2 Thessalonians 1

The Returning Christ

The Perseverance of the Saints Before Christ’s Return (1-3)

Paul began with his normal salutation (1-2) and then moved into his usual example of giving thanks in all circumstances and situations. He took special notice of the Thessalonians’ growing faith and increasing love (3).

The Justice of God at Christ’s Return (4-10)

The chapter then begins with Paul explaining the justice of God. As the Thessalonians endured afflictions, God was at the same time giving evidence that those who endure are indeed Kingdom children, as their willingness to suffer in faith for the Kingdom demonstrates (4-5). Paul further explained that God considered it absolutely just to repay those afflicting His Church and would do so when Christ reappeared (6-7). Paul then described Christ’s second coming. He would be like a “flaming fire,” afflicting those who had afflicted others with eternal destruction; they would be removed from the presence of the Lord. Those doing the afflicting are described as those who “do not” know God or obey His gospel (8-9). Paul then announced that when the Lord came, He would be glorified in His saints, and the whole event would be an unmissable marvel (10).

The Prayer of Paul in Anticipation of Christ’s Return (11-12)

Paul concluded this chapter by explaining how he was praying for them. Paul expressed three petitions in light of the Lord's return and the coming judgment.

• Their lives would be worthy of being called to populate the new Heaven and Earth.

• Their lives would fulfill everything they had resolved or committed to do in Christ (11).

• They would bring glory to the name of the Lord Jesus above all else (12). 

Paul prayed this would all be done by God’s grace. 

2 Thessalonians 2

Dealing with False Teaching

Next, Paul dealt with some wrong thinking and teaching regarding the Lord’s coming. 

Paul Discredits the False Teaching (1-8)

Paul addressed two issues: the coming of Jesus and our being gathered together with Him. First, Paul told them not to feel any anxiety nor to be deceived concerning whether or not the Day had already come (1-3a). 

Paul then went on to explain how that Day would ultimately come. First, a man of lawlessness must appear who would oppose and exalt himself against anyone claiming to be God or any object of worship. He would take his seat in the Temple and claim to be God (3b-5). Paul then reminded the Thessalonians that he had already taught them all about this (6), especially about the one who acted like a restrainer and kept this “man of lawlessness” from fully appearing. The true identity of this “restrainer” would remain a mystery (can’t see him) (7), but when taken out of the way, the “lawless one” would be revealed. He went on to declare that when Jesus came, He would destroy this “man of lawlessness” by His mere appearance (8). Because lawlessness still ruled in the world, Paul discredited this false teaching that Jesus and the Day of the Lord had already come.

Paul Describes the Adherents to the False Teaching (9-12)

Paul moved on to give a description of those taken in by the spiritual artistry and cunning ways of the man of lawlessness (9). They would be sucked in because they did not love the truth—thus, they were easy prey for deception (10-11)—but, most of all, because they took pleasure in doing what was sensually unrighteous (12).

This is the secular age we are now living in—deceived and unable to love the truth. The power and activity of satan are overwhelming in some respects. Once humanity plays God, no boundaries remain. 

Paul Prays for Those Standing Against False Teaching (13-17)

In conclusion, Paul prayed a thanksgiving prayer for God’s saving the Thessalonians, as they were separated to God by the Holy Spirit and their belief in the truth (13). Paul further called them to continue to stand firm in the gospel tradition that they were taught in sermons or letters (14-15). Lastly, he admonished them to be established in good works and words (16-17).