and follow the one true Controller - follow His word alone in order to be guided to the runway and a safe landing.

Paul is not so much putting forth an eschatological calendar of events to track but instead his purpose appears to be three fold.

To put at ease the minds of the Thessalonians believers who have been thrown off balance by false teachings being spread in the church.

That no matter what “trees” lie ahead…the beauty of the forest is in the fact that Jesus will prevail and His people be vindicated.

To encourage believers that no matter what lay ahead we are to:

“stand firm and hold firmly to the traditions you were taught.” Stay the course.”

“stand firm and hold firmly to the traditions you were taught.” Stay the course.”

Gupta, N. K. (2016). 1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary. (M. F. Bird & C. Keener, Eds.) (p. 131). Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.

Gupta, N. K. (2016). 1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary. (M. F. Bird & C. Keener, Eds.) (p. 131). Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.

Encouraging Perseverance

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Encouraging Perseverance (2:1–2)

Now, we ask you, my dear brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Messiah Jesus and our gathering together with him, 2 that your mind not be easily unsettled or alarmed, whether it be through a spirit, an audible message, or through a letter (as if written by us), leading you to believe that the Day of the Lord has come.

The Thessalonians had become unsettled

Not only were they being persecuted from without…false teachings were being spread within the church that was causing anxiousness and unrest.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Encouraging Perseverance (2:1–2)

The language Paul uses of being “stirred up,” as Ernest Best notes, “suggests the sudden onslaught of a storm that is quickly past but leaves its effects on insecure buildings.”

They were being shaken. Imagine someone taking hold of you and vigorously shaking you back and forth. While this wasn’t happening physically to them - this was the effect the false teachings were having upon their spirits.

Paul cautions them against believing these false teachings. Whether they are:

A Spirit - By “spirit” the Apostle means a Christian man speaking in the church under a spiritual impulse. In other words, a prophesy.

By “spirit” the Apostle no doubt means a Christian man speaking in the church under a spiritual impulse. Such speakers in Thessalonica would often take the Second Advent as their theme; but their utterances were open to criticism. It was of such utterances that the Apostle had said in his earlier letter, “Despise not prophesyings; but prove all that is said, and hold fast that which is good.” The spirit in which a Christian spoke was not necessarily the spirit of God; even if it were, it was not necessarily unmixed with his own ideas, desires, or hopes. Hence discernment of spirits was a valued and needful gift, and it seems to have been wanted at Thessalonica. Besides misleading utterances of this kind in public worship, there were circulated words ascribed to Paul, and if not a forged letter, at all events a letter purporting to contain his opinion, none of which had his authority. These words and this letter had for their substance the idea that the day of the Lord was now present—or, as one might say in Scotch, just here. It was this which produced the unspiritual excitement at Thessalonica, and which the Apostle wished to contradict.

An audible message -

An audible message being delivered as if coming from one of the Apostles and being delivered on their behalf.

A written letter - Besides misleading utterances of this kind in public worship, there were circulated words ascribed to Paul. Perhaps a forged letter that someone penned and then signed his name.

Besides misleading utterances of this kind in public worship, there were circulated words ascribed to Paul, and if not a forged letter, at all events a letter purporting to contain his opinion, none of which had his authority.

Interestingly, Paul attempts to prevent future instances of this kind in chapter 3 when he writes, “I Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.”

In other words, as Paul begins verse 3, “Let no one deceive you in any way.”

So, they were stirred up…shaken…thrown off balance. A person or persons were going around spreading false teachings.

Be on your guard against all deceit and false teaching. Confirm and verify everything you hear against scripture. It was of such prophesying that the Apostle had said in his earlier letter, “Despise not prophesyings; but prove all that is said, and hold fast that which is good.”

It was of such utterances that the Apostle had said in his earlier letter, “Despise not prophesyings; but prove all that is said, and hold fast that which is good.”

The Content Of This Particular False Teaching

The Day of the Lord had already come.

Basically , the first century church had already been “left behind”

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Encouraging Perseverance (2:1–2)

The Day of the Lord was mentioned in 1 Thess 5:2 and goes back to the Old Testament’s reference to a “day of Yahweh” (e.g., Amos 5:18, 20) that would involve, as Dale Allison notes, “a dramatic intervention of God in history, a judgment that will condemn God’s enemies and save God’s people.”

In Isaiah chapter 2:11-12

English Standard Version Chapter 2

11  The haughty looks of man shall be brought low,

and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled,

and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

12  For the LORD of hosts has a day

against all that is proud and lofty,

against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;

Amos 5:18

Or in

English Standard Version Chapter 2

30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.

