Sadly, the people who fall for Satan's deception about the man of lawlessness will perish with him. Paul used that truth to encourage them. 2 Thessalonians 2King James Version. This role includes tempting, deceiving, and ruining. In other words, the church has a direct impact on God's ability to defeat Satan. 28:110). And after (one thousand) three hundred and thirty-two days the Lord will come with his angels and with the armies of the holy ones from the seventh heaven with the glory of the seventh heaven, and He will drag Beliar into Gehenna and also his armies. It seems that some personal entity must cease his restraining action in order for the lawless one to be revealed. God, neither he that loveth not his brother. whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs But it should not surprise us. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his mouth and will bring him to nothing at the appearance of his coming. rev2023.3.3.43278. This antichrist is described in Daniel 7:8, 21-27 and Revelation 13. Witches weren't burned at the stake in Salem. He is called "the one who restrains" in some translations (ESV, NASB); other translations call Him "the one who holds back" (NIV), "he who letteth" (KJV), or "he who is keeping down" (YLT). 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that . Paul distinguished these two truths in 2 . 3Let no one deceive you in any way. Let me say that the point of the books -- that spiritual warfare is real and that Christians need to pray -- is great. After it is consummated, Beliar the great ruler, the king of this world, will descend, who hath ruled it since it came into being; yea, he will descent from his firmament in the likeness of a man, a lawless king, the slayer of his mother: who himself (even) this king. (Incidentally, there was an Amazon show called Good Omens that took an extremely sacrilegious slant on this exact scenario.). 7:5; Eph. 2 Thess. However, the mention in verse 6 of in his time seems to speak more of Gods sovereign timing that governs the removing of restraint. No chance. - Steve Ballmer, 2007, "Stocks are now in the midst of a one-time-only rise to much higher groundto the neighborhood of 36,000 on the Dow Jones. - James Glassman, 1999, There is no danger that Titanic will sink. 24:15; Mark 13:14), revealing that the Danielic imagery establishes a pattern of opposition to Gods rule preceding the eschatological judgment of God. 1:54; 6:7). Loving People. The man of lawlessness (let's call him the capital-A Antichrist) will be able to perform mighty signs and miracles, and many people will be deceived into thinking that he is the Second Coming of Christ. (11) Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. 2:1), and Satans activity uses a term often employed for Gods work (energeia; cf. ye may remember that I told you of them. What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots? or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, (II Thessalonians 2:1. The image, lawlessness, no other God, miracles, etc, remind us of 2nd Th 2. But they won't return to God; they will believe the lie. Verse five provides further reason to recommend humility to all modern interpreters. In 2:3, Paul introduces us to a ", He will deceive people to gain power, then he will use that power to. 2 Thess. In a similar way, Jesus taught that one of the signs prior to his return would be the advent of the abomination of desolation in the holy place of the temple (Matt. However, Pauls reliance in this context on OT imagery and Jesus eschatological instruction implies that temple of God refers to the Jerusalem temple. He's been practicing this since Adam and Eve, and he's very good at it. comment on 2 Thess. My code is GPL licensed, can I issue a license to have my code be distributed in a specific MIT licensed project? Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. It was only in the 1600's, in an attempt to divert attention away from the Papacy, that Francisco Ribera wrote a commentary on Revelation that pointed to a future Antichrist. Remember Satan likes to mimic God and the antichrist will mimic everything Jesus did. 22-28 apply both to this example and the entire age), 24:29-31 Signs of the end (as a parenthetical aside), When these things (vv. February 9, 2023. Paul talked about it with them when he was in Thessalonica, and they asked him questions about it via courier. In those book, angels have physical sword fights with demons, but if the Christians aren't praying, they can't win the fight. Charles Taze Russell, whose followers would become the Jehovah's Witnesses, said that the Last Battle would take place in October 1914. They will put us out of their gatherings and kill us and all the while think that they are doing God service in His namein His authority. In this week's lesson, we cover Paul's scolding -- describing the things that the people had already been told and should have remembered. How do you interpret these lines? Do you recognize these books by Edgar Whisenant, Lester Sumrall, or Ed Dobson? God is the One with the power over the "powers and authorities". ), Does any of this increasing lawlessness frighten you, Part 3: Deceiving (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). He can be none other than the final Antichrist. Various views on this restrainers identity were discussed in the preceding verse. 