2 Thessalonians
Chapter 2
Overview
Some believers in Thessalonica have been unsettled by claims that the day of Jesus’ return has already arrived. The letter’s writers ask them not to panic or trust messages falsely presented as coming from them. They describe a rebellion, a lawless figure, and deception powered by Satan—but also insist that evil’s display will not have the final word. The chapter then turns from warning to reassurance: God has called these believers through the good news. They must hold firmly to what they were taught while drawing courage and strength from God.
1Brothers and sisters, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus the Messiah—the Anointed King—and our being gathered together to him, we ask you this:
2Do not quickly lose your sound judgment or become alarmed by a supposed spiritual message, spoken claim, or letter presented as if it came from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already arrived.
3Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. That day will not come unless the rebellion happens first and the lawless man is revealed—the man destined for destruction.
4He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god and every object of worship. He even takes his seat in God’s temple and declares that he himself is God.
5Don’t you remember that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you?
6Now you know what is holding the lawless man back, so that he will be revealed only at his proper time.
7The hidden work of lawlessness is already active. But the one who is holding it back will continue to do so until he is out of the way.
8Then the lawless man will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath from his mouth and bring him to nothing by the visible splendor of his coming.
9The lawless man’s coming will be Satan’s work. He will come with every kind of power and with counterfeit signs and wonders.
10He will use every kind of wicked deception against those who are headed for destruction. This happens because they refused to love and accept the truth that could have saved them.
11For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie.
12In this way, everyone who refused to believe the truth and instead took pleasure in wrongdoing will be condemned.
13But we must always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. God chose you as the first part of a harvest to be saved, through the Spirit’s work of making you holy and through your faith in the truth.
14God called you to this through the good news we announced, so that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.
15So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm. Hold tightly to the teachings you received from us, whether we taught you in person or by letter.
16May our Lord Jesus the Messiah and God our Father, who loved us and graciously gave us lasting encouragement and a good hope,
17encourage you deep within and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.