2 Thessalonians 2:9

Text (2 Thessalonians 2:9)

9 even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Translation and Paraphrase

9.

(This one whom the Lord Jesus shall do away with is he) whose coming corresponds to the activity of Satan (who does his work) with every (kind of) power, and signs, and false miracles (wonders of deceit).

Notes (2 Thessalonians 2:9)

1.

There is nothing more plainly taught in all the Bible than that Satan does miracles. Miracles in themselves do not prove that the miracle-worker is doing God's will.

a.

The magicians in Egypt did miracles and changed their rods into serpents. Exodus 7:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:8. Undoubtedly these were miracles of Satan.

b.

Deuteronomy 13:1; Deuteronomy 13:3: If there arise among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign of a wonder - thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet.

c.

Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

d.

Matthew 7:22: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not - in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

e.

See also Revelation 18:23; Revelation 13:13; Revelation 19:20.

2.

Think of all the religions that try to prove they are of God by the miracles they claim to doRoman Catholic, Christian Science, Pentecostal, etc. They teach doctrines that contradict one another, but all try to prove they are of God by working (or claiming to work) miracles. But the miracles in themselves just do NOT prove that they are of the truth.

3.

Since we have set forth the view that the falling away and the man of sin (mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3) are connected with the Roman Catholic religion, it is interesting to note how the Roman church is almost built on claims of miracles. Every time a dead man is proclaimed a saint, there must be evidence (?) brought forth that he (or she) did at least two miracles. The shrines of Romanism (such as the one at Lourdes, France) attract thousands of pilgrims, many of whom go away saying they are healed. We read about Catholics who have spontaneously bleeding wounds (stigmata) in the places where Christ was wounded on the cross. We are told that the bread and wine miraculously change into the very flesh and blood of Christ during the mass. But why say more? Remember the apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul, warned us about power and signs and lying wonders.

4.

Of course the miracles of Christ and his apostles were genuine, even if Satan works false miracles. Acts 2:22; 2 Corinthians 12:12.

5.

There is little difference in meaning between the words, signs and wonders. The term wonders (Gr., teras) is always in the plural in the N.T. and always joined with the word sign.

6.

Both the American Standard Version and the King James correctly assume that the coming referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 is the coming of the Wicked one, and not the same as the coming mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:8, which is Christ's coming.

7.

It is Satan's delight to counterfeit the things of God. Thus the man of sin is a counterfeit of Christ. They have several points of resemblance and contrast,

JESUS

THE MAN OF SIN

1.

Has a coming. 1 Thessalonians 2:19

1.

Has a coming, 2 Thessalonians 2:9

2.

Did miracles. Acts 2:22

2.

Does miracles. 2 Thessalonians 2:9

3.

Is God. Hebrews 1:8

3.

Sets himself forth as God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4

4.

Is over the house (or temple) of God. Hebrews 3:6

4.

Sits in the temple of God (as a usurper). 2 Thessalonians 2:4

5.

Shall be glorified. 2 Thessalonians 1:10

5.

Shall be destroyed. 2 Thessalonians 2:8