2 Thessalonians 2:13 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

13 But G1161 we G2249 are bound G3784 to give thanks G2168 alway G3842 to God G2316 for G4012 you, G5216 brethren G80 beloved G25 of G5259 the Lord, G2962 because G3754 God G2316 hath G138 from G575 the beginning G746 chosen G138 you G5209 to G1519 salvation G4991 through G1722 sanctification G38 of the Spirit G4151 and G2532 belief G4102 of the truth: G225

Cross Reference

2 Timothy 1:9 STRONG

Who G3588 hath saved G4982 us, G2248 and G2532 called G2564 us with an holy G40 calling, G2821 not G3756 according to G2596 our G2257 works, G2041 but G235 according to G2596 his own G2398 purpose G4286 and G2532 grace, G5485 which G3588 was given G1325 us G2254 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus G2424 before G4253 the world began, G5550 G166

1 Thessalonians 1:4 STRONG

Knowing, G1492 brethren G80 beloved, G25 your G5216 election G1589 of G5259 God. G2316

2 Thessalonians 1:3 STRONG

We are bound G3784 to thank G2168 God G2316 always G3842 for G4012 you, G5216 brethren, G80 as G2531 it is G2076 meet, G514 because G3754 that your G5216 faith G4102 groweth exceedingly, G5232 and G2532 the charity G26 of every G1538 one G1520 of you G5216 all G3956 toward G1519 each other G240 aboundeth; G4121

1 Thessalonians 5:9 STRONG

For G3754 God G2316 hath G5087 not G3756 appointed G5087 us G2248 to G1519 wrath, G3709 but G235 to G1519 obtain G4047 salvation G4991 by G1223 our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547

Acts 13:48 STRONG

And G1161 when the Gentiles G1484 heard this, G191 they were glad, G5463 and G2532 glorified G1392 the word G3056 of the Lord: G2962 and G2532 as many as G3745 were G2258 ordained G5021 to G1519 eternal G166 life G2222 believed. G4100

1 Peter 1:2-5 STRONG

Elect G1588 according G2596 to the foreknowledge G4268 of God G2316 the Father, G3962 through G1722 sanctification G38 of the Spirit, G4151 unto G1519 obedience G5218 and G2532 sprinkling G4473 of the blood G129 of Jesus G2424 Christ: G5547 Grace G5485 unto you, G5213 and G2532 peace, G1515 be multiplied. G4129 Blessed G2128 be the God G2316 and G2532 Father G3962 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 which G3588 according to G2596 his G846 abundant G4183 mercy G1656 hath begotten G313 us G2248 again G313 unto G1519 a lively G2198 hope G1680 by G1223 the resurrection G386 of Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 from G1537 the dead, G3498 To G1519 an inheritance G2817 incorruptible, G862 and G2532 undefiled, G283 and G2532 that fadeth not away, G263 reserved G5083 in G1722 heaven G3772 for G1519 you, G5209 Who G3588 are kept G5432 by G1722 the power G1411 of God G2316 through G1223 faith G4102 unto G1519 salvation G4991 ready G2092 to be revealed G601 in G1722 the last G2078 time. G2540

Ephesians 1:4-5 STRONG

According as G2531 he hath chosen G1586 us G2248 in G1722 him G846 before G4253 the foundation G2602 of the world, G2889 that we G2248 should be G1511 holy G40 and G2532 without blame G299 before G2714 him G846 in G1722 love: G26 Having predestinated G4309 us G2248 unto G1519 the adoption of children G5206 by G1223 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 to G1519 himself, G846 according G2596 to the good pleasure G2107 of his G846 will, G2307

Ephesians 2:8 STRONG

For G1063 by grace G5485 are ye G2075 saved G4982 through G1223 faith; G4102 and G2532 that G5124 not G3756 of G1537 yourselves: G5216 it is the gift G1435 of God: G2316

Deuteronomy 33:12 STRONG

And of Benjamin H1144 he said, H559 The beloved H3039 of the LORD H3068 shall dwell H7931 in safety H983 by him; and the LORD shall cover H2653 him all the day H3117 long, and he shall dwell H7931 between his shoulders. H3802

