2 Thessalonians 2:10-17

Verse 10

And with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish – The antichrist, because of his satanic signs and wonders will in wickedness deceive many with the result they will
perish.

Because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved – The reason they perish is their unbelief. Many equate this salvation to eternal life but it is very possible, because of the context that Paul is speaking of being delivered from the tribulation judgments.

Verse 11

For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false – Notice that the reason God sends the deluding influence is their unbelief or failure to receive the love of the truth. God has no delight in judging the lost!

“…As I live, declares the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live…” Ezekiel 33:11

The Lord is patient in His promises, “not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Paul elaborates on believing the lie in Romans 1:18-32.

-They suppress the truth (18)

-They are without excuse (20)

-Their foolish heart is darkened (21)

-They become fools (22)

-They exchange God’s glory (23)

-THEREFORE God gave them over to impurity (24)

-For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie (25)

-They worship the creature (25)

-FOR THIS REASON God gave them over to degrading passions (26)

-God gave them over to a depraved mind (28) The result – They practice those things that are not proper and encourage others to do the same (32)

Verse 12

In order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth – Truth is the Greek word aletheia. Jesus as the Living Word is the truth! Note John 1:14, 17, 14:6, 17:17, Ephesians 1:13, James 1:18, etc.

“God…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one god, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” 1 Timothy 2:4-6

But took pleasure in wickedness – This is the person described in Romans 1:32 who gives hearty approval to the practice of unrighteousness. Psalm 50:16-21 describes this person. Note also Psalm 52:1-7. In Mark 14:10-11 the chief priests were glad when Judas betrayed Jesus and promised to give him money. God never takes pleasure in the death of the wicked but those who reject the truth put themselves under God’s wrath.

Verse 13

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord – God’s salvation is rooted in His love for mankind (John 3:16).

For God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation – The word for chosen is not the
normal word and is only used two other times in the New Testament (Philippians 1:22,
salvation (soteria) in this epistle. Soteria means deliverance. Context always tells us from what we are being delivered. Paul uses soteria in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 referring to
deliverance from the tribulation. Here the idea of deliverance from the tribulation (the
day of the Lord, verse 2) is the context.

Salvation through sanctification by the Spirit – This probably refers to positional sanctification(Hebrews 10:10). All who are set apart to Jesus will be delivered from the tribulation. This is God’s side of the equation.

And faith in the truth – This the human side. Faith in the truth here is contrasted with not believing the truth in verse 12. All who believe the truth will escape the tribulation
because they are in Christ.

Verse 14

And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord

Jesus Christ – God has a purpose for everyone who hears the gospel and believes. He wants
every believer to grow and participate in Christ’s glory. Note Romans 5:1-2, 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Peter 1:7.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Verse 15

So then, brethren, stand firm – In view of all that God had provided and His promised
deliverance from the wrath to come they must stand firm. This is the opposite of being
quickly shaken and disturbed (verse2).

And hold on to the traditions which you were taught: Whether by word – Paul’s spoken message to them. Or by letter from us – Paul’s first epistle to them.

Verses 16-17

Paul prays that the God of comfort and hope will by His grace comfort and strengthen their
hearts.

In every good work and word – Paul wanted their lives to reflect their faith and hope. Good works always flow out of a knowledge of the truth and a firm faith and hope for the future.

How shoulwe reflect these truths?

1 – Believe the truth! Jesus is the truth!

2 – Guard the truth! Stand firm!

3 – Practice the truth! In every good work and word!