Bible Commentaries
2 Thessalonians 2

Verses 1-2

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,… 2 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul speaks here of the coming or Parousia of the Lord Jesus, a return to earth often promised in scripture (cf. Matthew 24:27,39; James 5:7-8; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 John 2:28). As we remember, the apostle had spoken of this coming in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, and 5:23. Stott tries to focus on their problem, saying of the first letter, "At that time, the Thessalonians were troubled that the Parousia had not come quickly enough, since some of their friends had died before it had taken place; now their problem was that it had come too quickly, for some teachers were saying that the day of the Lord has already come (v.2), or is already here."^(F1) College director and web commentator, David Guzik, further describes their situation saying, "…the Thessalonians were afraid that they were in the Great Tribulation (the Day of the Lord)…"^(F2)

Next in this verse, we run into the word gathered (Gk. episynagoge), which simply means "gathered together." This word is found in only one other place in the New Testament, and that is in Hebrews 10:25, where the saints of God are gathered for worship.^(F3) The idea of God's people being gathered by angels is seen in other places, such as Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27. In scripture, we also see that angels have the task of gathering out the lawless and wicked from the earth for their eternal exile and punishment (Matthew 13:41).

The ever-expressive F. B. Meyer describes the wondrous event in store for God's people, "He is surely coming, and as surely will his saints be gathered to him, as the drops of moisture are drawn up from ponds and oceans, to cluster in the clouds in radiant beauty around the sun…." ^{1914, vs. 2:1-12. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/2-thessalonians-2.html">(F4)}

We remember here Paul's astounding account in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where he says:

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

This gathering together should not be a surprise to the godly who are watching. However, it will be a dreadful surprise to the ungodly, and will come upon them as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). The righteous will be awake, watching and clothed but the unrighteous will be ashamed and found naked, spiritually speaking (Revelation 16:15). They will be found bereft of the robes of righteousness in Christ (Colossians 3:12-14).

Paul asks the people, "…not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us – whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter – asserting that the day of the Lord has already come" (2:2). The words "unsettled" and "alarmed" are the Greek saleuo and throeo. The former word pictures a group of sailors in a storm at sea becoming shaken or agitated.^(F5) An example of this situation is found in Psalms 107:27. The latter word describes an ongoing or continuing state of agitation or anxiety.^(F6)

These were troubled that the day of the Lord may have come. John Stott gives us a present-day example similar to what might have happened in Thessalonica, "A modern version of the belief that Christ has already come is found among Jehovah's Witnesses. Their founder, Pastor Charles T. Russell, first taught that the world would end in 1874, and then revised his calculations to 1914. After this year had passed, his successor Judge J. F. Rutherford asserted that Christ did in fact come on 1 October 1914, but invisibly."^(F7)

Apparently, Paul was at a loss to explain what had actually happened to so disturb the Thessalonians. It is possible that some false letter had reached them, a letter supposedly from Paul himself. Also, it is possible that they had received a word of false prophecy. Paul had already warned the people to test such words of prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). It could also have come through a spoken word of preaching or other ministry.^(F8)

However it came, this false message had greatly troubled the church. "The report is that the day of the Lord had already come…The report would mean that this series of events had already begun to unfold (perhaps the sufferings of the Thessalonians were said to show this)."^(F9)

With this verse, Paul introduces the subject of the Day of the Lord. For many centuries and millennia man has had his day. Satan, the adversary, has also had his. However, the time is coming when both of these awful days will end and the Day of the Lord will begin. We see clearly in scripture that the Day of the Lord will include many cataclysmic events both in the earth and in the heavens.

The prophets see that the Day of the Lord will bring down the proud and lofty. Isaiah says, "The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day"(Isaiah 2:11). It is a day of disaster and destruction upon the ungodly (Isaiah 13:6). We see this also pictured in Revelation 6:17:"For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"God will shake the earth terribly (Isaiah 2:19). Then the people will cast their idols of gold and silver to the moles and bats (Isaiah 2:20). Earth's great and mighty ones will cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of the Lamb (Revelation 6:15). The cry of that day will be bitter (Zephaniah 1:14). Wicked hearts will faint as they are seized with terror (Isaiah 13:7-8). The heavenly bodies will no longer give their light (Isaiah 13:10-13). A devouring fire will break out on the earth as the Lord comes (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