Romans 9:11 STRONG

(For G1063 the children being G1080 not yet G3380 born, G1080 neither G3366 having done G4238 any G5100 good G18 or G2228 evil, G2556 that G2443 the purpose G4286 of God G2316 according G2596 to election G1589 might stand, G3306 not G3756 of G1537 works, G2041 but G235 of G1537 him that calleth;) G2564

Galatians 3:1 STRONG

O G5599 foolish G453 Galatians, G1052 who G5101 hath bewitched G940 you, G5209 that ye should G3982 not G3361 obey G3982 the truth, G225 before G2596 whose G3739 eyes G3788 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 hath been evidently set forth, G4270 crucified G4717 among G1722 you? G5213

2 Thessalonians 2:12 STRONG

That G2443 they all G3956 might be damned G2919 who G3588 believed G4100 not G3361 the truth, G225 but G235 had pleasure G2106 in G1722 unrighteousness. G93

2 Thessalonians 2:16 STRONG

Now G1161 our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 himself, G846 and G2532 God, G2316 even G2532 our G2257 Father, G3962 which G3588 hath loved G25 us, G2248 and G2532 hath given G1325 us everlasting G166 consolation G3874 and G2532 good G18 hope G1680 through G1722 grace, G5485

1 John 4:19 STRONG

We G2249 love G25 him, G846 because G3754 he G846 first G4413 loved G25 us. G2248

1 John 4:10 STRONG

Herein G1722 G5129 is G2076 love, G26 not G3754 that G3756 we G2249 loved G25 God, G2316 but G235 that G3754 he G846 loved G25 us, G2248 and G2532 sent G649 his G846 Son G5207 to be the propitiation G2434 for G4012 our G2257 sins. G266

James 1:18 STRONG

Of his own will G1014 begat he G616 us G2248 with the word G3056 of truth, G225 that G1519 we G2248 should be G1511 a kind G5100 of firstfruits G536 of his G846 creatures. G2938

Hebrews 1:10 STRONG

And, G2532 Thou, G4771 Lord, G2962 in G2596 the beginning G746 hast laid the foundation G2311 of the earth; G1093 and G2532 the heavens G3772 are G1526 the works G2041 of thine G4675 hands: G5495

2 Timothy 3:15 STRONG

And G2532 that G3754 from G575 a child G1025 thou hast known G1492 the holy G2413 scriptures, G1121 which G3588 are able G1410 to make G4679 thee G4571 wise G4679 unto G1519 salvation G4991 through G1223 faith G4102 which G3588 is in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus. G2424

2 Timothy 2:15 STRONG

Study G4704 to shew G3936 thyself G4572 approved G1384 unto God, G2316 a workman G2040 that needeth not to be ashamed, G422 rightly dividing G3718 the word G3056 of truth. G225

John 8:44-46 STRONG

Ye G5210 are G2075 of G1537 your father G3962 the devil, G1228 and G2532 the lusts G1939 of your G5216 father G3962 ye will G2309 do. G4160 He G1565 was G2258 a murderer G443 from G575 the beginning, G746 and G2532 abode G2476 not G3756 in G1722 the truth, G225 because G3754 there is G2076 no G3756 truth G225 in G1722 him. G846 When G3752 he speaketh G2980 a lie, G5579 he speaketh G2980 of G1537 his own: G2398 for G3754 he is G2076 a liar, G5583 and G2532 the father G3962 of it. G846 And G1161 because G3754 I G1473 tell G3004 you the truth, G225 ye believe G4100 me G3427 not. G3756 Which G5101 of G1537 you G5216 convinceth G1651 me G3165 of G4012 sin? G266 And G1161 if G1487 I say G3004 the truth, G225 why G1302 do G4100 ye G5210 not G3756 believe G4100 me? G3427

Proverbs 8:23 STRONG

I was set up H5258 from everlasting, H5769 from the beginning, H7218 or ever H6924 the earth H776 was.

