1 Thessalonians 2
2 Thessalonians is part of a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica. It includes content that corrects misunderstandings related to the Lord’s Second Coming and explains what will happen in the last days. This chapter can be divided largely into three parts. First, there is a warning about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the last days (verses 1-2). Second, there is an explanation of the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) (verses 3-12). Finally, there is encouragement and exhortation for those whom God has chosen (verses 13-17).
1verseFor you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn’t in vain,
2versebut having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.
3verseFor our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception.
4verseBut even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak—not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.
5verseFor neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),
6versenor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
7verseBut we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8verseEven so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
9verseFor you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God.
10verseYou are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe.
11verseAs you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12verseto the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
13verseFor this cause we also thank God without ceasing that when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, God’s word, which also works in you who believe.
14verseFor you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews
15versewho killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and don’t please God, and are contrary to all men,
16verseforbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
17verseBut we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,
18versebecause we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us.
19verseFor what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
20verseFor you are our glory and our joy.
Verses 1-2: Misunderstanding the Second Coming and Paul’s Exhortation
Paul corrects the misunderstanding of the Thessalonian believers, who thought that Jesus’ Second Coming had already taken place. He warns them not to be deceived—whether by a letter, by speech, or spiritually—into thinking that the day of the Lord has already come. He exhorts them not to be afraid or thrown into confusion. This is because the believers could easily be unsettled by the turbulent circumstances of that time.
Verses 3-12: The Man of Lawlessness (the Antichrist) and the Last Days
Paul explains that before the last days arrive, there will first be an apostasy and that the “man of lawlessness,” that is, the Antichrist, will appear. He says that he will oppose God, exalt himself above God, and sit in the temple, presenting himself as God. However, Paul emphasizes that this lawless man will be destroyed with the Lord’s coming. Paul also says that those who belong to him will be led to destruction because they do not love the truth and instead follow what is false.
Verses 13-17: Encouragement and Exhortation for Those Chosen by God
Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers to remember that they are those who have been chosen by God to receive salvation through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth. He then prays that they will firmly hold to the traditions they received, and that God will comfort their hearts and establish them firmly in every good work and word. Finally, he encourages them to live with hope in faith and without being shaken.
Meditation Points
- Discernment: When we hear information or rumors about the end times, we should discern based on the teachings of the Bible, without being overwhelmed by fear or confusion.
- The Center of Faith: It is important to focus on God’s calling and salvation rather than on external circumstances or confusion in the times, and to stand firmly on faith.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s reflect on how much discernment we have regarding the religious claims and news we encounter, and let’s commit to a life that grows more deeply rooted in God’s word from the Bible.
- Even amid the present confusion or difficulties, let us put into practice a life of certainty that God has called and saved me, and a life that carries out faithfully the mission entrusted to me without being shaken in the place where I am.
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