Do you see the Rapture or Second Coming in this passage? Does 2 Thessalonians two show Christians during the Tribulation?
This passage in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is often used to support varying points of view in Bible prophecy.
Some see a rapture before the final tribulation.
Others see a rapture event somewhere inside of the Great Tribulation.
While still others say that it very clearly states that true Christians will go into and endure to the end of the tribulation. Many or most will die in the process.
What view do you take? Which verses in this chapter do you think strongly support your view?
Always ask questions. Don’t settle for what someone else is telling you. Ask why, how, when, etc.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
2:1
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.
Is this ‘gathering together with Christ the rapture? If so, when does it occur?
2:2
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
What were the Christians in Paul’s day concerned about? It was something concerning the day of Christ. What day is that?
2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.
What is this falling away that Paul speaks of? Who is the man of sin? When do these take place in relation to the rapture or Second Coming?
2:4
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
This person will exalt himself and apparently ask for worship. Paul says he will sit in the temple of God. Who is this? Does this suggest the Jewish people will rebuild their temple?
2:5
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
Paul had covered this before when he taught the Thessalonians. Don’t you wish he had given more detail?
2:6
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Here is another mystery. Something or someone is holding back the revealing of the mystery man in verses three and four. Who is that and why is the mystery man held back?
2:7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let until he is taken out of the way.
The mystery of iniquity is already at hand. It was in Paul’s day. The Apostle John mentioned something about the spirit of the Antichrist. Is that the same thing that Paul taught the Thessalonians?
2:8
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
After the holding back is over, a Wicked one is revealed. I find it interesting that some translations chose to capitalize the word Wicked. Hmmm.
2:9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.
It’s not Satan but is after the working of Satan. Is this someone similar to Judas Iscariot whose spirit was indwelt by Satan? That’s a scary thought.
2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This verse says some will be deceived. Jesus warned about that in his sermon about the end times. See here.
2:11
And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.
This is another scary or troubling thought Paul taught the Thessalonians. God will send the delusion. Satan is the father of lies, but it appears that God has to allow this final great deception. Why?
2:12
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
This could help us to answer the last question. The Lord won’t easily allow a deception that would be the final nail in the coffin for unbelievers.
2:13
But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Why does Paul always go back to thank God? Where did he get the strength to do this? He had a lot of enemies, people who literally hunted him. They took vows and sought to kill him. They finally succeeded by the way.
2:14
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul taught the Thessalonians about their calling to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The glory of Christ is their reward. Will any Christians be in the Tribulation? If so, will any survive it?
2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
The Church was very young during Paul’s day. What traditions did he refer to? Did the Thessalonians learn the same traditions we have today? Are there traditions we should learn and follow from those early years?
2:16
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
2:17
Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.
Some argue that this chapter is not encouraging if Paul is teaching that Christians go into the great tribulation. What’s your view on this?
Let me know what you think.