2 Tessalonicenses 2
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Tessalonicenses 2
Guzik adds that "These people are ready for the deception of the Antichrist, because they want a lie!" Lewis on for those who perish - This clearly identifies the ones who will follow the man of lawlessness as people whom the god of this world has blinded (2 Cor 4:3-4) and to whom the gospel seems foolish (1 Cor 1:18). The middle voice of this participle shows that they clearly chose this for themselves. What is the reason they perish? They did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. These people rejected and turned from the truth which could have saved them. Paul describes the perishing in First Corinthians writing "For the word of the cross (THE GOSPEL) is foolishness to those who are perishing (apollumi in present tense, middle voice, but to us who are being saved (progressive sanctification, see Three Tenses of Salvation) it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Perish (622)(apollumi from apo = away from or wholly + olethros = state of utter ruin <> ollumi = to destroy <> root of apollyon [Re 9:11] = destroyer) means to destroy utterly but not to cause one to cease to exist. To render useless. The gospel promises everlasting life for the one who believes. The failure to possess this life will result in utter ruin and eternal uselessness (but not a cessation of existence). Apollumi then has the basic meaning of describing that which is ruined and is no longer usable for its intended purpose. Because - Term of explanation.
2 Tessalonicenses 2
Guzik has an interesting observation and deduction - It is important to notice that the Thessalonians would be shaken or troubled by the thought of being in the Great Tribulation only if they had been taught by Paul that they would escape that period through the rapture. Otherwise they would, in a sense, welcome the Great Tribulation as a necessary prelude to the Second Coming. But Paul had clearly taught them that they would escape God’s judgment on this earth during the period known as the Day of the Lord or the day of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14–18). 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, Let no one: Mt 24:4-6 1Co 6:9 Eph 5:6 unless the apostasy comes first: 1Ti 4:1-3 2Ti 3:1-3 4:3,4 man: 2Th 2:8-10 Da 7:25 1Jn 2:18 Rev 13:11-18 the son: Joh 17:12 Rev 17:8,11 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Dr Thomas Constable (commentary - page 20) has a depiction of the confusion of the saints at Thessalonica: DON'T BE DECEIVED: THE SIGN WILL BE CLEAR! Click for main commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:3 The two clear signs mark the coming of the Day of the Lord - (1) the (specific) apostasy (some have proposed this is the "departure" of the Church in the rapture, but that is a highly unlikely interpretation - see Coombs' conclusion below) and (2) revealing of the man of lawlessness, the Antichrist. Note that while both events are in essence manifestations of rebellion against God, they are distinct, separate events. Both events will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Jesus could not have been much clearer in His warning in the Olivet Discourse (unless you read/interpret what He declared non-literally! See Read Literally) “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION (THIS IS THE ULTIMATE REVEALING OF THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS) which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17 “Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. 18“Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19 “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20“But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21 “For then (WHEN? CONTEXT = Mt 24:15+ - COULD IT BE ANY CLEARER?) there will be a Great Tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will (HAS THE WORLD EVER SEEN SUCH AN EVENT? DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM 70 AD - YES BAD BUT FAR MORE JEWS WERE KILLED IN HITLER'S HOLOCAUST! AN HONEST, LITERAL INTERPRETATION LEAVES NO DOUBT THAT THIS GREAT TRIBULATION HAS NOT YET OCCURRED.). (Matthew 24:15-21-see commentary) MacArthur on the man of lawlessness - Human history has had its share of evil leaders … But one is coming who will surpass them all, both in the extent of his power and the evil of his person. He will be the most fiendish, wicked, powerful man ever to walk the earth. He is known in Scripture by many names; he is “Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Mesheck and Tubal” (Ezek. 38:2); the little horn of Daniel 7:8, 24; 8:9; the “prince who is to come” (Dan. 9:26); the king who does as he pleases (Dan. 1:36); the foolish, worthless shepherd (Zech. 11:15-17); the beast (Rev. 11:7; 13:1; 14:9; 19:20; etc.). Hiebert on Antichrist's name man of lawlessness - “It is not a personal name but a characterization of the man, indicating his evil character. Sin has such absolute domination over him that he seems to be the very embodiment of it. The use of the Greek term anthrōpos rather than anēr presents him as a true human being.” Guzik has an interesting note on the historical interpretation of this text - The most traditional understanding of this man of sin is to say that he is not an individual, but a system or an office. Historically, Protestant interpreters have seen the man of sin to be the succession of popes. Calvin thought this way: “Paul, however, is not speaking of one individual, but of a kingdom that was to be seized by Satan for the purpose of setting up a seat of abomination in the midst of God’s temple. This we see accomplished in popery.” However, there is no good reason to see this man of sin to be other than what the plainest meaning is here—an individual who will come to great prominence in the very last days. This was how it was understood in the earliest days of Christianity. “The fathers understood the Antichrist to be intended, but of this person they seemed to have formed no specific idea.” (Clarke) The meaning of the description the son of destruction is interpreted by most conservative commentaries as indicative of the one doomed to destruction (e.g., NIV translates it "the man doomed to destruction.") but some interpret this as "the one who brings destruction." (NLT translation). The excellent expositor Hiebert favors the former interpretation writing "It marks his certain doom. The Hebrew idiom “son of” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:5) points to his characteristic relationship. It marks him as one who “stands in the sort of relation to it that a son does to a father, and who falls under its power and domination.” So completely has he fallen under the power of destruction, perdition or ruination, that he may rightly be said to belong to it by nature. Destruction denotes loss of well being, not loss of being, extinction. As the very opposite of all that is implied in salvation, it points to “an everlasting state of torment and death.” It is a “destruction which consists in the loss of eternal life, eternal misery, the lot of those excluded from the kingdom of God.”40 Marshall observes, “Paul introduces the phrase at the very outset of his exposition to assure his readers that God’s