2021-3-25

2 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 2:1-17

　　Paul wrote this second letter to encourage the new believers in Thessalonians. Apparently Paul, Silas and Timothy had visited Thessalonica earlier and established the church there. The new believers faced intense persecutions for their faith (2 Th1:5). Paul expressed his obligations to pray for their growing faith, love and how proud he was of their perseverance in the midst of all persecutions they were facing (2 Th 1:3-4). Paul told the believers their participation in sufferings for Christ proved their worthiness of God’s kingdom (2 Th 1:5, 11). Their sufferings, as well as his will not be in vain for God will avenge them and provide relief for them (2 Th1:7).

　　Paul explained the relief will come when Jesus returns gloriously, with blazing fire and powerful angels. At that time the wronged will be righted, judgment will be meted out and evil will be terminated. Those who refused Him will be subjected to everlasting destruction (lake of fire in Rev 20:14), separated from the presence of the Lord. (2 Th 1:7-9). On the other spectrum, believers of the gospel who put their faith in the Lord will enjoy His presence (2 Th1:10). This is an encouragement for Christians to put their hope in the Lord especially when we see how the wicked triumph over the righteous.

　　This follow up letter does not only encourage the believers to persevere but also to dispel misunderstandings from his first letter. Apparently, there were misconstrued reports of the Lord’s return based on Paul’s first letter. Some new believers were distressed when they were led to believe by false teaching that they were left behind because the Lord had already returned (2 Th 2:2)! Paul assured them this is not true for the day of the Lord’s return will not happen until the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is revealed (2 Th 2:3). Paul explained this man is like a tool of Satan:

1. He will oppose God and exalt himself to the position of God (2 Th 2:4).
2. He will display all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders (2 Th:9).
3. He has all sorts of evils under his sleeves which he uses to deceive those who are perishing (2 Th 2:10).
4. He will be revealed and doomed for destruction (2 Th 2:3, 8).

　　Paul’s letter helped me to evaluate my life as a Christian. While life in North America is nowhere close to life of the early believers in Thessalonica, there are many challenges that Christians face today. We know the end is drawing nearer. Persecution of Christians will rise as evil permeates our daily lives. Just as Paul had already warned “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work…” I am reminded to continually build myself on the foundation of Christ, to put my hope on Him as I fulfill my duty in pointing others to Jesus Christ, my Lord. — Lai Yee Leong