In this series we offer brief introductions to the books of the Bible, including background, authorship, content, and application to the lives of today’s Christians.
Just as a loving father longs for and prays for a son who has gone away to school and is being bullied and teased, the Apostle Paul had a longing care for his spiritual children in Thessalonica. As was mentioned last month in the introduction to 1 Thessalonians, that congregation began under persecution, and that persecution was continuing. Paul also heard of ongoing confusion regarding Christ’s second coming. So, a short time later—perhaps only six months after his first letter—Paul wrote a second letter, addressing three matters.
In chapter one, Paul encourages believers in their persecution and thanks God that the Thessalonians were growing more and more in their faith and love for one another. The Holy Spirit often works such growth through persecution, causing God’s children to cling ever more firmly to Christ and to each other. Paul reassures the believers that when Christ comes, He will bring vengeance on those who persecute them.
He closes the first part with a prayer that God would count them worthy of their calling and fulfill the good desires and work of their faith, with the result that they give all glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Chapter two, Paul addresses the confusion over Christ’s second coming. In his first letter Paul had reminded them “that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (5:2) Now someone, apparently claiming to be Paul, had been troubling them saying that the day of Christ had already come (2:1-2). Yes, He came like a thief in the night and you missed it! Jesus apparently left you here to suffer. Paul assured them that that was not the case and mentioned two great signs that must happen before Christ’s return. There would be a great falling away from the faith, and the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV) would be revealed.
In this chapter, God gives us one of the clearest descriptions of this great enemy of the Church that Daniel spoke of, which was also pictured in Revelation as a Beast. The Apostle John calls him the Antichrist. Paul shows that this is not a political ruler, but one who sets himself up in the temple of God as if he were God (2:4). By Paul’s description and the other references that connect him with Rome, this “man of lawlessness” has been identified as the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church. This Antichrist, together with the many antichrists that John refers to, has caused a great falling away from the faith. This is a sign for us that Christ’s coming is imminent. It will be impossible for us to miss it. Christ will come in a very dramatic way with all His holy angels (Matthew 24:27-31), so we should continue steadfast in the faith.
Chapter 2 concludes with a wonderful reminder that God has chosen us from eternity and brought us to faith in Christ so that we will be His forever. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” (2:15-17)
Finally, in Chapter 3, Paul addresses a problem with some members who were walking “in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (3:11-12 ESV) God’s desire for us is to work to support ourselves and to help others in need as we await Christ’s return.
Paul writes with such warmth and love that we cannot help but be moved to action. May God grant us the faith to live in joyful hope of Christ’s return. For what a person hopes for will shape what that person lives for.
By Paul’s description and the other references that connect him with Rome, this “man of lawlessness” has been identified as the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church.
is pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, British Columbia.