Isaiah 46:10 STRONG

Declaring H5046 the end H319 from the beginning, H7225 and from ancient times H6924 the things that are not yet done, H6213 saying, H559 My counsel H6098 shall stand, H6965 and I will do H6213 all my pleasure: H2656

Jeremiah 31:3 STRONG

The LORD H3068 hath appeared H7200 of old H7350 unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved H157 thee with an everlasting H5769 love: H160 therefore with lovingkindness H2617 have I drawn H4900 thee.

Ezekiel 16:8 STRONG

Now when I passed H5674 by thee, and looked H7200 upon thee, behold, thy time H6256 was the time H6256 of love; H1730 and I spread H6566 my skirt H3671 over thee, and covered H3680 thy nakedness: H6172 yea, I sware H7650 unto thee, and entered H935 into a covenant H1285 with thee, saith H5002 the Lord H136 GOD, H3069 and thou becamest mine.

Daniel 9:23 STRONG

At the beginning H8462 of thy supplications H8469 the commandment H1697 came forth, H3318 and I am come H935 to shew H5046 thee; for thou art greatly beloved: H2532 therefore understand H995 the matter, H1697 and consider H995 the vision. H4758

Daniel 10:11 STRONG

And he said H559 unto me, O Daniel, H1840 a man H376 greatly beloved, H2532 understand H995 the words H1697 that I speak H1696 unto thee, and stand H5975 upright: H5977 for unto thee am I now sent. H7971 And when he had spoken H1696 this word H1697 unto me, I stood H5975 trembling. H7460

Daniel 10:19 STRONG

And said, H559 O man H376 greatly beloved, H2532 fear H3372 not: peace H7965 be unto thee, be strong, H2388 yea, be strong. H2388 And when he had spoken H1696 unto me, I was strengthened, H2388 and said, H559 Let my lord H113 speak; H1696 for thou hast strengthened H2388 me.

Luke 1:75 STRONG

In G1722 holiness G3742 and G2532 righteousness G1343 before G1799 him, G846 all G3956 the days G2250 of our G2257 life. G2222

John 1:1 STRONG

In G1722 the beginning G746 was G2258 the Word, G3056 and G2532 the Word G3056 was G2258 with G4314 God, G2316 and G2532 the Word G3056 was G2258 God. G2316

2 Samuel 12:25 STRONG

And he sent H7971 by the hand H3027 of Nathan H5416 the prophet; H5030 and he called H7121 his name H8034 Jedidiah, H3041 because of the LORD. H3068

John 14:6 STRONG

Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto him, G846 I G1473 am G1510 the way, G3598 G2532 the truth, G225 and G2532 the life: G2222 no man G3762 cometh G2064 unto G4314 the Father, G3962 but G1508 by G1223 me. G1700

Acts 15:9 STRONG

And G2532 put G1252 no G3762 difference G1252 between G3342 G5037 us G2257 and G2532 them, G846 purifying G2511 their G846 hearts G2588 by faith. G4102

Romans 1:7-8 STRONG

To all G3956 that be G5607 in G1722 Rome, G4516 beloved G27 of God, G2316 called G2822 to be saints: G40 Grace G5485 to you G5213 and G2532 peace G1515 from G575 God G2316 our G2257 Father, G3962 and G2532 the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547 First, G4412 G3303 I thank G2168 my G3450 God G2316 through G1223 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 for G5228 you G5216 all, G3956 that G3754 your G5216 faith G4102 is spoken G2605 of throughout G1722 the whole G3650 world. G2889

Romans 6:17 STRONG

But G1161 God G2316 be thanked, G5485 that G3754 ye were G2258 the servants G1401 of sin, G266 but G1161 ye have obeyed G5219 from G1537 the heart G2588 that form G5179 of doctrine G1322 which G1519 G3739 was delivered you. G3860

Romans 8:33 STRONG

Who G5101 shall lay any thing G1458 to the charge G2596 of God's G2316 elect? G1588 It is God G2316 that justifieth. G1344

Colossians 1:5 STRONG

For G1223 the hope G1680 which G3588 is laid up G606 for you G5213 in G1722 heaven, G3772 whereof G3739 ye heard before G4257 in G1722 the word G3056 of the truth G225 of the gospel; G2098

