Chapter 2
Compiler’s comment. These verse-by-verse notes are taken from Andrew Womack’s commentary (sometimes edited), John Wesley’s commentary (unedited), The Passion Translation notes, ESV Study Bible notes, Easy English commentary, and personal thoughts. Primary translations are taken from the NKJV with other translations from biblegateway.com. The notes may be useful to provide background material for personal devotions or sermon preparation.
Verse 1.
“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you.”
AMP. “But relative to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and our gathering together to meet Him, we beg you, brethren.”
TPT. “Now regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we plead with you, beloved friends.” “Coming” or “presence.” Note. The noun form of the Greek word for “gathering together” is found twice in the NT, here and in He. 10:25. It is used as a verb in Mat. 23:37; 24:31.
ESV. Paul discusses Christ’s Coming (Parousia), His return in glory at the end of the age to save the elect and punish the wicked, and our being gathered to Him. The idea that the Day of the Lord had already come may have made the Thessalonians fear that Jesus’ coming and the gathering of His people to Him were no longer realistic expectations.
Wesley. Our gathering together to him — In the clouds.
Womack. Paul had spoken about the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in his previous letter to the Thessalonians. Most of his remarks about that subject centered on comforting the believers regarding their loved ones who had died (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). However, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4, Paul spoke about the time the Lord would return. He made it clear that no one knew the time of Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), but he cautioned the Thessalonians to be ready. Apparently, that led some of the Thessalonians to fear that Christ’s second coming was imminent. Paul listed two things that will happen before Christ returns: There will be a falling away, and “that man of sin” will be revealed.
Verse 2.
“Not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”
AMP. “Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled or disturbed or kept excited or alarmed, whether it be by some pretended revelation of the Spirit or by word or by letter alleged to be from us to the effect that the day of the Lord has already arrived and is here.”
TPT notes. “The Day of the Lord” is a common term to describe the day of the Lord’s judgment. See Jer. 30:7; Joel 1:15; 2:1-2; 5:18; Zech. 1: 14-18.
Wesley. Be not shaken in mind — In judgment. Or terrified — As those easily are who are immoderately fond of knowing future things. Neither by any pretended revelation from the Spirit, nor by pretense of any word spoken by me.
ESV. The Thessalonians were shaken and possibly alarmed by the false claim that the Day of the Lord had come. Paul doesn’t know the source for the claim but suggests: 1) a demonic spirit planting the idea in someone’s mind; 2) a demonic spirit speaking through someone; 3) a teaching or sermon; 4) a letter allegedly written by Paul. Paul seems to think that a letter forged with his signature was the culprit (3:17). Paul assumed that the Day of the Lord and the Second Coming were the same event. See I Cor. 1:8; Phil. 1:10; I Thes. 5: 1-4; 2 Thes. 1: 7-10.
Womack. Why would the second coming of the Lord trouble the Thessalonians? Paul used the Lord’s second coming and our gathering together to Him to comfort the Thessalonians in the previous letter. Some were telling the Thessalonians that they had missed the second coming of Christ. That would be upsetting.
Some among the Thessalonians were interpreting prophecy considering current events and had shaken the faith of some believers. Some were speaking “by the Spirit,” some were reasoning from the Scriptures, and others produced forged letters from Paul saying that Jesus had already returned. Certainly, the hardships and persecutions the Thessalonians endured were like end-time prophecies, but that didn’t make “these days” the “end days.” Many during World War II believed Hitler was the Antichrist. He fit the bill closely. It was plausible, but he was not the one. Those who interpret prophecy, or who speak prophetically, should refrain from saying “thus saith the Lord.”
“The day of the Lord” describes the return of Jesus. Paul’s term, “the day of Christ” is the same event. In the first verse of this chapter, “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” is mentioned with “our gathering together unto him.” Paul used these terms in his first letter, and they referred to the second coming of Christ.
The New King James Version renders the phrase “at hand” as “had come.” The New International Version rendered it as “has already come.” The New American Standard Bible translated it as “has come,” and the Amplified Bible says, “has already arrived and is here.” Each of these translations clearly interprets Paul as having said that some people had been telling the Thessalonians that the second coming of Jesus had already taken place. This is the reason they were shaken and troubled about the second coming of Jesus. They were told they had missed it. However, Jesus made it clear that no one would miss His second coming, and Paul gave the Thessalonians assurances that Jesus had not yet returned.
Verse 3.
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”
AMP. Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day (The Day of Christ) will not come except the [a]apostasy comes first, unless the predicted great [b]falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come, and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom and of perdition.”