opponent will not succeed.” William W Coombs asks the question in his 1998 article Is Apostasia in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 A Reference to the Rapture? - In his 25 page paper he concludes the following - The case for understanding ajpostasiva as the Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 has not been proven. The appeal to the translation of the word in versions prior to the King James has no merit whatsoever. While the English translation “departure” can refer to spatial departure, there is no evidence that this is the intended meaning of the word in these early versions in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The lexical argument that ajpostasiva itself could have that meaning in this verse seems unlikely. The strongest argument for the Rapture view is the contextual considerations. These certainly have merit, but in my opinion do not rise to the level of probability. ’Apostasia most likely refers to a religious apostasy, and therefore its occurrence in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 should not be used as evidence for the pretribulational Rapture. () Related Resource: Day of the Lord - When does it begin? End? Includes schematic. Question: Will there be a great apostasy / falling away during the end times? Answer: The Bible indicates that there will be a great apostasy during the end times. The “great apostasy” is mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (notes). The KJV calls it the “falling away,” while the NIV and ESV call it “the rebellion.” And that’s what an apostasy is: a rebellion, an abandonment of the truth. The end times will include a wholesale rejection of God’s revelation, a further “falling away” of an already fallen world. Click to watch video from Gotquestions The occasion of Paul’s writing to the Thessalonians was to correct some of the errors concerning the end times that the believers had heard from false teachers. Among the falsehoods was that “the day of the Lord has already come” (2 Thessalonians 2:2). The Christians in Thessalonica were afraid that Jesus had already come, they had missed the rapture (ED: See also rapture), and they were now in the tribulation. (ED: See also Great Tribulation) Paul had already explained the rapture to them in his first letter (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17-see notes). Paul writes his second letter to assure them that, contrary to what they had heard, and despite the persecution they were enduring, the “day of Christ” had not yet come. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (notes), Paul makes it clear that the day of the Lord (ED: See more detail on Day of the Lord), a time of worldwide judgment (Isaiah 13:6-notes; Obadiah 1:15), will not transpire until two things happen. First, the falling away, or great apostasy, must occur. Second, the “man of lawlessness” must be revealed, he who is called the “son of perdition,” also known as the Antichrist. Once this person makes himself known, the end times will indeed have come. Numerous speculations about the identity of the man of sin, beginning in the first century, have included Caligula, Caius Caesar, Mohammed, Napoleon, and any number of Roman popes. None of them were the Antichrist. The man of lawlessness, according to 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (notes), is the one who “will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” Clearly, this has not yet happened; no one since Paul’s time has set himself up as God in the Jewish temple. Two thousand years have passed since the epistle was written, and the “day of the Lord” has not yet come. Paul assures us that it will not come until the falling away comes first. The Greek word translated “rebellion” or “falling away” in verse 3 is apostasia, from which we get the English word apostasy. It refers to a general defection from the true God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. Every age has its defectors, but the falling away at the end times will be complete and worldwide. The whole planet will be in rebellion against God and His Christ. Every coup requires a leader, and into this global apostasy will step the Antichrist. We believe this takes place after the church has been raptured from the earth. Jesus warned the disciples concerning the final days in Matthew 24:10–12 (notes): “At that time many will turn away (skandalizo) from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” These are the characteristics of the great apostasy of the end times. GotQuestions.org (Note: notes are added to original) Question: Who is the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12? Answer: The man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 is the Antichrist who will come on the world scene at the beginning of the Day of the Lord. This Day, sometimes called the “end times,” starts after the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11). It is good to note that the Day of the Lord is not a twenty-four-hour period of time; rather, it is an extended period of time that includes the seven-year tribulation, the return of Christ to put down all rebellion against Him, the 1,000-year reign of Christ (ED: see Millennium) on earth, the final defeat of Satan, and the Great White Throne Judgment.(notes) The Antichrist is given the title “man of lawlessness” because he will oppose in every way the biblical God and His law. He will be completely lawless. Daniel 7:8+ speaks of this man as a “boastful” king who will “try to change the set times and the laws” (Da 7:11+ and Da 7:25+). He will come offering a false peace to the world and will with his charismatic personality, incredible promises, and breathtaking miracles unite all nations politically, economically, and religiously under his leadership. At the same time, he will make a covenant with Israel for three and one-half years (cf. Daniel 9:27+, where “seven” indicates seven years). In the middle of the seven years, the man of lawlessness will break his covenant with Israel, stop their sacrifices (Daniel 9:27+), and enter the temple to set himself up as “god” and demand worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4-notes). This is the “abomination that causes desolation” that Jesus spoke of in Mark 13:14 (notes - Ed Note ESV translates it "where HE ought not to be" not "IT" as in other translations). Satan works through the Antichrist, for Satan himself is not able to become incarnate. By possessing and controlling the Antichrist, Satan is worshiped in the temple where the biblical God is to be worshiped. No wonder the Antichrist is called the man of lawlessness. To act as “god” is the ultimate rejection of the biblical God’s character and laws. This action of the Antichrist will cause an upheaval in his worldwide kingdom, and forces from the East will gather to fight against him. But instead of fighting each other, the forces of the world unite to fight the King of kings and Lord of lords, who comes to put down the man of lawlessness and his allies in the great battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16 - notes; Revelation 19:19 - notes). Of course, the man of lawlessness loses that battle. He and his false prophet are then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20-notes). The