2 Thessalonians 2:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
J. Vernon McGee
David Wilkerson
Willie MullanWillie MullanWillie Mullan
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We beseech you - by the coming of our Lord - It is evident that the Thessalonians, incited by deceived or false teachers, had taken a wrong meaning out of the words of the first epistle, Th1 4:15, etc., concerning the day of judgment; and were led then to conclude that that day was at hand; and this had produced great confusion in the Church: to correct this mistake, the apostle sent them this second letter, in which he shows that this day must be necessarily distant, because a great work is to be done previously to its appearing. Of the day of general judgment he had spoken before, and said that it should come as a thief in the night, i.e. when not expected; but he did not attempt to fix the time, nor did he insinuate that it was either near at hand, or far off. Now, however, he shows that it must necessarily be far off, because of the great transactions which must take place before it can come.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now we beseech you, brethren,.... The apostle having finished his first design in this epistle, which was to encourage the saints to patience under sufferings, proceeds to another view he had in writing it, and that is, to set the doctrine of Christ's coming, as to the time of it, in its proper light; and this is occasioned by what he had said concerning it in the former epistle, which was either misunderstood or misrepresented; and as he addresses the saints with a very affectionate appellation as his "brethren", so by way of entreaty "beseeching", and yet in a very solemn manner: by the coming of our Lord Jesus: which is to be understood not of the coming of Christ in the flesh, to procure the salvation of his people; nor of his coming in his kingdom and power to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, for their rejection of him as the Messiah; but of his coming to judge the quick and dead, than which nothing is more sure and certain, being affirmed by angels and men, by prophets and apostles, and by Christ himself, or more desirable by the saints; wherefore the apostle entreats them by it, that whereas they believed it, expected it, and wished for it, they would regard what he was about to say: so that the words, though an entreaty, are in the form of an adjuration; unless they should be rendered as in the Ethiopic version, as they may, "concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"; and so express subject matter of the discourse now entering upon, with what follows: and by our gathering together unto him; which regards not the great gatherings of the people to Christ the true Shiloh upon his first coming, and the preaching of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, when there were not only great flockings to hear it, but multitudes were converted by it; nor the greater gatherings there will be in the latter day, at the time of the conversion of the Jews, and when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought in; nor the conversion of particular persons, who are gathered in to Christ, and received by him one by one; nor the assembling of the saints together for public worship, in which sense the word is used in Heb 10:25 but the gathering together of all the saints at the last day, at the second coming of Christ; for he will come with ten thousand of his saints, yea, with all his saints, when their dead bodies shall be raised and reunited to their souls, and they with the living saints will be caught up into the air, to meet the Lord there and be ever with him; when they will make up, complete and perfect, the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven: this will be the gathering together of all the elect of God; and so the Arabic version reads, "the gathering of us all"; and which, as it is certain, is greatly to be desired; it will be a happy meeting and a glorious sight; by this the apostle entreats and adjures them to regard what follows.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From these words it appears that some among the Thessalonians had mistaken the apostle's meaning, in what he had written in his former epistle about the coming of Christ, by thinking that it was near at hand, - that Christ was just ready to appear and come to judgment. Or, it may be, some among them pretended that they had the knowledge of this by particular revelation from the Spirit, or from some words they had heard from the apostle, when he was with them, or some letter he had written or they pretended he had written to them or some other person: and hereupon the apostle is careful to rectify this mistake, and to prevent the spreading of this error. Observe, If errors and mistakes arise among Christians, we should take the first opportunity to rectify them, and hinder the spreading thereof; and good men will be especially careful to suppress errors that may arise from a mistake of their words and actions, though that which was spoken or done was ever so innocent or well. We have a subtle adversary, who watches all opportunities to do mischief, and will sometimes promote errors even by means of the words of scripture. Observe, I. How very earnest and solicitous this apostle was to prevent mistakes: We beseech you, brethren, etc., Th2 2:1. He entreats them as brethren who might have charged them as a father charges his children: he shows great kindness and condescension, and insinuates himself into their affections. And this is the best way to deal with men when we would preserve or recover them from errors, to deal gently and affectionately with them: rough and rigorous treatment will but exasperate their spirits, and prejudice them against the reasons we may offer. He