Amos 5:18

English Standard Version Chapter 5

18  Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD!

Why would you have the day of the LORD?

It is darkness, and not light,

English Standard Version Chapter 5

Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD!

Why would you have the day of the LORD?

It is darkness, and not light,

So…the first century church was already concerned that they had been “left behind”. This is hard to believe since these OT passages relate events that could hardly be missed.

False teaching about the 2nd coming of Christ has circulated since His ascension.

, “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD? It is darkness and not light.”

False teaching about the 2nd coming of Christ has circulated since His ascension.

, “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD? It is darkness and not light.”

False teachings have been spread since the ascension of Jesus Christ

Either someone says they know the day He will return

Either someone purports to know when He will come

English Standard Version Chapter 25

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

English Standard Version Chapter 25

13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Or someone claims He has already come

Or someone claims He has already come

English Standard Version Chapter 24

23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

So, as is always the case, all the believers in Thessalonica had to do was to consult God’s Word or be reminded of what our Lord taught in order to put their minds at rest.

Paul’s refutation of this particular heresy

Either way the protection from either of these heresies causing believers to be shaken or any other heresy for that matter is to know the Word of God.

Study to show yourself approved a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth.

To be as the Bereans - always comparing what is being said with what the Word of God says.

In other words, as Paul begins verse 3, “Let no one deceive you in any way.”

Be on your guard against all deceit and false teaching. Confirm and verify everything you hear against scripture. It was of such prophesying that the Apostle had said in his earlier letter, “Despise not prophesyings; but prove all that is said, and hold fast that which is good.”

Paul will encourage them at the close of the chapter to:

English Standard Version Chapter 2

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

Otherwise just as the Thessalonians were able to be whipped up into a frenzy…we in like manner will be like the classic fable Chicken Little.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Encouraging Perseverance (2:1–2)

Henny Penny has an acorn fall on her head and immediately runs around yelling “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!,” fear is often as irrational as it is contagious. Thus, even though the claim “the day of the Lord has come” may have seemed obviously false, it nevertheless caused the young church of Thessalonica to be scared out of their wits, fearful of whether they would avoid the wrath connected with the day of judgment and instead experience salvation.

Paul’s refutation of this particular heresy

So, Paul sets about to calm their unrest by teaching them what they could expect to take place before the Lord returns.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,

English Standard Version Chapter 2

For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Before the Lord will return certain events “certain” events have to take place.

1st - There will be a rebellion. An apostacy. A falling away.

Apostasia or rebellion refers to the turning away from a previously held position. This is not speaking of unbelievers but of those that have at one time professed faith in Christ but by the nature that they have fallen away were not truly of the church or the beloved of God.

As John writes in 1 John, “They went out from us because they were never of us. If they had been of us, they would have remained with us.

We read later in verses 10-12

English Standard Version Chapter 2

and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Those who are perishing. Those

2nd - A man of lawlessness will come onto the scene.

There have been a number of attempts to determine who this man of lawlessness is throughout history. Some theories have been that it was Nero, The Pope or Hitler among others. While all of these men have been “anti-christs. None of them have been the “man of lawlessness.

While we don’t know “who” this man is, we can know “what” his m.o. will be.

He is lawless. He is not just one that disregards the law of God but he is anti-law. In other words, he doesn’t just ignore the law of God but opposes it and stands against God and His commandments and ways.

Paul calls him “the son of destruction.” While many will follow him as their messiah (as anti-christ) instead of saving he will ultimately bring destruction. This makes sense as one who is anti-law is sure to have destruction follow him wherever he goes. Ultimately, as the son of destruction we see that he will be destroyed.

He will put himself in place of God

Not only is he anti-God. He will put Himself in the place of God. Not just in the place of the One True God but “against every so-called god or object of worship.”

As far as taking his seat in the temple of God:

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

As far as the Lawless One’s activity in “the temple of God,” did Paul imagine this as the Jerusalem temple (still standing when he wrote 2 Thessalonians, but destroyed in AD 70) or someplace otherwise (like the “new temple” of the Church)? Given the metaphor-laden nature of this entire section (2:3–12), we should be wary of pressing for too many details. Paul is not trying to work out the specifics for the Thessalonians, but to inform them of a great dividing line between the wicked and the righteous, and that there will be a great rebellion where the Lawless One will try to dethrone God himself.

So, remember…don’t get bogged down trying to figure out things that we will probably only know as we look in the rear view mirror as we drive toward the end of time. Often times on this road the signs are all pointing backwards so that we can only know what they say for sure as we drive past them.