1 John 3:9-10 KJV (9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; To the extent that the lawless one comes with false signs and wonders and deception (2 Thess. Let me say that the point of the books -- that spiritual warfare is real and that Christians need to pray -- is great. Eternal punishment of unbelievers 2. And (we pray!) They should have been able to see through the fake letter. Then the voice of the Beloved will in wrath rebuke the things of heaven and the things of earth and the things of earth and the mountains and the hills and the cities and the desert and the forests and the angel of the sun and that of the moon, and all things wherein Beliar manifested himself and acted openly in this world, and there will be [a resurrection and] a judgment in their midst in those days, and the Beloved will cause fire to go forth from Him, and it will consume all the godless, and they will be as though they had not been created. The term for object of worship (Gk. 2:45; 1 Thess. The "signs" before the end cannot be used in that way. Lawlessness in the present age (now) is not yet as bad as it could be. 7. As we said last week, they didn't have the tools that we have to detect "fake news". Paul draws on this tradition as he discusses the man of lawlessness, who is the son of destruction in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the lawless one in 2 Thess. 21. Others believe Paul has some earthly agents in mind, and perhaps the Roman emperors or the empire itself held back the lawless one in Pauls day. hat's why Paul takes "The Armor of God" so seriously; that armor is a tool God gives Christians to have the. It's a downer of a conclusion. Here is the depressing conclusion to Paul's words about the man of lawlessness -- he will deceive many people. This view was later picked up by a pastor that influenced John Nelson Darby and C.I. No? Let's take a look at the outline of the letter: Continued encouragement in persecution (chapter 1), Clarification about the Day of the Lord (chapter 2), Stay focused on the main things (2:13-17). Then why did you listen to those false messengers/prophets? John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. They are already in our presence as the mystery of iniquity is already at work and they are to be revealed by the Word of Truth which they will oppose in this coming time when they hear it . withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. Paul again applies to the lawless one and Satan terms typically reserved for Gods activity in Christ. When Paul declares, You know what is restraining him now, we again confront our lack of firsthand knowledge. You look at a Bible text on the screen. 22:22; 2 Chron. When people get such a prophecy wrong, why do others keep listening to them? 1 2 Thessalonians Ch 2:1-12 - Text. It's simple: "Have you seen anyone matching the description of the man of lawlessness? 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. Deu 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? Here we note that until he is out of the way is an English idiom for the more particular Greek phrase until he comes from the middle. The restrainer interposes himself between the people of this age and the fullest expression of evil represented by the lawless one. I want to stay very closely connected to the truth so that I will not be deceived, or worse, allow others to be deceived. Will persecute the plant which the Twelve Apostles of the Beloved have planted. The man of lawlessness is the ultimate man of evil. Domitian demanded to be addressed as "My Lord God, Domitian." (in the 90s AD) This fits 2 Thessalonians 2:4 quite well. Those miracles are going to fool a lot of people. For that day will not come, hunless the rebellion comes first, and ithe man of lawlessness2 is revealed, jthe son of destruction,3. 15:19; 2 Cor. for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born Therefore, the Thessalonians need not fear that the world is out of control. Note the following examples from Spenser's Sonnet 111 and Sidney's Sonnet 313131. The passage has been historically noted for its exceptional difficulty. Does God send a "Strong Delusion"? .. False rumours and prophecies had led the church there to become "shaken in mind and excited," and several supposed that the return of Christ was imminent. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-10 KJV (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet They will exhaust themselves to not believe in God. 3 Dont let anyone deceive you in any way. Only when he who now restrains it is removed will the lawless one arise (2:7). This man of lawlessness is not Satan, but a ruler under his control. Beyond that, the man of lawlessness exalts himself over the very worship of God Almighty. What Did Jesus Say about the End of the World? 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, Maybe one of these will be a fun opening topic for you. 22. 10. We've done "fake news" recently, so I wanted to try something different. Paul is saying here that the man of lawlessness, whoever he is, was presently being restrained, in Paul's time. Matthew 7:21-23 KJV (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, and he delighted in Jerusalem because of Manasseh, and he made him strong in apostatizing (Israel) and in the lawlessness which were spread abroad in Jerusalem. That word means "without law". and in thy name done many wonderful works? Name the three main themes of 2 Thessalonians. children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of The second event Paul mentions in verse 3 is the appearance of "the man of lawlessness," "the son of destruction." Based on the description of this man's activities, it seems probable that he is the false prophet described in Revelation 13:11-17. The region and polygon don't match. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? The Man of Lawlessness -- Paul's Reminder in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 In scolding his readers for falling for an obviously fake letter that Jesus had already returned, Paul focuses on the "sign" of the man of lawlessness, an enemy of Christ who will deceive many at the Second Coming. 4 The "Man of Lawlessness" is the Future Satanic Zionist Jewish Messiah. Scofield and led to a futuristic understanding of end time events. This Day, sometimes called the "end times," starts after the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (cf. That makes him extremely dangerous, don't you think? The man of lawlessness will be revealed (Gk. 11. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5, Part 4. The Danielic background is particularly striking in comparison to the man of lawlessness in verse 4. "Mystery" means "something hidden that has been revealed". It only takes a minute to sign up. (2 Thess. 5:6; Col. 2:8). Although Paul and his colleagues were compelled to leave Thessalonica sooner than they wished (Acts 17:10), they were able to begin instructing the Thessalonians concerning the events of Jesus return. But that leaves a big window for deception "in between". Matthew 24:36-51. The man of sin will not cease speaking evil against those who will be sent to their churches. 2:1, 8; cf. [It was either this or "the man of lawlessness" (don't worry - I'll talk about him later).]. That power is considerable, especially when directed at us foolish and easily-deceived mortals. In 1 John 3:4, sin is equated with lawlessness, so the meaning is the same.). Satan and Satan's demons only have the power that God has allowed. Indeed there have, and that's important. 13:8). 88:23 LXX [English 89:22]). Let me build on my aside: Satan has power that God allows him to have. Isaiah prophesied that the messianic shoot from the stump of Jesse would kill the wicked with the breath of his lips (Isa. A Form W-2 is given to an employee to report their income and payroll taxes withheld. neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that So, when Paul says that this man of lawlessness will be able to perform. Er, well, this is what Nostradamus might have said. Pat Robertson (700 Club) said 1982. 2:3) The second thing is the "man of lawlessness" ( 2 Thess. And he shall bear sway three years and seven months and twenty-seven days. they will not return evil for their evil. 1 thessalonians love of the truth, that they might be saved. But when it happens, we will know. 2 Thess 2:4 - "proclaiming himself to be God." It begins with a capital letter. sebasma) refers to pagan idols (cf. Paul's quick response is "You should have remembered that big things happen when Jesus returns. Here, he unpacks 2 Thessalonians 2 and explains the four different views of the Man of Lawlessness. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. 14. Therefore his readers should continue their work (2 Thess. Why are physically impossible and logically impossible concepts considered separate in terms of probability? Rev. The simple steps to Salvation are in Romans 10:9-13. Verses 9-12: But many foolish people will follow the man of lawlessness. apokalypt; also 2 Thess. Pauls original audience knew such matters based on Pauls prior instruction (2 Thess. Write the term that best matches the definition given below. I briefly touched on this idea when we covered James' warnings of the subject: The Answer to Every Need Starts with Prayer -- a study of James 5:7-20 (fbcthomson.org). Many have looked to a future, yet unknown, person who will seek to exalt himself in this way. being deceived by false signs of the Day of the Lord. Chapter two refers to an unnamed 'man of lawlessness." There are several interpretations and theories about this person. Some have suggested that this lawless one must refer to Satan himself or to one of his demons, but Satan is mentioned later as a separate figure (2 Thess. 3. So the appearing of the man of lawlessness doesn't help us predict the return of Christ at all. Show footnotes. 11 For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe the lie, 12 so that all will be condemnedthose who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness. And the rest of the words of the vision is written in the vision of Babylon. You look at a Bible text on the screen. Now imagine the power of Satan behind those magicians. 3 Don't let . In other words, the church has a direct impact on God's ability to defeat Satan. Can you imagine someone with the power of Satan prowling about the earth? Or students? In II Thessalonians the Apostasy is such that the Man of Lawlessness and the system he fosters is in open rebellion against Christ and the Gospel. More importantly the Ascension of Isaiah establishes a connection with the Belial/Beliar tradition, which means something like lawless or worthless one. Using Kolmogorov complexity to measure difficulty of problems? And the situation is quite simple: somebody wrote a letter (signed "Paul") saying that Jesus had already come back and they missed it. This famous eschatological reference contains Paul's reference to the Man of Lawlessness (Nestle's Text), or Man of Sin (Majority Text). Well, Satan's "role" in Christ's Return is to provide