Colossians 3:12 STRONG

Put on G1746 therefore, G3767 as G5613 the elect G1588 of God, G2316 holy G40 and G2532 beloved, G25 bowels G4698 of mercies, G3628 kindness, G5544 humbleness of mind, G5012 meekness, G4236 longsuffering; G3115

2 Thessalonians 2:10 STRONG

And G2532 with G1722 all G3956 deceivableness G539 of unrighteousness G93 in G1722 them that perish; G622 because G473 G3739 they received G1209 not G3756 the love G26 of the truth, G225 that G1519 they G846 might be saved. G4982

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 2

The apostle is very careful to hinder the spreading of an error into which some among them had fallen concerning the coming of Christ, as being very near (v. 1-3). Then he proceeds to confute the error he cautioned them against, by telling them of two great events that were antecedent to the coming of Christ-a general apostasy, and the revelation of antichrist, concerning whom the apostle tells them many remarkable things, about his name, his character, his rise, his fall, his reign, and the sin and ruin of his subjects (v. 4-12). He then comforts them against the terror of this apostasy, and exhorts them to stedfastness (v. 13-15). And concludes with a prayer for them (v. 16, 17).

2Th 2:1-3

From these words it appears that some among the Thessalonians had mistaken the apostle's meaning, in what he had written in his former epistle about the coming of Christ, by thinking that it was near at hand,-that Christ was just ready to appear and come to judgment. Or, it may be, some among them pretended that they had the knowledge of this by particular revelation from the Spirit, or from some words they had heard from the apostle, when he was with them, or some letter he had written or they pretended he had written to them or some other person: and hereupon the apostle is careful to rectify this mistake, and to prevent the spreading of this error. Observe, If errors and mistakes arise among Christians, we should take the first opportunity to rectify them, and hinder the spreading thereof; and good men will be especially careful to suppress errors that may arise from a mistake of their words and actions, though that which was spoken or done was ever so innocent or well. We have a subtle adversary, who watches all opportunities to do mischief, and will sometimes promote errors even by means of the words of scripture. Observe,

