Interpretive Study of 2Thessalonians

The Lord will judge righteously

God's Way to Study His Word:

In 2Timothy 2:15 we read: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The true definition of the word dividing is: 'a Mathematical function whereby we separate pre-defined units according to a precise procedure which produces a precise result'. However, while most people understand that 'there is one interpretation but many applications of the word of God', they fail to separate the procedures of each. And, as a result, they fail to separate the 'one interpretation of the word of God' from the 'many applications of the word of God'. This leads to many errors which people blame on the perfect word of God instead of their using the wrong procedure.

The result, of men using the wrong way, is that men claim that there are errors and conflicts in God's word. In Isaiah 28, God tells us how to understand His word. In addition, God preserved the message of His word; He preserves every word of His sentences; and God preserves every punctuation mark (jot and title) of His sentences. Therefore, God preserved what He wanted us to understand and God told us how to understand His word so that we have no errors and no conflicts. Unfortunately, for at least one hundred and fifty (150) yeare, men have been taught to use the wrong way to interpret God's word instead of using God's way.

In Isaiah 55:9 we are told For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Thus, God warns us that our ways are wrong and that using God's way produces better results, which have no errors and no conflicts.

In addition, 1Corinthians 2:14 tells us: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Therefore, we can not properly understand the spiritual word of God using man's way. We must use God's way to understand God's preserved word of God. And, the basics of God's way is to understand His preserved word of God using the sentence format and true Biblical definitions for Bible words.

This Study follows the Biblical Way to understand God's Word. It applies precepts ('truths that never change for any circumstance'). It then goes through the epistle sentence-upon-sentence (line upon line [Isaiah 28 ]). This is different from the ways of men which use verse-upon-verse or some other method which generates errors. God's sentence-upon-sentence method also pays attention to what 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved, which are the true Biblical meanings of words and the Biblical usage of punctuation. (These two are the components of sentences and do not give us verses.) the 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved punctuation (one jot or one tittle) in Matthew 5:18 and Luke 16:17. And 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved every word when he wrote: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).

The summary of the epistle comes from the summary of each chapter and each chapter summary within that book. Every chapter summary comes from the summary of each sentence within that chapter. And, the sentence summaries come from analysis using the punctuation and true word definitions, as already explained. As a result, we have what God literally had written and see that there are no conflicts even when we consider the smallest part of a sentence compared to the entire Bible book. God is consistent from the start of a Bible book to the end and is consistent in His doctrines and word definitions across the entire Bible. What we have is an integrated whole (single) message, with no errors and no conflicts. This particular book Study is part of a detailed analysis of the entire New Testament which shows this truth.

Other than cults, all claims of errors and conflicts are based upon the New Testament. This Study is part of a series which interprets the preserved word of God using God's way and proving that there are no errors, nor any conflicts, if we obey God and use His way to interpret His word. And, this series concentrates on the New Testament, since that is the basis of these lies about the perfect word of God.

I have read, or at least skimmed, every book which has been written in the last hundred and fifty (150) years and which claims to teach people how to study and understand the word of God. In every case, they use a method which comes from man and do not use God's way (Isaiah 55:8) to study and understand the word of God. And, while there are variations from one man-written method to another man-written method, every one of them ends up with problems. The end result of those problems is that people blame God's perfect word for their own problems and either turn to a man-written 'bible' or skip verses. (By skipping the interpretation of certain verses, they can hide the conflict which their method has produced.)

Now, many people find that the Detail Studies to be overwhelming because they have everything required to prove that there are NO errors in the perfect word of God. This summary level is easier to understand for most people. At the same time, if someone has an argument with what is presented here, the matching Detail Study provides all of the proof required in order to show that what is here matches exactly what God wrote in His word. Again, this is not a matter of my opinion versus their opinion. I have over thirty (30) years’ experience as a professional Systems Analyst with an international reputation for accuracy in how to prove things. And, this series of books are the result of using recognized methods of analysis to prove what God actually wrote. This series does not present a religious opinion. Therefore, a religious opinion, which was arrived at from using wrong methods, is not superior to a true analysis of what God wrote.

People have looked for over twenty (20) years and failed to find any other work that covers everything this series cover. In addition, no one has found any other work which covers the level of detail found in the Detail Studies. Further, the Detail Studies literally have several million Bible references to support the interpretation provided and to show that the perfect word of God is consistent all across it for word definitions and doctrines. Again, no one has found any other work which has this quantity of Bible references supporting what is presented. I do not write this to brag but to inform the reader the depth of study which supports what is presented in this series.