obtests and even conjures them in the most solemn manner: By the coming of Christ, etc. The words are in the form of an oath; and his meaning is that if they believed Christ would come, and if they desired he would come, and rejoiced in the hope of his coming, they should be careful to avoid the error, and the evil consequences of it, against which he was now cautioning them. From this form of obtestation used by the apostle, we may observe, 1. It is most certain that the Lord Jesus Christ will come to judge the world, that he will come in all the pomp and power of the upper world in the last day, to execute judgment upon all. Whatever uncertainty we are at, or whatever mistakes may arise about the time of his coming, his coming itself is certain. This has been the faith and hope of all Christians in all ages of the church; nay, it was the faith and hope of the Old Testament saints, ever since Enoch the seventh from Adam, who said, Behold, the Lord cometh, etc., Jde 1:14. 2. At the second coming of Christ all the saints will be gathered together to him; and this mention of the gathering of the saints together unto Christ at his coming shows that the apostle speaks of Christ's coming to judgment day, and not of his coming to destroy Jerusalem. He speaks of a proper, and not a metaphorical advent: and, as it will be part of Christ's honour in that day, so it will be the completing of the happiness of his saints. (1.) That they all shall be gathered together. There will then be a general meeting of all the saints, and none but saints; all the Old Testament saints, who got acquaintance with Christ by the dark shadows of the law, and saw this day at a distance; and all the New Testament saints, to whom life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel; they will all be gathered together. There will then come from the four winds of heaven all that are, or ever were, or ever shall be, from the beginning to the end of time. All shall be gathered together. (2.) That they shall be gathered together to Christ. He will be the great centre of their unity. They shall be gathered together to him, to be attendants on him, to be assessors with him, to be presented by him to the Father, to be with him for ever, and altogether happy in his presence to all eternity. (3.) The doctrine of Christ's coming and our gathering together to him is of a great moment and importance to Christians; otherwise it would not be the proper matter of the apostle's obtestation. We ought therefore not only to believe these things, but highly to account of them also, and look upon them as things we are greatly concerned in and should be much affected with. II. The thing itself against which the apostle cautions the Thessalonians is that they should not be deceived about the time of Christ's coming, and so be shaken in mind, or be troubled. Note, Errors in the mind tend greatly to weaken our faith, and cause us trouble; and such as are weak in faith and of troubled minds are oftentimes apt to be deceived, and fall a prey to seducers. 1. The apostle would not have them be deceived: Let no man deceive you by any means, Th2 2:3. There are many who lie in wait to deceive, and they have many ways of deceiving; we have reason therefore to be cautious and stand upon our guard. Some deceivers will pretend new revelations, others misinterpret scripture, and others will be guilty of gross forgeries; divers means and artifices of deceit men will use; but we must be careful that no man deceive us by any means. The particular matter in which the apostle cautions them not to be deceived is about the near approach of Christ's coming, as if it was to have been in the apostle's days; and harmless as this error might seem to many, yet, because it was indeed an error, it would have proved of bad consequences to many persons. Therefore, 2. He gives them warning, and would not have them be soon shaken in mind, nor be troubled. (1.) He would not have their faith weakened. We should firmly believe the second coming of Christ, and be settled and established in the faith of this; but there was danger lest the Thessalonians, if they apprehended the coming of Christ was just at hand, upon finding that they, or others whom they too much regarded, were mistaken as to the time, should thereupon question the truth or certainty of the thing itself; whereas they ought not to waver in their minds as to this great thing, which is the faith and hope of all the saints. False doctrines are like winds, that toss the water to and fro, and they are apt to unsettle the minds of men, who are sometimes as unstable as water. Then, (2.) He would not have their comforts lessened, that they should not be troubled nor affrighted with false alarms. It is probable that the coming of Christ was represented in so much terror as to trouble many serious Christians among them, though in itself it should be matter of the believer's hope and joy; or else many might be troubled with the thought how surprising this day would be, or with the fear of their unpreparedness, or upon the reflection on their mistake about the time of Christ's coming: we should always watch and pray, but must not be discouraged nor uncomfortable at the thought of Christ's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-12 False teaching about the day of the Lord had disturbed the Thessalonian church (2:1-2). Paul reminds them (2:5) that two events will precede that day: a great apostasy and the unveiling of the man of lawlessness (2:3-12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8), and those who have been deceived will also be judged (2:9-12). 2:1 At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:7-10; 1 Thes 2:19; 3:13; 4:15–5:2; 5:23), all of his people will be gathered to meet him. This will occur at the resurrection and rapture of the church (1 Thes 4:13-18).
