1.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2.
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Verse 2
It would seem from this expression that Paul had been supposed to teach that the final coming of Christ was then very near. Perhaps his remarks on the subject in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, are referred to.
3.
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;
Verse 3
A failing away; an apostasy.--Be revealed; openly appear.
4.
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6.
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Verse 6
What withholdeth, &c.; that is, what cause prevents the development of the apostasy now.
7.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Verse 7
Letteth; restrains and hinders.
8.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Verse 8
That Wicked; the influence designated above as "the man of sin."
9.
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Verse 11
Send them strong delusion; open before them the way of delusion and sin,--since they desired and sought it. There has been a great deal of discussion, and a great variety of opinions, in regard to the person or power intended by is prediction. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.) Some commentators understand it to refer to pagan persecutions that were to occur in those days, and to precede the destruction of Jerusalem, which they suppose to have been intended by the coming of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:2.) Protestant commentators have very extensively applied the description to the Roman hierarchy, to the usurpations and abuses of which the particulars of the description in many respects correspond. Others have considered it as referring to a malignant influence against the cause of God, yet to be developed.
12.
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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:
14.
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Verse 15
The traditions; the instructions.
16.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17.
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.