Word of God (Revelation 19:13 - notes), Jesus Christ, will be the Victor. A quick observation of the happenings in our world today reveals that lawlessness is on the rise. Such lawlessness will continue and increase (2 Timothy 3:13 - notes), and when the man of lawlessness appears on the scene, he will be welcomed with open arms. Those who have rejected the true Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, will fall for the Antichrist’s empty promise of peace. It is vitally important that each of us is sure that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and are living for Him. “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come” (Mark 13:33 - notes). GotQuestions.org (Note: notes are added to original) James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE “MAN OF SIN.” 2 THESSALONIANS 2:1–12 In the above verses we have a prophetic picture drawn by the inspired apostle, which demands serious attention in these days and which is also a powerful indictment against the popular doctrine that the “world will be converted” before the Coming of the Lord. Paul bases his appeal (vv. 1, 2) on the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is Coming, and that His people will be gathered together unto Him on that day. Then gives the warning against being “shaken in mind” or “troubled” because of false teaching concerning His Coming. But His appearing is certain; so also is the appearing of that “Man of Sin” (v. 3). I.—The Time of His Appearing. Two conditions precede “The Day of Christ.” First, there will be a “falling away” from the faith, then the revelation of that “Man of Sin.” This falling away must mean the apostasy of the Church in the denial of those truths once believed or consented to. No one can fall away from where they have never been. The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, etc. (1 Tim. 4:1–3). “The mystery of iniquity,” or, rather, lawlessness, is always in evidence (v. 7). This is the spirit of Antichrist, which even now already is in the world (1 John 4:3), and in these days abundantly manifest in midst of much preaching and Bible distribution. Lawlessness, which is the practical denial of Divine and Spiritual authority, is a congenial moral condition for the appearing and work of this “Man of Sin.” The fulness of the time for his manifestation may be near (2 Peter 2:1, 2). II. His Character. He is called “the son of perdition” (v. 3). As Jesus, the Son of God, was the embodiment of the Divine character, so the “son of perdition” seems to be the human embodiment of the satanic character, for “His coming will be after the working of Satan” (v. 9). He is also called “that wicked one,” whom the Lord will consume with the “brightness of His Coming” (v. 8). Does this imply that sin and lawlessness will yet find its culmination in a person, a man of the world, energised by satanic power, believed in, and followed by a restless, sceptical, and Christ-defiant populace, making their last united attempt to overthrow the faith that was “once for all delivered unto the saints?” III. His Purpose. Is to oppose everything that belongs to God, and His Christ and to exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped (v. 4). Thus showing himself to be “the Antichrist” “Exalting himself,” this was the sin of Satan at the beginning, but by becoming incarnate in the “Man of Sin,” will surely be his last device to seduce a gullible humanity. He has always been the “Deceiver of the whole world.” If Satan hopes to succeed by this blasphemous pretention of being himself above “all that is called godly,” it certainly reveals something of the terrible depths into which humanity has fallen by this departure from the truth. Beware of self-seeking and self-exaltation, it savours of the “Man of Sin.” “He that exalteth himself shall be abased.” “Not I, but Christ.” is the only absolutely safe attitude. IV. His Methods. They are varied and mighty. “With all power and signs,” and “lying wonders,” with all “deceivableness of unrighteousness” (vv. 9, 10). That is, with every wicked device agreeable to those who are on their way to perdition. This “Man of Sin” looks like the beast that is to come out of the earth with the power (horns) of a lamb, and the passion and purpose of a dragon; and who is able to make fire come down from heaven in the sight of men (Rev. 13:11–13). We have often thought of the “wiles of the devil” in relation to our individual life, but here is a “Man of Sin,” the offspring of perdition (v. 3), endued with the power of Satan, worshipped as God, and leading to the eternal abyss the multitudes of those who “have not received the love of the truth that they might be saved” (v. 10). The wonders of the truth were rejected for “lying wonders.” V. His Hinderer. There is One who is a Hinderer to his diabolical mission. “He that hindereth will hinder, until He be taken out of the way” (v. 7). 1. WHO IS HE? This hinderer is not a system, or party, but a Person. He must be mighty and Divine to resist such powerful and delusive work. Who can He be but the Holy Spirit of God, who is still striving with men, and leading many to Jesus Christ. 2. HOW DOES HE HINDER? By opening the blinded eyes of sinners to see their need of a Saviour. By revealing to them the things that are Christ’s for their salvation. By guiding them into the truth which satisfies and fortifies against the “wiles of the Devil.” 3. WHEN SHALL HE BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY?” Surely when the Church of God is taken away from the world, as in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The Church, as the Redeemed Body of Christ, is presently the “temple of the Holy Ghost.” When He is taken away with the Church, then shall He cease to “strive with men.” Then who shall hinder Satan in his work of deception and spiritual destruction? “If the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” VI. His Temporary Ally. For once we see God adding His influence to crown Satan’s efforts with success. What an awful crisis this is. The people have rejected His truth that was given to save them (v. 10). “For this cause He sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (v. 11), because they would not believe the truth (v. 12). Thus making their condemnation doubly sure. Brethren, what shall we say to these things? God is not to be mocked. When Israel would not hearken to His voice He gave them up to their own hearts’ lusts (Psa. 81:11, 12). In the reign of the coming “Man of Sin,” when men’s spiritual indifference has turned into God-defiance, and God’s longsuffering mercy turned into loathing and vengeance, then what shall the end be? (1 Thess 1:8) VII. His Destruction. The Lawless One, “whom the Lord will sweep away with the tempest of His anger, and utterly overwhelm by the awful splendour of His Coming” (v. 8). Those who have been dazzled and bewitched, and awe-stricken by the lying wonders of this Satanic “man,” will be smitten with terrible confusion before the “BRIGHTNESS of His Coming.” “They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven, with power and GREAT GLORY” (Matt. 24:30). The glory of that “Man of Sin” will be discovered as a delusive will-o-the-wisp in the Presence of the glorious effulgence of the Man Christ Jesus. But there will be those at His Coming who shall say: “Lo, this is our God. We have waited for Him. He will save us, and we will rejoice in His salvation” (Isa. 25:9). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” CHRISTIAN WARNING 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17 - Croft Pentz I. THE SIGNS—vv. 1–12 1. Problem—vv. 1–2. Some had thought that the Lord had already come. Man should not set dates. No one knows when He will come. 2. Person—v. 3. The Antichrist will be revealed. There would be a falling away, backsliding from God. Later the Antichrist will have power. 3. Pride—v. 4. People will worship the Antichrist. He will have power to do wonders—Revelation 13:8. 4. Prophecy—vv. 5–6. When the time is ready, the Antichrist will reveal himself. 5. Plan—vv. 7–8. The Antichrist will be at work before Christ returns. His power will be greater after the Christians and the Holy Spirit are removed. 6. Power—vv. 9–10. He will have power to deceive and lead many people astray. 7. Peril—vv. 11–12. People will believe the Antichrist, though he is a man of many lies. II. THE STEADFASTNESS—vv. 13–15 1. Salvation—v. 13. Salvation is the start of establishing us in the Lord’s way. 2. Sharing—v. 14. After salvation, we share with others what Christ has done for us. Christ means more to us when we share Him with others. 3. Standing—v. 15. Stand for the teachings of God’s Word. Paul asks the people to accept him and his word, since he was giving God’s Word. III. THE SURETY—vv. 16–17 1. Consolation—v. 16. We have hope in Christ. The word “hope” here means, confidence, trust, faith. 2. Comfort—v. 17. The Lord will comfort us in all ways. Comfort ourselves in the fact that CHRIST IS COMING. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. Using this verse for support Mormons claim that there was a total falling away from Christianity early in church history. With no true church left on earth, it was necessary for Joseph Smith to restore Christianity early in the 1800s, they assert. However, they are reading into 2 Thessalonians 2:3 more than the verse actually says; it does not say that the falling away would be complete. In fact, this teaching of a complete apostasy contradicts other Mormon teachings, such as the claim that three faithful Nephite disciples never died (3 Nephi 28:1–8) and the belief that the apostle John never died (Doctrine and Covenants 7:1–8). If those four believers remained, it could not be said that Christianity vanished from the earth. Aside from those contradictory claims within Mormonism itself, what other evidence exists that there was never a complete and total falling away from Christianity that eliminated the Church from this planet? Believers in Jesus Christ will accept as strong evidence his promise that he would be with those taught “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). There would have to be some on earth following Jesus’ teachings always, from the time of Christ to the end of the world. (Mormons Answered Verse by Verse) Related Resource: Who is the son of perdition? (THE SON OF DESTRUCTION) | GotQuestions.org 2 Thessalonians 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. and exalts: Isa 14:13 Eze 28:2,6,9 Da 7:8,25 8:9-11 11:36 Rev 13:6 so-called: 1Co 8:5 he takes his seat : Da 8:12-14 11:45 Rev 13:6,7 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Click for main commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Guzik on The temple of God: That this is a literal temple is clear from the text, and has been understood as such by even the earliest Christians. “But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man and those who follow him into the lake of fire; but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom.” (Irenaeus, writing in the late second century) The specific ancient Greek word for temple (naos) indicates the most holy place and not the temple as a whole. “It is not that he enters the temple precincts: he invades the most sacred place and there takes his seat. His action is itself a claim to deity.” (Morris) This is the ultimate blasphemy that results in certain judgment, the abomination of desolation spoken of by both Daniel and Jesus. The prophet Daniel told us the Antichrist will break his covenant with the Jews and bring sacrifice and offerings to an end; that the Antichrist will defile the temple by setting something abominable there (Daniel 9:27, Da 11:31+, and Da 12:11+). Jesus said to look for an abomination standing in the holy place, which would be the pivotal sign that the season of God’s wrath was upon the earth (Matthew 24:15–16+ and Mt 24:21+). “Any man may be satisfied that St. Paul alluded to Daniel’s description, because he has not only borrowed the same ideas, but has even adopted some of the phrases and expressions." (Clarke) Showing himself that he is God: The man of sin is truly an Anti-Christ. Satan has planned the career of the man of sin to mirror the ministry of Jesus. • Both Jesus and the man of sin have a coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1 and 2:9). • Both Jesus and the man of sin are revealed (2 Thessalonians 1:7 and 2:3). • Both Jesus and the man of sin have a gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:10–11). • Both Jesus and the man of sin say that they alone should be worshipped (2 Thessalonians 2:4). • Both Jesus and the man of sin have support for their claims by miraculous works (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Question: What is the abomination of desolation? Answer: The phrase “abomination of desolation” refers to Matthew 24:15+ (KJV): “So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.” This is referring to Daniel 9:27, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ’seven.' In the middle of the ’seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” In 167 B.C. a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanies set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the abomination of desolation. In Matthew 24:15+, Jesus was speaking some 200 years after the abomination of desolation described above had already occurred. So, Jesus must have been prophesying that some time in the future another abomination of desolation would occur in a Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Most Bible prophecy interpreters believe that Jesus was referring to the Antichrist who will do something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanies did. This is confirmed by the fact that some of what Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27+ did not occur in 167 B.C. with Antiochus Epiphanies. Antiochus did not confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. It is the Antichrist who, in the end times, will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Whatever the future abomination of desolation is, it will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the one perpetrating it is the person known as the Antichrist. Revelation 13:14+ describes him making some kind of image which all are forced to worship. Turning the temple of the living God into a place of worship for the Antichrist is truly an “abomination.” Those who are alive and remain during the tribulation should be