2 Thessalonians 2:1
The Man of Lawlessness
1Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers,2not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Holy Spirit and the Antichrist
By David Wilkerson20K49:07Antichrist2TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges the Holy Spirit as the ruler of his life and the one who can deliver people from sin. He shares a story of a man who was convicted of his affair and tried to run away, but the Holy Spirit pursued him and brought him back to repentance. The preacher warns that the antichrist is at the door and that the current outbreak of violence and corruption is tame compared to what is coming. He emphasizes that the devil is corrupting every institution meant for good, including television, videos, theater, radio, and newspapers, in an attempt to corrupt the church of Jesus Christ.
Why I Believe the Coming of Lord Is Near
By J. Vernon McGee4.8K44:462TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of America in 1971, describing it as a country that has turned on itself and lost its vision. He mentions the closure of schools in Denver and a heat shortage in the east and north, emphasizing the impending gas rationing due to reduced supply. The preacher draws a parallel between the earth's resources and a gas tank, suggesting that God created the earth with specific resources for mankind to use. He also mentions the focus on space exploration and quotes a biblical verse about looking up for redemption. The sermon concludes with a mention of the world's increased awareness of earthquakes.
Falling Away to the Anti-Christ
By David Wilkerson2.3K47:47Anti-Christ2TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of cable television and filthy movies, stating that they are the number one cause of hearts being prepared for the antichrist. He believes that the eye is the gate to the heart, and through corrupt and jaded eyes, the antichrist will take control and sit on the throne of the heart. The preacher shares a personal story of a minister friend who had a satellite dish with explicit content and later fell into immorality, suggesting a connection between exposure to such content and moral downfall. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a plea for individuals to cleanse their minds and seek a new heart from God.
(Demonology) the Demons Against the Evangelicals
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:17:40DemonologyMAT 6:33MRK 4:15ROM 10:9EPH 6:12PHP 3:182TH 2:11TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the battle between the devil and the evangelist in corrupting the truth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching the Word of God and the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring believers. The preacher also mentions the hierarchy of leadership in the church, with apostles, prophets, and teachers. He talks about the power of faith and shares a story of a man who founded a mission with faith in God.
(Happenings Ahead) Dangers of the Last Days
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:10:02Last DaysLUK 15:24LUK 17:282TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus and warns that there will be a change in the future. He describes how God saw the wickedness of man and the evil thoughts that consumed their minds. The preacher urges the audience to pray for their sons and highlights the dangers of living in a sinful world. He references the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins from Matthew 25, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and having a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with the reminder that preaching should be like a picture, with the Word of God at its core.
(Daniel) Daniel's Great Vision
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:08:41VisionPSA 84:1PSA 84:10DAN 7:8MAT 3:12MAT 6:332TH 2:1REV 13:1In this sermon, the speaker, Daniel, expresses his grief and troubled spirit. He seeks the interpretation of his dream from a created being. The interpretation reveals that the four great beasts represent four kings who will arise from the earth. The speaker also mentions the division of Alexander the Great's world empire into four, and the possibility of future conflicts among economic powers.
