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Chapter 2
(2 Th 2 KJV) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto
him, {2} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither
by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of
Christ is at hand.
Now, painful as it is, Paul has to correct his own
mistake. "I didn’t mean for you to take it this way," he said.
{3} Let no man deceive you by any means: for that
day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that
man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; {4} Who opposeth and
exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;
so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that
he is God.
The book of Revelation had not yet been written, but
Paul is already aware of this prophecy, and knows well that it has not
yet been fulfilled. Where did he get this? First, from
Jesus himself.
{5} Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you,
I told you these things? {6} And now ye know what withholdeth that he
might be revealed in his time. {7} For the mystery of iniquity doth
already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out
of the way. {8} And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord
shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the
brightness of his coming: {9} Even him, whose coming is after the
working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, {10} And
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved. {11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,
that they should believe a lie: {12} That they all might be damned who
believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. {13} But
we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of
the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: {14}
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. {15} Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and
hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our
epistle. {16} Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our
Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation
and good hope through grace, {17} Comfort your hearts, and stablish
you in every good word and work.
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Painting:
St. Paul by Rembrandt van Rijn

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