Study Content

Paul begins by addressing concerns about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of believers to Him.

The word parousia refers to the arrival or presence of a ruler or king.

In the New Testament it is often used to describe the return of Christ.

Paul urges the believers not to be quickly shaken in mind or troubled.

The word saleuō refers to being shaken like a ship tossed by waves.

The word throeō refers to being alarmed or disturbed.

Some believers had become unsettled because of false reports.

Paul mentions that these reports came through various means.

Some claimed spiritual revelations.

Others circulated messages or letters claiming to come from the apostles.

The claim being spread was that the Day of the Lord had already come.

Paul firmly corrects this misunderstanding.

He says that certain events must occur before that day arrives.

The first event Paul mentions is a falling away.

The Greek word apostasia refers to rebellion or departure.

It describes a large-scale turning away from truth.

Paul indicates that before Christ’s return there will be a significant rejection of God’s authority.

Paul also says that the “man of sin” or “man of lawlessness” will be revealed.

The word anomia refers to lawlessness or rejection of God’s moral order.

This figure represents a person who openly opposes God.

Paul describes him as the son of destruction.

The word apōleia refers to ruin or destruction.

This title indicates the destructive nature of his influence.

Paul says this individual will oppose and exalt himself above every object of worship.

He will even sit in the temple of God proclaiming himself to be God.

This imagery reflects the height of human rebellion against divine authority.

Paul reminds the believers that he had already explained these things when he was with them.

He then mentions that something is currently restraining the full manifestation of this lawlessness.

The word katechō means to hold back or restrain.

Paul does not explicitly identify the restraining force.

Many interpretations suggest that it refers to God’s sovereign control working through the Holy Spirit or through governing authority.

Paul explains that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.

The word mystērion again refers to a hidden reality that is gradually unfolding.

Lawlessness is present in the world but has not yet reached its full expression.

Paul explains that once the restraining force is removed, the lawless one will be revealed.

However, Paul emphasizes that this rebellion will ultimately fail.

The Lord Jesus will destroy the lawless one with the breath of His mouth.

This imagery reflects the authority of Christ’s word.

Paul also says Christ will bring him to nothing by the brightness of His coming.

The word epiphaneia refers to a sudden and glorious appearance.

Christ’s return will expose and defeat all deception.

Paul then explains that the coming of the lawless one will involve false signs and wonders.

The word dynamis refers to power.

The word teras refers to wonders.

These acts will appear impressive but will serve deception rather than truth.

Paul explains that these deceptions will affect those who refuse to love the truth.

The word alētheia refers to reality as revealed by God.

Rejecting truth leaves people vulnerable to deception.

Paul explains that because people reject truth, God allows them to experience the consequences of that choice.

He describes this as a strong delusion.

The word planē refers to wandering or deception.

People who reject truth eventually believe falsehood.

Paul contrasts this with the condition of believers.

He says believers are chosen by God for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth.

Sanctification refers to the process of being set apart for God.

Paul reminds them that they were called through the gospel.

The purpose of this calling is that believers may obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul then encourages them to stand firm.

The word stēkō again refers to remaining steadfast.

They are to hold fast to the teachings they received from the apostles.

These teachings were delivered both through spoken instruction and written letters.

Paul concludes the chapter with a prayer.

He asks that the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father would comfort their hearts.

The word parakaleō refers to encouragement and strengthening.

He also prays that God would establish them in every good word and work.

The word stērizō means to strengthen or stabilize.

Paul desires that their lives reflect the truth they have received.