Read 2 Thessalonians 2
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thessalonians%202&version=NIV
Rumors had been sweeping the Thessalonian church that Paul identified the present tribulation as the onset of the “Day of the Lord.” This Old Testament phrase is used in prophecy to indicate the culminating events associated with history’s end (2:1–2). Paul points out that this could not possibly be: The “man of lawlessness” (the Antichrist) has not yet appeared (vv. 3–5). The evil principle that will find full expression in the Antichrist is at work in present history, but its full expression is currently held back by the Holy Spirit (vv. 6–7a). When the Spirit’s dampening presence is removed the Antichrist will be unveiled, identified by demonically energized miracles that delude the unconverted (vv. 7b–12).
As believers called to live in troubled times, the Thessalonians must rejoice in their salvation and in the awareness that when Jesus comes they will share His glory (vv. 13–15). So Paul, raising his hands in benediction, blesses them with encouragement, hope, and strength for every good deed (vv. 16–17).
Discussion question
This was a follow up letter from 1 Thessalonians and apparently the first one may have caused some confusion. Did his elaboration of the second coming of Christ help you are did it confuse you more? How do you think the Thessalonians received it?
Reflection question
What encouragement do verses 13-14 give you as you face hard times? Is there something in your life that you need encouragement and strength from God?
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I am not sure this elaboration did much to clear up confusion.
ReplyDeleteA question I have is when Paul was writing these letters, I think these were before Revelation was written. Therefore, were the people in Thessalonika and other Christians getting their information about end times from Paul, the gospels or from some other source?
Doug the answer to your question is yes....sorry, couldn't resist. But I am sure he received a lot of information from the Gospels. If you want to do some additional study you can look at Mark 13, Matthew 24 and Luke 12:35-48 and Luke 17:33-37. Jesus used many parables regarding a return by the master as well. I am sure there were other sources that Paul had as well, including the Lord himself. We do also have to remember that the Scriptures is God-breathed 2 Timothy 3:16.
ReplyDeleteand if you remember from Galatians 1:11-12 that Paul said that he "received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Meaning the Gospel that he preached he received from Jesus.
My NIV study Bible dates 1 Thessalonians at about 140 A.D. and 2 Thessalonians at "shortly thereafter". It states that most scholars date Revelation at about 95 A. D.
ReplyDeleteI could't tell that any of this cleared up the chronological order of coming events, but it did make me feel that they can't be too far off. Of course, we've been saying that for centuries now.
Since Paul had praised the Thessalonians before for their faithfulness, I would expect them to receive the message with great anticipation.