Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day
will not come until . . . the man of lawlessness is revealed (2
Thessalonians 2:3).
A counterfeit letter had apparently gone out in Paul’s name
claiming Christ had already returned, throwing the Thessalonian Christians into
a panic, which is why Paul is now writing. He assures them these rumors are
false, and that certain conditions must first be met [4]. About these he has
communicated with them previously, but of this we have no record. While they
knew exactly what Paul was talking about, we do not.
This man of lawlessness language is similar to the Antichrist motif, although it
is language Paul repeats in no other extant materials [5]. If this letter is
genuine, and the evidence could go either way, it is reminiscent of Daniel’s abomination
that causes desolation (Daniel
9:27) – a reference to Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), the Greek tyrant king who
brutalized the Jews and sacrificed swine’s flesh on the Jerusalem altar –
referenced by Jesus (Matthew 24:15) regarding the coming Roman desecration of
the Temple.
Chapter one, verse four suggests the Thessalonians are being
persecuted. This would explain the apocalyptic tone, more reminiscent of John’s
Revelation than any other Pauline writings [6]. It should be noted that the
main function of Christian apocalyptic is to reassure the persecuted that God
is on their side, and that in the end he will be victorious over their enemies.
While many other issues cannot be addressed with certainty,
that’s a message we can receive with confidence.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
From what or whom do you
need rescued?
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