While the day of the Lord will be an unmitigated disaster for the ungodly, we see that it will be a day ofblessing for the righteous (cf. Revelation 3:10). The prophet Malachi also says that the righteous will go forth leaping like calves released from a stall. In Malachi 4:3 he says, "Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things…." We who love and serve the Lord will actually be able to lift up our heads as the Day of the Lord approaches (Luke 21:28). We will have great confidence and boldness in that day (2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 4:17). After all, when Jesus appears we will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4), and be like him (1 John 3:2-3).In 2 Thessalonians 1:10, we see that he will come"…to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed…"

Verse 3

THE LAWLESS ONE

Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

With this, Paul makes a bold statement designed to give rest to the troubled saints in Thessalonica. He makes plain that the Day of the Lord absolutely cannot come about until certain things happen. First, the rebellion or apostasy (Gk. apostasia) must take place (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3-6; Jude 1:18-19). This information should greatly alarm us today. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s in North America, there arose a mighty rebellion against the Judeo-Christian heritage.^(F10) This movement had its beginning in Europe several decades before. The rebellion continues to rage after half a century, and it grows, showing no signs of abating. During this time, many of the foundations of Christianity and orderly society were washed away by this awful tidal wave of ungodliness and lawlessness.

Paul does not give us a time frame for this great rebellion so we need to be alert here. Obviously, such a movement would take some time to get started. No doubt, some roots of the rebellion go all the way back to the Renaissance (14th through 17th centuries). At that time, great emphasis was placed upon humankind and upon humanism. Certainly, many of the roots of rebellion can be seen in the later Enlightenment, or Age of Reason (1650s to 1780s), where philosophers challenged the church, the Bible, the family, and other foundations of society. These periods were certainly not all bad, for they produced Michelangelo, Dante, Da Vinci, Galileo and many others. They also included numerous cultural and scientific advances. Still, a great wave of lawlessness was unleashed upon the world and that lawlessness continues to grow almost exponentially.

Actually, the seed of this lawlessness can be traced all the way back to Bible times. We remember how the Apostle John spoke of the spirit of lawlessness (or antichrist) which was already unleashed in the world (1 John 4:3). In fact, at his time there were numerous antichrist-types alive and in the world (1 John 2:18). Many of these antichrists were denying the divinity of Jesus (1 John 2:22), as antichrist types still do today. John is the only biblical writer who mentions the Antichrist by name. Paul will soon call him the "lawless one" (2:8-9), and in other places he is referred to as the Beast (Daniel 7:5-23 and Revelation chapters 11-20). We can now glimpse the fact that law first must be taken out of the way before the lawless one can arise.

Obviously, it is easy for us to be deceived about the coming of this person. Paul sternly warns us not to be deceived about him. Unfortunately, many people have already been deceived. Bethel College Professor, Micahel W. Holmes, gives us a long list of people who have been named as the Antichrist by over-zealous folks. We have greatly abbreviated this list here, and we will just include the more famous names, such as Mohammed, Pope Gregory IX, Martin Luther, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, Hitler, Khruschev, Gorbachev, Khomeini, Arafat, Kissinger, and Ronald Reagan.^(F11) Years ago, I heard of a man who said he quit predicting antichrists when his third one died.

Holmes says, "Surely we deceive ourselves if we think that we will be able to identify this master deceiver."^(F12) We need to make sure that most of our interest is in Christ and not the Antichrist. Holmes adds, "When novels about Antichrist outsell books about Jesus, it seems to me that there is something seriously out of balance."^(F13)

Since the Reformation, many, including numerous commentators, have seen the Pope in Rome as the Antichrist. Today we realize that this is much too simplistic.^(F14) The Antichrist is far too complex a figure just to be the leader of Catholics.

We see in this verse that the Antichrist is doomed to destruction. This will be treated in some detail in verse 8. We will only say at this point that the phony Christ will be judged and destroyed when the real Christ appears again triumphantly on this earth. We might explain that the Greek prefix "anti" can mean either "against" or "instead of."^(F15) The Antichrist fulfills both of these meanings, he is against Christ and he is also trying to replace Christ.

This verse makes crystal clear that Jesus will not return to this earth until this time of lawlessness has arrived and the lawless one or Antichrist has appeared on earth. That time may be close indeed. Commentators and editors, Kenneth Barker and John Kohlenberger III, state, "He will be alive for years before his unveiling, but his dramatic public presentation will occur after the rebellion begins."^(F16)

Verse 4

THE LAWLESS ONE EXALTS HIMSELF

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4

Here we see that the Antichrist will exalt himself, even in the place of the True God. Perhaps it would help us if we could better understand this person. To do so, we need to take some time to trace his roots in scripture.