Let any who disagree show their method and the results of their method and try to explain how their method, which produces errors, is greater that God's way which produces no errors and no conflicts.

Overview of 2Thessalonians

Epistle theme: the Lord will judge righteously

Click on the following links to jump to a chapter within this study: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, God.

Many people have written all kinds of commentaries on this epistle. You can find many disagreements between these commentaries. The commentaries that teach doctrinal error ignore the context as they try to justify their doctrine. Such action is motivated by devils and the resulting doctrinal error can bring the judgment of God upon His people instead of the blessings that God wants to give. 1John 4:1 tells us Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.. The commentaries which do base their comments upon what is actually written, with consideration of context and proper methods of interpretation, will agree on doctrine even while presenting different views of that doctrine.

This epistle deals with prophecy and lots of people try to claim that they are an 'expert on prophecy'. Please see the Doctrinal Study called: False things According to the Bible. This epistle is written to correct lies from false prophets.

2Thessalonians 2:1-2 tells us: that the day of Christ is at hand. The notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and; 1Thessalonians 5:2 explain the differences between special prophetic days which are mentioned in the Bible. However, I have yet to hear a religious doctrine which explains these differences. Therefore, an easy way to tell if an 'expert on prophecy' is basing their so-called an 'expertise' on religious doctrine, or on the true word of God, is if they can, or can not, explain the differences in these special prophetic days. If they can not explain these differences, then they are probably basing their so-called an 'expertise' on religious doctrine and the wise person will be Leary of trusting such an unreliable source for their own doctrine.

As pointed out in the Overview of Lord Jesus Christ in 2Thessalonians, this book emphasizes the Son of God's role as Lord. This was also true for 1Thessalonians. This is because religious people were challenging the authority of our Lord. As a result, they were teaching doctrinal error about the Second Coming of our Lord and Paul was correcting doctrinal error with the full authority of our Lord. A challenge to what Paul taught was a challenge to the authority of our Lord.

In 1Thessalonians Paul corrected the error that the Lord would not return and that there would be no 'Rapture'. Now he is correcting the error that the Lord would return immediately and that there would by no time of Great Tribulation.

When Paul first went to thessalonica (Acts 17), certain Jews started a riot. As a result, Paul and his company were run out of town and their host was arrested. Those Jews then pursued Paul to the next town and caused a problem there also. They may have been part of the Jews from Asia, (since this city and church was in Asia), which caused the doctrinal fight in the Jerusalem Church which ended with Paul arrested and beheaded and the Jerusalem Church destroyed when God had the Temple also destroyed. Whether these Jews were the same or not, they definitely traveled in order to fight against true Biblical doctrine. And, we see the same today. Therefore, the lessons of this epistle are still relevant today.

In 2Timothy 4:10 we read For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto thessalonica. The believers in this city had to continually contend with other religious people who fought against our Lord's authority because those lost religious people wanted all that this world offered including playing god to other people and telling them what they could believe. Even today that area is known for people killing each other and using genocide over religious differences. Paul's main message to true believers is 'Be not weary in well doing but continue to do right'. If you doubt our Lord's authority or His power or His return with rewards for the obedient and punishment for the disobedient, then you will become discouraged and stop fighting for truth. That is what the devil is trying to do and this letter says 'Don't give up!!'.

In the first chapter Paul tells them that God recognizes the difference between people who are faithful to Him and those people who are His enemies. 1Thessalonians dealt with the difference between Godly preachers and religious liars who claimed to be preachers of God but were really representing the devil. Now 2Thessalonians is dealing with the difference in believers who are not necessarily preachers. True Christians are 'Christ-like' and since 3:3 tells us the Lord is faithful, true Christians are also going to be faithful. Paul also assures them that God will make a major distinction between true Christians and the people who persecute them when judgment time comes.

The theme of Chapter 2 is 'Don't be troubled by lies: do right and trust God.' In Chapter 2 they (and we) are told to not be shaken in mind or troubled by false doctrine. The Day of Christ won't happen until certain other things are done. When that day comes then everyone will see the judgment of our Lord and the main representative of evil will be judged along with everyone who chooses to follow him. Those people who believe not the truth shall be deceived before that time so that they can't get out of their judgment 'at the last moment'. That should be a warning to everyone who pl and on living a life of sin and repenting 'at the last moment'. Paul goes on to say: But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you because God changed your testimony. Therefore, stand fast and hold the traditions that you have been taught and God will comfort your hearts.

