2:1 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ See note on 1 Thess 1:10.

our assembling to him When the Day of the Lord comes, believers will be united with Christ. Paul wrote about this in his previous letter to the Thessalonians (see note on 1 Thess 4:17).

2:2 shaken The Greek word used here, saleuō, means “to be disturbed.” Some of the Thessalonian believers apparently were disturbed by rumors that the Day of the Lord had happened already. Paul does not seem to know the source of this rumor.

alleged to be from us Someone may have forged a letter in Paul’s name, claiming the Day of the Lord had already come. For this reason, Paul signs this letter with a distinguishing mark (see 2 Thess 3:17 and note).

day of the Lord In his first letter, Paul addressed confusion about the timing of the “Day of the Lord” (1 Thess 5:2). He addresses this again because the Thessalonians had been persuaded that day had already come—news that caused them great distress. Their ability to endure persecution depended on the promise that God would return to judge their persecutors and deliver them from suffering.

2:3 the rebellion comes first In this context, the Greek word used here, apostasia, likely refers to an intentional and hostile rejection of Christ by unbelievers. It is also possible that the term refers to spiritual apostasy by believers (suggesting the “delusion” of 2 Thess 2:11 refers to divine judgment). This event will happen before the Day of the Lord—the second coming of Christ.

man of lawlessness A person in hostile opposition to God and His law. Here, Paul likely refers to both God’s law and Roman law.

son of destruction Refers to the “man of lawlessness.” The phrase here means he causes destruction, but he is also doomed to destruction. Paul wants the Thessalonian believers to understand that as terrifying as he may be, his destruction is certain. Both the “man of lawlessness” and the “son of destruction” could be literary or symbolic representations of evil people, not one person per se. Typology and personification were typical literary and interpretive methods in the first century—Paul may be using them here.

2:4 who exalts himself The “man of lawlessness” exalts himself but is eventually humbled by God (2 Thess 2:8). In contrast, Jesus Christ humbled Himself and was exalted by God (Phil 2:6–10).

every so-called god or object of worship The “man of lawlessness” not only opposes God, he opposes everything that is worshiped. Paul uses the language of Dan 11:36 and Ezek 28:2 to describe this destructive person (see note on Ezek 28:2).

temple of God A house of worship for a deity and a symbol of its divine authority.

sits down The imagery used here suggests enthronement as a king (compare Matt 19:28; Acts 12:21). This individual appoints himself to a position of authority (compare Ezek 28:2).

2:5 while we were still with you Paul ministered in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1–9). In his previous letter, he taught extensively about the second coming of Christ (1 Thess 4:13–5:2), repeatedly urging the Thessalonians to remember what he taught them (1 Thess 2:9; 4:1; 2 Thess 3:10).

2:6 that which restrains The identity of this restraining person or power remains unknown. Paul does not provide additional details since he already discussed the matter with the Thessalonian believers (1 Thess 2:5).

2:7 mystery Probably refers to the hidden activity of lawlessness or merely deception. The Greek word used here, mystērion (meaning “mystery”), may also refer to the initiation ritual used in mystery cults since the “man of lawlessness” is a pseudo-religious figure (see v. 4).

the one who now restrains See note on v. 6.

2:8 lawless one See note on v. 3.

slay with the breath of his mouth Believers should not fear the “man of lawlessness” because the Lord will easily destroy Him at His second coming. See note on Isa 11:4.

2:9 Satan The enemy of God. See note on 1 Thess 2:18.

power and signs and lying wonders Power, signs, and wonders were features of the ministry of Jesus and Paul (Acts 2:22; Rom 15:19). Paul’s description of the “man of lawlessness” echoes Jesus’ prediction in the Gospels (Mark 13:22; Matt 24:24).

2:10 the truth The Greek word used here, alētheia, stands in contrast to the deception of the “man of lawlessness” and probably refers to the gospel message here.

2:11 God sends them a powerful delusion This is part of God’s judgment: He gives His enemies over to their own sin. They already regarded His truth as a delusion; now they will become even more convinced of it (Rom 1:28; 11:8; 2 Tim 4:4). Paul’s language recalls ot passages that also mention divine retribution for sin (e.g., Deut 29:4; Isa 6:9–10).

2:12 truth See note on 2 Thess 2:10.

delighted in unrighteousness This includes those who persecute the Thessalonian believers (see note on 1:6).

2:13 give thanks to God always See note on 1 Thess 1:2.

God has chosen Paul emphasizes that salvation came through God’s initiative for the Thessalonian believers. See Rom 9:11 and note.

Election

first fruits The portion of the harvest dedicated to God (Exod 23:19; Deut 18:4). Paul applies this metaphor to the first converts to Christianity (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:15). See Rom 8:23 and note; 11:16 and note.

the sanctification of the Spirit The process by which the Spirit makes believers holy. Paul addresses matters of holiness in his previous letter (see note on 1 Thess 4:3) and in this letter (2 Thess 3:6).

faith in the truth Trust in the gospel message. See note on v. 10.

2:14 gospel See note on 1:8.

glory The Greek term used here, doxa, refers to the honor and splendor of Jesus Christ.

Doxa Word Study

2:15 stand firm Paul’s favorite expression for remaining faithful to the gospel message (Gal 5:1; Phil 4:1; 1 Thess 3:8).

hold fast If they do this, they will avoid being deceived by false teaching (1 Thess 2:3).

traditions Not human traditions (see Mark 7:8–9), but the teaching of the apostles as received from Jesus Christ.

letter from us Refers to Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.