2 Thessalonians 2 WBT
Summary: Paul corrects a false teaching, apparently spread by a forged letter, that the day of the Lord had already come, insisting it cannot arrive until a great rebellion occurs and "the man of lawlessness" is revealed, who exalts himself above every god and sits in God's temple proclaiming himself God. He explains that a restraining force currently holds this lawless one back, but when removed, the lawless one will appear with satanic power, false signs, and wonders, deceiving those who refused to love the truth. The Lord Jesus will ultimately destroy him with the breath of his mouth at his coming. Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians were chosen for salvation and urges them to stand firm in the traditions they were taught.
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering to him.
2That 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.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now restraineth [will] restrain, until he be taken out of the way.
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the spirit of his mouth, and will destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders,
10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11And for this cause God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12That they all may be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved by the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth:
14To which he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.
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