FocusThe day and the man of sin
Connection to the wholePaul answers alarming claims with teaching about events connected to the day, including deception and judgment; he does not name modern individuals or set dates.
interpretation 2 Thessalonians 2:4
KJVWho 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.
Read it in context
Do not be quickly shaken
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 2:1 (2 Thessalonians 2:1 to 2 Thessalonians 2:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul answers alarming claims with teaching about events connected to the day, including deception and judgment; he does not name modern individuals or set dates.
- 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
- 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.
- 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;
- 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.
- 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
- 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
- 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
- 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:
- 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
- 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.
- 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
- 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Do not be quickly shaken. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1 through 2 Thessalonians 2:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul answers alarming claims with teaching about events connected to the day, including deception and judgment; he does not name modern individuals or set dates. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Do not be quickly shaken (2 Thessalonians 2:1 to 2 Thessalonians 2:12). Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cited: 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and points to his signature as the mark of authenticity.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 Thessalonians 3:17
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- and exalteth Isa 14:13 Ezek 28:2,6,9 Dan 7:8,25 Dan 8:9-11 Dan 11:36 Rev 13:6
- called 1 Cor 8:5
- sitteth Dan 8:12-14 Dan 11:45 Rev 13:6-7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 2
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Stand fast in received teaching
2 Thessalonians 2:13–17FocusSanctification, belief, and comfort
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving and exhortation direct the readers back to the gospel and received teaching rather than fear-driven speculation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Endurance and righteous judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:1–12FocusComfort for an afflicted church
Connection to the wholePaul gives thanks for perseverance and directs the readers toward God's righteous judgment and Christ's revelation.
interpretation FocusDiscernment and steadfastness
Connection to the wholePaul warns against being shaken by claims that the day is at hand and exhorts the church to hold the teaching it received.
interpretation Prayer and orderly conduct
2 Thessalonians 3:1–18FocusWork and brotherly correction
Connection to the wholePractical instruction addresses the mission and disorderly conduct, closing with peace and Paul's identifying greeting.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.