The theme of Chapter 3 is 'Separate yourselves from those who live wrong.' In Chapter 2 Paul has dealt with the doctrinal error which motivated this epistle. He has told them how to see the difference between those who are following error and those who are obeying God. Now in the first 5 sentences of Chapter 3 Paul uses Lord 5 times (once in each sentence). Paul is making it very clear that the commandment of this chapter is not optional. We will answer for obeying or disobeying this commandment when we face our Lord. When we allow people to remain within the church while teaching doctrinal error we support confusion about what the Bible truly teaches, we erode the authority of our Lord among men and we help the devil to send souls to Hell and the Lake of Fire.

Please also see the Message called: A Manifest Token of the Righteous Judgment of God.

Please also see the Doctrinal Studies called: Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events. There are several references to this epistle in the sections called Promises and Prophecies. Those sections also have many more links to New Testament references which provide other Promises and Prophecies.

Chapter Outlines by sentence format.

Chapter 1
Chapter theme: Don't worry about others doing wrong but you do right.

This epistle is written by Paul, Timothy and Silvanus because Timothy and Silvanus stayed and ministered to this church after Paul was run out of town. They were the original missionary-pastors but Paul was the apostle and the one with the primary authority.

Paul and Timothy and Silvanus had written 1Thessalonians to correct doctrinal error being taught by religious liars about the Second Coming of Christ. After revealing that doctrine as error, those religious liars turned to another doctrinal error and taught that the Second Coming was going to be very soon, so people should stop doing any work and sit around praying,

After his opening remarks and wishes for them to receive Grace...and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul (and the others) talked about the testimony of the people in this church. Based upon that testimony was the prayer that our God would count you worthy of this calling and that God would work through their lives for His glory and their reward. That testimony was that they endured persecutions and tribulations which had several consequences which are explained in the notes for the second sentence.

in this first chapter Paul tells them that God recognizes the difference between people who are faithful to Him and those people who are His enemies. 1Thessalonians dealt with the difference between Godly preachers and religious liars who claimed to be preachers of God but were really representing the devil. Now 2Thessalonians is dealing with the difference in believers who are not necessarily preachers. True Christians are 'Christ-like' and since 3:3 tells us the Lord is faithful, true Christians are also going to be faithful. Paul also assures them that God will make a major distinction between true Christians and the people who persecute them when judgment time comes.

Many people are confused because God does not bring immediate judgment upon sin. Psalms, Proverbs and other places in the Bible deal with this confusion. God gave man a free will. If God brought immediate judgment of sin that was in proportion to the consequence of sin, that punishment would be so great that very few people would sin. Sin would not be a real option and while we would technically have a free will, in reality our choice would not be free. By letting those people who would sin appear to get away with it and to even prosper in their sin, God is truly giving us a choice that is free from His overwhelming grace. However, when judgment time comes and our life is examined in total then there will be no doubt as to whether we choose to serve God or to serve sin and how much we choose to serve each.

These saints at thessalonica have to watch sinful people prosper in their sin but they had to endure persecutions and tribulations from them. Further, they had people telling them that they suffered these things in vain because the Lord was going to return immediately and give as great or greater rewards to evil people as He gave to those who tried to live right. This epistle was written to correct that lie. In our opening chapter we are told the different judgment that evil people will receive.