an opponent to Christ, a "man of lawlessness" (whom we usually name "the Anti-Christ"). They will be manifested that they are not of God and will want others to follow their bad example. In Ephesians 2:2 is Paul speaking of "mighty works" by "Satan"? Briefly explain the significance of Thirteenth Amendment. comments on 1 Thess. It's not a mystery. Nor can this be a reference to a principle of evil, for the text specifically identifies him as a man. They will be taken out of the way so as not to share in the judgment that comes upon those who think they are doing God service for killing you with false accusations and putting you out of their gatherings because you will receive the Word of Truth.the revealed Word of God. Does any of this increasing lawlessness frighten you? more below). They should have remembered all of this. According to Walvoord, the man of lawlessness revealed here is "the key to the whole program of the Day of the Lord." Of 2 Thessalonians 2 Chafer notes: "though but one passage is found bearing upon the restraining work of the Holy Spirit, the scope of the issues involved is such as to command the utmost consideration." You listen to John Piper. Perhaps if you define "church father" as a prominent figure of the post-renaissance reformation movement you can get there, but that's not what most people think of when they hear the expression. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Acts 17:23). Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Deu 13:18 When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God. We are to pay attention to what's happening around us. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? 2:7). So, when Paul says that this man of lawlessness will be able to perform every kind of miracle, I think he's serious. So, what is being revealed? Yes, but that's not as restrictive as you think. Jesus will defeat the Antichrist and his armies and cast them into the lake of fire (remember the "everlasting destruction" we talked about last week). A simple outline of this week's passage makes things pretty easy: Verses 1-5: You should have remembered that Jesus comes back after the man of lawlessness is revealed. predicted a nuclear holocaust in 1967. (10) Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, Applewhite and 38 of his followers committed mass suicide. There is controversy here because people disagree on what Jesus meant. and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of The fun way to go with this is to ask for personal examples. They will falsely accuse those they will cast out labeling/judging them as devils and all the while proclaiming they are doing it in the authority of God. Man of lawlessness 3. Quietly does not mean that women are never to utter a word when the church gathers for worship. 2:9). Who knew that Christopher Columbus wrote a Book of Prophecies? We are again reminded of Jesus Olivet Discourse, in which he warns of coming false messiahs and prophets who perform signs and wonders in order to lead others astray (Matt. 5 Dont you remember that when I was still with you I used to tell you about this? Therefore, Paul often speaks in abbreviated ways about matters that we may wish he had written about in greater detail. Those events point to a more-and-more eminent return of Christ. What can be stated clearly is that the appearance of the lawless one is entirely in keeping with Gods sovereignty (cf. Thus we live in an age when simultaneously the Spirit enables the church to proceed with its mission and lawlessness is at work. He later revised it to 1658, or 7000 years after its creation in 5343 BC. But there are so many predictions to consider. It seems that Paul is continuing his remarks about what will take place at the end, just as he did in his previous letter to the Thessalonians in chapter 4. (2) They shall put you out of the synagogues: He says so explicitly. These statementsthat the day of the Lord could begin soon, but it could not begin immediatelymay seem contradictory, but they are not. ), "Flight by machines heavier than air is impractical and insignificant, if not utterly impossible" - Simon Newcomb, 1902, "I am apt to believe that [the Second Day of July] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival - John Adams, 1776, People in industrialized countries will only need to pop into the office for brief three-hour shifts or a fifteen-hour work week by the year 2030 - John Keynes, 1930, Theres no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. An apple never fell on Isaac Newton's head. 2:9 the lawless one will come (Gk. I'll give you more about Matthew 24 below, but for our purposes right now, know that Jesus used the word "deceive" a lot there. 2:910), it is helpful to remember that Jesus predicted that many false messiahs and prophets would arise over time but that the church will nevertheless endure and give witness (Matt. The signs and wonders of the antichrist will draw people to him. What they. What does it mean that husbands are the head of their wives and that they should love them as Christ loved the church? 1 About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. The word breath here ( pneuma) is the same word used for the Holy Spirit, so there may be some indication of the Spirits involvement. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. (1 Thess 5), So, this topic was on their mind. But lawlessness -- rejecting God's law -- has existed since Adam and Eve. 2:1112). 