Second Thessalonians (commentary)

This was written shortly after the first letter, maybe after news from the first letter carrier’s return.

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Similar greetings as in the first letter.
I believe the grace and peace are those things the believer are to experience as through faith in God’s word.

It is grace to do the will of God. 2 Corinthians 9.8: And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may have an abundance for every good work.
It is peace as a state of calm. John 14.27: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Peace does not mean things are going as we wished, but you must know that you have done what God requires of you and have put what is outside your control with Him.

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

Bound means obligated. It is fitting (same Greek word for worthy) as in first letter because of the qualities in them, being faith and love. These were identified in the first letter. These qualities were characteristic of them, yet we know in the first letter there was concern over failure in faith due to trials and over sexual immorality and disorderly conduct. But characteristic of them was faith and love, and these things were progressing, and so Paul was bound to give thanks to God.

4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

Boast means to glory in and honor. It is ok to boast about others’ progress--to speak well of --which encourages and motivates everyone. It is ok to boast about what God has done.

Patience and faith are the means of enduring tribulations. Tribulation endured creates character, to endure further tribulation, see Romans 5.3.
Tribulation is broader than persecution (for their beliefs), but the believer suffers all kinds of tribulation, which is his appointment, see 1 Thes 3.3. Persecution happens to all who live godly, 2 Tim 3.11-12.

5 [which] [is] manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer

Evidence of the righteous judgment of God. What is this righteous judgment?

There are two classes of people in the world, believers and non-believers. Tribulation comes on both but for different reasons.

The righteous judgment of God is how he deals with these two classes of people. Believers are afflicted, and yet thru their endurance (which is the fruit of faith and evidence of God’s righteous judgment), God counts them worthy of the kingdom, while non-believers who cause the persecution (the fruit of their unbelief) will suffer God’s affliction.

Doesn’t the idea of being “counted worthy” go against salvation by grace?
Worthy could mean deserving or it could mean fit or fitting; both fit and fitting mean right, but fit means suited for (the job) and fitting means appropriate or becoming conduct.

Verse 1.3 uses fitting for the same Greek root word, and verse 1.11 has worthy with reference to calling.

Calling speaks of ones vocation—the believer’s vocation in this life.
There is a reference in Luke 9.62 that indicates that there is a Divine desire for us to be fit for the kingdom: But Jesus said to him, No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. NKJ

A different Greek word is used in Luke 9.62, but the idea is still one of fitness or usefulness, as Strong’s Greek dictionary says for this word. The NIV translates: No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. We are fit for representation and effective service by a character created by tribulation.

6 since [it] [is] a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,

The tribulation that God will bring upon non-believers, I believe, is the coming wrath called the Day of the Lord.

7 and to [give] you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

The reference that Jesus will be revealed with his angels taking vengeance is another reason I believe the DOL is second coming. See Mat 16.27; 25.31

This rest must speak in the sense of manifested justice, since 2000 years of persecution have come to past.

Vengeance is God’s. It will be both temporal (physical death) and everlasting judgment (separation from God forever).

All believers, and these Thessalonians who believed Paul, will participate Christ’s honoring.

11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of [His] goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

To be counted worthy of the calling is to be fit for the Divine vocation of service for the kingdom in the here and now. Christ will be glorified through them by them being fit for service.

Again, consider Luke 9.62: "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Fitness for service for the Kingdom of God requires priorities and commitment. The text of Luke 9.57-61 reveals people making excuses, whether the excuses are sincere or not. They say: “I will follow you, but first let me do such and such…” One can not represent and be effective for the kingdom of God if the things of God are secondary.)

Chapter 2

2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

A teaching attributed to Paul had troubled the Thessalonian believers that the Day of the Lord had come. This was troubling because they previously understood that they would be gathered to Christ prior to that event.

The gathering must be the rapture: 1 Thes 4.17.

The Majority Greek Text says day of Christ, but most believe the Alexandrian text reading of the Day of the Lord. Is there a difference in meaning?

Paul previously wrote on DOL as a day of wrath in 2 Thessalonians 1.6-10 and in 1 Thes 5.1-4.
I believe Paul’s teaching on prophecy is based on Christ’s teachings in the Olivet discourse.

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for [that] [Day] [will] [not] [come] unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Don’t be deceived about that Day. Two things will precede DOL. Paul’s point is that these things haven’t happened.
The word first may apply to both things, the falling away and the revealing: both come before DOL. Or the falling away comes first, before the revealing.

