2 Thessalonians 2:2
Verse
Context
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.3Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
Sermons
Willie Mullan
Doc Greenway
John F. Walvoord
George Ridout
Henry LawSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not soon shaken in mind - Απο του νοος· From the mind; i.e. that they should retain the persuasion they had of the truths which he had before delivered to them; that they should still hold the same opinions, and hold fast the doctrines which they had been taught. Neither by spirit - Any pretended revelation. Nor by word - Any thing which any person may profess to have heard the apostle speak. Nor by letter - Either the former one which he had sent, some passages of which have been misconceived and misconstrued; or by any other letter, as from us - pretending to have been written by us, the apostles, containing predictions of this kind. There is a diversity of opinion among critics concerning this last clause, some supposing that it refers simply to the first epistle; others supposing that a forged epistle is intended. I have joined the two senses. The word σαλευθηναι, to be shaken, signifies to be agitated as a ship at sea in a storm, and strongly marks the confusion and distress which the Thessalonians had felt in their false apprehension of this coming of Christ. As that the day of Christ is at hand - In the preface to this epistle I have given a general view of the meaning of the phrase the coming of Christ. Now the question is: Whether does the apostle mean, the coming of Christ to execute judgment upon the Jews, and destroy their polity, or his coming at the end of time, to judge the world? There are certainly many expressions in the following verses that may be applied indifferently to either, and some seem to apply to the one, and not to the other; and yet the whole can scarcely be so interpreted as to suit any one of these comings exclusively. This is precisely the case with the predictions of our Lord relative to these great events; one is used to point out and illustrate the other. On this ground I am led to think that the apostle, in the following confessedly obscure words, has both these in view, speaking of none of them exclusively; for it is the custom of the inspired penmen, or rather of that Spirit by which they spoke, to point out as many certain events by one prediction as it was possible to do, and to choose the figures, metaphors, and similes accordingly; and thus, from the beginning, God has pointed out the things that were not by the things that then existed, making the one the types or significations of the other. As the apostle spoke by the same Spirit, he most probably followed the same plan; and thus the following prophecy is to be interpreted and understood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
soon--on trifling grounds, without due consideration. shaken--literally, "tossed" as ships tossed by an agitated sea. Compare for the same image, Eph 4:14. in mind--rather as the Greek, "from your mind," that is, from your mental steadfastness on the subject. troubled--This verb applies to emotional agitation; as "shaken" to intellectual. by spirit--by a person professing to have the spirit of prophecy (Co1 12:8-10; Jo1 4:1-3). The Thessalonians had been warned (Th1 5:20-21) to "prove" such professed prophesyings, and to "hold fast (only) that which is good." by word--of mouth (compare Th2 2:5, Th2 2:15); some word or saying alleged to be that of Paul, orally communicated. If oral tradition was liable to such perversion in the apostolic age (compare a similar instance, Joh 21:23), how much more in our age! by letter as from us--purporting to be from us, whereas it is a forgery. Hence he gives a test by which to know his genuine letters (Th2 3:17). day of Christ--The oldest manuscripts read, "day of the Lord." is at hand--rather, "is immediately imminent," literally, "is present"; "is instantly coming." Christ and His apostles always taught that the day of the Lord's coming is at hand; and it is not likely that Paul would imply anything contrary here; what he denies is, that it is so immediately imminent, instant, or present, as to justify the neglect of everyday worldly duties. CHRYSOSTOM, and after him ALFORD, translates, "is (already) present" (compare Ti2 2:18), a kindred error. But in Ti2 3:1, the same Greek verb is translated "come." WAHL supports this view. The Greek is usually used of actual presence; but is quite susceptible of the translation, "is all but present."