  • I. How very earnest and solicitous this apostle was to prevent mistakes: We beseech you, brethren, etc., v. 1. He entreats them as brethren who might have charged them as a father charges his children: he shows great kindness and condescension, and insinuates himself into their affections. And this is the best way to deal with men when we would preserve or recover them from errors, to deal gently and affectionately with them: rough and rigorous treatment will but exasperate their spirits, and prejudice them against the reasons we may offer. He obtests and even conjures them in the most solemn manner: By the coming of Christ, etc. The words are in the form of an oath; and his meaning is that if they believed Christ would come, and if they desired he would come, and rejoiced in the hope of his coming, they should be careful to avoid the error, and the evil consequences of it, against which he was now cautioning them. From this form of obtestation used by the apostle, we may observe,
    • 1. It is most certain that the Lord Jesus Christ will come to judge the world, that he will come in all the pomp and power of the upper world in the last day, to execute judgment upon all. Whatever uncertainty we are at, or whatever mistakes may arise about the time of his coming, his coming itself is certain. This has been the faith and hope of all Christians in all ages of the church; nay, it was the faith and hope of the Old-Testament saints, ever since Enoch the seventh from Adam, who said, Behold, the Lord cometh, etc., Jude 14.
    • 2. At the second coming of Christ all the saints will be gathered together to him; and this mention of the gathering of the saints together unto Christ at his coming shows that the apostle speaks of Christ's coming to judgment day, and not of his coming to destroy Jerusalem. He speaks of a proper, and not a metaphorical advent: and, as it will be part of Christ's honour in that day, so it will be the completing of the happiness of his saints.
      • (1.) That they all shall be gathered together. There will then be a general meeting of all the saints, and none but saints; all the Old-Testament saints, who got acquaintance with Christ by the dark shadows of the law, and saw this day at a distance; and all the New-Testament saints, to whom life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel; they will all be gathered together. There will then come from the four winds of heaven all that are, or ever were, or ever shall be, from the beginning to the end of time. All shall be gathered together.
      • (2.) That they shall be gathered together to Christ. He will be the great centre of their unity. They shall be gathered together to him, to be attendants on him, to be assessors with him, to be presented by him to the Father, to be with him for ever, and altogether happy in his presence to all eternity.
      • (3.) The doctrine of Christ's coming and our gathering together to him is of a great moment and importance to Christians; otherwise it would not be the proper matter of the apostle's obtestation. We ought therefore not only to believe these things, but highly to account of them also, and look upon them as things we are greatly concerned in and should be much affected with.
  • II. The thing itself against which the apostle cautions the Thessalonians is that they should not be deceived about the time of Christ's coming, and so be shaken in mind, or be troubled. Note, Errors in the mind tend greatly to weaken our faith, and cause us trouble; and such as are weak in faith and of troubled minds are oftentimes apt to be deceived, and fall a prey to seducers.
    • 1. The apostle would not have them be deceived: Let no man deceive you by any means, v. 3. There are many who lie in wait to deceive, and they have many ways of deceiving; we have reason therefore to be cautious and stand upon our guard. Some deceivers will pretend new revelations, others misinterpret scripture, and others will be guilty of gross forgeries; divers means and artifices of deceit men will use; but we must be careful that no man deceive us by any means. The particular matter in which the apostle cautions them not to be deceived is about the near approach of Christ's coming, as if it was to have been in the apostle's days; and harmless as this error might seem to many, yet, because it was indeed an error, it would have proved of bad consequences to many persons. Therefore,
    • 2. He gives them warning, and would not have them be soon shaken in mind, nor be troubled.
      • (1.) He would not have their faith weakened. We should firmly believe the second coming of Christ, and be settled and established in the faith of this; but there was danger lest the Thessalonians, if they apprehended the coming of Christ was just at hand, upon finding that they, or others whom they too much regarded, were mistaken as to the time, should thereupon question the truth or certainty of the thing itself; whereas they ought not to waver in their minds as to this great thing, which is the faith and hope of all the saints. False doctrines are like winds, that toss the water to and fro, and they are apt to unsettle the minds of men, who are sometimes as unstable as water. Then,
      • (2.) He would not have their comforts lessened, that they should not be troubled nor affrighted with false alarms. It is probable that the coming of Christ was represented in so much terror as to trouble many serious Christians among them, though in itself it should be matter of the believer's hope and joy; or else many might be troubled with the thought how surprising this day would be, or with the fear of their unpreparedness, or upon the reflection on their mistake about the time of Christ's coming: we should always watch and pray, but must not be discouraged nor uncomfortable at the thought of Christ's coming.

2Th 2:3-12

In these words the apostle confutes the error against which he had cautioned them, and gives the reasons why they should not expect the coming of Christ as just at hand. There were several events previous to the second coming of Christ; in particular, he tells them there would be,