C1-S1 Opening salutation and promised blessing for obedience to this epistle.
1. The phrase Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the thessalonians tells us who wrote this epistle and whom it is written to. Timothy is included because he is being prepared to take over the ministry from Paul. Reportedly, Silvanus is the formal name of Silas. Silas went with Paul on his second missionary journey and is reported to be a leader in several churches including the church at Jerusalem.
2. The phrase in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ means that God is the true head of the church and the preachers writing this epistle are only His messengers. (The word in means: 'in relationship to'. This epistle is about their true relationship to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.)
3. The phrase Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ tells us the blessings which are available to people who believe and obey this epistle.
C1-S2 their testimony and the consequence of it.
1. Please see the Message called: Manifest Token of the Righteous Judgment of God about this sentence.
2. The phrase We are bound to thank God always for you...as it is meet means: 'We are all to pray for each other. In particular, parents are to pray for their children and pastors are to pray for their spiritual children'.
3. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren.
4. The phrase because that your faith groweth exceedingly tells us the evidence that they were true Biblical brethren and why Paul, and the others, prayed for them. In addition, this is a reason why God sent Paul and the others to correct their doctrine. God reveals true doctrine to saved people whose faith groweth exceedingly, but does not reveal the same doctrine to people who refuse to grow their faith.
5. The phrase and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth means: 'They were showing God's love to all people without any personal consideration'. Many people claim that 1Corinthians 13 is the love chapter but it is truly the charity chapter. Please see the detail note for the doctrinal differences between these two words.
6. The phrase So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure
  1. The phrase for your patience and faith shows the God-caused changes in these people. People say that we are to never brag but that is a lie of the devil. We are to glory in how God works in and through the lives of saved people and of His true churches. This is called 'giving God the glory'.
  2. The phrase in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure recognizes the conditions which they were living in due to devil-motivated men trying to get them to stop serving God. Their continuing to serve God, in spite of these conditions, proved that God was justified in giving them additional blessings, such as the two letters to this church, which God did not give to other saved people who were doing less to serve God.
  3. The phrase So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God means: 'These preachers used the testimony of these saved people, and God's resulting blessings, to encourage other churches to serve God for the blessings which God gives in return'.
7. The phrase Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God means: 'Their testimony was revealed evidence (a manifest token) that God was righteous when God rewarded their testimony (the righteous judgment of God)'.
8. The phrase that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer
  1. The word may means that some saved receive the kingdom of God and some do not.
  2. The phrase kingdom of God is God's character in you. Some saved receive God's character and some do not. (Please see the Doctrinal Study called: Kingdom of God for more on this truth.)
  3. Having God's character in us causes us to mature spiritually and lets us understand the true doctrine of the word of God while avoiding being deceived by lies from devils (Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:8).
  4. The fact that they were still there, and serving God, proved that God protected them from greater problems than they could handle (1Corinthians 10:13).
9. The phrase Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you
  1. The word of God tells us to not get vengeance on others who treat us wrong but to let God do that. And, this is only one of several places where the Bible promises this truth. If we get vengeance, then God will not and God can do far more. Therefore, believe the promise and leave vengeance to God.
  2. The phrase In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God means: 'This is when and How God will get vengeance on the lost. When they die they will go to Hell and, after that, to an eternity in the lake of fire'.
  3. The saved, but carnal, people who treat other people wrong will suffer in this world and will lose rewards in eternity and may suffer over 1,000-years of tears along with other possible punishments in Heaven. Please see the detailed note for more on this sentence.
10. The phrase and to you who are troubled rest with us. The word rest, in the Bible, means: 'Stop worrying about physical things because God will take care of them. Worry about serving God instead'. They could stop their worry because they truly understood, in their heart, that God would protect and provide.
11. The phrase when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
  1. The phrase when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven means that this is a prophecy of His returning to rule and reign for 1,000-years. This tells us when the Lord Jesus will do this. The rest of this phrase tells us how the Lord Jesus will do this.
  2. The phrase In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God tells us that He will take vengeance on all the lost who know not God because they rejected the message of salvation.
  3. The phrase and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that He will take vengeance on all the saved who followed doctrinal error and who that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is all saved people who preach and follow doctrinal error after they have been corrected and rejected to correction.
12. The phrase Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power has two applications.
  1. This prophecy and promise are against the lost who will be cast into Hell at the 'Sheep and Goat Judgment' and, later, cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
  2. This prophecy and promise are also against the saved who refused to serve God's kingdom while in this physical life.
    - They are put into outer darkness (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 22:13; Matthew 25:30) which is in Heaven.
    - They have tears until the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11).
    - They are not allowed to be at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
    - They do not receive a crown and even lose their spiritual gift, according to the 'Parable of the pounds' and the 'Parable of the talents'.
    - They are not allowed to return with our Lord Jesus Christ for His 1,000-years reign because they are not called, and chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14).
13. The phrase When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe...in that day means: This is the result that will be received by the saved who devoted their present life to the service of God
  1. They will participation in the marriage supper of the Lamb and the 1,000-years reign of Christ.
  2. They will receive glory from God during the 1,000-years reign of Christ.
  3. The phrase glorified in his saints means: 'The glory given to the saints will show the results of their maintaining their ongoing personal relationship with the Son of God'.
  4. The phrase and to be admired in all them that believe shows the reaction of the saved people who go into the 1,000-years reign of Christ after surviving the great tribulation and the 'Sheep and Goat Judgment'.
  5. The phrase in that day means that this will happen during the 1,000-years reign of Christ. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about for links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase day of deals with a significant event such as prophecy. Please also see the notes for 1Thessalonians 5:2 the meanings of different special days in the Bible. The phrase that day, in This sentence, is the 1,000-years reign of Christ.
14. The phrase because our testimony among you was believed tells us why the saved, who also devote their life to the service of God, will receive these results and not the results of the lost nor the results of the saved but carnal. True Biblical belief motivated people to act in obedience.
C1-S3 the results of everything said in the prior sentence.
1. The word Wherefore means: 'These results will be seen anywhere that people look'.
2. The phrase also we pray always for you means: 'Paul and his team did one of the main jobs of a pastor, which is to pray for the church members'.
3. The phrase that our God would count you worthy of this calling means: 'Only those saved people whom God counts worthy will receive the good results which were reported in the prior sentence'. A Godly pastor always wants the best results for his people.
4. The phrase and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness means: 'God gives His goodness to those people who please Him. God will give us every good thing (fulfil all the good), and be pleased to do so, if we truly serve Him'.
5. The phrase and the work of faith with power means that God will put His power into our work of faith when we do what pleases God.
6. The phrase That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him is why God does these things this way
  1. The phrase That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you means that the main way that we please God is to use our life to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. God gives us all of these blessings so that we can do this.
  2. The phrase and ye in him means that the only way that we will receive glory, from God, is if we maintain our ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and devote our life to glorifying His name.
7. The phrase according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ means:
  1. The word according comes from the musical word 'cord' and means: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note'. In a musical 'cord', two or more notes go up or down together. Thus, the word according means: 'the results move up or down with the cause'.
  2. The grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ increases or decreases in accordance to our attitudes and actions in the service of God during our current physical life. Our everlasting rewards only increase when grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ increases in our life. Thus, everything good, which we receive from God, depends on how much we cause the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to be glorified.