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye be not soon shaken in mind,.... Or "from your mind or sense", as the Vulgate Latin version; or "from the solidity of sense", as the Arabic version; that is, from what they had received in their minds, and was their sense and judgment, and which they had embraced as articles of faith; that they would not be like a wave of the sea, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine; or be moved from the hope of the Gospel, from any fundamental article of it, and from that which respects the second coming of Christ particularly; and especially, that they would not be quickly and easily moved from it; see Gal 1:6 or be troubled; thrown into consternation and surprise, for though the coming of Christ will not be terrible to saints, as it will be to sinners; yet there is something in it that is awful and solemn, and fills with concern; and to be told of it as at that instant might be surprising and shocking: the several ways in which their minds might be troubled and distressed with such an account are enumerated by the apostle, that they might guard against them, and not be imposed upon by them: neither by spirit; by a prophetic spirit, by pretensions to a revelation from the Spirit, fixing the precise time of Christ's coming, which should not be heeded or attended to; since his coming will be as a thief in the night: nor by word: by reason and a show of it, by arguments drawn from it, which may carry in them a show of probability; by enticing words of man's wisdom; by arithmetical or astronomical calculations; or by pretensions to a word, a tradition of Christ or his apostles, as if they had received it "viva voce", by word of mouth from any of them: nor by letter, as from us; by forging a letter and counterfeiting their hands, for such practices began to be used very early; spurious epistles of the Apostle Paul were carried about, which obliged him to take a method whereby his genuine letters might be known; see Th2 3:17 or he may have respect in this clause to his former epistle, wherein he had said some things concerning the Coming of Christ, which had been either wrongly represented, or not understood; and as if his sense was, that it would be while he and others then living were alive and on the spot: wherefore he would not have them neither give heed to any enthusiastic spirits, nor to any plausible reasonings of men, or unwritten traditions; nor to any letters in his name, or in the name of any of the apostles; nor even to his former letter to them, as though it contained any such thing in it, as that the day of Christ is at hand; or is at this instant just now coming on; as if it would be within that year, in some certain month, and on some certain day in it; which notion the apostle would have them by no means give into, for these reasons, because should Christ not come, as there was no reason to believe he would in so short a time, they would be tempted to disbelieve his coming at all, at least be very indifferent about it; and since if it did not prove true, they might be led to conclude there was nothing true in the Christian doctrine and religion; and besides, such a notion of the speedy coming of Christ would tend to indulge the idle and disorderly persons among them in their sloth and negligence: and now for these, and for the weighty reasons he gives in the next verse, he dissuades them from imbibing such a tenet; for though the coming of Christ is sometimes said to be drawing nigh, and to be quickly, yet so it might be, and not at that instant; besides, such expressions are used with respect to God, with whom a thousand years are as one day, and one day as a thousand years; and because the Gospel times, or times of the Messiah, are the last days, there will be no other dispensation of things until the second coming of Christ; and chiefly they are used to keep up the faith, and awaken the hope and expectation of the saints with respect to it. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, read, "the day of the Lord"; and so the Vulgate Latin version; and accordingly the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, "the day of our Lord".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:2 The Thessalonian Christians previously asked Paul when the day of the Lord would come (1 Thes 5:1-11). Now a false teaching that this day had already begun (cp. 2 Tim 2:18) was causing them to waver in faith and become frightened. • a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter: The source of the teaching might have been a false prophecy (cp. 1 Jn 4:1-2), an erroneous sermon, or a letter falsely attributed to Paul.
2 Thessalonians 2:2
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.3Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Happenings Ahead) the Man of Sin
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:09:33Man Of Sin2TH 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for action and urgency in spreading the word of God. He mentions the importance of reaching out to both men and women, and highlights the success of their mission in bringing 630 children to the church. The preacher then delves into a discussion about the book of Daniel and its relevance to current times. He mentions the vision of four beasts and interprets them as symbolic representations of different nations and their actions. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to be vigilant and aware of the signs of the times.
Victory in Adversity
By Doc Greenway8441:01:45Adversity2TH 2:21PE 4:121PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the victory that Christians can experience in the midst of adversity. He begins by referencing the fourth chapter of the First Epistle of Peter, emphasizing the Christian's victory in spite of difficulties. The preacher then shares a story about Dan Crawford and his experience crossing a flooded stream in Africa. Through prayer, God miraculously made a way for them to cross, illustrating the certainty of God's provision in times of adversity. The preacher concludes by highlighting the purpose of adversity in testing and purifying believers, comparing it to the process of casting a bell.
The Rapture and the Day of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 5
By John F. Walvoord01CO 1:81TH 5:22TH 2:2John F. Walvoord delves into the debated relationship between 1 Thessalonians 5 and the rapture, focusing on the definition of 'the day of the Lord' and its connection to the rapture. The discourse explores the various interpretations of the day of the Lord, ranging from a specific event to an extended period encompassing the millennial kingdom. Posttribulationists like Alexander Reese emphasize that the rapture and the beginning of the day of the Lord occur simultaneously, presenting a detailed argument for their stance.
