This begins a new section. This is not related to chapter one. In ch. 1, the emphasis is on the judgment and the punishment of the wicked. Ch. 2 is concerned with the coming of the "man of sin." The term "gathering together" is found only one other time in the NT (Hebrews 10:25 "assembling of oursel... [ Continue Reading ]
There was some misunderstanding about the coming of Christ. NOTE: There is a difference in "misunderstanding" and "false doctrine." Most of the ISSUES that have divided the body of Christ have NOT been doctrine, they have been about methods, opinions, personal prefrences, etc. Here the flaw was in t... [ Continue Reading ]
A strong warning is given to any who would "beguile" them wheter through wicked intent or mislead into wrong thinking. Church history shows how many are quickly lead away by every new fad that comes along. RED FLAG - MARK THIS DOWN - BE ASSURED - - - Christ will not come until there is a falling awa... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is the description of this "man of sin" - - A. He opposes God - This word means, "to be set against, adversary, to oppose." Those who oppose God, reject his teachings, deny the Son of God could be part of what is being considered here. B. Exalts himself - This is in the middle voice (what one... [ Continue Reading ]
This information is not new. Paul preached about these things when he was there in person. The readers are now remined of that teaching. The word "told" means a repetition of the teaching (as a parent says, "I told you a 1,000 times to stop that.")... [ Continue Reading ]
Since I told you many times, and now am writing this letter, YOU KNOW. "That which restraineth" implies that something was a restraining force. This could refer to the Jewish state, the Roman state, Paul himself, or some other strong influence on the church (James, for example). Some have suggested... [ Continue Reading ]
This "mystery" was already at work. Mystery refers to that which is concealed, hidden. This hidden, under the surface work, was now becomeing visible. Still mostly hidden, but enought was known about it to know it was already working. Here the restrainer is considered a person. In verse 6 "that whi... [ Continue Reading ]
"Then" is in contrast to "now". "Shall be revealed" is used for the third time (3, 6, 8). This lawless one = [A] Whom the Lord will slay; [B] There is significance of the his coming. The Lord shall slay with the breath of his mouth = He shall be destroyed by teaching of truth. (See Revelation 1:16;... [ Continue Reading ]
This coming is in contrast to the coming of Christ. This coming is according to the working of Satan. He is not Satan. He is working in harmony with Satan and in agreement with Satan."Sings and lying wonders" "Sings" = observable acts "Wonders" = something exceptional which causes wonder or marvel.... [ Continue Reading ]
All kinds of deception will take place. Like Satan, he will use all kinds of deception on them that perish (lit. "them that are perishing"). He wants to keep the lost, lost. Here the unbeliever is mentioned. Satan wants to deceive Christians, also. Satan want to keep them lost. They do not love the... [ Continue Reading ]
Because they do not love the truth, God sends them a working of error. (See Romans 1:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4) This is a "strong delusion" sent from God. God always allows men to choose their own way. This is the same principle as in Romans 1:24; Romans 1:26; Romans 1:28. (See Isaiah 66:3-4) It may wel... [ Continue Reading ]
They will be judged because the choose not to believe the truth. This shows that: [A] God is not "forcing" them to believe a lie; [B] Gos is just in his action. They had pleasure in rejecting the truth. To reject truth = rejection of God, rejection of the Bible, rejection of Jesus, rejection of wo... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul now returns to the matter of the brethren there. He is glad for their stand, even in the face of this rising man of sin. The word "bound" shows that this was something he just had to do. How did they avoid believing this lie of the man of sin? Answer - The chose to believe the truth. The resul... [ Continue Reading ]
Our salvation is that into which we are called. This refers to the time when we heard the gospel and believed it. When we respond and obey the gospel, we are hearing the call of God. God still calls people in the same way today. The purpose of this calling is to obtain the glory of Jesus Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
"SO THEN" - Because you have been called, obeyed the gospel, believed the truth, stand fast. Don't be led astray. Don't believe the lie of the lawless one. In contrast, keep the traditions (oral teachings handed down) as they were taught by Paul. Some of this teaching was oral and some was in his tw... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul's ends the chapter with a prayer for them. He makes these points: A. God loves us. B. He gave us eternal life. C. He gives us comfort. D. Only God can offer us hope. 17. E. God will comfort our hearts. F. We will be established in every good work and teaching.... [ Continue Reading ]