(Revelation) Revelation 13:14-14:12
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:01:072TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the danger of worshiping images and idols, particularly in the form of television and video. He emphasizes that many believers spend hours in front of screens, prioritizing them over prayer and studying the Word of God. The speaker warns against following false prophets who perform supernatural miracles but teach things contrary to the Bible. He encourages believers to focus on obedience to the Word of God and to learn a new song of praise and thanksgiving, free from complaining and grumbling.
The Papacy Is the Antichrist 1 of 3 (1888) - Part 1
By J.A. Wylie1.5K1:10:15Papacy2TH 2:1The sermon transcript discusses the vision of the doubling of prophecies, indicating their certainty. The apostle Paul is portrayed as the interpreter of these prophecies, revealing the satanic nature of a power that was approaching during his time. This power, known as the mystery of iniquity, has persisted throughout history, outlasting empires and religions. The focus then shifts to the papacy, which has existed for twelve hundred years and has played a significant role in shaping the world. The papacy employed various tactics, such as dividing and conquering, using monks to monitor and control bishops, accumulating wealth, and expanding its dominion.
The Rise of Antichrist Pt 1
By Billy Strachan1.2K1:01:52Antichrist2TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of receiving a mark on the right hand or forehead, as mentioned in Revelation 13:16. He uses an illustration from his visit to Disney World, where he was stamped on the hand for re-entry. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the teachings about the Antichrist in order to avoid deception. He also mentions the need for endurance and preparation for future challenges. The sermon concludes with a discussion on a religious figure with supernatural power, potentially representing a central European confederation.
Audio Sermon: Falling Away to the Anti Christ
By David Wilkerson1.2K47:472TH 2:1
This sermon from 2 Thessalonians 2 warns about the rise of the Antichrist spirit in the last days, emphasizing the importance of not being shaken in mind or troubled but standing firm in the truth. It highlights the need to love the truth, avoid the pleasures of unrighteousness, and be sanctified by the Spirit to overcome the spirit of Antichrist. The message calls for repentance, a return to the love of God's Word, and a firm stand against the influences of the Antichrist spirit.
Obvious Apostasy
By Scott Hynds88642:33ApostasyDiscernment2TH 2:1Scott Hynds addresses the theme of 'Obvious Apostasy,' emphasizing the warnings from Paul about a great falling away in the church before the return of Christ. He highlights the confusion among the Thessalonians regarding the end times and the need for discernment against false teachings that distort the truth of the Gospel. Hynds encourages believers to remain grounded in Scripture and to be vigilant against the subtlety of deception that can arise from within the church. He stresses the importance of waiting in hope for the physical return of Jesus Christ, while also recognizing the perilous times in which we live. The message serves as a call to uphold the integrity of God's Word amidst a culture of apostasy.
Alternative Medicine—the Biblical Perspective (Part 2)
By Mose Stoltzfus5871:36:262TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving the truth and turning away from unrighteousness. He warns that those who do not repent and turn to the Lord will be damned and lost forever. The preacher prays for the fear of God to fall upon the listeners and for them to be convicted of their errors and wrongdoings. He encourages the audience to stand firm in their beliefs and to hold on to the teachings they have received. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to comfort and establish the listeners in every good word and work.
Two Roads Two Destinies 13 Ireland st.chapel
By Worth Ellis42748:152TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a man who was working in the field and meditating on the goodness of God. Suddenly, a tremendous storm came, bringing rain and lightning. The man was grateful for the rain as he had been praying for it, but then he noticed something strange - there were no clouds in the sky. This led the preacher to ponder the significance of rain without clouds and to question the timing and purpose of God's judgment. The sermon ends with a prayer for God's grace and a call for people to prepare for the coming judgment.
