Christ in 2 Thessalonians

Paul writes again to a church under persecution, and the whole chapter is steadied by the certainty of Christ’s coming. He gives thanks that their faith groweth exceedingly and their charity aboundeth (v. 3), and glories in their patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure (v. 4) - the same endurance the apostle elsewhere ties straight to hope: tribulation worketh patience (Rom. 5:3). Their suffering, far from a sign that God has forgotten t…

Christ Connection - The Final Judge

In Revelation 19:15, John pictures the risen Jesus coming in judgment with a sharp sword from His mouth, treading the winepress of God’s wrath. Paul uses the same image here: the "spirit of his mouth" - His word - is the weapon of final judgment. Jesus taught, "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:37). At His return, His word will be the measure of all things. The lawless one, who exalted Himself above God, will be utterly…

Paul closes his second letter to Thessalonica with prayer, assurance, and the ordinary business of a faithful life - and Christ steadies every part of it. He asks the church to pray that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified (v. 1), and for rescue from unreasonable and wicked men… for all men have not faith (v. 2). Against that opposition he sets one sentence that holds the whole chapter up: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and…