The falling away speaks of a departure, and most probably from the faith. The Greek word transliterated is the origin of our word apostasy. I don’t believe that this apostasy is a trend in the world towards greater evil, see 2 Timothy 3.1-5, but a departure from the faith.

Has this already begun in the past, or is it a future kind of apostasy? It’s hard to see it as something still yet future, especilly in light of Timothy 4.1-3: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…"

John Walvoord, an expert on prophecy, said in his commentary on Thessalonians: today there is widespread apostasy.

It seems to me that apostasy has to speak of a departure from the truth, especially the faith, which does not apply to the unsaved.

The second thing is the revealing of son of perdition. This revealing is described in verse 4 as particular acts of opposition to God. Paul’s teaching is taken from that of Christ’s, being the abomination of desolation: "Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place." Matthew 24.15

This act reveals the son of perdition/ lawlessness in his true character, as Lenski says: "This antichrist reveals himself as the antichrist by this pagan act of seating himself in the true God’s own sanctuary."

This happens during the middle of the 70th week of Daniel, Daniel 9.27, but then, I believe the DOL happens at the end of the 70th week.

Many believe the revealing is the signing of a 7 year treaty that starts the 70th week of Daniel. Charles Ryrie says: "he will be revealed when he makes a covenant with many of the Jewish people, Dan 9.27, and this will signal the start of the tribulation period."

I believe the revealing is when he is manifested in his true character and capacity as stated in vs 4. Is not vs. 4 the defining event that reveals him? I wonder why Jesus makes reference to the abomination of desolation, but not the making or strengthening of a 7 year treaty, as seen in Daniel 9.27? Many identify him as the antichrist, and this event identifies him as such.

Bible Knowledge Commentary: "It seems probable that the man of sin will be identified by some people living then when he makes a covenant with Israel at the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel …but when he breaks the covenant three and a half years later … he will be widely recognized for who he really is … This latter event may be the time Paul had in mind for the “revealing” of the man of lawlessness."

It’s like Judas, who was revealed as the son of perdition by his act of betrayal, which followed after Satan entered him. It may be that Satan is allowed to enter this man to do his will, and he commits these acts that reveal him as the man of sin and son of perdition.

The acts of antichrist reveal him as such, and it is the result of satan entering this man to accomplish this role. The acts are similar to Antiochus IV in the temple during the second century BC. It is the abomination of desolation and as Daniel foretold: Daniel 7.8, 25; cp. 8.9-11; Rev 13.4-8

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

What was previously taught they were to hold on to. Paul was saying basically, I was right the first time. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a writing of the exact things Paul said to them?

They know what is restraining (holding back) the revealing. They knew, but we have theories.

The common futurist view is that it is the Holy Spirit through the Church; the rapture removes the restraint. I believe it is angelic, based on Daniel 10.10-21.

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains [will] [do] [so] until He is taken out of the way. 8a And then the lawless one will be revealed,

The Mystery of lawlessness is in contrast to the son of sin / lawlessness. The spirit of antichrist is already at work, but a particular manifestation of that spirit is being held back. 1 John 2. 18 says: Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

The reference to a restrainer is that of something that is holding back. It is a particular restrain of a particular person in a particular capacity. I believe it is Satan who is primarily being restrained to do his will through this person.

The restrainer is ultimately God, but the agent of God is probably angelic, such as Michael, see Daniel 10.10-21. Daniel 12.1 says that Daniel will stand up or stand still; compare this with the time period of Revelation 12.7-9,12b where we see satan defeated and coming down to earth with great wrath--one restrained is satan, who will be allowed to do his will through this man.

8b whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the [lawless] [one] is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

The end/ defeat of the antichrist/beast is the second coming of Christ; he and the false prophet will be the first to go to Hell: Dan 7.11,26; Rev 19.19-20

Antichrist’s coming is according to Satan: Rev 13 reveal the mortal wound healed (13.3) and the signs and wonders of the false prophet (13.11-14).

10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Those who perish are those who are not convinced of their depravity. All unsaved people are perishing, but there is hope for those who are or can be convinced of their depravity, but those who are not convinced and cannot be convinced are conditioned to believe the coming deception. These truly are perishing as they believe the deception and continue in unrighteousness, building a case against them and speeding up judgment.