  • I. A general apostasy, there would come a falling away first, v. 3. By this apostasy we are not to understand a defection in the state, or from civil government, but in spiritual or religious matters, from sound doctrine, instituted worship and church government, and a holy life. The apostle speaks of some very great apostasy, not only of some converted Jews or Gentiles, but such as should be very general, though gradual, and should give occasion to the revelation of rise of antichrist, that man of sin. This, he says (v. 5), he had told them of when he was with them, with design, no doubt, that they should not take offence nor be stumbled at it. And let us observe that no sooner was Christianity planted and rooted in the world than there began to be a defection in the Christian church. It was so in the Old-Testament church; presently after any considerable advance made in religion there followed a defection: soon after the promise there was revolting; for example, soon after men began to call upon the name of the Lord all flesh corrupted their way,-soon after the covenant with Noah the Babel-builders bade defiance to heaven,-soon after the covenant with Abraham his seed degenerated in Egypt,-soon after the Israelites were planted in Canaan, when the first generation was worn off, they forsook God and served Baal,-soon after God's covenant with David his seed revolted, and served other gods,-soon after the return out of captivity there was a general decay of piety, as appears by the story of Ezra and Nehemiah; and therefore it was no strange thing that after the planting of Christianity there should come a falling away.
  • II. A revelation of that man of sin, that is (v. 3), antichrist would take his rise from this general apostasy. The apostle afterwards speaks of the revelation of that wicked one (v. 8), intimating the discovery which should be made of his wickedness, in order to his ruin: here he seems to speak of his rise, which should be occasioned by the general apostasy he had mentioned, and to intimate that all sorts of false doctrines and corruptions should centre in him. Great disputes have been as to who or what is intended by this man of sin and son of perdition: and, if it be not certain that the papal power and tyranny are principally or only intended, yet this is plain, What is here said does very exactly agree thereto. For observe,
    • 1. The names of this person, or rather the state and power here spoken of. He is called the man of sin, to denote his egregious wickedness; not only is he addicted to, and practises, wickedness himself, but he also promotes, countenances, and commands sin and wickedness in others; and he is the son of perdition, because he himself is devoted to certain destruction, and is the instrument of destroying many others both in soul and body. These names may properly be applied, for these reasons, to the papal state; and thereto agree also,
    • 2. The characters here given, v. 4.
      • (1.) That he opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or is worshipped; and thus have the bishops of Rome not only opposed God's authority, and that of the civil magistrates, who are called gods, but have exalted themselves above God and earthly governors, in demanding greater regard to their commands than to the commands of God or the magistrate.
      • (2.) As God, he sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. As God was in the temple of old, and worshipped there, and is in and with his church now, so the antichrist here mentioned is some usurper of God's authority in the Christian church, who claims divine honours; and to whom can this better apply than to the bishops of Rome, to whom the most blasphemous titles have been given, as Dominus Deus noster papa-Our Lord God the pope; Deus alter in terrâ-Another God on earth; Idem est dominium Dei et papae-The dominion of God and the pope is the same?
    • 3. His rise is mentioned, v. 6, 7. Concerning this we are to observe two things:-
      • (1.) There was something that hindered or withheld, or let, until it was taken away. This is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not think fit to mention more plainly at that time; and it is notorious that, while this power continued, it prevented the advances of the bishops of Rome to that height of tyranny to which soon afterwards they arrived.
      • (2.) This mystery of iniquity was gradually to arrive at its height; and so it was in effect that the universal corruption of doctrine and worship in the Romish church came in by degrees, and the usurpation of the bishops of Rome was gradual, not all at once; and thus the mystery of iniquity did the more easily, and almost insensibly, prevail. The apostle justly calls it a mystery of iniquity, because wicked designs and actions were concealed under false shows and pretences, at least they were concealed from the common view and observation. By pretended devotion, superstition and idolatry were advanced; and, by a pretended zeal for God and his glory, bigotry and persecution were promoted. And he tells us that this mystery of iniquity did even then begin, or did already work. While the apostles were yet living, the enemy came, and sowed tares; there were then the deeds of the Nicolaitans, persons who pretended zeal for Christ, but really opposed him. Pride, ambition, and worldly interest of church-pastors and church-rulers, as in Diotrephes and others, were the early working of the mystery of iniquity, which, by degrees, came to that prodigious height which has been visible in the church of Rome.
