2 Thessalonians 2:9-17.    

News reached Paul that the persecuted yet thriving church in Thessalonica was alarmed by the false teaching that Christ had already returned. This teaching was being credited to Paul and his companions, whom the church trusted, undoubtedly adding to their confusion (v. 2). Imagine how unsettling such a lie would be: “If Christ has really returned, why are we still facing persecution, and why have we not seen Him? Have we been forgotten?”

Paul reminded the church of his past teaching that contradicted this lie and assured them through a description of the coming “lawless one” that there would be visible signs when Christ’s return was approaching. Paul did not tell the church there would be signs so they would obsessively watch for them, but rather to provide genuine comfort for his brothers and sisters. He did not want them to be shaken by a false message but to stand firm in their salvation. Not only that, but Paul also reminded the church of God’s love for them and prayed they would be encouraged and strengthened.

May we, too, be encouraged and strengthened by Jesus Christ himself and God our Father.

Author: Miranda Musick