Not receiving the love of the truth is evidence of their unbelief. It is here for contrast between those who perishing and those who are not. Those perishing do not believe and therefore do not love the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. It is not just unbelief but the condition and character they have reached that wrath is coming upon them. They will not be saved from the wrath of God, temporal, as in the Day of the Lord, and

Everlasting, as in the Lake of Fire.

The working of satan and the unrighteous deception makes reference to the signs and wonders done by the false prophet in the presence of the beast to draw in those who have not believed in Christ.

ll And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

A strong delusion is set before the unbelievers which they are conditioned to go after. God, by this, is speeding up and building a case for judgment, for not just unbelief brings judgment but the evil conduct that unbelief produces. Temporal judgment comes when society has reached a certain degree of ungodliness. The contrast is between those who believed and those who had pleasure in unrighteousness. (I know, I’m being repetitive here.)

The strong delusion probably refers to Revelation I3 concerning the beast’s mortal head wound being healed and the false prophets signs and wonders. Those who didn’t believe will be of such a state of mind (conditioning) that they will follow the great coming deception.

13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

“But” we are bound to give thanks. . . for you

The DOL is coming, but it hasn’t come and it won ’t come upon them.

I believe l Thes 5.9 could have been on Paul’s mind; For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Their appointment is salvation.

The DOL is the appointment of those who are not convinced of their depravity (thus perishing); who do not believe, and love unrighteousness

.

Judgment was coming upon the nations for their unbelief, but not these Thessalonians, because they belong to the people and purpose of God through faith. The DOL wrath would be the time of the gentiles’/ nations’ distress: Ezekiel 30. l The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 "Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: "Wail, ‘Woe to the day!‘ 3 For the day [is] near, Even the day of the Lord [is] near; It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles.

But God had chosen the gentiles for salvation through faith. That’s how I understand this reference Paul is making at this point that "God chose you for salvation.”

Paul’s statement that God “Chose you” speaks of their collective Divine purpose as gentiles, as with Israel, but it is through belief in the truth.

God has chosen a people for himself from among the gentiles, and this is by faith in Christ. And so, the fate of the Gentiles is not sealed for destruction.

The Greek word for "chose" is rather unique here, it is "heilato,“ a word used for Israel in the Septuagint as in Deuteronomy 26.18: The Lord has chosen thee this day that thou shouldest be to him a peculiar people.

James says in Acts 15.14: "Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.”

The words “sanctification by the spirit” comes first. This may be a good argument for the Calvinistic view that God has determine who will be saved, and this is consistent with grace. (But I will contend that faith is not a work, and that grace is not an arbitrary decision that determines who will be save and who will be unsaved.)

I would suggest that it comes first because Paul had more to say about belief in the truth—if one were to make the argument that this sanctification by the Spirit speaks of regeneration. But a reverse order can be seen elsewhere; as seen in 1Timothy 2.4 (who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth) and Revelation 4.11 (by your will they existed and were created).

Sanctification of the Spirit can speak simply of being set apart by God for His purpose. God revealed to Peter concerning the Gentiles who believe: What God has cleansed you must not call common. Acts 10.15 Sanctification by the Spirit comes first because Paul had more to say about belief, but this sanctification happens instantly upon belief in the truth, just as salvation does upon coming to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2.4) or

existence when created (Rev 4.11).

14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was God's purpose to have a people from among the gentiles.

They will share in the glory! honor of Christ.

Paul wrote to the Colossians: Colossians 1.24-27 ...the church, of which I [Paul] became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

This salvation of the gentiles would include God's purpose to manifest Christ in them. God had chosen them like he did Israel, as a people for His purpose. And who could have imagined such a thing-—certainly not the Jew‘? This is why the vision was given to Peter that he might understand about Cornelius. This was the revelation and stewardship/ dispensation given to Paul.

Though the Day of the Lord is coming upon the nations who do not obey the gospel, the nations can be part of the people and purpose of God through belief in the truth, and this was evident among the Thessalonians who had both turned to God from idols and received and believed the gospel message (First Thessalonians chapter one).

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

It would be easier if the word "teachings" was used instead of 'traditions.’

Tradition is some practice handed down or given over by word of mouth or written. It isn‘t always something optional. Paul speaks of them as being binding: 2 Thes 2.15, 3.6.

Paul is probably using tradition instead of teaching, in light of the context about false teaching, to emphasize the need to adhere to and continue in the way that truth is discerned.

They were to adhere to those teachings taught them when Paul was first present: they were to be discerning and judge any subsequent claims by those things first taught them.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Paul Concludes with words of encouragement about God's character and His intentions and ability for them. Abide in God’s word and will, and He will establish and enable you.

