2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 1Now we ask you, brothers [and sisters], about the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together with him, 2in order that you not be quickly shaken from your understanding or be disturbed, either by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, that the day of the Lord has arrived.
Paul now takes up one of the central topics and reasons for writing this letter. Apparently, the Thessalonians still had questions and concerns about Jesus’ second coming after receiving the first letter. They may have heard a rumor that Jesus had already come and they were left behind. This is a fear that can still happen today because of people who teach a wrong doctrine of eschatology. Verse 1 echoes Paul’s teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 that there will be a great resurrection when Jesus comes. Those who are alive at his coming will meet him in the clouds in a form of rapture. People have built a whole eschatology around the word “rapture” (or “caught up”) in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The basic teaching is that there will be a surprise rapture of true believers and after that, the world will go to pots and there will be a great tribulation period. Wow to anyone who is in an airplane flown by a true Christian! I remember as a child hearing this teaching and then being afraid when my family was gone. Was I left behind? The Thessalonians may have had the fear that they had been left behind.
Verse 2 gives the key issue for Paul. This is expressed in the form of an articular infinitive clause that gives the reason for Paul’s concern. The Thessalonians had somehow been shaken from their understanding (noos) or thinking. Paul had taught them about Jesus’ coming again (parousia) but something or someone raised doubts in their minds. Paul lists the possible trouble makers, including spirit, word, or letter. Any of these could have been purported as coming from him and his ministry team, but they were all false and imposters.
We must also be cautious about any teachings about the second coming of Jesus. There are things we can know with fair certainty but there are many things we cannot know. People are intrigued about mysteries, and the greatest mystery is the prophecy of Jesus’ return. The Bible gives us many clues, but we should be careful about constructing a picture from the puzzle pieces we have. The serious problem is that false teachings create questions, doubts, and fears in people’s minds, which can then have a bad influence on their faith and walk with God. Paul will attempt to give further insights in the following verses, but even these must be interpreted with caution.
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