    • 4. The fall or ruin of the antichristian state is declared, v. 8. The head of this antichristian kingdom is called that wicked one, or that lawless person who sets up a human power in competition with, and contradiction to, the divine dominion and power of the Lord Jesus Christ; but, as he would thus manifest himself to be the man of sin, so the revelation or discovery of this to the world would be the sure presage and the means of his ruin. The apostle assures the Thessalonians that the Lord would consume and destroy him; the consuming of him precedes his final destruction, and that is by the Spirit of his mouth, by his word of command; the pure word of God, accompanied with the Spirit of God, will discover this mystery of iniquity, and make the power of antichrist to consume and waste away; and in due time it will be totally and finally destroyed, and this will be by the brightness of Christ's coming. Note, The coming of Christ to destroy the wicked will be with peculiar glory and eminent lustre and brightness.
    • 5. The apostle further describes the reign and rule of this man of sin. Here we are to observe,
      • (1.) The manner of his coming, or ruling, and working: in general, that it is after the example of Satan, the grand enemy of souls, the great adversary of God and man. He is the great patron of error and lies, the sworn enemy of the truth as it is in Jesus and all the faithful followers of Jesus. More particularly, it is with Satanical power and deceit. A divine power is pretended for the support of this kingdom, but it is only after the working of Satan. Signs and wonders, visions and miracles, are pretended; by these the papal kingdom was first set up, and has all along been kept up, but they have false signs to support false doctrines; and lying wonders, or only pretended miracles that have served their cause, things false in fact, or fraudulently managed, to impose upon the people: and the diabolical deceits with which the antichristian state has been supported are notorious. The apostle calls it all deceivableness of unrighteousness, v. 10. Others may call them pious frauds, but the apostle called them unrighteous and wicked frauds; and, indeed, all fraud (which is contrary to truth) is an impious thing. Many are the subtle artifices the man of sin has used, and various are the plausible pretences by which he had beguiled unwary and unstable souls to embrace false doctrines, and submit to his usurped dominion.
      • (2.) The persons are described who are his willing subjects, or most likely to become such, v. 10. They are such as love not the truth that they may be saved. They heard the truth (it may be), but they did not love it; they could not bear sound doctrine, and therefore easily imbibed false doctrines; they had some notional knowledge of what was true, but they indulged some powerful prejudices, and so became a prey to seducers. Had they loved the truth, they would have persevered in it, and been preserved by it; but no wonder if they easily parted with what they never had any love to. And of these persons it is said that they perish or are lost; they are in a lost condition, and in danger to be lost for ever. For,
    • 6. We have the sin and ruin of the subjects of antichrist's kingdom declared, v. 11, 12.
      • (1.) Their sin is this: They believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness: they did not love the truth, and therefore they did not believe it; and, because they did not believe the truth, therefore they had pleasure in unrighteousness, or in wicked actions, and were pleased with false notions. Note, An erroneous mind and vicious life often go together and help forward one another.
      • (2.) Their ruin is thus expressed: God shall send them strong delusions, to believe a lie. Thus he will punish men for their unbelief, and for their dislike of the truth and love to sin and wickedness; not that God is the author of sin, but in righteousness he sometimes withdraws his grace from such sinners as are here mentioned; he gives them over to Satan, or leaves them to be deluded by his instruments; he gives them up to their own hearts' lusts, and leaves them to themselves, and then sin will follow of course, yea, the worst of wickedness, that shall end at last in eternal damnation. God is just when he inflicts spiritual judgments here, and eternal punishments hereafter, upon those who have no love to the truths of the gospel, who will not believe them, nor live suitably to them, but indulge false doctrines in their minds, and wicked practices in their lives and conversations.