In his seventh, eighth and eleventh chapters, the prophet Daniel gives us the picture of an antichrist type. This person appeared in the Greek Empire. He arose after the time of Alexander the Great, and even before Rome became a world power. We know him from history as Antiochus Epiphanes (c. 215 – 154 BC). Daniel refers to this man as a "little horn" (Daniel 7:8 & 8:9-12). We can learn about the real Antichrist by studying this type.

The prophet Daniel describes for us the work of this antichrist type in Daniel 8:23-25. We see in this important passage that rebels must become completely wicked before his rise. We note that he will attack and partially defeat the Lord's people, but finally he will be overthrown by God's power. We see this one more fully revealed in Daniel 11:36-45. In this section we see the real Antichrist of the last days beginning to emerge.

We know from Jewish history that this antichrist type did arrive on the scene, and that he created great havoc. He invaded Israel, defiled the sacred altar by sacrificing a pig upon it, and utterly forbade the practice of Judaism. Many were persecuted and were even martyred in his wake. All this occurred around 165 BC.

Chapter eleven of Daniel gives us some additional color concerning the Antichrist. We see that he will attack the temple and set up the "abomination of desolation." We also learn that God's true saints will sternly resist him (Daniel 11:31-32).

The prophet further speaks of the great trials of these days. He speaks of God's saints being burned, captured and plundered (Daniel 11:33). This evil ruler will do as he pleases. He will greatly magnify himself and even speak against the True God (Daniel 11:36).

It was the valiant Maccabees who finally arose to withstand the antichrist type of their day. Ultimately, they defeated this evil man and his program. All this gives us a better understanding of the real Antichrist who appears in Revelation chapters 11 through 19. It is clear from Revelation that valiant overcomers will stand against the real Antichrist.

The prophetic scriptures indicate that his total reign will be about seven years. In that time he will gather a large following of nations (Revelation 19:19). He will institute a covenant with Israel and will be involved in building the Jews a temple (Daniel 9:27). Unfortunately, after three and a half years the Antichrist will bring a reign of terror to earth unlike any ever seen before. He will break his covenant with Israel and seat himself in the new temple, proclaiming himself as god (Daniel 9:24-27).^{naos) was used for the Holy of Holies in the Jewish Temple, though no seat was in it. The term was also employed for pagan temples where deities were enthroned. This may imply that the Jewish temple must be physically rebuilt (cf. Daniel 9:24-27)." (Utley, v. 2:4)">(F17)} This will be known as the abomination that causes desolation (Mark 13:14). Tragically, the whole earth will worship him (Revelation 13:11-12). A time of great worldwide distress will follow, but for the sake of the elect this awful time will be shortened (Matthew 24:15,21-22; 29-31; Revelation 13:14-15). We see by this that the elect will still be on the earth during these dreadful events, but they will be sealed in hearts and minds against this evil one (Revelation 7:2-3; 9:4).

Some of the early church fathers comment on this terrible time. Irenaeus (early second century) says, "…he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem. And then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds."^(F18) Lactantius in the early fourth century adds, "Power will be given him to desolate the whole earth for forty-two months…When these things happen, then the righteous and the followers of truth will separate themselves from the wicked and flee into solitary places…"^(F19) It is clear that in his reign, the church will be almost overcome and there will be a flood of martyrdom (Daniel 12:7-8; Revelation 6:9-11).

Verses 5-6

THE ONE RESTRAINING

Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-6

Once more, we realize how thoroughly Paul taught the Thessalonians. No doubt, he had even taught some of the people as he stitched tents during the daytime. It is impressive that he taught them so much in such a short amount of time. Unfortunately for us, we were not in on those blessed apostolic conversations and thus the Thessalonians knew some things that we still do not know.

Therefore, we can only guess at who or what the restraining power is, that even now prevents Antichrist from coming. Through the centuries, many ideas have been put forth. The Dispensationalists such as Scofield, Chafer, and Walvoord, for instance, feel that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit,^(F20) but this does not give us a fitting explanation. However, several of the early church fathers, such as Tertullian, Chrysostom and Lactantius were certain that the restraining power was the Roman Empire.^{Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 3, pp. 42-43).">(F21)} This makes a lot more sense, as we shall see. In addition to this, biblical law is also a mighty restraining force.

