As if the apostle had said, "Brethern, we beseech you, as you assuredly expect the coming of Christ, and do love, look, and long for, that day when it shall go well with you, and Christ will appear to your glory, that you be not troubled," &c. Learn hence, that the coming of Christ to judgment is.... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. The error which the apostle disproves, namely that the day of Christ, that is, the day of judgment, was then at hand, to come in. few years; which was very true with respect to his coming to destroy Jerusalem, but not as the final judgment. Learn hence, That the time of Christ's comin... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "Let no man deceive you in this article of your faith, by any pretence whatsoever; for before Christ's coming there shall come. great falling away from the catholic faith, and by that means the man of sin will be revealed, who is the son of perdition:"-- Note here, 1. Su... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle proceeds in the further description of this man of sin, by. two-fold note of distinction, namely, by his enmity and opposition, and by his dignity and exhaltation. Observe, 1. His enmity and opposition; HE OPPOSETH HIMSELF, that is, against Christ, as his name Antichrist signifies, oppo... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, That the doctrine of the rise and ruin of Antichrist is necessary to be made known; for though these things were not to come to pass in their days, yet St. Paul taught them before when present, and now repeateth it again when absent, to fasten it upon their mind and memories; it is nec... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How our apostle intimated to the Thessalonians that Antichrist was not then revealed, and consequently that they were not then to expect the coming of Christ to judgment. Observe, 2. The impediment that then hindered his revelation: NOW YE know what withholdeth; BY WHICH THE ROMAN... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, the beginnings of Antichristianity are secretly and mysteriously already working, which will bring Antichrist himself forth in time, even Antichristian doctrines, and the affecting of Antichristian dominion: only the empire that now hindereth must be removed and taken out of the way. Note... [ Continue Reading ]
These words contain both the risk and ruin of Antichrist, his revelation and destruction. Observe, 1. The title given to him, O ANOMOS, the LAWLESS ONE, he that boasts himself to be above all law, and assumes to himself. power to dispense with all the laws of God, as we well know who does. Observe,... [ Continue Reading ]
An account is here given how Antichrist doth acquire and keep up his power in the world: the first and great instrument is Satan; after the working of Satan, is as much as, by the working of Satan, denoting not only his pattern but his influence. The devil has. great hand over wicked men in the worl... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have. threefold description given of the subjects of Antichrist's kingdom: they are described, 1. By the ways and means how they are drawn into this apostasy and defection, and that is, WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS; where, by unrighteousness, understand his false doctrine and... [ Continue Reading ]
The sin of those who are seduced by Antichrist was mentioned in the foregoing verse, the judgment of such is here declared in these verses, which is twofold, delusion in this world, and damnation in the next. 1. Delusion in this world. Here note, 1. The author of this judgment, GOD SHALL SEND THEM... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle, having in the foregoing verses set forth. fatal apostasy from the sincerity of the Christian faith and worship, here in this verse exempts the Thessalonians from the number of those that were endangered by it; and this he makes mention of, to their great comfort, and with thanksgivings... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle comforted the Thessalonians in the former verse from their election, in this from their vocation; whereunto, that is, to which salvation, sanctification, and belief of the gospel, GOD HATH CALLED YOU, by our preaching of the word, to the obtaining of the glory purchased, and conferred by... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having abundantly comforted the Thessalonians in the former verses, from their election and vocation, he closes the chapter with an exhortation to them to perseverance and constancy in the truth; THEREFORE, BRETHREN, STAND FAST. Observe, 1. The illative particle, THEREFORE that is, beca... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having abundantly comforted and affectionately exhorted the Thessalonians in the former verses, now concludes with fervent prayer for them. Where observe, 1. The persons prayed to: our Lord Jesus Christ, and God our Father. Where note, (1.) That prayer must be made to God alone, he onl... [ Continue Reading ]