watchful and recognize that this event is the beginning of 3.5 years of the worst of the tribulation period (ED: Aka The Great Tribulation) and that the return of the Lord Jesus is imminent. “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). GotQuestions.org 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? Phillips Translation I expect you remember now how I talked about this when I was with you. Remember: Mt 16:9 Mk 8:18 Lu 24:6,7 Ac 20:31 while: 2Th 3:10 Joh 16:4 Ga 5:21 1Th 2:11 2Pe 1:15 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE VALUE OF SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION Click for main commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Guzik - Paul was only with the Thessalonians a few weeks (Acts 17:1–10). But Paul thought it important to teach these brand new Christians about Biblical prophecy, and he taught them in some detail. Related Resources: Memorizing His Word Memory Verses by Topic 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. Phillips Translation You will probably also remember how I used to talk about a "restraining power" which would operate until the time should come for the emergence of this man. you know what restrains, 2Th 2:7 he will be revealed: 2Th 2:3,8 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE ANTICHRIST RESTRAINED And you know what ("the thing that" ) restrains (what is keeping down) him now - First note that Paul says the saints at Thessalonica know what restrains the man of lawlessness, clearly indicating that Paul had previously taught them this truth. The verb for know is eido which means to know beyond a shadow of a doubt. Second, note the verb restrains or holds back is in the present tense indicating this is an active process, on going even as Paul wrote (and on going even today). Swindoll on restrains him now - I take the view that the restraining power is the Holy Spirit working primarily through the church in the world. Today, the Holy Spirit restrains the world's lawlessness chiefly through the church. His presence in believers shines as the light of the world and permeates secular culture as the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16+). When the church is taken to be with Christ in the air (1 Thes. 4:16-17+), the children of light will be removed from the world of darkness, leaving a pitch-black night (cf. 1 Thes. 5:4-8+). In the resulting darkness, every vestige of goodness will evaporate; every remnant of truth will unravel. (Insights on 1 & 2 Thessalonians) (Gotquestions seems to agree closest with Swindoll's interpretation - see Who / What is the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6?). John
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Guzik comments that "Specifically, God sends them the lie. This isn’t just any lie, but the lie, the lie that has enthralled the human race since Adam. This is the lie that God is not God, and that we are or can be gods." THOUGHT - There is a frightening warning here -- Be careful when you repeatedly reject the truth of God! Vincent on what is false (better 'the lie") - The article ("the") gives the generic senses falsehood in all its forms. Comp. J. 8:44; Rom. 1:25; Eph. 4:25. Comp. the contrast of truth and unrighteousness in ver. 12. All wrongdoing has an element of falsity. Believe (4100)(pisteuo) means to consider something to be true and therefore worthy of one’s trust. To accept as true, genuine, or real. False (5579) see note above on pseudos Norman Geisler - 2 THESSALONIANS 2:11—How can God send a lie for people to believe and yet not allow liars in heaven? PROBLEM: Paul wrote, “And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thes. 2:11). But Revelation 21:8 says, “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” But it seems inconsistent for God to condemn liars and yet send such a strong delusion that people should believe a lie. SOLUTION: God does not send a lie but simply confirms those who do not wish to believe the truth. God is not responsible (i.e., culpable) for those who go to hell. For it is because of their rejection of the Gospel that they eventually end up there, not because of God’s negligence. The context of this passage reveals that man has already rejected the Gospel of Christ. Paul says that when the Antichrist comes, he will come with signs and false wonders with all deception of wickedness (2 Thes. 2:8–10). These things happen for “those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (v. 10). When God sends the deluding influence, Paul says He does so in order “that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (v. 12). They have chosen to reject God rather than to accept His provision of salvation. God is not sending the lie to trick people, but He sends delusions to reveal human depravity in which they choose evil over good. (When Critics Ask) Gleason Archer - If God condemns all liars to the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8), how was it that He put a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets of Ahab (1 Kings 22:23) or a deluding influence of men in the last days so that they believe what is false (2 Thess. 2:11)? The answer to this question is found in the verses preceding, that is, 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10, which speak of the coming of the “lawless one” (i.e., Antichrist) “with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved” (NASB). In other words, God turns over to the baneful influence of Satan, the Prince of Lies, those who have of their own free will chosen not to listen to the truth but who by preference cleave to error. God furnishes no guarantee that He will disabuse sinners of error if they really prefer error to the truth. There is no reason why He should. As for the prophets of Ahab who falsely predicted victory for him if he should attempt the recapture of Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians, he fell into this same category. He did not want to know the truth of God; he hated and opposed God’s moral law wherever it went counter to his own will. Therefore he could expect no guidance from God in the matter of besieging Ramoth-gilead. Ahab’s time had run out. His confiscation of the vineyard of Naboth on the basis of a trumped-up charge for which Naboth was stoned to death was a crime for which he had to pay. Therefore the decision of God and His angels in heavenly conference—as Micaiah plainly told Ahab in the presence of Jehoshaphat—was to send a lying spirit to incline the whole pack of court prophets to give Ahab the same encouragement to march into a battle that would cost him his life (1 Kings 22:18–23). The faith in a lie that God permitted or even encouraged in each of these cases simply represented the outworking of the moral law. If men refuse the true God, they will have to make do with a false idol of their own devising. If they reject the truth, they must be content to feed on falsehood. (NIEBD). 