Chapter 2
Chapter theme: Don't be troubled by lies: do right and trust God.

In Chapter 2 they (and we) are told to not be shaken in mind or troubled by false doctrine. The Day of Christ won't happen until certain other things are done. When that day comes then everyone will see the judgment of our Lord and the main representative of evil will be judged along with everyone who chooses to follow him. Those people who believe not the truth shall be deceived before that time so that they can't get out of their judgment 'at the last moment'. That should be a warning to everyone who pl and on living a life of sin and repenting 'at the last moment'. Paul goes on to say: But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you because God changed your testimony. Therefore, stand fast and hold the traditions that you have been taught and God will comfort your hearts.

Although there was some prophecy in the prior chapter, this chapter has the most prophecy of this epistle. And, while most people want to know about, and argue about, future prophecy, the main lesson of prophecy comes from prophecy which is fulfilled. It proves that the God of the Bible is the most powerful Being anywhere. Liars talk about Nostradamus and his prophecies. Many make claims about his prophecies even though they have not personally read them. It was years ago, but I did personally read them and the main impression that I remember is that his prophecies could be fulfilled by many different people because his prophecies are not specific enough to be limited to only one time, one place and one person. However, there is only one Bethlehem of Judah. And, everyone knows about it, because Christmas is celebrated throughout the world and the prophecy of Bethlehem of Judah (Micah 5:2), as related to Christmas, is almost as well known. Therefore, the people who equate the non-specific prophecies of Nostradamus, to the very specific prophecies of the Bible, prove themselves to be liars. The two sets of prophecies are not in the same category and, therefore, can not be honestly compared.

In addition, where it is reported that Nostradamus made one hundred (100) prophecies, the Bible has many hundreds of prophecies. They are not in the same class. (Please see the Studies called: Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events; for links to just a few of the prophecies found in the Bible.) that written, there are many more problems with trying to compare the prophecies of Nostradamus to the prophecies of the Bible. Rather than going on with those problems, I will simply write that people who do that are making themselves ministers of a devil and will suffer the consequences of doing so.

There were many False Prophets in the day of Paul and there are also many today. The people who quote Nostradamus, or another false prophet, want to be viewed as a prophet and don't care about the consequences to the people who believe their lies. Paul wrote both of the epistles to this church in order to correct lies from false prophet. Therefore, in addition to knowing what is the true prophecy, the reader should also learn how to separate false doctrine from true. One of those ways is what we read in the prior chapter where we were told that people who truly serve God will be willing to suffer for that service. Someone who claims to serve God, but is not willing to suffer for the service, proves themselves to be a liar. In addition, our third chapter commands certain attitudes and actions that the truly saved are to have. False Prophets will refuse to obey those commands.

