Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling, away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition. - 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Paul cautions his new Thessalonian brothers and sisters not to be taken in by every rumor or report they may hear about the prophesied day of the Lord. Obviously these new Christians had been deceived by some gossip concerning both the Lord's coming and the in-gathering of all those connected to him. Paul's words here take what he had previously preached, both about Christ's return and about what they might expect as believers.
In his second epistle, Paul is offering words of counsel and comfort to the Thessalonians. They are growing fearful and restless, convinced that the apocalypse would occur. Every tragedy, every hardship was seen through a judgmental lens - raising the anxieties and stress among the faithful. These Thessalonian Christians were like people trying to get some sleep with fear and anxiety filled their minds. They were waiting for the Lord's return.
Paul answered by saying about the Thessalonian church in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. Now, how important was it for Christians to be prepared for judgment day? The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's message was meant to offer comfort. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Instead, his words seemed to cause too much uncontrolled excitement. Some stopped working. Some could not think or talk of anything else. Some were mentally "shaken up." Some were spiritually confused. In his second letter to the Thessalonians, he gives counsel and comforts to answer all of their questions, doubts, confusions, and mentally shaken up.
I. Paul’s Counsel:
Not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. - 2 Thessalonians 2:2.
First of all, Paul counsels his Thessalonian "brothers and sisters" to calm down, to "not be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed". Don't get tempted by this talk of the last days. Paul is calm as he is cautious. He counsels the Thessalonians not to be "shaken in mind" or "alarmed," but to maintain stability and a trusting state in the Lord. Paul emphasizes that whatever reports they have received - whether "by spirit or by word or by letter," the message did not come from him.
In verses 3-5, Paul provides a rapid summary of what he has said about the events that will surround the approaching "day of the Lord" and asks the Thessalonians to “recall the things that I told you when I was with you.” Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition - 2 Thess. 2:3.
Let no one deceive you in any way," he writes, because the "day of the Lord" will not come until two decisive events occur: 1) a "rebellion" -a rejection by the world of God's divine rule and an active opposition to the divine, will mark the face of the earth. Second 2) "the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction".
Look at verse number 9 Paul differentiates this "lawless one" from Satan. The coming of the lawless one is according to the evil doing of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders. They are not one and the same. But like the rebellious ones, this greatly lawless one is against God's law and grace. Paul's text defines this lawless one as an individual - not some shapeless, anti-Christian force or sentiment that will destroy our world.
"Rebelliousness" and "lawlessness" may confront the church and challenge the faith of Christians in every age and generation. Scripture shows that "in the last days" the antichrists will threaten Christ's followers everyday. But there will be only one genuine Antichrist who personally creates sinful opposition to God's sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ in those final days.
Paul closes his cautionary words about the end times with a gentle reminder: Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? (v.5). Paul himself, not Silas or Timothy or some other apostolic aide, had carefully instructed these Thessalonians in the particulars of Christian eschatology. The word eschatology derives from two Greek root meanings, last, and study. Study of end things, such as the end of individual life, of the end of age, of the end of the world, and of the end of the nature of the kingdom of God. Paul gave counsel to us and the church of Thessalonians in times of trouble. Paul gave counsel and comfort to the churches.
II. Paul’s Comfort:
From verses 13-17, a sharp contrast is made between the "destruction" or "perdition" that awaits the "lawless one" and the "salvation through sanctification". 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. - 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
He begins by confessing he should thank God always for these Thessalonians. The rumors, spiritual panic, and the "brothers and sisters" are faithful enough to express their faith to Paul's thanksgiving. You Thessalonians, Paul declares that they are none other than the "first fruits," those chosen by God right from the beginning to receive salvation. Paul's use of the term "chose", here Paul mentions the heavenly selection. This salvation is brought about by two initiatives. Sanctification by the Spirit and Stand firm the order.
a) Sanctification by the Spirit:
First, there is "sanctification by the Spirit" - a saving act through which the entire person is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, each person has been made whole. Second, alongside this Spirit sanctification, there is the equally important "belief in the truth." Such belief grows out of spiritual sanctification, but it requires the day-to-day commitment of each faithful believer to keep it alive. Salvation is given by the Divine. But it must be accepted, celebrated, and nurtured by individuals in their lives of faith.
Though they may have been selected by God before time, the Thessalonians were themselves called by God at a definite and specific moment in time. Paul rejoices that it has been through the preached gospel that the call has gone forth to a new generation of believers. The remarkable salvation that the Thessalonians have received, Paul insists, allows them to "share," the glory of Christ himself. Secondly, the apostle Paul comforts the Thessalonian church by telling them to stand firm in the traditions they were taught during his visit.
b) Stand Firm the Order:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our letter. - 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
Paul has reminded his readers of both the bad and the good that await them, and he now urges them to "stand firm" before it all. Paul emphasizes the firmness of this stand they must take; and links it to their ability to "hold fast" to the "traditions" or "teachings" that they have received. Standing firm must be passed down from one generation to the next with great care in order to ensure their continued strength.
The tradition itself, however, can bring these new Christians all the strength of their faith. The tradition Paul speaks of here is nothing less than, the life, death, resurrection and ascension into the glory of Jesus Christ. It is the power of our tradition. Therefore, Paul's concluding his prayer for the Thessalonians. The "love," "grace," "encouragement," "hope" and "strength" needed for each Christian to engage in "every good work and word" all stem from the firm-handed grip Paul and his fellow Christians have upon that tradition.
It is sanctification that makes Paul's ministry of "proclamation of the good news" (v.14). The final reward for Paul and for all who hear and heed this gospel is the gift of sharing in the "glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." After explaining different consequences and awaiting steadfast believers (justification, sanctification, glorification), versus "rebellious" and "lawless" ones ("destruction" or "perdition"), Paul now takes a moment to remind his listeners to "stand firm" (v.15) in the teaching that Paul himself has taught them.
"Standing firm," however, is something disciples cannot do on their own, especially due to our daily challenges that threaten believers. That's why Paul closes his words here with the hope that the "Lord Jesus Christ ... and God our Father" will give us strength. Only through divine love and grace can we receive "everlasting" or "eternal comfort" and "good hope." Paul's closing words comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Encourage "hearts" and strengthen hands and toward good works and words. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