We might say that the idea of the Roman Empire as the restrainer is now the most popular idea among commentators.^(F22) Some commentators such as Morris, Pfeiffer and Harrison have favored this option but have sighed that the Roman Empire is no more.^(F23) They really do not need to sigh, because the Bible makes plain that the Roman Empire is still with us.

Daniel is clear that when the sovereign theocracy of Israel fell in 586 BC, God brought about four world governments that would last and guard society until the end of the age. In fact, they would all fall at the same time (Daniel 2:35), at the advent of Antichrist. These world governments were Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome. We have benefited from the principles of all these governments and we still do so. Rome was the last and the strongest of them. We can see how through history Roman law has kept the world from anarchy.^(F24) Until the early part of last century Latin was studied by most learned people. It was not uncommon for the older commentators on the Bible even to write a few sentences in Latin. Years ago, we all used Roman numerals in our writing, but in recent years all this Roman influence has declined sharply.

The idea of Roman government as the restrainer is seen in the grammatical changes of verses from 6-8 of this passage. The Greek words go from neuter in verses 6-7 to masculine in verses 7-8.^{Romans 13:1-7; Tit 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13,14,17)…" (Pfeiffer & Harrison, p. 1364).">(F25)} This change makes it possible to speak not only of the Roman form of government but of the ruler himself.

It should be of special concern today that we may be living in the very time Daniel spoke of, when the Roman power, authority and law would wane and even begin collapsing. The same would be the case with the Greek and the other two cultures that were so important to civilization. Just a few generations ago it was customary for educated people to know the Roman and Greek classics. All that has now passed away. On every hand we are now seeing lawlessness arise. These lawless ones not only oppose biblical law but all other kinds of law and social refinement. For instance, such organizations as ISIS are totally lawless movements. They are attracting thousands of lawless youth from the west who are happy to join in all the bloodshed, rape and pillage. There is hardly a day that we do not witness senseless, lawless acts by supposedly civilized people. There is even a creeping lawlessness in our churches today.

Verses 7-8

THE EVIL SECRET

For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

With this scripture, we realize that there is a mystery (Gk. musterion) in lawlessness. It has the ability to keep itself camouflaged. On the positive side, there is also a mystery in godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). Often true godliness goes unnoticed, particularly the wonderful mystery of the incarnation of Christ.

Stott comments about this lawlessness saying:

Presumably this means that he will be defiant of all law, both the moral law (asserting that there are no such things as moral absolutes) and the civil law (advocating anarchy in the name of freedom). Antichrist will be the ultimate antinomian. Jesus himself predicted that, in the future, "Because of the increase of wickedness [anomia, lawlessness], the love of most will grow cold…"^(F26)

So, right before our eyes the mysterious spirit of lawlessness has gained ground and has now almost taken over in our society. Things that would have left decent people aghast a couple of generations ago, now hardly raise an eyebrow. For instance, we are told that in 2010, unmarried couples in the US had climbed to 12 percent of all couples. This was a 25 percent increase in just ten years, according to the census data.^(F27) Even Christian young people now do not hesitate to move in with their sweethearts before marriage. Also, as I write this, a German pilot has just committed suicide by crashing his plane and taking 150 innocent passengers with him. This is total selfishness and total lawlessness. It is unbelievable – it is mysterious! Today we see more and more of our politicians helping pass laws that render our nation's law enforcement ineffective. Many plainly indicate that they would like to do away with law.

Several commentators state that this whole passage (1-12) is one of the most obscure and difficult passages in the Pauline corpus or even in the whole New Testament.^(F28) We would certainly have to agree with their assessments.

"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming" (2:8). The apostle passes over several important things here as he makes his summary. We know from Revelation that the Beast will lead all the nations of earth into one final and foolish battle against Israel. This is clearly the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). As all the armies of earth will probably amass themselves at Haifa Port, in the Valley of Jezreel near Megiddo and even in Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus will appear. It is interesting that the very appearance of Christ totally destroys the Antichrist and his forces. It likely will be one of the shortest battles in history but it will result in dreadful and shameful defeat for the nations.