Wesley. Unless the falling away — From the pure faith of the gospel, come first. This began even in the apostolic age. But the man of sin, the son of perdition - Eminently so called, is not come yet. However, in many respects, the Pope has an indisputable claim to those titles. He is, in an emphatical sense, the man of sin, as he increases all manner of sin above measure. And he is, too, properly styled, the son of perdition, as he has caused the death of numberless multitudes, both of his opposers and followers, destroyed innumerable souls, and will himself perish everlastingly. He it is that opposes himself to the emperor, once his rightful sovereign; and that exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped - Commanding angels, and putting kings under his feet, both of whom are called gods in scripture; claiming the highest power, the highest honor; suffering himself, not once only, to be styled God or vice-god. Indeed, no less is implied in his ordinary title, "Most Holy Lord," or "Most Holy Father." So that he sits - Enthroned. In the temple of God — Mentioned Revelation 11:1. Declaring himself that he is God — Claiming the prerogatives which belong to God alone.
ESV. Some say “the rebellion” is a Jewish or Christian apostasy, in view of v. 9-12, a rebellion of humanity against God is probably in view. Just as humanity in Adam rejected God and plunged themselves into greater depths of sin. The anti-Christ will be the rebel par excellence. He is also the son of destruction because Jesus will destroy him.
Womack. Paul command that we do not allow anyone deceive us. The Lord is just and since he gave the command, we can obey it. We have the power to keep our hearts from being deceived. We keep our hearts by loving the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10). That’s an antidote to the “strong delusion” of 2 Thessalonians 2:11.
The day of the Lord will be preceded by a “falling away.” The phrase “falling away” comes from the Greek noun “APOSTASIA,” from which we get our English word “apostasy.” This Greek word means “‘a defection, revolt, apostasy,’ and is used in the NT for religious apostasy.... In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ‘the falling away’ signifies apostasy from the faith” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). This apostasy must precede the day of the Lord. This same point was made by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and 2 Timothy 3:1-4.
This “man of sin” is believed by many to be the beast of Revelation 13:1-8 and the little horn of the fourth beast in Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7:7-8 and 23-25). He is also called “the son of perdition” (this verse) and “Wicked” (2 Thessalonians 2:8). In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Satan will give him “power with signs and lying wonders,” and enable him to deceive. This is probably the “vile person” of Daniel 11:21-45. John said in 1 John 2:18 that many antichrists are already at work. Those who deny that Jesus is the Christ are antichrists (1 John 2:22). But there is coming an individual who will personify all that is evil - the Antichrist.
Many assume this “man of sin” is Antichrist because in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, he sits “in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” This corresponds with the king Daniel described in Daniel 11:21-45 and Jesus’ own teaching about the end times in Matthew 24:15. In Revelation 13:4 and 13-15, the image of the beast that all the world worships may be this abomination Daniel and Jesus spoke of.
The Greek word translated “perdition” is “APOLEIA.” It means “ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal).” This term was applied to Judas Iscariot in John 17:12. This word is translated “destruction” in Philippians 3:19 - “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” The use of “perdition” describes “the man of sin” and characterizes him as a reprobate. He will be void of conscience, beyond conviction for sin.
Verse 4.
“Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
AMP. “Who opposes and exalts himself so proudly and insolently against and over all that is called God or that is worshiped, even to his actually taking his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming that he himself is God.”
TPT. “He is the opposing counterpart who exalts himself over everything that is called “God” or is worshipped (Dan. 11:36) and who sits enthroned in God’s temple and makes himself out to be a god. Note. “Enthroned in God’s temple:” Some see this prophecy fulfilled in AD 70 during the Roman war, when foreigners came into the temple and desecrated it and declared themselves the true rulers of the Jewish people. Roman emperors were considered gods. But the one who sits in God’s temple, which was not made with hands, is the sin of man, a sinful nature that is traced back to Adam. See also Ez. 28:2.
Womack. This “son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) proclaims himself as God; he opposes everything else that people worship as God. This clearly indicates persecution against anyone who doesn’t accept him as God.
The “man of sin” demands that people worship himself as God. He’s extremely proud. He places himself over everything to make himself an object of worship. The Greek word for “opposes” is “ANTIKEIMAI,” and it means “to lie opposite to, to be set over against...to withstand...the opponent and self-exalter against...contrary to” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). In the Greek, “opposes” is in the present tense, meaning a continuous process or habit. This is continual opposition to God.
Throughout history, some rulers have proclaimed themselves deity and demanded worship. The “man of sin” will do the same in the Jewish temple, in defiance of our true God (Daniel 11:36). If this “man of sin” is the beast of Revelation 13, then he would set an image of himself up in the temple to be worshiped. The false prophet would give life to it and force everyone to worship it.
