The man of sin revealed — stand fast
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.
2 Thessalonians 2:32 Thessalonians was written just months after 1 Thessalonians, around 51 AD. The situation had worsened. Some in the church were teaching that the Day of the Lord had already come. Others had quit their jobs and were waiting idly for Christ's return. Paul writes to correct both errors. The Day of the Lord has not come yet. Two things must happen first: the apostasy (falling away) and the revelation of the man of sin (the Antichrist). Until then, believers are to stand fast and work diligently.
The structure is simple. Chapter 1: Encouragement in persecution — God will judge the wicked and glorify the saints. Chapter 2: Correction about the Day of the Lord — it has not come; the man of sin must be revealed first. Chapter 3: Practical instructions — work, don't be idle, withdraw from the disorderly. The tone is firmer than 1 Thessalonians. Paul is dealing with confusion and laziness.
The centerpiece is 2:1-12, the most detailed description of the Antichrist in the New Testament. The man of sin will exalt himself above all that is called God, sitting in the temple of God and claiming to be God. He will come with lying wonders. But the Lord will destroy him with the breath of his mouth and the brightness of his coming. The passage is cryptic — Paul assumes the readers know what he is talking about because he taught them in person. But the warning is clear: the Day of the Lord is coming, but not yet. Don't be deceived. Stand fast.
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'For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed.' The mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but something (or someone) is restraining it. When the restrainer is taken out of the way, the man of sin will be revealed. Who is the restrainer? Interpretations vary: the Holy Spirit, the Roman Empire, the church, the preaching of the Gospel. Paul does not say explicitly. But the point is clear: evil is restrained now, but a day is coming when the restraint will be removed and lawlessness will be fully revealed. That day precedes Christ's return.
After describing the coming deception, Paul turns to comfort. '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.' God chose you. God called you. God will establish you. Therefore, 'stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.' The antidote to deception is truth. The defense against error is Scripture. The command is simple: stand fast. Do not be moved by false teaching, false prophecy, or false gospels. Hold to what you have been taught.
'For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.' Some Thessalonians had quit their jobs, assuming Christ would return soon. Paul's response is blunt: if you don't work, you don't eat. Waiting for Christ's return is not an excuse for laziness. Work with quietness, mind your own business, and provide for yourselves. Faith in Christ's return should produce diligence, not idleness.
Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived. The Day of the Lord will not come until two things happen: the apostasy (falling away, rebellion) and the revelation of the man of sin, also called the son of perdition. This man will exalt himself above all that is called God, sitting in the temple of God and showing himself to be God. His coming is according to the working of Satan with all power, signs, and lying wonders. But the Lord will consume him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him with the brightness of his coming. This is the Antichrist — a real person, empowered by Satan, who will deceive many before Christ returns and destroys him.