The Witness of the Spirit
By George Ridout0MAT 5:14JHN 14:26ROM 8:15GAL 4:61TH 5:192TH 2:2HEB 10:14George Ridout preaches about the importance of holding firmly to the foundation doctrines of the early Christian church in the midst of a falling away from Bible standards. He emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's covenant and the need for believers to maintain a steadfast attitude towards the doctrines taught in the Word. The sermon highlights the significance of seeking and obtaining a clear 'Witness of the Spirit' for both justification and sanctification, urging all Christians to press on after God until they receive this divine assurance.
The Church of God in Relation to the Coming of the Lord.
By William Kelly0MRK 10:29JHN 14:2ROM 11:171CO 4:81CO 12:13GAL 4:9EPH 1:181TH 4:162TH 2:2William Kelly preaches about the unique position of the Church of God in relation to Christ's coming, emphasizing the heavenly nature of the Church as distinct from earthly expectations. He highlights the importance of understanding the Church's hope in Christ's return, the need for separation from worldly influences, and the dangers of false teachings and distractions that hinder the true expression of faith and allegiance to the Lord. Kelly stresses the significance of the Church's identification with Christ, the anticipation of His coming as the Bridegroom, and the impending judgment on false elements within Christendom, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.
The Tabernacle
By Henry Law0LUK 24:45ROM 1:28ROM 12:21CO 1:10EPH 4:17PHP 4:7COL 2:182TH 2:21TI 6:5TIT 1:15Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'nous,' which refers to the human intellectual perception and moral judgment, representing the God-given faculty of understanding and discernment. The preacher emphasizes that the mind is a dynamic organ that can be depraved, defiled, futile, or renewed, highlighting the importance of renewing our minds through God's Word and the Holy Spirit. The sermon explores how the mind plays a crucial role in determining one's actions and spiritual condition, emphasizing the need for believers to have their minds aligned with God's truth and wisdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not soon shaken in mind - Απο του νοος· From the mind; i.e. that they should retain the persuasion they had of the truths which he had before delivered to them; that they should still hold the same opinions, and hold fast the doctrines which they had been taught. Neither by spirit - Any pretended revelation. Nor by word - Any thing which any person may profess to have heard the apostle speak. Nor by letter - Either the former one which he had sent, some passages of which have been misconceived and misconstrued; or by any other letter, as from us - pretending to have been written by us, the apostles, containing predictions of this kind. There is a diversity of opinion among critics concerning this last clause, some supposing that it refers simply to the first epistle; others supposing that a forged epistle is intended. I have joined the two senses. The word σαλευθηναι, to be shaken, signifies to be agitated as a ship at sea in a storm, and strongly marks the confusion and distress which the Thessalonians had felt in their false apprehension of this coming of Christ. As that the day of Christ is at hand - In the preface to this epistle I have given a general view of the meaning of the phrase the coming of Christ. Now the question is: Whether does the apostle mean, the coming of Christ to execute judgment upon the Jews, and destroy their polity, or his coming at the end of time, to judge the world? There are certainly many expressions in the following verses that may be applied indifferently to either, and some seem to apply to the one, and not to the other; and yet the whole can scarcely be so interpreted as to suit any one of these comings exclusively. This is precisely the case with the predictions of our Lord relative to these great events; one is used to point out and illustrate the other. On this ground I am led to think that the apostle, in the following confessedly obscure words, has both these in view, speaking of none of them exclusively; for it is the custom of the inspired penmen, or rather of that Spirit by which they spoke, to point out as many certain events by one prediction as it was possible to do, and to choose the figures, metaphors, and similes accordingly; and thus, from the beginning, God has pointed out the things that were not by the things that then existed, making the one the types or significations of the other. As the apostle spoke by the same Spirit, he most probably followed the same plan; and thus the following prophecy is to be interpreted and understood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
soon--on trifling grounds, without due consideration. shaken--literally, "tossed" as ships tossed by an agitated sea. Compare for the same image, Eph 4:14. in mind--rather as the Greek, "from your mind," that is, from your mental steadfastness on the subject. troubled--This verb applies to emotional agitation; as "shaken" to intellectual. by spirit--by a person professing to have the spirit of prophecy (Co1 12:8-10; Jo1 4:1-3). The Thessalonians had been warned (Th1 5:20-21) to "prove" such professed prophesyings, and to "hold fast (only) that which is good." by word--of mouth (compare Th2 2:5, Th2 2:15); some word or saying alleged to be that of Paul, orally communicated. If oral tradition was liable to such perversion in the apostolic age (compare a similar instance, Joh 21:23), how much more in our age! by letter as from us--purporting to be from us, whereas it is a forgery. Hence he gives a test by which to know his genuine letters (Th2 3:17). day of Christ--The oldest manuscripts read, "day of the Lord." is at hand--rather, "is immediately imminent," literally, "is present"; "is instantly coming." Christ and His apostles always taught that the day of the Lord's coming is at hand; and it is not likely that Paul would imply anything contrary here; what he denies is, that it is so immediately imminent, instant, or present, as to justify the neglect of everyday worldly duties. CHRYSOSTOM, and after him ALFORD, translates, "is (already) present" (compare Ti2 2:18), a kindred error. But in Ti2 3:1, the same Greek verb is translated "come." WAHL supports this view. The Greek is usually used of actual presence; but is quite susceptible of the translation, "is all but present."