The First Sign of Christ's Coming
By A.C. Valdez Sr.4553:53Spiritual PreparednessDeception2TH 2:1A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the importance of loving the truth in his sermon 'The First Sign of Christ's Coming.' He warns of the growing deception in the world and the church, urging believers to remain vigilant and filled with the Spirit to discern truth from falsehood. Valdez highlights that the first sign of Christ's coming is the warning against deception, as echoed in the Gospels. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God and to love the Scriptures, as this love will protect them from falling away. The message serves as a call to spiritual preparedness in the face of impending challenges.
Gather My Saints Together
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 15:17GEN 22:12PSA 50:5MAL 3:16ROM 4:3EPH 4:16EPH 5:18COL 2:192TH 2:1HEB 10:25T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the end-time movement and the importance of a deep, inward spiritual knowledge of the Lord gained through personal experience, as seen in the Psalms which represent permanent spiritual gain. The end-time instrument will be those who know the Lord intimately through a history of deep experiences. The sermon emphasizes the covenant with God by sacrifice, illustrated through Abram's life, as the basis for the gathering of His saints. It highlights the need for a gathering unto the Lord Himself, prayer-fellowship, spiritual food, and a ministry that feeds the hungry souls seeking true spiritual nourishment.
Vi. the Apostacy Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer01CO 1:182TH 2:11TI 4:12TI 3:12TI 3:132PE 2:12PE 3:3Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the signs that must be fulfilled before 'The day of the Lord' can come, emphasizing the revelation of the 'man of sin' and the predicted apostasy or 'falling away' in the last days. Various passages from the New Testament warn about this apostasy, describing a time of spiritual darkness, false teachings, and the rise of counterfeit systems of faith led by the power of Satan, denying the redemptive work of Christ. Chafer highlights the importance of recognizing and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel, especially in a time when essential Christian doctrines are being denied even within Christian institutions and pulpits.
Protection From Falling Away
By David Wilkerson0ApostasyRenewal of Faith2TH 2:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of apostasy, defined as a rejection of previously held truths about God. He warns that a great falling away from faith will precede the return of Christ, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Wilkerson reflects on the early church's commitment to the gospel and the importance of returning to one's first love for Christ amidst a world filled with lukewarm beliefs. He encourages those who have walked with God to seek renewal and closeness with Him to avoid falling into apostasy. Ultimately, he reassures that God is waiting to embrace those who seek Him.
The Great Gathering
By J.C. Ryle0Christian FellowshipThe Second ComingPSA 139:23ISA 26:20MAT 24:31MAT 28:5ACT 27:44EPH 5:271TH 4:162TH 2:11PE 5:5REV 20:13J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound significance of the gathering of true Christians at the return of Christ, contrasting it with the temporary and often sorrowful nature of earthly gatherings. He highlights that this future gathering will be a joyous assembly of all believers, free from the pain of separation and filled with perfect unity and holiness. Ryle encourages Christians to look forward to this event with hope, as it promises safety, reward, and eternal fellowship with God and fellow believers. He challenges listeners to reflect on their current desires for gatherings and their readiness for the ultimate gathering with Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder that the joy of being gathered to the Lord far surpasses any earthly celebration.
The Visible and Glorious Manifestation of Jehovah Over the Earth and in the Earth
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0EXO 13:21ISA 40:5HAB 2:14ZEC 14:5MAT 17:5ACT 1:11COL 3:42TH 2:1REV 19:11Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the bright and wonderful prophecies of the visible and glorious manifestation of Jehovah, emphasizing the literal fulfillment of these promises as real assurances from God. The Divine person to be revealed is Jehovah-Jesus, the God-man, who will come in power and glory, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. Various Old Testament passages, such as Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah, vividly describe the majestic appearance and power of Jehovah's manifestation, pointing to the future event of His return. The New Testament aligns with these prophecies, affirming the visible and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ in power and great glory.
What Is the Power of Gathering?
