Exploring the Scripture
Chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians introduces the primary purpose of the letter: the coming of Jesus Christ at the end times. The Thessalonians had heard that God already had launched the final days. This misconception may have come from Paul’s previous letter (1 Thessalonians) or a false letter supposedly written by Paul. Or it may have come from a misguided prophet or teacher. Whatever the source, it’s wrong.
Many Christians believed that one first event to occur at the end of time would be gathering all the faithful to be with God. If the Day of the Lord already were realized, it meant that those still alive had missed the opportunity to be gathered into God’s kingdom. They faced a future with no hope of being saved.
Paul is quick to assure them the end times have not begun, and “…that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction” (v. 3). “Rebellion” could refer to persecution or political upheaval. “The lawless one” could be a local persecutor, a false prophet, the Roman emperor, or Satan’s tool. Trying to identify the exact meaning of these symbolic phrases misses the point: Evil is real and present in various forms and systems. But God’s love and grace will conquer evil, and the faithful have no cause to fear.
Rumors of the end times haunt us today. People point to climate disasters, wars, economic instability, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and political quakes as signs of the last days. Some give up on life and wait in despair. Some parade proudly, sure they will be among the elite whom God will save from trouble. Some devote time to identifying the “lawless one,” the anti-Christ, or other apocalyptic figures. Few of us realize how easily we can support the rebellion against God through systemic injustice and marginalization of people.
Paul assures the Thessalonians there will be an accounting for those who do evil. But he also says we don’t know when. Jesus himself said no one knows the day or hour. Our task is to continue working for justice and peace: feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and bringing wholeness to those who are sick, broken, and depressed. We are to be found among those engaged in Christ’s mission, regardless of the day or hour.
Gratitude and hope are fitting responses to anxiety and despair. Verse 13 begins a second expression of thanksgiving for the faithful Thessalonians. God chose them as “the first fruits for salvation.” They are among the first Gentiles to convert to Christianity in Thessalonica. They are among the first to suffer and die for their “belief in the truth” (v. 13). Paul affirms that this is why God called them. Thus, they will be glorified with Christ Jesus.
“Glorified” refers to dying with Christ in martyrdom and living with Christ again through the resurrection. The passage ends by urging them to stand firm in their faith and hold fast to the beliefs, ethics, and proclamation of Christ, the foundation of the Christian witness.
The proclamation of the gospel that touches lives and creates disciples cannot be subverted by controversies over end times, false doctrines, and speculative prophecies. Love and grace remain at the heart of our covenant with God and Jesus Christ.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- The end times have not yet begun, and we cannot know God’s timing for the Day of the Lord.
- The symbolic language of rebellion and the lawless one may have been clear to the Thessalonians but cannot be identified in our age.
- Evil is real, present in various forms and systems, but God’s love and grace will conquer evil.
- Stand firm in faith and hold fast to the beliefs, ethics, and proclamation of Christ, regardless of your life circumstances.
Questions to Consider
- What misunderstandings occur in your congregation about key Christian beliefs and faith features? How have world events and disasters robbed your congregation of focus, energy, and mission zeal?
- How relevant to Christ’s mission today is the discussion about the coming of the end times?
- What symbols are used today to personify evil in various forms? How easy is it to give support to systemic evil in your culture?
- How would you express God’s vision and hope for the future in symbolic language that connects to your congregation?