By Sam Nobles
The task in understanding this particular
chapter is that it is a supplement to
what Paul had already taught the Thessalonians orally, and we don't know
exactly what was said, but the ideas are clear enough that we can have a clue
on how to piece it together.[i] Apparently,
a misunderstanding of Paul's teaching had caused the Thessalonians to be
troubled. Their fears centered on the idea that the day of Christ had
already come, and they were going through the Great Tribulation (v.1).
Paul reassures the Thessalonian
believers that the Great Tribulation had not occurred because there are two
events that will precede it: A worldwide apostasy, and the appearance of a “man
of lawlessness”, a “son of destruction”, the antichrist (v.2-3). Paul goes into painstaking detail to describe the acts and
character of this horrible man so the Thessalonians will know this has not yet
happened (v.4-12).
In the first twelve verses, Paul described
the doom of the antichrist and his followers. Now he turns to the Thessalonian
Christians and thinks of their calling and destiny by way of contrast. As he
does so, he expresses thanks to God for these brethren beloved by the Lord, and proceeds to give a summary of
their salvation—past, present, and future.[ii]
First, Paul lets the Thessalonian church that their election by the Lord was a first-fruits, indicating that the Thessalonians were not only chosen by God in eternity past, but they were also saved so early in the Christian dispensation that they were considered to be among the first of a great harvest of those redeemed for God (v.13-14).
Lastly, Paul encourages the Christians in Thessalonica to stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth. If you stand on the Word of God, you will not fall for the devil’s lies. God’s people can face the future with assurance, hope, and comfort because of the unfailing grace of God.[iii]
First, Paul lets the Thessalonian church that their election by the Lord was a first-fruits, indicating that the Thessalonians were not only chosen by God in eternity past, but they were also saved so early in the Christian dispensation that they were considered to be among the first of a great harvest of those redeemed for God (v.13-14).
Lastly, Paul encourages the Christians in Thessalonica to stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth. If you stand on the Word of God, you will not fall for the devil’s lies. God’s people can face the future with assurance, hope, and comfort because of the unfailing grace of God.[iii]
Scripture
to Claim:
“Now may our Lord Jesus
Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort
and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every
good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV)
[ii] Believer’s Bible
Commentary, Second Edition, accessed May 16, 2017,
https://www.christianbook.com/believers-bible-commentary-second-edition/william-macdonald/9780718076856/pd/076856.
[iii] Be Ready (1
& 2 Thessalonians), accessed May 16, 2017, https://www.christianbook.com/be-ready-warren-wiersbe/9781434765017/pd/765017.
