Bible Commentaries
2 Thessalonians

All second epistles contemplate in some way a tendency to departure, which requires the arresting energy of the Spirit of God, in ministry suited to bring back to the path the sheep that so easily stray. How we need such epistles today! Hence it will be noticed, even in our first chapter, that there is a marked difference from the fast chapter of 1 Thessalonians where the apostle writes with such joy in the fresh, vibrant spirit of faith, love and hope that so characterized these young saints. Here, however, though his joy in them is just as real, it is with more sober, solemn tone that he writes.

Satan had been active in deceitful enmity to introduce that which had brought a cloud over the bright endurance of hope. The second chapter slows that the saints had been troubled and shaken by the false doctrine that the day of the Lord had already come, evidently also backed by forged letters written as though from Paul. The persecution they endured locally was, of course, the occasion that Satan used to alarm them, and this would tend to undermine their confidence in the truth of the word of God, which taught them to look not for the tribulation. but for God's Son from heaven. Thus, with eyes on their afflictions rather than on the Lord, they became like Pear when beginning to sink in the water. But such is the cunning: of Satan, and we must be guarded against his wiles by mans of the dear. sample teaching of the pure word of God.

Yet we must observe that the apostle does not bring up the evil of the false teaching they had heard until he has first given that which will encourage and draw their hearts to the truth as centered in the blessed person of the Lord Jesus, for it is important that the condition of their own hearts should be met before their minds are enlightened. May we know more of such wise and considerate work.