ESV. Paul draws on Dan. 11: 36-37 when he says the lawless one opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship. The Temple of God has been variously interpreted as the church, the heavenly temple, the Jerusalem temple, and a metaphor for supreme blasphemous arrogance modeled on the activities of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Verse 5.
“Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?”
AMP. “Do you not recollect that when I was still with you, I told you these things?”
Wesley. And now ye know — By what I told you when I was with you. That which restrains — The power of the Roman emperors. When this is taken away, the wicked one will be revealed. In his time — His appointed season, and not before.
Womack. Paul had instructed the Thessalonians regarding these issues before. Although he spoke of the Lord’s second in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:9, he did not speak about this “man of sin.” We assume that Paul delivered the “man of sin” teaching in person when he was with them (Acts 17:1-9).
Verse 6.
“And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.”
AMP. And now you know what is restraining him from being revealed at this time; it is so that he may be manifested and revealed in his own appointed time.
TPT. “Now you are aware of the ruling power so that he may be fully revealed when his time comes. “Ruling power?” It’s an intransitive verb meaning “to rule, to hold sway, or to possess.” The Aramaic says, “now you know that which controls.” The neuter form of the Greek participle suggests a principle, not a person, which could be referring to the mystery of lawlessness in human hearts (v. 7). However, some see “it” as the god of this world (satan) or the Roman Empire, which ruled the world in the days of Paul’s writings.
Womack. Paul indicated that the Thessalonians knew what the restraining force was. It’s interesting because there is no consensus today as to what/who the restrainer is. What was clear to them seems a mystery to us.
Paul said that the “man of sin” was being held back. The word “withholds” is the Greek verb “KATECHO,” and it means “‘to hold back, detain, retain’... ‘to restrain, hinder’ (the course or progress of)” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). A commonly held view of who is restraining “the man of sin” is the Holy Spirit through the church. Many believe that the church will be “raptured” before the Man of Sin led seven-year tribulation. (Revelation 13).
The Holy Spirit cannot be the restrainer, since 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says that Christ’s return will not happen until the “man of sin” is revealed. If the “man of sin” cannot be revealed until “what withholds” is removed, then the Holy Spirit in the church cannot be that restraining influence.
Verse 7.
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”
AMP. For the mystery of lawlessness, that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority, is already at work in the world, but it is restrained only until [a]he who restrains is taken out of the way. Note. Many believe this One Who restrains the antichrist is the Holy Spirit, who lives in all believers and will be removed with them at Christ’s coming; yet a majority thinks it refers to the Roman Empire.
Wesley. He will surely be revealed; for the mystery - The deep, secret power of iniquity, just opposite to the power of godliness, already worketh. It began with the love of honor, and the desire of power; and is completed in the entire subversion of the gospel of Christ. This mystery of iniquity is not wholly confined to the Romish church but extends itself to others also. It seems to consist of, 1. Human inventions added to the written word — 2. Mere outside performances put in the room of faith and love — 3. Other mediators besides the man Christ Jesus. The two last branches, together with idolatry and bloodshed, are the direct consequences of the former: namely, the adding to the word of God. Already worketh — In the church. Only he that restrains — That is, the potentate who successively has Rome in his power. The emperors, heathen or Christian; the kings, Goths or Lombards; the Carolingian or German emperors.
Womack. “Iniquity” is the Greek noun “ANOMIA,” which means “the condition of one without law.” Lawlessness exists, but someone or something is currently restraining it.
It’s John’s point in 1 John 2:18, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” The antichrist spirit is at work in the world. Those against Christ have the spirit of antichrist. This spirit cannot find its full expression while the restraining influence is present.
The word “lets” is the Greek word used in 2 Thessalonians 2:6 for the English word “withholds.” Something or someone restrains and holds back complete lawlessness. It will be taken out of the way so that the wicked one can be revealed.
Verse 8.
“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”
“And then the lawless one, the antichrist, will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by His appearing at His coming.”
TPT. “Then the “outlaw” will be openly revealed, and the Lord will overthrow him by the breath of his mouth and bring him to an end by the dazzling manifestation of his presence.” “By the breath of his mouth” This is figurative. The Word spoken from Jesus’ mouth; the Word of God is the “breath of his mouth. “Bring him to an end” or deactivate. “Presence” can be “coming.”
ESV. As soon as the restrainer is removed, lawlessness is free to manifest itself in unrestrained fashion in the Anti-Christ. In God’s providence, Jesus’ second coming overthrows the Anti-Christ’s rule.