He will work false signs and wonders by the power of Satan

Satan will empower this Lawless One to perform fantastic signs and wonders.

Remember that often times the ability to perform these supernatural acts were a sign of legitimacy.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Apparently Satan will empower the Lawless One to perform all manner of false “signs and wonders” (sēmeiois kai terasin). Signs and wonders were meant to be proof of someone’s legitimacy (see Deut 13:1–3). Note that when Peter preaches to the men of Israel, he comments that Jesus was endorsed or accredited by God via his miracles, wonders, and signs (Acts 2:22

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Paul himself performed signs and wonders, no doubt to authenticate his own ministry (Rom 15:19; 2 Cor 12:12).

So, Satan will attempt to legitimatize his man by enabling him to perform acts that will lead those that are not truly God’s away from the truth.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

By referring to these so-called “signs and wonders” of the Lawless One as “false” (pseudos), Paul was not implying that they were mere parlor tricks. It is not as if the Lawless One will be pretending to do miracles; presumably the miracles will be supernatural, insofar as Satan can conjure incredible things. Rather, the descriptor “false” means that the Lawless One will do miracles as if God were authenticating his work, but rather he will be in league with Satan.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

So, note Matt 24:24: “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect”

He will deceive those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

And for this reason, God sends them strong delusion.

Notice the rebellion is theirs. The natural course of man’s heart is away from God and His truth.

God doesn’t force them to do anything that they do not naturally do on their own. Apart from God’s restraining hand of grace in our lives we would all follow the same path.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

The cooperative work of Satan and the Lawless One will deceive “those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved”

However, just as God hardened Pharaoh’s heart - God will send those that hate the truth and love unrighteousness - those who are perishing - strong delusion.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Paul adds the enigmatic statement that “For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false”

Remember the familiar passage Paul writes on this subject in :

English Standard Version Chapter 1

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

but a similar statement is made in Rom 1:18–32 regarding those who stubbornly refused to acknowledge God; in their intractability, their resistance to God (of their own will) became, as it were, supercharged by God, such that “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (1:24); “God gave them up to degrading passions” (1:26); and “God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done” (1:28)

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Paul’s words here may rest uneasy with us—the idea of God impressing a delusion upon people that leads to their own downfall—but it may help to keep Paul’s wider concern in sight. His aim in this letter is to comfort the Thessalonians, by assuring them that the injustices of the persecutions they are presently enduring will be overturned. In this context, it would make little sense for Paul to comfort the Thessalonians by describing a scenario where people undeserving of punishment are punished. Paul is explaining how these lawless people will surely face judgment (2:12).

Remember, I don’t believe Paul’s point was for us to get into the weeds. Paul’s point is that until you see these things occur -

Until there is apostacy in the church

Until a man of lawlessness appears doing false signs and wonders - lifting himself up as the only object to be worshipped.

Until

Christ has not come and so you don’t have to worry about being left behind.

This passage effectively refutes the belief in a pretribulational rapture.

It would have made no sense for Paul to provide these events (apostacy and the appearance of the man of lawlessness) as a means for the early church to know that Christ had not yet returned until they see them…if they were never meant to see them.

If that were the case Paul would have just written, “You are concerned that Christ has returned and left you behind? Are you still here? Then He hasn’t returned.

I also believe that when the man of lawlessness appears on the scene there will be no doubt as to the fact that he is THE one not just one of the antichrists that have appeared since the early church. As John writes .

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

Paul’s mild reproof

Paul gives the Thessalonians a mild reproof

Paul goes on to write in verse 5

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.

Apparently, Paul was repeating himself in some form or another.

It appears that he had already informed them regarding what or who was now restraining the “man of lawlessness”

For whatever reason, we have not been given the same details as the Thessalonians were.

Paul writes in somewhat cryptic language regarding the restraint taking place

In verse 6 the restrainer is in the neuter form which would make it a “what”

In verse 7 it is masculine making it “who”

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

In 2:5, Paul, with some frustration it would seem, reminds the Thessalonians that he had taught them these things in person previously. Apparently, he informed them regarding what was “now restraining” the Lawless One. Again, Paul writes in cryptic language; in 2:5 the restrainer is a “what” (neuter), but in 2:6 the restrainer is a “who” (masculine). And, again, there is almost no end to the speculation regarding the identity of this figure or force.

Again, just as theories of who the “man of lawlessness” is or will be, theories of who the “restrainer” is have abounded through time as well.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Restrainer as Roman Empire. This interpretation argues that Paul would have had a positive view of Rome such that he could see the Roman empire as establishing order in such a way as to prevent the Lawless One from taking power. A related view is that Paul appeals not to Rome alone, but the orderliness of governance in general, with Rome as the present one; so one commentator explains that the restrainer could be “the principle of law and order, of which Roman rule was but one instance and of which there have been many others.”