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye be not soon shaken in mind,.... Or "from your mind or sense", as the Vulgate Latin version; or "from the solidity of sense", as the Arabic version; that is, from what they had received in their minds, and was their sense and judgment, and which they had embraced as articles of faith; that they would not be like a wave of the sea, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine; or be moved from the hope of the Gospel, from any fundamental article of it, and from that which respects the second coming of Christ particularly; and especially, that they would not be quickly and easily moved from it; see Gal 1:6 or be troubled; thrown into consternation and surprise, for though the coming of Christ will not be terrible to saints, as it will be to sinners; yet there is something in it that is awful and solemn, and fills with concern; and to be told of it as at that instant might be surprising and shocking: the several ways in which their minds might be troubled and distressed with such an account are enumerated by the apostle, that they might guard against them, and not be imposed upon by them: neither by spirit; by a prophetic spirit, by pretensions to a revelation from the Spirit, fixing the precise time of Christ's coming, which should not be heeded or attended to; since his coming will be as a thief in the night: nor by word: by reason and a show of it, by arguments drawn from it, which may carry in them a show of probability; by enticing words of man's wisdom; by arithmetical or astronomical calculations; or by pretensions to a word, a tradition of Christ or his apostles, as if they had received it "viva voce", by word of mouth from any of them: nor by letter, as from us; by forging a letter and counterfeiting their hands, for such practices began to be used very early; spurious epistles of the Apostle Paul were carried about, which obliged him to take a method whereby his genuine letters might be known; see Th2 3:17 or he may have respect in this clause to his former epistle, wherein he had said some things concerning the Coming of Christ, which had been either wrongly represented, or not understood; and as if his sense was, that it would be while he and others then living were alive and on the spot: wherefore he would not have them neither give heed to any enthusiastic spirits, nor to any plausible reasonings of men, or unwritten traditions; nor to any letters in his name, or in the name of any of the apostles; nor even to his former letter to them, as though it contained any such thing in it, as that the day of Christ is at hand; or is at this instant just now coming on; as if it would be within that year, in some certain month, and on some certain day in it; which notion the apostle would have them by no means give into, for these reasons, because should Christ not come, as there was no reason to believe he would in so short a time, they would be tempted to disbelieve his coming at all, at least be very indifferent about it; and since if it did not prove true, they might be led to conclude there was nothing true in the Christian doctrine and religion; and besides, such a notion of the speedy coming of Christ would tend to indulge the idle and disorderly persons among them in their sloth and negligence: and now for these, and for the weighty reasons he gives in the next verse, he dissuades them from imbibing such a tenet; for though the coming of Christ is sometimes said to be drawing nigh, and to be quickly, yet so it might be, and not at that instant; besides, such expressions are used with respect to God, with whom a thousand years are as one day, and one day as a thousand years; and because the Gospel times, or times of the Messiah, are the last days, there will be no other dispensation of things until the second coming of Christ; and chiefly they are used to keep up the faith, and awaken the hope and expectation of the saints with respect to it. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, read, "the day of the Lord"; and so the Vulgate Latin version; and accordingly the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, "the day of our Lord".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:2 The Thessalonian Christians previously asked Paul when the day of the Lord would come (1 Thes 5:1-11). Now a false teaching that this day had already begun (cp. 2 Tim 2:18) was causing them to waver in faith and become frightened. • a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter: The source of the teaching might have been a false prophecy (cp. 1 Jn 4:1-2), an erroneous sermon, or a letter falsely attributed to Paul.