Standing Firm

This week, we continue going through Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, a letter written to correct some wrong thinking about “the day of the Lord.” There were some who were alleging that Paul taught that “the day of the Lord” had already come. Paul’s response? He said, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). So, in the spirit of correction, Paul wrote about the timing of the “day of the Lord,” which refers to the wrath and judgment by God, or the tribulation period. Paul highlighted two particular signs that precede this judgment: the rebellion and the rise of a notable figure.

Now, as we enter the last section of the second chapter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are loved by God, and they were chosen and called through the gospel. Hence, he exhorts the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions that they were taught and prays that Jesus Christ himself and God the Father would encourage and strengthen them in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 3:16-17).