December 2, 2014
2 Thessalonians
Paul’s second letter to the Church in Thessalonica followed relatively closely on the heels of his first, both in time (as little as six months later), and purpose. Like the first letter, Paul writes to encourage the believers, to exhort them to obedience, and to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return.
Right here, it might be a good thing to correct that same misunderstanding. Paul says, “We ask you...not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come” (2 Thess. 2:2). Paul corrects this but reminding us that “the lawless one (often associated with the “antichrist”) must rise to power first, then be overthrown “by the breath” of Jesus’ mouth when he comes in his glory (1 Thess. 2:8). In other words, there will be no mistaking the Second Coming of Christ. The whole world will know it, especially the “lawless one.” The Second Coming will get the attention of everyone!
In the light of Jesus return, Paul calls the Christians in Macedonia to stand firm with regard to what they have been taught (2:15) and to keep busy in the the work of the gospel (3:15). Lord, help us never to tire of doing right!
Tomorrow is Paul’s first letter to Timothy!
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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