1. The Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians MARANATHÁ – OH LORD, COME!

2. Background  Good reports of the church  Paul boasted to others  Relief from persecution at return of Jesus  Concern about those already dead already addressed  New anxiety about imminent return  If Jesus could come at any moment, why work?  So heavenly minded, of no earthly use!

3. Confusion and Distress  Had they missed it? II Thess 2  Did Paul teach doctrine of imminence?  Gathering together ( ε ̓ πισυναγωγη ͂ ς ) = meeting, collection: cf. rapture, I Thess. 4:15-17  3 lessons: 1. Beware hasty opinions 2. Do not get stressed at new teachings 3. Beware of deception

4. Man of Sin  Who is he?  When does he appear?  Why is he held back?  What does he do?

5. Man of Sin & Antichrist  I Jn 2:18 warning about many antichrists  Jesus referred to him – Matt 24:15  Dan 8:5-14; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 note the 7’s!  Rev 13:11-18 Number of the Beast χξς Σ 1-36  Several candidates: Nero, Pope, Internet (!) ccv  Rev 11:3; 12:6; 13:5 how long is 42 months?  See http://www.666numberofthebeast.com/666numberofthebeast.html

6. When???  II Thess 2:3 … that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,  II Thess 2:6-7 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.

8. Practical Pointers  2:13-17 Chosen by Him, standing firm for Him.  3:1-5 “Pray for me; I'll pray for you.”  3:6-15 Dealing with the lazy and the lawless.  3:13 brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.  2 Thessalonians 3:6-18  Care with doctrine of imminence

9. Acknowledgements  IVP Bible Background Commentary  The Teacher's Commentary.  The Untold Story of the New Testament Church  Homilies by W.F. Adeney  Bob Utley: The Study Bible Commentary Series, New Testament