Wesley. And then — When every prince and power that restrains is taken away. Will that wicked one — Emphatically so called, be revealed. Whom the Lord will soon consume with the spirit of his mouth - His immediate power. And destroy — With the very first appearance of his glory.
Womack. The “Wicked” one is the “man of sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and “the mystery of iniquity” in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. After the removal of what withholds (2 Thessalonians 2:6), the world will then plunge into lawlessness. The name of the “man of sin” is not mentioned in Scripture. He is known by his deeds and actions. The Lord Jesus Christ will destroy the “man of sin” with the words of His mouth. Jesus will destroy him at His coming (Revelation 19:15 and 20-21).
In Hebrews 4:12, God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword.” In Ephesians 6:17, God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. In Revelation 1:16; 2:16; 19:15, and 21, Jesus has a sword coming out of His mouth. All refer to the Word of God. Jesus will use His word to dispatch all His enemies. People will be killed until blood will be up to the horses’ bridles (Revelation 14:20). It’s a weapon that makes all bombs pale in comparison. It’s the same Word that God has given to us. We speak His Word in faith, and nothing can overcome it.
The “brightness” may describe the Lord Jesus Christ’s countenance. See Revelation 1:16. It could also refer to fire associated with the coming of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 10:27; 2 Peter 3:12; Revelation 18:8, and 19:20).
Verse 9.
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.”
AMP. The coming of the lawless one, the antichrist, is through the activity and working of Satan and will be attended by great power and with all sorts of false miracles and signs and delusive marvels—all of them lying wonders.
TPT. “The presence or coming, of the “outlaw” is apparent by the activity of Satan, who uses all kinds of counterfeit miracles, sighs, spurious, and wonders.”
ESV. The Anti-Christ has a “coming” and Satan is the power behind Anti-Christ working signs and wonder (false) to lead people to believe that Anti-Christ is God. Unbelievers are those who are perishing because they did not receive the gospel.
Womack. The Greek word “PAROUSIA” (“coming”) is used seven times in 1 and 2 Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, and 8-9). It is used of the second coming of Jesus Christ as well as the coming of various people throughout the New Testament. In this passage, we see the PAROUSIA of the “man of sin.” His appearance will be marked out by miracles, signs, and wonders. People will stand in awe because of his supernatural manifestations. These manifestations are lying wonders because they are counterfeit and their origin is not from God. False miracles are also mentioned in Exodus 7:11, 22, 8:7; Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:13, 16:14, and 19:20.
Verse 10.
“And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
AMP. And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing and going to perdition, because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved.
Wesley. Because they received not the love of the truth — Therefore God suffered them to fall into that "strong delusion."
Womack. Before a person can perish, they will reject the love of the truth. Loving the truth (John 14:6 and 17:17) is a foolproof safeguard against perishing (Psalms 119:92).
The word “perish” is the Greek verb “APOLLUMI,” and it is translated ninety-two times in the New Testament in the following ways: “perish” thirty-three times, “destroy” twenty-six times, “lose” twenty-two times, “be lost” five times, and “lost” four times. Metaphorically it means “to devote or give over to eternal misery” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). People perish because “they don’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” “Received” is the Greek verb “DECHOMAI,” and it was also translated “receive,” “accept,” and “take.” It carries the idea of one who welcomes the truth. The Thessalonians, in contrast to these that “received not the love of the truth,” received the Gospel “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Verse 11.
“And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.”
AMP. “Therefore, God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false.”
ESV. Because non-believers have rejected salvation, God sends them a strong delusion. They will believe what is false and will follow the Anti-Christ.
Wesley. Therefore, God shall send them — That is, judicially permit to come upon them, strong delusion.
Womack. See Psalms 81:11-12. The Lord only does this to those who have rejected Him. He enforces their choice. The result is a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28).
The Message reads, “And since they’re so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they’re banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.”
The Lord doesn’t give people delusion to keep them from salvation. The Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). When people reject His truth, they choose deception.
We need to seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). We don’t know when the mercies of the Lord will cease, and this delusion comes. We must love the truth and never willfully reject it.
This helps explain the great “falling away” that occurs before the Lord’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:3. Those who don’t love the truth will be given over to this strong delusion that will sever them from all godly influence. The gray area will disappear, and people will either be hot or cold, not lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).
Verse 12.
“That they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
AMP. “In order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in - who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on - the Truth, but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.”
ESV. Those unbelievers who embrace the Anti-Christ will advance to a new level of rebellion. They are thus condemned as allies of the Anti-Christ at Jesus’ second coming.