3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run [swiftly] and be glorified, just as [it] [is] with you, 2 and that we maybe delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

Paul had a prayer request of them. What significance this would give them that even this great apostle wanted their prayers.

The request was for two things in their ministry. First concerning the advance of the word of God. and second, concerning deliverance from opposition.

The word “Run” is the Greek word for run, but the idea is probably that of being unhindered; the KJV has “free course.” Consider Gal 5.7: You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

The Word of God being glorified means honored, being received as the word of God, as they had receive it: not as the word of men but the word of God: 1 Thes 2.13.

The men that fit Paul’s description were the religious Jew, see 1 Thes 2.14-16; Acts 17.5.

Why this prayer request‘? We know that the word of God is often hindered and rejected, and there is opposition. This is a world of free will and evil. A spiritual battle is part of that mix. God may intervene and limit free will and evil.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard [you] from the evil one.

God is always faithful towards His own; the problem is with the believer in his walk with the Lord through a humble abiding in God’s word.

I believe one’s faith is in view. Satan wants to overthrow it or pervert it. Christian ministry will not keep you, but humble abiding in the Word will.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

This is a positive, favorable opinion that paves the way for further instruction. Their past godly character was a basis of optimism. He is about to address conduct unbecoming by some in their midst, and how it is to be handled.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

God is always able.

“May” reveals the human responsibility to abide in God’s word.

‘Direct’ is ‘guide.’

“Hearts” speak of stirring their aflections by the love of God for them and patience is enduring as Christ (in conduct and expectation), see Rev 1.9 which makes the patience of Christ like a sphere of identification.

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

Tradition can be a biblical teaching or practice, such as believers assembling together regularly. Tradition is not required where it goes beyond biblical princple, but that doesn‘t mean it can‘t be done.

We do a lot of traditional things and don't know it. Matthew 15.6: “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no efiect by your tradition.” We must not deprive Scripture of it's authority by our tradition.

Tradition in this context is with reference to appropriate conduct: work for your own needs and wants. They were to follow Paul & companys example of not taking advantage of other believers and being an unnecessary burden.

Christians generally should not expect other people to take care of them but should support themselves as much as possible.

9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Paul and co. had authority" as Apostlesl missionaries to live of the gospel. Full time ministry support is more of an optional thing/ traditional thing that depends on what the Church wants to accomplish. If anyone had/ has the right to fiill time support, it would have been the role of Apostle, or the present role of missionary, because of the nature of the job. The full time support of pastor! elder is more of a tradition and optional.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

The don't work don't eat rule applies under normal conditions.

In marriage, the primary responsibility is that of the husband/ father-—I prefer my wife to be flee from working to meet certain family needs, and so I budget my life accordingly.

Bible Knowledge Commentary: The individuals in view were not those who could not work but those who would not work. They were not to be supported by other Christians out of a sense of charity. The loving thing to do for those drones was to let them go hungry so that they would be forced to do right and go to work. No Christian who is able but unwilling to work should be maintained by others who labor on his behalf.

ll For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Disorderly conduct was that of not minding their own business, but meddling--too much free time?

12-15: 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. l3 But [as] [for] you, brethren, do not grow weary [in] doing good. l4 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count [him] as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

Paul says there needs to be church discipline on those who don‘t obey this instruction. The reason is because of its bad testimony, being Christians taking advantage of others, being lazy, and disrespectful of others—acting no better than the tmsaved, and maybe worse.

KBC: treat the offender as a brother, not as an enemy. They were not to think of the offender as personally antagonistic toward them, nor were they to feel hostile toward him. His objective relationship to them as a brother in Christ should govern their

feelings and actions, rather than subjective feelings that might be aroused by his idleness. They were to warn (noutheteite) him, not denounce him. Whereas they were to have no social contact with him they were not to break off all contact. They were patiently to admonish him to forsake the error of his ways.

l6 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord [be] with you all.

Peace is unity and calm, a lack of conflict. When one is establish in doctrine, they are not “troubled” by contradictory teaching. When believers are aligned with God’s will, they have peace among themselves.

l7 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

Paul wrote by means of a secretary, but at this point was in his own hand. This could protect against any claims about letters from him that weren’t. It makes it personal and quite evident it was from him.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

Ends as Paul’s letters begin. God’s grace is what saves us and what enables us, if we abide in His word