By H.J. Vine0MAT 18:201CO 12:13EPH 2:142TH 2:1HEB 10:25H.J. Vine delves into the significance of the gathering power of the Holy Spirit in forming believers into one body with Christ as the Head, emphasizing the transition from the old state to the new order established by divine grace. Various scriptures are explored to illustrate different aspects of gathering, from the abiding presence of Christ when two or three are gathered in His name to the importance of assembling together for edification, ministry, and encouragement as the day of the Lord's return draws near.
Our Object in Service
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 15:132TH 2:1REV 19:11REV 20:6Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel to every creature as a world-wide ministry that continues through each generation until the heavenly Church is gathered. He explains that the goal is not to reach every person in one generation, as countless individuals have passed away without hearing the Gospel. The evangelizing work will eventually be completed when the last member of Christ's body is gathered, leading to His return and the establishment of His righteous kingdom on earth, as taught in the Bible.
Preserved From the Great Falling Away
By David Wilkerson0FaithfulnessOvercoming Sin2TH 2:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgency of remaining steadfast in faith as he discusses Paul's warning to the Thessalonians about the 'day of the Lord.' He highlights that before Christ's return, a significant falling away from the truth will occur, with many believers succumbing to sin and deception. Wilkerson warns that the spirit of lawlessness is already at work, leading many to believe they can indulge in sin without consequence. However, he reassures that through Christ's power, believers can overcome sin and avoid deception by committing to a disciplined study of God's Word. He encourages prayer for a deeper reverence for scripture and a commitment to resist sin.
The Comforting Hope of 1 Thessalonians 4
By John F. Walvoord0DAN 12:2ZEC 13:8MAT 27:52JHN 14:11CO 15:511TH 4:132TH 2:1REV 20:4REV 20:12John F. Walvoord delves into the detailed revelation of the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4, emphasizing the importance of understanding the sequence of events leading up to Christ's second coming. The passage addresses the Thessalonians' concerns about death in relation to the rapture, clarifying that both the living and the dead in Christ will be united at the same time. Posttribulationists face challenges in explaining the delay in the resurrection of the dead, the nature of the revelation received, and the lack of warning about the great tribulation in this passage.
Part 28: Posttribulationism (Continued)
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 24:40JHN 14:31CO 15:231TH 5:22TH 2:1John F. Walvoord addresses the denial of the imminency of Christ's return, particularly focusing on the arguments presented by posttribulationists against pretribulationism. He refutes these arguments by highlighting the resolved hindrances to Christ's imminent return, the belief and teaching of first-century Christians in the imminent return of Christ, and the significance of Scripture exhorting believers to be watchful for His return. Additionally, he discusses the resurrection of the saints after the tribulation, the confusion surrounding the Day of the Lord, the role of the Restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2, and the doctrine of the end as evidence for pretribulationism.
Assembling Together
By H.J. Vine0JHN 10:121TH 5:112TH 2:1HEB 10:24H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together, especially as the return of Christ draws near. The exhortation in Hebrews 10:25 urges believers to not neglect assembling together but to encourage one another more as the day of Christ's coming approaches. Just as we eagerly anticipate the glorious gathering together with Christ in the air at His return, we are called to gather together now as the children of God, despite the challenges and distractions of the world. The unity and encouragement found in assembling together are vital for believers in these last days.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We beseech you - by the coming of our Lord - It is evident that the Thessalonians, incited by deceived or false teachers, had taken a wrong meaning out of the words of the first epistle, Th1 4:15, etc., concerning the day of judgment; and were led then to conclude that that day was at hand; and this had produced great confusion in the Church: to correct this mistake, the apostle sent them this second letter, in which he shows that this day must be necessarily distant, because a great work is to be done previously to its appearing. Of the day of general judgment he had spoken before, and said that it should come as a thief in the night, i.e. when not expected; but he did not attempt to fix the time, nor did he insinuate that it was either near at hand, or far off. Now, however, he shows that it must necessarily be far off, because of the great transactions which must take place before it can come.