What happensPermalink
Paul urges the Thessalonians not to be alarmed about the day of the Lord; it hasn’t come yet. First must come a rebellion and the revelation of the “man of lawlessness,” who exalts himself above every so-called god and sets himself up in God’s temple. Empowered by Satan, this lawless one will deceive those who refused to love the truth, sealing their condemnation. But Paul gives thanks that the Thessalonians are not among them: God has chosen them for salvation, sanctified by the Spirit and destined for glory.
Why it mattersPermalink
The “man of lawlessness” echoes Daniel’s visions of worldly rebellion. Paul, like Jesus, insists that visible signs must precede his return.
Key versePermalink
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.