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is nearat the door. At least, he never mentioned it. 2:9). Further descriptors are applied to this lawless one. or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Whoever the restrainer is . 2:3 have proven difficult for biblical interpreters because of their historical and literary contexts. The first set constitutes all power, along with false signs and wonders; the second set consists of all wicked deception. Concerning the first set, power and signs and wonders often serve as evidence of Gods work in the gospel of Christ (for power, cf. This week's is particularly unhelpful. Second, before Paul writes 2 Thessalonians, events have already presaged Roman imperial opposition to Jewish worship of God. Paul encourages believers to be diligent in ministering to others because Jesus hasn't returned yet. apokalypt; 2:3, 8), just as Paul elsewhere speaks of the revelation of Jesus and his gospel (cf. We don't know how the man of lawlessness fits into the Second Coming because it hasn't happened yet. This week's is particularly unhelpful. One, that doesn't match the grammar. Discussion question: the world seems to be getting more and more "lawless". Remember when Moses performed God's wonders in Egypt and the magicians were able to replicate-ish those miracles? Therefore, we must always be ready for the end. Kant's Moral Theory. Paul encourages believers to be diligent in ministering to others because Jesus hasn't returned yet. (12) Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth 2:1112). That is, he's called a man of lawlessness. Paul returns to the revelation of the lawless one (cf. According to the textbook, Paul asserts in 2 Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord will not begin until the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) is revealed. Doesn't he. And in any event, isn't the point of Matthew 24/25 and 1 Thessalonians 4/5 that we're supposed to live every day as if Christ is returning that night? Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? 1. 2:3 ), also referred to as the "son of destruction" (2:3) or "the lawless one" (2:8, 9). Their understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2 was that the Roman Empire was "that which was restrains" the revealing of the man of lawlessness. Many of the Reformers agreed that it was the pope. 24:15; Mark 13:14). The verbs Paul applies here to lawlessness is the same as language he uses elsewhere of God and Christ. known the Father, nor me. 2:5), but we are left to infer as much as we can to the best of our abilities. Jesus will destroy the lawless one by the breath of his mouth. In the OT, God kills with his fiery breath (Job 4:9; cf. How bad is the death penalty? The extent of our "power" over Satan is to resist him. 24. Loving God. I had always assumed that an angel served this role, but the first pronoun Paul uses is neuter ("what") which leads many scholars to believe that the Holy Spirit restrains Satan. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will want many to follow after them in their deeds. 2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 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. The time will come that whosoever will kill you (with false accusationslabeling them as devils)will think that he does God service (part of the original Lie of Satan in Genesis). The church historian Eusebius said that those who followed the apostles were told that the one Jesus spoke of (John 5:43) was a lying, end time antichrist as spoken of in 2nd Thessalonians. "Okay, but that doesn't help us understand what this man of lawlessness has to do with everything. But there will be. 2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. That's nothing new. This cannot apply to the Roman Catholic Church, with its massive hierarchy and its popes. They will be revealed that they do not know God nor the Son by their evil deeds. 3:1617; 6:19; 2 Cor. In the Bible we see the man of lawlessness called the "son of perdition." AND now Hezekiah and Josab my son, these are the days of the completion of the world. John 16:1-4 KJV (1) These things have I spoken unto you, that ye I know that some of you have many questions, so I'll try to answer them here. The only reason I noticed your quite cogent answer is because it was flagged as a "New Contributor" response. Empowered by Satan, the lawless one will arrive accompanied by false wonders and signs, thus deceiving unbelievers; but even this is under Gods sovereign control (2 Thess. In the healthiest churches, we find a holy conspiracy between pastors who gladly care for the sheep, and sheep who do what they can so that the pastors might serve joyfully. 1:1718; 8:18; Eph. The man of lawlessness is so convincing to the masses that Paul emphasizes that he appears with all wicked deception. However, even amid such deception, Paul carefully records that only those who are perishing will be fooled (cf. The man of lawlessness both opposes and exalts himself over every so-called god or object of worship. Paul elsewhere employs the Greek word for opposes as a title for Satan, the adversary (1 Tim. Christian Truth, the 1,000-year reign of Christ on the earth. (3) And these things will they do unto you, because they have not Jim Jones (!) Thus, though it seems best to assume that the man of lawlessness is still to be revealed, the specifics of how that might look (including what is meant by his session in the temple) will likely surprise the best of interpreters.