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now we beseech you, brethren,.... The apostle having finished his first design in this epistle, which was to encourage the saints to patience under sufferings, proceeds to another view he had in writing it, and that is, to set the doctrine of Christ's coming, as to the time of it, in its proper light; and this is occasioned by what he had said concerning it in the former epistle, which was either misunderstood or misrepresented; and as he addresses the saints with a very affectionate appellation as his "brethren", so by way of entreaty "beseeching", and yet in a very solemn manner: by the coming of our Lord Jesus: which is to be understood not of the coming of Christ in the flesh, to procure the salvation of his people; nor of his coming in his kingdom and power to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, for their rejection of him as the Messiah; but of his coming to judge the quick and dead, than which nothing is more sure and certain, being affirmed by angels and men, by prophets and apostles, and by Christ himself, or more desirable by the saints; wherefore the apostle entreats them by it, that whereas they believed it, expected it, and wished for it, they would regard what he was about to say: so that the words, though an entreaty, are in the form of an adjuration; unless they should be rendered as in the Ethiopic version, as they may, "concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"; and so express subject matter of the discourse now entering upon, with what follows: and by our gathering together unto him; which regards not the great gatherings of the people to Christ the true Shiloh upon his first coming, and the preaching of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, when there were not only great flockings to hear it, but multitudes were converted by it; nor the greater gatherings there will be in the latter day, at the time of the conversion of the Jews, and when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought in; nor the conversion of particular persons, who are gathered in to Christ, and received by him one by one; nor the assembling of the saints together for public worship, in which sense the word is used in Heb 10:25 but the gathering together of all the saints at the last day, at the second coming of Christ; for he will come with ten thousand of his saints, yea, with all his saints, when their dead bodies shall be raised and reunited to their souls, and they with the living saints will be caught up into the air, to meet the Lord there and be ever with him; when they will make up, complete and perfect, the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven: this will be the gathering together of all the elect of God; and so the Arabic version reads, "the gathering of us all"; and which, as it is certain, is greatly to be desired; it will be a happy meeting and a glorious sight; by this the apostle entreats and adjures them to regard what follows.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From these words it appears that some among the Thessalonians had mistaken the apostle's meaning, in what he had written in his former epistle about the coming of Christ, by thinking that it was near at hand, - that Christ was just ready to appear and come to judgment. Or, it may be, some among them pretended that they had the knowledge of this by particular revelation from the Spirit, or from some words they had heard from the apostle, when he was with them, or some letter he had written or they pretended he had written to them or some other person: and hereupon the apostle is careful to rectify this mistake, and to prevent the spreading of this error. Observe, If errors and mistakes arise among Christians, we should take the first opportunity to rectify them, and hinder the spreading thereof; and good men will be especially careful to suppress errors that may arise from a mistake of their words and actions, though that which was spoken or done was ever so innocent or well. We have a subtle adversary, who watches all opportunities to do mischief, and will sometimes promote errors even by means of the words of scripture. Observe, I. How very earnest and solicitous this apostle was to prevent mistakes: We beseech you, brethren, etc., Th2 2:1. He entreats them as brethren who might have charged them as a father charges his children: he shows great kindness and condescension, and insinuates himself into their affections. And this is the best way to deal with men when we would preserve or recover them from errors, to deal gently and affectionately with them: rough and rigorous treatment will but exasperate their spirits, and prejudice them against the reasons we may offer. He obtests and even conjures them in the most solemn manner: By the coming of Christ, etc. The words are in the form of an oath; and his meaning is that if they believed Christ would come, and if they desired he would come, and rejoiced in the hope of his coming, they should be careful to avoid the error, and the evil consequences of it, against which he was now cautioning them. From this form of obtestation used by the apostle, we may observe, 1. It is most certain that the Lord Jesus Christ will come to judge the world, that he will come in all the pomp and power of the upper world in the last day, to execute judgment upon all. Whatever uncertainty we are at, or whatever mistakes may arise about the time of his coming, his coming itself is certain. This has been the faith and hope of all Christians in all ages of the church; nay, it was the faith and hope of the Old Testament saints, ever since Enoch the seventh from Adam, who said, Behold, the Lord cometh, etc., Jde 1:14. 