2Thessalonians:2

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-4 - If errors arise among Christians , we should set them right ; and good men will be careful to suppress errors which rise from mistaking their words and actions . We have a cunning adversary , who watches to do mischief , and will promote errors , even by the words of Scripture . Whatever uncertainty we are in , or whatever mistakes may arise about the time of Christ 's coming , that coming itself is certain . This has been the faith and hope of all Christians , in all ages of the church ; it was the faith and hope of the Old Testament saints . All believers shall be gathered together to Christ , to be with him , and to be happy in his presence for ever . We should firmly believe the second coming of Christ ; but there was danger lest the Thessalonians , being mistaken as to the time , should question the truth or certainty of the thing itself . False doctrines are like the winds that toss the water to and fro ; and they unsettle the minds of men , which are as unstable as water . It is enough for us to know that our Lord will come , and will gather all his saints unto him . A reason why they should not expect the coming of Christ , as at hand , is given . There would be a general falling away first , such as would occasion the rise of antichrist , that man of sin . There have been great disputes who or what is intended by this man of sin and son of perdition . The man of sin not only practises wickedness , but also promotes and commands sin and wickedness in others ; and is the son of perdition , because he is devoted to certain destruction , and is the instrument to destroy many others , both in soul and body . 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 a usurper of God 's authority in the Christian church , who claims Divine honours . * Verse 5-12 - Something hindered or withheld the man of sin . It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire , which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time . Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees , and the usurping of power was gradual ; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed . Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion , and bigotry and persecution were promoted by pretended zeal for God and his glory . This mystery of iniquity was even then begun ; while the apostles were yet living , persons pretended zeal for Christ , but really opposed him . The fall or ruin of the antichristian state is declared . The pure word of God , with the Spirit of God , will discover this mystery of iniquity , and in due time it shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ 's coming . Signs and wonders , visions and miracles , are pretended ; but they are false signs to support false doctrines ; and lying wonders , or only pretended miracles , to cheat the people ; and the diabolical deceits with which the antichristian state has been supported , are notorious . The persons are described , who are his willing subjects . Their sin is this ; They did not love the truth , and therefore did not believe it ; and they were pleased with false notions . God leaves them to themselves , then sin will follow of course , and spiritual judgments here , and eternal punishments hereafter . These prophecies have , in a great measure , come to pass , and confirm the truth of the Scriptures . This passage exactly agrees with the system of popery , as it prevails in the Romish church , and under the Romish popes . But though the son of perdition has been revealed , though he has opposed and exalted himself above all that is called God , or that is worshipped ; and has spoken and acted as if he were a god upon earth , and has proclaimed his insolent pride , and supported his delusions , by lying miracles and all kinds of frauds ; still the Lord has not yet fully destroyed him with the brightness of his coming ; that and other prophecies remain to be fulfilled before the end shall come . * Verse 13-15 - When we hear of the apostacy of many , it is a great comfort and joy , that there is a remnant according to the election of grace , which does and shall persevere ; especially we should rejoice , if we have reason to hope that we are of that number . The preservation of the saints , is because God loved them with an everlasting love , from the beginning of the world . The end and the means must not be separated . Faith and holiness must be joined together as well as holiness and happiness . The outward call of God is by the gospel ; and this is rendered effectual by the inward working of the Spirit . The belief of the truth brings the sinner to rely on Christ , and so to love and obey him ; it is sealed by the Holy Spirit upon his heart . We have no certain proof of any thing having been delivered by the apostles , more than what we find contained in the Holy Scriptures . Let us then stand fast in the doctrines taught by the apostles , and reject all additions , and vain traditions . mhcc @2Thessalonians:2:16 ,17 @ Verse 16 ,17 - We may and should direct our prayers , not only to God the Father , through our Lord Jesus Christ , but also to our Lord Jesus Christ himself . And we should pray in his name unto God , not only as his Father , but as our Father in and through him . The love of God in Christ Jesus , is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for . There is good reason for strong consolations , because the saints have 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 any worth or merit of their own . The more pleasure we take in the word , and works , and ways of God , the more likely we shall be to persevere therein . But , if we are wavering in faith , and of a doubtful mind , halting and faltering in our duty , no wonder that we are strangers to the joys of religion . Henry ' _2__3 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

---