Answers for a study in the book of 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 2

“Answers for a study in the book of 2 Thessalonians” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.

Review and Bible Study 

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD. 

Class Bible study:

Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite your sources to share with your group.

1. Review of Class Topic:

With your group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Answers will vary…

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

2.  What seemed to have shaken up the Thessalonians that had to be addressed in this chapter (2:1-2)?

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.”  2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NASB)

• Someone had apparently told them that the day of the Lord had already come.
• Whoever told them this lie, appeared to have acted as if it came from Paul and his companions.
• This assumption would have shaken them because they would feel “left behind” or possibly that what Paul had taught them was not true.

3.  What things must come first before the return of the Lord (2:3-7)? What does Paul say about the “lawless one” and what he will do (2:8-12)?

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”  2 Thessalonians 2:3-12(NASB)

Things that must come first…

• The apostasy: From org – Apostasy, from the Greek word apostasia, means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or breach of faith.” In the first-century world, apostasy was a technical term for political revolt or defection. To fully identify and combat apostasy, Christians should understand its various forms and the traits that characterize its doctrines and teachers. As to the forms of apostasy, there are two main types: (1) a falling away from key and true doctrines of the Bible into heretical teachings that claim to be “the real” Christian doctrine, and (2) a complete renunciation of the Christian faith, which results in a full abandonment of Christ.”
• The “man of lawlessness” is revealed, the son of destruction: This man is also referred to as the anti-Christ (see references in Eph. 5:6; 1 Tm. 4:1; Dan. 7:25, 8:25, 11:36; Rev. 13:5ff; Jn. 17:12).

Concerning the “man of lawlessness”

• This person is currently being held back, but will come with the power of Satan and with all kinds of false signs and wonders.
• He will be deceptive and filled with all kinds of wickedness so that those who are perishing will follow with desire and believe what is false because they have not believed in the truth (Jesus Christ) to be saved.
• BUT, the Lord will slay him (the anti-Christ) with the breath of his mouth and put him to an end at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (end times).

4.  Discuss: Why do you think people will follow the “lawless one”?

Answer can vary, but should include the information in verses 9-12…

“that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

5.  What should sanctified believers be doing for themselves and for each other (2:13-17)?

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NASB)

• Always give thanks to God for each other.
• Encourage each other to stand firm and hold to the traditions they were taught (truths of Scripture).
• Comfort and strengthen each other in every good work and word.

6.  Discuss: What questions or comments do you have concerning the second coming of Jesus? What other books of the Bible might help you in that type of study?

Answers will vary here but could include …

• The timing of Jesus’ second coming
• The events leading up to His second coming
• The nature and signs of the Anti-Christ

Other books of the Bible that might help:

• Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel, Ezekiel and even Genesis
• New Testament Gospels where Jesus speaks of end-times
• Of course, the book of Revelation

7.  Memory verses: Recite – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (the importance of specific prayer); 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (comfort and hope through God’s grace).

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NASB)

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NASB)

Please continue to join us as we read and study the Bible as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!

Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15