Verse 1
2 THESS. 2
The great feature of this chapter, of course, is Paul's great prophecy of "the man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), for a full discussion of which, see excursus at the end of the chapter. The prophecy is preceded by a warning that the Thessalonians should not expect the Second Advent immediately (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2), and followed by an expression of renewed thanksgiving and prayer upon their behalf (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17).
Now we beseech you, brethren, touching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him; (2 Thessalonians 2:1)
This outlines the chapter, which regards the Second Advent, an event which the Thessalonians had mistakenly assumed to be "just at hand," some of them actually having stopped work in anticipation of it!
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ ... For comments on this title, see under 2 Thessalonians 1:2. "Coming" in this place refers to the final Advent and not to some manifestation of power and grace prior to the Advent.
Our gathering together unto him ... The great feature of the final day will be the uniting of believers with the Lord. The expression "gathering together" is found nowhere else in the New Testament except in Hebrews 10:25, where it signifies the gathering together of the Christians for worship.[1]
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