2. At the second coming of Christ all the saints will be gathered together to him; and this mention of the gathering of the saints together unto Christ at his coming shows that the apostle speaks of Christ's coming to judgment day, and not of his coming to destroy Jerusalem. He speaks of a proper, and not a metaphorical advent: and, as it will be part of Christ's honour in that day, so it will be the completing of the happiness of his saints. (1.) That they all shall be gathered together. There will then be a general meeting of all the saints, and none but saints; all the Old Testament saints, who got acquaintance with Christ by the dark shadows of the law, and saw this day at a distance; and all the New Testament saints, to whom life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel; they will all be gathered together. There will then come from the four winds of heaven all that are, or ever were, or ever shall be, from the beginning to the end of time. All shall be gathered together. (2.) That they shall be gathered together to Christ. He will be the great centre of their unity. They shall be gathered together to him, to be attendants on him, to be assessors with him, to be presented by him to the Father, to be with him for ever, and altogether happy in his presence to all eternity. (3.) The doctrine of Christ's coming and our gathering together to him is of a great moment and importance to Christians; otherwise it would not be the proper matter of the apostle's obtestation. We ought therefore not only to believe these things, but highly to account of them also, and look upon them as things we are greatly concerned in and should be much affected with. II. The thing itself against which the apostle cautions the Thessalonians is that they should not be deceived about the time of Christ's coming, and so be shaken in mind, or be troubled. Note, Errors in the mind tend greatly to weaken our faith, and cause us trouble; and such as are weak in faith and of troubled minds are oftentimes apt to be deceived, and fall a prey to seducers. 1. The apostle would not have them be deceived: Let no man deceive you by any means, Th2 2:3. There are many who lie in wait to deceive, and they have many ways of deceiving; we have reason therefore to be cautious and stand upon our guard. Some deceivers will pretend new revelations, others misinterpret scripture, and others will be guilty of gross forgeries; divers means and artifices of deceit men will use; but we must be careful that no man deceive us by any means. The particular matter in which the apostle cautions them not to be deceived is about the near approach of Christ's coming, as if it was to have been in the apostle's days; and harmless as this error might seem to many, yet, because it was indeed an error, it would have proved of bad consequences to many persons. Therefore, 2. He gives them warning, and would not have them be soon shaken in mind, nor be troubled. (1.) He would not have their faith weakened. We should firmly believe the second coming of Christ, and be settled and established in the faith of this; but there was danger lest the Thessalonians, if they apprehended the coming of Christ was just at hand, upon finding that they, or others whom they too much regarded, were mistaken as to the time, should thereupon question the truth or certainty of the thing itself; whereas they ought not to waver in their minds as to this great thing, which is the faith and hope of all the saints. False doctrines are like winds, that toss the water to and fro, and they are apt to unsettle the minds of men, who are sometimes as unstable as water. Then, (2.) He would not have their comforts lessened, that they should not be troubled nor affrighted with false alarms. It is probable that the coming of Christ was represented in so much terror as to trouble many serious Christians among them, though in itself it should be matter of the believer's hope and joy; or else many might be troubled with the thought how surprising this day would be, or with the fear of their unpreparedness, or upon the reflection on their mistake about the time of Christ's coming: we should always watch and pray, but must not be discouraged nor uncomfortable at the thought of Christ's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-12 False teaching about the day of the Lord had disturbed the Thessalonian church (2:1-2). Paul reminds them (2:5) that two events will precede that day: a great apostasy and the unveiling of the man of lawlessness (2:3-12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8), and those who have been deceived will also be judged (2:9-12). 2:1 At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:7-10; 1 Thes 2:19; 3:13; 4:15–5:2; 5:23), all of his people will be gathered to meet him. This will occur at the resurrection and rapture of the church (1 Thes 4:13-18).