We are told that the breath of Jesus' mouth (the word of God – Isaiah 11:4) and the very brightness of the Lord's coming will destroy Antichrist. Bible scholars Jamieson, Fausset and Brown note, "Christ's mere approach is enough to consume Antichrist…He is seized and "cast alive into the take of fire (Revelation 19:20)."^(F29)

Verses 9-12

EVERY SORT OF EVIL

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 2 Thessalonians 2:9

The Antichrist will be Satan's man. Some have even ventured to say that he will be Satan incarnate, just as Jesus was God incarnate on earth. However, this cannot be substantiated from the scriptures. Stott says, "It would be more accurate to think of the coming of Antichrist as a deliberate and unscrupulous parody of the second coming of Christ…"^(F30) Stott also adds, "The rebellion will take place, according to Paul, publicly and visibly on the stage of history. It will be seen in a world-wide breakdown of the rule of law, of the administration of justice and of the practice of true religion."^(F31)

We see some interesting things about this reign of Antichrist. It will be accompanied with great energy (Gk. energeian) and power from the devil. It will also be attended by some astounding signs and wonders. Many folks run after miracles today, but in the last day this could prove fatal. Utley says, "Miracles are not automatically a sign of God (cf. Exodus 7:11-12, 22; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Matthew 7:21-23; 24:24; Mark 13:22; Revelation 13)."^(F32) In scripture we are told to judge the false prophet to see if his life and his doctrine line up with scripture. Jesus says, "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16).

Regarding the miracles worked by Antichrist, Stott says, "For his will be counterfeit miracles, probably not in the sense that they will be fakes, but in the sense that they will deceive rather than enlighten."^(F33) We no doubt remember the false miracles worked by the Egyptian magicians, Jannes and Jambres (Exodus 7:11,22; 2 Timothy 3:8), as they opposed Moses.

Paul continues to describe the last-day deception saying, "…and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved" (2:10). It is clear that the Antichrist will bring about a massive deception upon humanity. "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). The Antichrist will make a deceptive covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:15-17). The scripture is plain that deceiving spirits will go out of the Middle East to draw all nations into a disastrous battle against Israel (Revelation 16:13-14).

The really alarming thing is that the antichrist spirit will tamper with truth itself. Since the middle of the Twentieth Century we have seen this happen. In our western societies there is no longer such a thing as absolute truth, a universal standard of truth or eternal truth. Truth has become relative so that each person can have his or her own private "truth," that may not match with the "truth" that others have. It also will probably not match with reality. We often hear the expression, "It may be true for you but it is not true for me." David Dockery in his book, The Challenge of Postmodernism, tells us that 72 percent of Americans now deny the existence of any absolute truth.^(F34)

Much of the breakup of truth has come about mostly because of some French philosophers of last century. These postmodern philosophers were Michael Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Francois Lyotard. One of these influential philosophers, Richard Rorty, was from the US.These men have literally turned truth upside-down. The Christian philosophic writer Nancy Pearcey says, "The very meaning of the word true has been distorted. It no longer means that a statement matches what really exists in the world but only that it matches my inner experience."^(F35) Pearcey goes on to advise us saying, "Christians must always lean against the predominate error of their age. And the most characteristic error today is the break-up of truth…."^(F36)

We see that many people will perish because of the Antichrist. He will even war against the saints and bring about the martyrdom and even defection of some (Revelation 13:7; Matthew 24:11-12, 24; 1 Timothy 4:1ff; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3-4; 2 Peter 2:1-22; 3:3-6; Jude 17-18). The early writer, Lactantius, who appears to have some prophetic gifting, says, "At that time there will be no faith among men, nor peace, kindness, shame, or truth. As a result, there will be no security, no government, nor any rest from evils. The entire earth will be in a state of tumult. Wars will rage everywhere. All nations will be in arms and will oppose one another…"^(F37) He adds, "For the human race will be so consumed, that scarcely the tenth part of mankind will be left…Two-thirds of the worshippers of God will perish as well. But the third part, which will have been proved faithful, will remain."^(F38)

"For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness" (2:11-12). We can see from this statement just how far we may be along into the great deception. Many people today believe the lie about truth. They are living with a false truth and a broken truth that does not correspond with reality or with the Bible. God promises that he will send such as these a powerful delusion that they will believe the lie. They are indeed all prepared for receiving the Antichrist with open arms. They have pleasure in wickedness and lawlessness so they will be able to accept the Lawless One without blinking.