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. Phillips Translation and meet the inevitable judgment of all who have refused to believe the truth and who have made evil their play-fellow. Amplified In order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness. Wuest in order that they all might be judged who did not believe the truth but took delight in wickedness. BGT 2 Thessalonians 2:12 ἵνα κριθῶσιν πάντες οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ. NET 2 Thessalonians 2:12 And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned. NLT 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. GNT 2 Thessalonians 2:12 ἵνα κριθῶσιν πάντες οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ. KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. YLT 2 Thessalonians 2:12 that they may be judged -- all who did not believe the truth, but were well pleased in the unrighteousness. ASV 2 Thessalonians 2:12 that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. CSB 2 Thessalonians 2:12 so that all will be condemned-- those who did not believe the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 2:12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. NRS 2 Thessalonians 2:12 so that all who have no in order that they all may be judged: De 32:35 Mk 16:16 Joh 3:36 1Th 5:9 2Pe 2:3 Jude 1:4,5 but took pleasure in wickedness: Ps 11:5 50:16-21 52:3,4 Ho 7:3 Mic 3:2 Mk 14:11 Joh 3:19-21 Ro 1:32 2:8 8:7,8 12:9 2Pe 2:13-15 3Jn 1:11 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries REAPING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE'S OWN CHOICE! In order that (hina) - Expresses purpose, a very sad purpose. Lewis - This simply expresses the natural result of their downward progression. This passage cannot be used to say that God predestines some people to damnation. It merely states that the logical outcome of their rejection of the truth is their condemnation. Why are they being condemned? Because they did not believe the truth -- they did not exercise saving faith in the true gospel. Instead they chose to exercise their faith, trust, & reliance in what was false and produced unrighteousness. (What Happens After the Restrainer Steps Aside?) they all may be judged - KJV puts it bluntly "That they all might be damned" All means no exceptions. All who refuse to believe will be judged. The rejection of the truth leaves only an adverse judgment (i.e., condemnation) for the rejecter. God will render His adverse decision based on the evidence of their unbelief. Judged (condemned)(2919)(krino) primarily signifies to distinguish, to decide between (in the sense of considering two or more things and reaching a decision), to make up one's mind, to separate, to discriminate. to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, without necessarily passing an adverse sentence, although that is often what is usually involved. A Who did not believe the truth - They were not persuaded in their hearts the truth that they were sinners in need of a Savior. In short, they refused to accept the Gospel and be saved. Instead of believing the truth, they believed the lie. As Hiebert says "have never as a definite act entered into a personal relationship of trust and obedience to “the truth,” the gospel revelation." (ibid) Vine on did not believe the truth—i.e., because they refused to believe it; the negative, mē, used here, expresses more than the fact that they did not believe the truth, what exposed them to this judgment was their refusal to believe it; cp. 2 Th 1:8+ "those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Believe (4100)(pisteuo) means to be persuaded of, place one's confidence in, to trust, express reliance upon. Biblical saving faith is not passive assent but an active staking of one's life on the claims of God. The respected Greek lexicon author W E Vine defines belief as consisting of (1) a firm conviction which produces full acknowledgment of God's revelation of Truth, (2) a personal surrender to the Truth and (3) a conduct inspired by and consistent with that surrender. Truth (225) see notes above on aletheia. Truth is the property of being in accord with fact or reality as defined by God. Whatever God says is Truth. Truth is a person, Jesus. But - Term of contrast. And what a horrible contrast it is! Good versus evil! Heaven versus Hell! Guzik comments "As God gives rebellious man the lie he desires, it isn’t out of His generosity. Instead, it shows God’s judgment on those who reject the truth. As Romans 1 points out, in judgment God may give a man up to the depravity of his heart." Took pleasure (eudokeo) in wickedness - NET = "have delighted in evil." If this were not in God's Word, it would be difficult to believe that people would actively pursue and delight in evil! Took pleasure (used in positive sense in 1 Th 2:8, 1 Th 3:1) means they found satisfaction in wickedness and viewed it with open approval. This reminds me of the last verse in Paul's description of men who reject the knowledge of God in Romans 1 where he sums it up writing that "although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.." (Ro 1:32+). They have become like those described by Isaiah Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20+). Steve Lewis - They took pleasure (eudokeo) in unrighteousness = it "seemed good" to them; they preferred wickedness and were strongly inclined toward it. (What Happens After the Restrainer Steps Aside?) As Hiebert puts it "Their willful rejection of the truth had resulted in the love of evil; evil had become their good. A moral perversion of character had taken place. He who will not accept and obey the truth will inevitably find his delight in unrighteousness." (Ibid) Vine on wickedness - the sin that involves men in this catastrophe is not intellectual, unwillingness to exercise the reasoning powers; it is moral, the love of evil. Distaste for the truth leads to its rejection; God in retributive justice sends a working of error to those who love error, this they gladly accept, yielding themselves to it and cooperating with it until they are overtaken by the climax in which the righteous judgment of God is expressed. (Collected Writings) Leon Morris astutely points out that "They think that they are acting in defiance of Him. But in the end they find that those very acts in which they expressed their defiance were the vehicle of their punishment.” (TOTC-2 Th) Took pleasure (2106)(eudokeo from eu = well, good + dokeo = to think) means literally to think well of and so to be well pleased, to take pleasure or delight in. Wickedness (93) see preceding note on adikia - a total disregard for what God says is right. Describes acts that violate standards of right conduct. They would not want to be with Jesus because He has "loved righteousness and hated lawlessness (adikia)." (Heb 1:9+) THOUGHT - The Lord Jesus Christ IS coming, and the wicked WILL be judged. In fact, we will be there with Him to witness these events. There will come a time when deception will run rampant – even the elect will be in danger of being led astray (Mt 24:24). Let us continue to love the truth – and let us share the truth while we can. (Steve Lewis) 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. Amplified But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His firstfruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth. Wuest But as for us, we have a sense of moral obligation to be giving thanks to God always concerning you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you out [from the rest of mankind] for salvation, this choice