2Th 2:13-15

Here observe,

  • I. The consolation the Thessalonians might take against the terrors of this apostasy, v. 13, 14. For they were chosen to salvation, and called to the obtaining of glory. Note, When we hear of the apostasy of many, it is matter of great comfort and joy that there is a remnant according to the election of grace which does and shall persevere; and especially we should rejoice if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The apostle reckoned himself bound in duty to be thankful to God on this account: We are bound to give thanks to God always for you. He had often given thanks on their behalf, and he is still abounding in thanksgiving for them; and there was good reason, because they were beloved by the Lord, as appeared in this matter-their security from apostatizing. This preservation of the saints is owing,
    • 1. To the stability of the election of grace, v. 13. Therefore were they beloved of the Lord, because God had chosen them from the beginning. He had loved them with an everlasting love. Concerning this election of God we may observe,
      • (1.) The eternal date of it-it is from the beginning; not the beginning of the gospel, but the beginning of the world, before the foundation of the world, Eph. 1:4. Then,
      • (2.) The end to which they were chosen-salvation, complete and eternal salvation from sin and misery, and the full fruition of all good.
      • (3.) The means in order to obtaining this end-sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. The decree of election therefore connects the end and the means, and these must not be separated. We are not the elected of God because we were holy, but that we might be holy. Being chosen of God, we must not live as we list; but, if we are chosen to salvation as the end, we must be prepared for it by sanctification as the necessary means to obtain that end, which sanctification is by the operation of the Holy Spirit as the author and by faith on our part. There must be the belief of the truth, without which there can be by true sanctification, nor perseverance in grace, nor obtaining of salvation. Faith and holiness must be joined together, as well as holiness and happiness; therefore our Saviour prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail (Lu. 22:32), and for his disciples (Jn. 17:17), Sanctify them by thy truth; thy word is truth.
    • 2. To the efficacy of the gospel call, v. 14. As they were chosen to salvation, so they were called thereunto by the gospel. Whom he did predestinate those he also called, Rom. 8:30. The outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward operation of the Spirit. Note, Wherever the gospel comes it calls and invites men to the obtaining of glory; it is a call to honour and happiness, even the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glory he has purchased, and the glory he is possessed of, to be communicated unto those who believe in him and obey his gospel; such shall be with Christ, to behold his glory, and they shall be glorified with Christ and partake of his glory. Hereupon there follows,
  • II. An exhortation to stedfastness and perseverance: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, v. 15. Observe, He does not say, "You are chosen to salvation, and therefore you may be careless and secure;' but therefore stand fast. God's grace in our election and vocation is so far from superseding our diligent care and endeavour that it should quicken and engage us to the greatest resolution and diligence. So the apostle John having told those to whom he wrote that they had received the anointing which should abide in them, and that they should abide in him (in Christ), subjoins this exhortation, Now abide in him, 1 Jn. 2:27, 28. The Thessalonians are exhorted to stedfastness in their Christian profession, to hold fast the traditions which they had been taught, or the doctrine of the gospel, which had been delivered by the apostle, by word or epistle. As yet the canon of scripture was not complete, and therefore some things were delivered by the apostles in their preaching, under the guidance of the infallible Spirit, which Christians were bound to observe as coming from God; other things were afterwards by them committed to writing, as the apostle had written a former epistle to these Thessalonians; and these epistles were written as the writers were moved by the Holy Ghost. Note, There is no argument hence for regarding oral traditions in our days, now that the canon of scripture is complete, as of equal authority with the sacred writings. Such doctrines and duties as were taught by the inspired apostles we must stedfastly adhere to; but we have no certain evidence of any thing delivered by them more than what we find contained in the holy scriptures.

2Th 2:16-17

In these words we have the apostle's earnest prayer for them, in which observe,

  • I. To whom he prays: Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father. We may and should direct our prayers, not only to God the Father, through the mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to our Lord Jesus Christ himself; and should pray in his name unto God, not only as his Father but as our Father in and through him.
  • II. From what he takes encouragement in his prayer-from the consideration of what God had already done for him and them: Who hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, v. 16. Here observe,
    • 1. The love of God is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for; our election, vocation, justification, and salvation, are all owing to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
    • 2. From this fountain in particular all our consolation flows. And the consolation of the saints is an everlasting consolation. The comforts of the saints are not dying things; they shall not die with them. The spiritual consolations God gives none shall deprive them of; and God will not take them away: because he love them with an everlasting love, therefore they shall have everlasting consolation.
    • 3. Their consolation is founded on the hope of eternal life. They rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and are not only patient, but joyful, in tribulations; and there is good reason for these strong consolations, because the saints have good hope: their hope is grounded on the love of God, the promise of God, and the experience they have had of the power, the goodness, and the faithfulness of God, and it is good hope through grace; the free grace and mercy of God are what they hope for, and what their hopes are founded on, and not on any worth or merit of their own.
  • III. What it is that he asks of God for them-that he would comfort their hearts, and establish them in every good word and work, v. 17. God had given them consolations, and he prayed that they might have more abundant consolation. There was good hope, through grace, that they would be preserved, and he prayed that they might be established: it is observable how comfort and establishment are here joined together. Note therefore,
    • 1. Comfort is a means of establishment; for the more pleasure we take in the word, and work, and ways of God, the more likely we shall be to persevere therein. And,
    • 2. Our establishment in the ways of God is a likely means in order to comfort; whereas, if we are wavering in faith, and of a doubtful mind, or if we are halting and faltering in our duty, no wonder if we are strangers to the pleasures and joys of religion. What is it that lies at the bottom of all our uneasiness, but our unsteadiness in religion? We must be established in every good word and work, in the word of truth and the work of righteousness: Christ must be honoured by our good works and good words; and those who are sincere will endeavour to do both, and in so doing they may hope for comfort and establishment, till at length their holiness and happiness be completed.