Such as these will perish in the last days. In fact, they are already perishing. The use of the present participle (Gk. apollymenois) indicates that the process of perishing is already happening (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18).^(F39)

What a time in which we are living! Obviously, we have gone far into the last days without realizing it. It is surely time to wake up, to watch and be sober. Bible expositors, Barker and Kohlenberger exhort unbelievers concerning this passage, "What an incentive this powerful passage is for non-Christians to turn to God before the rebellion and delusion arrive!"^(F40)

Verses 13-17

SAVED, SANCTIFIED AND STANDING STRONG

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Paul continues his unique practice of thanking God for people (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). God had chosen them to be some of the very firstfruits of Europe. God had called them to be saints. The Scottish master, William Barclay says, "A 'saint'…is a person who makes it easier for others to believe in God."^(F41) People are saved by the blood of Christ, and they continue to be sanctified through the word and through the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11-12; 1 Peter 1:2). Because the continuing work of sanctification is done by the Holy Spirit it is very important that we Christians do not grieve the Spirit by our lifestyle in these last days. It is the Spirit who seals us from the horrors of this end time (Ephesians 4:30).

There is a problem with some Greek texts as to whether this passage should read "firstfruits" (Gk. aparchen) rather than "from the beginning" (ap'arches). Other translations read "from the beginning" (NKJ, NAS, NET). Morris feels like this should be the favored translation.^(F42) In Ephesians 1:4 we read, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ…."

Again, it is Meyer who puts this idea into heavenly words, "'From the beginning!' Who shall compute the contents of the vast unknown abyss, which is comprehended in that phrase? The beginning of creation was preceded by the anticipation of Redemption, and the love of God to all who were one with Christ." ^{vs. 2:13-14.">(F43)}

Sometimes this wonderful predestination is just too difficult for us to contemplate. Utley says:

Election is a wonderful doctrine. However, it is not a call to favoritism, but a call to be a channel, a tool, or a means of other's redemption…The Bible never reconciles the seeming contradiction between God's sovereignty and mankind's free will, but affirms them both! …Doctrines come in relation to other truths, not as single, unrelated truths. A good analogy would be a constellation versus a single star. God presents truth in eastern, not western, genres. We must not remove the tension caused by dialectical (paradoxical) pairs….^(F44)

Barnes asks, "Can there be any higher ground of praise or gratitude than that God has chosen us to be eternally holy and happy, and that he has from eternity designed that we should be so?"^(F45)

Several commentators note that once again, all three members of the Godhead are mentioned together in this verse. This is the subtle way in which New Testament writers insist on the doctrine of the Trinity long before the doctrine was officially formulated.

"He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2:14). Stott says, "… the biblical doctrine of divine election has always perplexed Christian people. Yet, although it perplexes our minds, it greatly comforts our hearts, and it is entirely consistent with our experiences."^(F46) It is almost unthinkable that we, as mere fallen humans, will one day share in the glory of the exalted Christ. So it will be, as Wiersbe says, "What begins with grace always leads to glory…"^(F47)

"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter" (2:15). Paul, who often acts like a drill sergeant, gives us two Greek commands, that we "stand firm" (stekete) and that we "hold fast" (karateite). Paul often pictures the first imperative to describe Christian perseverance (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 16:13). Not only are we to stand firm, but we are to hold fast to the traditions (Gk. paradosis) of our ancient faith. In his context here, Paul is referring to anything of the apostolic truth that is spoken or else written.^(F48)

Sometimes Protestant folks are turned off by the word "traditions." We must understand that at the time Paul was writing, very few New Testament documents were in existence, since the Thessalonian letters were some of the first written. Believers had to rely upon oral teachings from preaching or prophecy. Even today, all traditions are not bad. We have many good traditions like Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, that will help us to grow and mature in the faith. We must not desert these good things. Stott says that if we are left to ourselves it is easy to misinterpret God's word. We desperately need the checks and balances of our Christian family to keep our rampant individualism in check.^(F49)

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2:16-17). Paul is closing out this chapter with an intercessory prayer much akin to that of 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. Stott comments here saying of prayer, that it is, "…the God-appointed way of enabling him to do what he has promised to do and enabling us to inherit his promises. God's promises and our prayers must not be separated…"^(F50)

Paul knew that difficult times were coming as this evil age draws to a close. People would have to be strong in order to endure to the end and be saved (Matthew 24:13). Coffman reminds us of some of the scriptures that speak of the end day and the importance of our standing firm and holding on.^(F51) "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Timothy 4:1); But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power…" (2 Timothy 3:1-5); "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4).