2 Thessalonians 2

Paul addresses the Thessalonians' confusion regarding the Day of Christ, assuring them it will not come until a great apostasy and the revelation of the "man of sin." This figure, empowered by Satan, will oppose God and perform false wonders, deceiving those who reject the truth. However, Paul reminds them that God has chosen them for salvation through faith and sanctification, exhorting them to stand firm in the traditions they have been taught.

Paul beseeches the Thessalonians not to be troubled by false reports that the Day of Christ is already present. He clarifies that this day will not arrive until a significant "falling away" occurs, and the "man of sin," also called the "son of perdition," is revealed. This wicked individual will exalt himself above all divine authority, even sitting in the temple of God and claiming deity. Paul reminds them of his prior teachings and the presence of a restrainer preventing this revelation until its appointed time. Once the restrainer is removed, "that Wicked" will be revealed, whose coming is marked by Satanic power, signs, and lying wonders, deceiving those who reject the truth. For this rejection, God will send them a strong delusion, leading to their damnation. In contrast, Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians, whom God has chosen for salvation through the Spirit's sanctification and belief in the truth, urging them to hold fast to the traditions received.

The Apostle Paul opens by appealing to the Thessalonians concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and their gathering unto Him, urging them not to be easily shaken or troubled by any spirit, word, or letter suggesting that the Day of Christ is already at hand. He warns them against deception, stating unequivocally that this day will not come until a significant "falling away" or apostasy occurs first, followed by the revelation of "that man of sin," identified as the "son of perdition." This figure is described as one who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or worshipped, going so far as to sit in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Paul reminds the believers that he had previously taught them these very things while he was with them, and they already know what currently restrains this wicked one from being revealed in his proper time. He explains that the "mystery of iniquity" is already at work, but a specific entity or individual, "he who now letteth," will continue to restrain until taken out of the way. Only then will "that Wicked" be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the spirit of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of this Wicked one will be characterized by the working of Satan, manifesting with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all forms of unrighteous deception for those who are perishing. These individuals perish because they did not embrace the love of the truth that would lead to their salvation. Consequently, God will send them a "strong delusion," causing them to believe a lie, so that all who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness might be condemned. In stark contrast, Paul expresses profound gratitude to God for the Thessalonian believers, whom the Lord loves, because God chose them from the beginning for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. He further explains that God called them to this salvation through the gospel preached by the apostles, leading to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul exhorts the brethren to stand fast and hold firmly to the traditions they have been taught, whether by spoken word or by epistle. He concludes with a prayer that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God their Father, who has loved them and granted them everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, would comfort their hearts and establish them in every good word and work.