being within the sphere of the setting-apart work of the Spirit and a belief of the truth, BGT 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ἡμεῖς δὲ ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν τῷ θεῷ πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ κυρίου, ὅτι εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ὁ θεὸς ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας, NET 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. NLT 2 Thessalonians 2:13 As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation-- a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:13 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. NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. GNT 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Ἡμεῖς δὲ ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν τῷ θεῷ πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ κυρίου, ὅτι εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ὁ θεὸς ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας, KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: YLT 2 Thessalonians 2:13 And we -- we ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved by the Lord, that God did choose you from the beginning to salvation, in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, ASV 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: CSB 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, we should always give thanks to God for you: 2Th 1:3 Ro 1:8 6:17 brethren beloved by the Lord: 2Th 2:16 De 33:12 2Sa 12:25 *marg: Jer 31:3 Eze 16:8 Da 9:23 10:11,19 Ro 1:7 Col 3:12 1Jn 4:10,19 from the beginning: Ge 1:1 Pr 8:23 Isa 46:10 Joh 1:1 8:44 Heb 1:10 has chosen you : Ro 8:33 9:11 Eph 1:4,5 1Th 1:4 2Ti 1:9 1Pe 1:2 through sanctification by the Spirit: 2Th 2:10,12 Lu 1:75 1Pe 1:2-5 faith in the truth: Joh 8:45,46 14:6 Ac 13:48 15:9 Ga 3:1 Eph 2:8 Col 1:5 2Ti 2:15 2Ti 3:15 Jas 1:18 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE SAVED NOW CONTRASTED WITH THE LAWLESS But - A dramatic contrast between those who reject Jesus and are condemned by Him (cf Jn 5:22) and those who love Him are loved by Him. We should always give thanks to God for you, brethren (adelphos) beloved by the Lord - What a "breath of fresh air" for Paul to now be able to focus on his spiritual children who bring just joy and thanksgiving to his heart! If you have made disciples, you know exactly the feeling Paul was experiencing as he wrote these affirming words! Should speaks of obligation or paying a debt and is in the present tense (continually). Similarly give thanks (eucharisteo) is also in the present tense and speaks of an attitude of gratitude in prayer to God. I love the verb beloved (agapao) because it describes God's unconditional love for His children in Christ (cf 1 Jn 3:1+) and the perfect tense underscores the abiding (eternal) nature of His love for us! I call that "amazing love, how can it be?" Notice Paul repeats the truth ("beloved" in 1 Th 1:4+) to these "momentarily" afflicted saints that they are eternally loved by the Most High God! Lewis - God's love is the basis for His other actions, which Paul now mentions. The typical word for "choosing" in the sense of God's election is eklego (His selection), but here Paul uses haireomai with the idea of God's eternal purpose of adoption -- taking them to become His own (see Deut 7:7-8; 10:15 in the Septuagint). (What Happens After the Restrainer Steps Aside?) We should (3784)(opheilo from ophéllo = heap up) means to owe something to someone. Literally it speaks of financial indebtedness and thus means to owe money, to be in debt, or to describe that which is due (Mt 18:28, Lk 7:41, 16:5, 7, Philemon 1:18). The verb opheilo was sometimes used to describe "the debt" itself. Figuratively, opheilo describes a sense of indebtedness to someone for something. For example, it was used to describe owing good will (1Co 7:3), love (Ro 13:8 = we can never love enough and will always "owe" this debt). Opheilo in most of the NT uses conveys the sense of necessity, duty or to be under obligation (obligation = moral requirement which conveys the binding force of civility, kindness or gratitude, when the performance of a duty cannot be enforced by law). The idea is that one is held or bound by duty, moral obligation or necessity to do something. Opheilo is also in 2 Th 1:3+ "We ought (opheilo) always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater." Give thanks (2168) eucharisteo from eucháristos = thankful, grateful, well-pleasing - Indicates the obligation of being thankful to someone for a favor done <> in turn from eú = well + charízomai = to grant, give.; English - Eucharist) means to show that one is under obligation by being thankful. To show oneself as grateful (most often to God in the NT). Eucharisteo is a word that at its very core (eu = good + charis = grace) means to acknowledge how good grace is! Moulton and Milligan note that eucharisteo originally meant “do a good turn to” or “oblige,” and in late Greek passed readily into the meaning “be grateful,” “give thanks”. Giving thanks is the quality of being grateful, with the implication of also having appropriate (Spirit filled) attitude. Brethren (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) literally means brother referring to a physical brother or figuratively as in this passage refers to a brother or sister in the Lord. We are closer to those who are believers than we are to our blood relatives who are not believers! Beloved (25)(agapao see related study of noun agape) means to love unconditionally and sacrificially as God Himself loves sinful men (John 3:16), the way He loves the Son (John 3:35, 15:9, 17:23, 24). Because - Explains why Paul, Silvanus and Timothy are giving thanks (and to an extent why the Thessalonians can be called "beloved.") God has chosen you from the beginning - Chosen is not the usual word for choosing (eklego; eklektos) and is in the middle voice could be read more literally "having chosen for himself" giving us a beautiful picture of God's love for us! From the beginning probably means before time began but the phrase is not easy to interpret. Compare 1Co 2:7 (God predestined before the ages to our glory"); Ep 1:4+ ("He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world"); 2Ti 1:9+ ("according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity"). THOUGHT - He chose us FOR HIMSELF. That begs the question -- for whom am I living, SELF or SAVIOR? Chosen (choosing) (138)(haireomai rom haireo = to take a particular position for oneself) means to make a choice of one or more possible alternatives and so to choose, select or prefer. Note also that the use of the aorist tense here marks it as a single and definite act. See related resource Who are the elect of God? | GotQuestions.org. Beginning (746)(arche) means beginning of anything, and is used this way of Jesus (Jn 1:1, Heb 1:10). Technical Note on beginning - Several manuscripts (B F G P 0278 33 81 323 1739 1881 al bo) read aparche ("as a first fruit"; i.e., as the first converts) instead of arche (ap' arches, "from the beginning," found in a D Y Û it sa), but this seems more likely to be a change by scribes who thought of the early churches in general in this way. But Paul