Wesley. That they all may be condemned — That is, the consequence of which will be, that they all will be condemned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness - That is, who believed not the truth, because they loved sin.
Womack. The Greek word eudokeo, translated “pleasure,” means “to think well of, approve (an act), to approbate (a person or thing).” The word “approbate” means, “to approve or sanction” (Merriam-Webster). A person doesn’t have to participate in an ungodly act; just sanction it or give formal approval to it, like supporting LGBTQ rights.
If the Lord didn’t send “strong delusion” (2 Thessalonians 2:11), some would submit to the Lord out of fear or intimidation as they see the signs of the end approaching. It is impossible to please the Lord without faith (Hebrews 11:6). It is not God’s will to force people into submission. If it were, He would operate much differently than He does. Therefore, those who reject the truth will have hardened hearts. They won’t be able to believe which will seal their damnation.
God is a righteous Judge who will set the record straight. His day is coming, and it will be terrible for those who failed to receive the love of the truth. God is suffering long with the ungodly so that as many as will believe can be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Verse 13.
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”
AMP. But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated as those who are in debt to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His first fruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and your belief in, adherence to, trust in, and reliance on the Truth.
ESV. This is the second ‘thanksgiving’ in the letter.
Wesley. God hath from the beginning — Of your hearing the gospel. Chosen you to salvation — Taken you out of the world and placed you in the way to glory.
Womack. The Thessalonians belief in the truth and the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power kept them from the terrible fate described in the previous verses. It’s the same with us. Our love of God’s Word is the most important protection to keep us from this world’s evil (Psalms 1:1-4, 19:7-10, and 119:9-11).
This verse contains many truths: thanksgiving, brotherly love, God’s love for the saints, election, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, and faith in the Gospel. Paul began to use “we.” Timothy and Silas joined Paul in their thanksgiving for the Thessalonians. Paul’s statement about the brethren being “beloved of the Lord” brings out the fact that believers are thoroughly loved by God. God chose them unto salvation. The Greek verb “HAIREOMAI” means “to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer” (Strong’s Concordance). The phrase “through sanctification of the Spirit” shows that it is the Holy Spirit who sets apart the believers unto salvation, while “belief of the truth” shows that the Thessalonians’ faith was centered in the Gospel.
Paul spoke sobering words about the fate of those who don’t love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). He reassured the Thessalonians that he didn’t include them among people who would be damned.
Verse 14.
“To which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
AMP. It was to this end that He called you through our Gospel, so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
ESV. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that they have accepted Christ and are elected to be eternally saved.
Wesley. To which — Faith and holiness. He hath called you by our gospel — That which we preached, accompanied with the power of his Spirit.
Womack. The Lord calls us to obtain His glory through His Word. This is true at this time in our born-again spirits. However, we will receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-54) and glorified souls that know all things the way we are known (1 Corinthians 13:9-12). But until that time, we already have the glory of God in our born-again spirits.
Jesus has given us the same glory that the Father gave Him. It will be revealed in us, not to us, when we stand before the Lord. In Ephesians 1:18 the riches of the glory of His inheritance are already in us, the saints. We are called unto God’s eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10).
We have been called “to obtain of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Considering these scriptures, this state of glory is a present-tense reality in every believer.
Verse 15.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”
AMP. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions and instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter.
Wesley. Hold — Without adding to, or diminishing from, the traditions which ye have been taught - The truths which I have delivered to you. Whether by word or by our epistle — He preached before he wrote. And he had written concerning this in his former epistle.
Womack. Paul admonished the Christians to “stand fast”, and to hold–that is, retain and grasp firmly–the traditions that they were taught. Considering Paul’s strong words in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, it was especially important to hold on to the Truth they had been taught.
The “tradition” that Paul meant is the Gospel that had been handed down to the Thessalonian believers. The traditions may have been oral (by word) or written (by his epistle). W.E. Vine wrote that “at the outset, and for twenty years thereafter, there is no evidence that anything was committed to writing whether by the apostles or by their colleagues, but before the last of the apostles had passed away each book of the New Testament had been written and was in circulation...among the churches” (Vine’s Expository Commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, p. 200).
Verse 16.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace.”
Womack. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 is like a preliminary benediction to this letter.
Regardless of how good human comfort is, it is only temporary. Jesus has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
Verse 17.
“Comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
AMP. Comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them, make them steadfast and keep them unswerving, in every good work and word.
Womack. In the Phillips New Testament Bible, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 reads, “May the Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who has loved us and given us unending encouragement and unfailing hope by his grace, inspire you with courage and confidence in every good thing you say or do.”