2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Q.1. Why was Paul writing about the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Thessalonians? – (2 Thes.2:1-3)
The Thessalonian were not clear about the events surrounding the Lord’s return. Confusion exists to this very day. Paul had already explained about – … our gathering together to Him (2 Thes.2:1 c.f. 1 Thes.4:13-17). Some even feared they had somehow missed these events. Paul wrote to clarify aspects of the Lord’s return so – that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed … or deceived (2 Thes.2:2-3). The Second Coming of Christ – will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction (2 Thes.2:3). The Endtimes will be characterised by a massive falling away from the faith (c.f. Mt.24:12; Lk.17:26-30; 18:8).
Q.2. How will this ‘man of lawlessness’ operate? Did this happen in 70 A.D.? Will this Antichrist triumph? – (2 Thes.2:3-9)
When speaking about the event of ‘His coming and the end of the age’, Jesus referred to the prophecy of Daniel regarding the setting up of the Abomination of Desolation in the Temple (Mt.24:3, 15 c.f. Dan.9:27; 11:31; 12:12). As with many other prophecies, there are several fulfilments (i) Antiochus Epiphanes, king of the Seleucid dynasty defiled the temple in 167 B.C. (ii) The Roman general Titus also desecrated and destroyed the temple in 70 A.D. (iii) Then we have the Antichrist 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 (2 Thes.2:4). Neither Antiochus nor Titus did this, nor did they make a firm covenant with Israel (Dan.9:27 c.f. Dan.9:24-27; Rev.13:5-6). According to Jesus, this event will not occur until – This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come (Mt.24:14). This one who places himself above the law will be empowered – with the activity of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders (2 Thes.2:9 c.f. Rev.13:1-2, 11-18). It is possible that Paul alluded to the Rapture that will remove those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, Who restrains evil in the world (2 Thes.2:5-7 c.f. 1 Thes.4:13-18). The outcome is assured when Christ returns – that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming (2 Thes.2:8 c.f. Rev.20:10). No matter what unfolds, we are on the victory side.
Q.3. Which kind of people will be deceived. How can we protect ourselves against deception? – (2 Thes.2:10-12)
Paul told us that there is a combination of reasons why people will be deceived: The Antichrist will do Satan’s bidding and operate – 10 … with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in wickedness (2 Thes.2:10-12). (i) To discern the signs of the times requires that we love the Truth. (ii) God will actually send a deluding influence on those who do not love the Truth … those who do not think they need to be saved. (iii) People will be deceived because they do not believe the Truth but rather take pleasure in wickedness.