Study Desk

Let no one in any way deceive you, for that day cannot come without the coming of the apostasy first, and the appearing of the man of sin, the son of perdition, who sets himself against,

For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed,

The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works--

and by every kind of wicked deception for those who are on the way to perdition because they did not welcome into their hearts the love of the truth, so that they might be saved.

And for this reason God sends them a misleading influence that they may believe the lie;

And from us thanks are always due to God on your behalf--brethren whom the Lord loves--because God from the beginning has chosen you for salvation through the Spirit's sanctifying influence and your belief in the truth.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, asking that the Lord's Message may be spread rapidly and its glory be displayed, as it was displayed among you;

and that we may be delivered from wrong-headed and wicked men; for it is not everybody who has faith.

For you yourselves know that it is your duty to follow our example. There was no disorder in our lives among you,

nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you.

This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.

For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you: "If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat."

For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly lives and are mere idle busybodies.

and the attention they bestow on mere fables and endless pedigrees, such as lead to controversy rather than to a true stewardship for God, which only exists where there is faith. And I make the same request now.

and remembers that a law is not enacted to control a righteous man, but for the lawless and rebellious, the irreligious and sinful, the godless and profane--for those who strike their fathers or their mothers, for murderers,

fornicators, sodomites, slave-dealers, liars and false witnesses; and for whatever else is opposed to wholesome teaching

who is willing for all mankind to be saved and come to a full knowledge of the truth.

For there is but one God and but one Mediator between God and men--Christ Jesus, Himself man;

who gave Himself as the redemption price for all--a fact testified to at its own appointed time,

For Adam was formed first, and then Eve;