2 Thessalonians Introduction

2 Thessalonians

God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned. - 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Second Thessalonians for Skeptics

Although this epistle (1:1, 3:17) claims to have been written by Paul, many scholars think it was a later forgery [1]. If Paul did write it, though, he completely changed his mind (since writing 1 Thessalonians) about the timing of Christ's return. The day of the Lord is no longer at hand. In fact, it's nowhere near. Many things must happen first: there will be a great "falling away," a "man of sin" will be revealed, and Satan will show off his power by doing all kinds of signs and wonders. (2:2-9)

Every skeptic should know one passage from Second Thessalonians: 2:11-12. ("God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.")

Here are the highlights.

"Jesus ... in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God ... who shall be punished with everlasting destruction." 1:7-9
"Be not soon shaken in mind ... by letter as from us."
What letter is being referred to here? Is it 1 Thessalonians? If so, then should Christians not read it to avoid being "shaken in mind?" 2:2
Jesus will "consume" the wicked "with the spirit of his mouth." 2:8
Satan, not God, is all-powerful. 2:9
"God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned." 2:11-12
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation." 2:13
Those who disagree with the views expressed in this epistle are to be shunned. 3:6, 14
Those who will not or cannot work should starve to death. 3:10

2 Thessalonians

Second Thessalonians for Skeptics

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