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Restrainer as Paul. A few scholars have tried to make the case that the Restrainer is Paul himself and the restraining power is his apostolic ministry. Paul must complete his mission of proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles before the rebellion.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

Restrainer as Spiritual Power. Some interpreters have advocated for understanding the Restrainer in terms of a variety of good spiritual powers, whether God, Jesus, the Spirit, or an angel. It does not make much sense that the Restrainer would be Father, Son, or Spirit since it is difficult to see how any of these could be “removed” to make way for the Lawless One (2:7). But there is much support for the view that he is an angel, and more specifically the archangel Michael (see Dan 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7).

None of these views can be proven from what we have been given by Paul. As such again we must conclude that it is not of importance for us to know at this time. What is important to realize is that regardless of what or who is doing the restraining it is being done on a divine timetable known only to God and controlled by God.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

“it is ultimately God who will allow the rebel to be manifested only when the present opportunity for preaching and hearing the gospel is brought to an end by the removal of the angelic figure who is now in charge. Then the power of evil, which has been at work secretly in the world, but nonetheless effectively, will be openly manifested so as to produce the final showdown.”

Verse 7 informs us that the mystery of lawlessness - while being restrained from having its full effect is even now at work in the world.

The purpose of this statement by Paul would be as a warning to the Thessalonians - and by extension to us today - that even though lawlessness is restrained from its full effect we cannot sit back on our laurels.

Satan is active and prowls about as a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour

Vigilance is required

Christ will kill the man of lawlessness

The climax of the passage moves very quickly from the appearance of the lawless one to him being killed by the breath of Jesus Christ’s mouth. This is not to say that the man of lawlessness will be on the scene for a short time but I believe it puts the power of Satan to work evil in proper perspective to the omnipotence of Jesus Christ.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

The very appearance (epiphaneia) of Jesus is enough to abolish the Lawless One, but Paul adds that Jesus will slay him by the breath of his mouth. According to the Old Testament, the “word of the Lord” is uniquely powerful: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth” (Ps 33:6).

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

The book of Isaiah contains the most striking imagery regarding the judging-breath of God. Regarding the judgment of Assyria, we read that the “breath of the Lord” sets ablaze the funeral pyre of the Assyrian king (Isa 30:33; cf. 40:7

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Events Yet to Come: Apostasy with Lawless One, Final Victory of Messiah (2:3–12)

The most important passage in Isaiah for our understanding of 2 Thess 2:8, though, comes in chapter eleven. In Isaiah’s vision of the peaceful kingdom, he refers to a shoot from the stump of Jesse (the Davidic messiah) who will have the spirit of the Lord (11:1–2). He will be a just judge and will take up the cause of the needy.

With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked (Isa 11:4)

So no matter what he does or how high he attempts to lift himself up and replace even God Himself - this man of lawlessness is in the end just a man.

He appears…the Lord destroys Him.

There is never a time when it looks like Jesus might lose

Jesus Christ appears in glory and power and effortlessly vanquishes the lawless one and brings him to nothing.

Who does Paul intend to comfort by these words?

This letter would have been read in the church at Thessalonica. By what we’ve learned there would have been both true and false believers that heard Paul’s message. But Paul is writing to a specific subset of individuals who met together in Thessalonica. He gives clues to their identity at the beginning and the end of our chapter.

In verse 1 he writes, “we ask you brothers”

In verse 13 he writes,

English Standard Version Chapter 2

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The reason true Christians have nothing to fear is because they are beloved by the Lord.

As opposed to the false teaching of some today there are those whom the Lord hates and those whom he loves.

Paul attests to this in Romans when he repeats what the Lord said in Malichi, “I loved Jacob but Esau I hated.”

It is not that God loved Esau less. He hated Him. His love was not bestowed upon him. In God describes how He has hated Esau…and it is definitely not that He just loves him less than Jacob.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the LORD of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.’

