2 Thessalonians 2 Commentary

Someone has deceived the Thessalonians into believing that that the Day of the Lord had come already and that they had missed Jesus's return to earth. Paul reminds them of what he taught when he was with them: before Christ returns to earth, the ultimate enemy of God—the antichrist—will first declare himself to be God and seat himself in the temple in Jerusalem before the Day of the Lord occurs.

For now, something holds the antichrist back from rising to power. This greater power that restrains him, which is probably the Holy Spirit and the church, will eventually be removed from the earth and the antichrist will take over the world. It is Satan who will work through this evil ruler. Together they will display power, wonders, and false miracles. They will deceive many people. But God will return and by His presence He will slay this enemy and judge the people who did not believe in Jesus, but chose sin and rebellion.

The Thessalonians should remember God's love for them, how He chose them to be saved from sin and death, and be justified in His sight. Now they have the amazing opportunity to walk in a sanctified manner, and to become Christlike through obedience and faith. Paul reminds them that as God's children, they have the incredible opportunity to share in Jesus's glory as ruler over earth when He returns, if they stand firm and follow Paul's teaching. Paul has countered several deceptions in both of his letters to the Thessalonians, so the point is very clear that the believers in Thessalonica need to rely on Paul as an authority in truth, not whoever keeps attempting to dissuade them through false teaching. They should be comforted by focusing on their identity in Christ and living out good works and speaking good words to one another.