would not be likely to call the Thessalonians "the first fruits" among his converts. Further, aparche, ("first fruit") is a well-worn term in Paul's letters (Rom 8:23; 11:16 ; 16:5; 1 Cor 15:20, 23; 16:15), while arche occurs nowhere else in Paul. Scribes might be expected to change the text to the more familiar term. Nevertheless, a decision is difficult (see arguments for aparche in TCGNT 568), and arche must be preferred only slightly. (NET NOTES) For (eis = unto) salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith (pistis) in the truth (aletheia) - This is a beautiful description of our salvation showing the role of the Spirit setting us apart for God's use (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY) and the exercising of faith (MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY, ALBEIT STILL DEPENDENT ON GOD) in the truth, the Gospel of our salvation (Eph 1:13+). Note that faith in the truth is the direct contrast with "not believe the truth" (2 Th 2:12). Lewis - the product of God's loving and choosing is our deliverance from sin and the wrath of God (see 1 Th 5:9+ = "God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,"). (What Happens After the Restrainer Steps Aside?) Salvation (4991)(soteria from soter = Savior in turn from sozo = save, rescue, deliver) means deliverance from danger, destruction, peril and slavery to and consequences of sin and unto restoration to a former state (like the Garden of Eden but even better) of safety, health, well being and preservation from danger of destruction. Sanctification (38)(hagiasmos from hagiazo = sanctify from hagios = holy, set apart, consecrated) describes the state of being set apart from sin and the world to God (the sense in 2 Thes 2:13) or the process of becoming more dedicated to God (aka progressive sanctification). "Human beings ultimately cannot sanctify themselves. The Triune God sanctifies. The Father sanctifies (1Co 1:30) by the Spirit (2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1Co 6:11). Yet Christian faith is not merely passive. Paul calls for active trust and obedience." (from Mullen's excellent article on sanctification.) Faith (4102)(pistis) means a firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness. Not just mental assent but firm conviction, surrender to that truth and conduct emanating fr that surrender. In sum, faith shows itself genuine by a changed life. Pistis is used frequently in the epistles to the Thessalonians -1 Thess. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:8; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Thess. 3:5; 1 Thess. 3:6; 1 Thess. 3:7; 1 Thess. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:8; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 3:2 Truth (225) see notes above on aletheia. In context the truth is the Gospel (euaggelion) F B
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Guzik writes that "This is completely consistent with other passages of Scripture that indicate that there must be two aspects of Jesus’ second coming, and the aspects must be separated by some appreciable period of time. (1) Different world conditions are described (Mt 24:37-42, 24:21, Rev 6:15-16). (2) Different manners of Jesus’ return are described (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 19:11, 14-15, 21). (3) Different scenarios regarding the predictability of the date of Jesus’ return are established (Mt 24:36, Da 12:11). Coming (3952)(parousia) is a combination of two Greek words para = with, alongside + ousia = being (ousia is the participial form of the verb eimi = to be) which together literally mean to be alongside and conveys the ideas of being beside or being in one's presence. Parousia was frequently used in the ancient world to describe visits of royalty. Notice the concentration of uses in Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Mt 24:3, 27, 37, 39) with no other uses in the Gospels. John
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Guzik comments that a "traditional (long-established) understanding of this man of sin is to say that he is not an individual, but a system or an office. Historically, Protestant interpreters have seen the man of sin to be the succession of popes. Calvin thought this way: “Paul, however, is not speaking of one individual, but of a kingdom that was to be seized by Satan for the purpose of setting up a seat of abomination in the midst of God’s temple. This we see accomplished in popery.” However, there is no good reason to see this man of sin to be other than what the plainest meaning is here – an individual who will come to great prominence in the very last days. This was how it was understood in the earliest days of Christianity. “The fathers understood the Antichrist to be intended, but of this person they seemed to have formed no specific idea.” (Adam Clarke) (Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Thessalonians 2) Most conservative, evangelical commentators agree that man of lawlessness (or sin) is a description of the Antichrist. (1John 2:18-note, 1Jn 2:22-note; 1Jn 4:3-note; 2 John 1:7). Recall that the prefix Anti- conveys two meanings: (1) Over against, opposite to, opposition to (Christ) and (2) Instead of or in place of (Christ). Hampton Keathley explains that the Antichrist is also "known in the Bible by other descriptive titles like “the little horn” (Da. 7:8-note), the “prince that shall come” (Da 9:26-note), the “willful king” (Da 11:36-note), “the beast out of the sea” (Rev 13:1-10-note), and as the one who, standing in the future rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, will commit the “abomination of desolation” as described by Daniel and attested to by the Lord Jesus (Da 9:27-note; Da 11:31-note; Matt. 24:15-note). (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Correction) Charles Ryrie notes that "While we are warned that there will appear from time to time evil men in the world-and so evil that they may be called antichrists (1John 2:18-note)-this person is the personification of evil and the culmination of all that is opposed to God." (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus: What You Need to Know About the Rapture) Vine says the name man of sin "is to be understood of a man over whom sin will have absolute dominion, the willing and efficient instrument of sin, cp. Romans 6:16." Hiebert on the man of sin versus man of lawlessness - "Sin," the more general term, basically means "missing the mark," whereas "lawlessness" denotes the breaking of law According to 1John 3:4-note, "sin is lawlessness," hence the terms are readily interchangeable. The title "man of lawlessness" suggests that he is the very embodiment of the willful violation of the will of God… Sin has such absolute domination over him that he seems to be the very embodiment of lawlessness. The use of the Greek term anthropos rather than aner presents him as a true human being. Moore well notes that he "is not Satan (in 2Th 2:9 he is distinguished from Satan), but he is the one in whom Satan's power is concentrated (2Th 2:9, cp the "Beast" in Rev 13:2, 5-note) and in whom Satan is to be unmasked." (Ibid) "He is not called lawless because he never heard God's law, but because he openly defies it!" (William