God loves those He has chosen. And if He has chosen you…you will persevere to the end and be glorified. This is a glorious truth of the gospel that we studied this week at the pastors conference in great detail. is the golden chain of salvation. At no point is the success of it left up to man. It is all God’s doing from start to finish.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God loves His children and as our passage says He has chosen them to be the first fruits - the best of the harvest…set apart as an offering.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Appointed for Consecration and Glory (2:13–15)

Again, the imagery derives from worship language in the Old Testament. Israel was often called upon by God to bring forth the first fruits of their field labors as a sign of trust and commitment to the Lord (e.g., see Deut 26:1–16; Neh 10:37). In the context here of 2 Thessalonians, for Paul to call them “first fruits,” he is most likely referring to the fact that they are the first believers in Jesus in Thessalonica. This, in and of itself, would be a privilege and would help them to see the amazing work God has been doing all along to make a people for himself in that place.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Appointed for Consecration and Glory (2:13–15)

Furthermore, given that the Thessalonians were being persecuted, no doubt they felt alone; one thinks here of the plight of Elijah who complains to the Lord that he is all alone, rejected by those around him (1 Kings 19:10, 14). But, just as God desired to comfort Elijah, so Paul undoubtedly was eager to encourage the Thessalonians—there will be more! To call the Thessalonians “first fruits” is to say that, not only have they blazed a trail for more to come, but surely there will be more to come; after all, as Raymond Collins notes, “First fruits are the harbinger of the harvest to follow.”

As opposed to those who are perishing because they hate the truth…we are being saved through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

Our protection against heresy

The Thessalonians were being buffeted by persecution without and heresies within. What encouragements did Paul give them to protect themselves from being led astray…to protect them from allowing their faith to waiver. What encouragements does Paul give us to do the same.

Study to show yourself approved a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth.

To be as the Bereans - always comparing what is being said with what the Word of God says.

In other words, as Paul begins verse 3, “Let no one deceive you in any way.”

Be on your guard against all deceit and false teaching. Confirm and verify everything you hear against scripture. It was of such prophesying that the Apostle had said in his earlier letter, “Despise not prophesyings; but prove all that is said, and hold fast that which is good.”

Paul will encourage them at the close of the chapter to:

English Standard Version Chapter 2

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

Don’t listen to false prophesies not matter how good they sound. All that glitters is not gold.

Listen to our words

Listen to our letters

As confirms,

King James Version Chapter 8

To the law and to the testimony:

If they speak not according to this word,

It is because there is no light in them.

Other than this our answer should be the same as Martin Luther as he stood before the Diet of Worms, “Here I stand, I can do no other”

Otherwise just as the Thessalonians were able to be whipped up into a frenzy…we in like manner will be like the classic fable Chicken Little.

1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary Encouraging Perseverance (2:1–2)

Henny Penny has an acorn fall on her head and immediately runs around yelling “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!,” fear is often as irrational as it is contagious. Thus, even though the claim “the day of the Lord has come” may have seemed obviously false, it nevertheless caused the young church of Thessalonica to be scared out of their wits, fearful of whether they would avoid the wrath connected with the day of judgment and instead experience salvation.

A closing Prayer

Paul closes with a prayer for the Thessalonians

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

King James Version Chapter 2

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Some points to take away

1.) We can expect persecution outside the church and to combat heresy within it.

The larger a church becomes the more opportunity for false teaching within it to raise its ugly head.

This is why the Lord has appointed pastors and elders - to guard the flock through sound teaching and refuting those who would contradict.

This is why all believers are to be vigilant…be ready. Examine everything…hold fast what is good.

2.) We are not to try to determine the time of Christ’s return - it cannot be known. We are to be ready for His coming whenever it might occur. Jesus warns us of this truth in the parable of the 10 virgins in .

2.) We are not to try to determine the time of Christ’s return - it cannot be known. We are to be ready for His coming whenever it might occur. Jesus warns us of this truth in Matthew 25.

English Standard Version Chapter 25

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

3.) commands us to examine ourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.

Paul wrote this letter to brothers and sisters in the faith. He wrote it to those who are beloved of God. It is these individuals that do not need to worry about whether they will be able to endure persecution. They do not need to worry about being deceived and led away…being sent a strong delusion. It is those who are guarded by the golden chain of salvation that have no cause to shaken about whether or not they will be “left behind.”

The question you have to ask yourself is, “am I counted in this number.” When the roll is called up yonder will you be there? Have you repented and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Is He not only your Savior but your Lord and master? Do you love His commandments?

4.) We are to be constantly on our guard against heresy…against false teaching.

Satan masquerades as an angel of light. Error doesn’t always look bad. It only takes a drop of poison to kill.

The way we protect ourselves, each other and our families is to know the Word of God. To hide His Word in our hearts so that we will not sin against Him.

Even though we don’t always know what lies ahead - we can’t always see the horizon clearly we can always follow the voice of the One guiding us through His Holy Spirit and His Word - always listening for the comforting words…On course…On glidepath…On Course…On glidepath…until we safely touch down and our mission is complete.