C2-S1 this epistle was written so that ye be not soon shaken in mind by false doctrine.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. In the prior chapter, the main message was in the second sentence where Paul wrote that people will have one of three different, general, results from their physical life. With that understood, Paul expects his readers to want the result only given to saved people who dedicate their life to the service of God. The remainder of this chapter is dedicated to this group of people. Where the other groups of people would reject this message, or accept a perverted version of it, Paul expects this group to accept, and understand, and obey, the message of this chapter.
2. The phrase we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him means:
  1. The phrase we beseech you means: 'Paul is begging them, and us, to understand, and obey, the doctrine of this chapter and of this epistle'.
  2. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren.
  3. The phrase by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is a reference back to the second sentence of the first chapter. It is also a prophecy of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rule and reign for 1,000-years.
  4. The phrase and by our gathering together unto him means that Paul expects his audience to be part of the group of saved people who are allowed to return with our Lord Jesus Christ to rule and reign for 1,000-years. As already explained, there will be saved people who are not allowed to return with Him.
3. The phrase That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled means: 'Don't let doctrinal error, nor lies, cause you to doubt true prophecy. Also, do not let those things cause you to even question true prophecy'.
4. The phrase neither by spirit is talking about the spirit of man or of a devil since it is a lowercase word. Some people are very good at talking and convincing people to believe what they say, even it what they say is wrong. In addition, 1John 4:1 warns us: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. Therefore, these seducing spirits are devils who tell very appealing lies. However, we are instructed to reject messages from either source.
5. The phrase nor by word is speaking about religious doctrines and philosophies which go against the written word of God.
6. The phrase nor by letter as from us was added because there were liars writing letters, with their doctrinal errors, and claiming that the letters were written by Paul. 2Thessalonians 3:17 tells us: The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. This is one reason why I write that Paul did not write Hebrews. Yes, I understand that people argue otherwise, but their arguments are all based upon writing style and the Bible tells us that Paul had three (3) sons who had the same character in the faith and who would have the same writing style. Therefore, those arguments are not valid since any of four men could have written Hebrews. However, the most important thing to consider is that that argument distracts people from the message and doctrine of that epistle. Therefore, as we see in this epistle and as is written elsewhere in the Bible, we are to avoid questions and arguments which distract from the true message from God.
7. The phrase day of Christ means: 'the 1,000 year reign of Christ'. (Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the differences between special prophetic days which are mentioned in the Bible.) the phrase as that the day of Christ is at hand means that : 'Devil motivated liars preached that the Lord would not return and that there would be no 'Rapture'. Paul corrected that lie in 1Thessalonians. Then the liars claimed that the Lord would return immediately and that there would by no time of Great Tribulation'. Our current phrase is telling us that Paul is writing this epistle to correct that lie. And, most of the rest of this chapter is giving us prophecy related to this truth.
C2-S2 the correction of false doctrine.
1. The phrase Let no man deceive you by any means 'Anything which goes against what Paul is writing here is a deception from a devil'.
2. The phrase for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first is commonly misinterpreted. The context of these two epistles to this church includes the 'Rapture'. And, the 'Rapture' is commonly preached as not including physical death, which is a separation of the soul and spirit from the physical body. Further, we can not take on a new body while occupying our current physical body. In addition, 1Corinthians 15:42 says: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:. And, 1Corinthians 15:50-54 says: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ForGod to use any part of our corruptible body to make our new incorruptible body would be like a doctor using cancer cells to grow a replacement for part of our body which was cut out due to cancer. No, we must completely leave our current physical body, which is physical death, before we can take on our new incorruptible body. and, the falling away is saved people abandoning their physical bodies in the 'Rapture' and their physical bodies falling away from them. As shown other places in these two epistles, our current phrase is telling us that the 'Rapture' must happen before the rest of the great tribulation happens.
3. The word and means: 'the next phrase is added to the prior phrase'. The prior phrase must happen before the next phrase can happen. Thus, the doctrines of: 'mid-trib' and 'post-trib' are lies from a devil which go against what is literally written in our current sentence.
4. The phrase that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition means:
  1. 'This is the beast of Revelation 13 '. The only lie, about this phrase, is that true antichrists (covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible) have convinced God's people to believe the lie that he is 'The Antichrist' so that God's people ignore the many antichrists that are among them today.
  2. The phrase be revealed is usually taught as being in the middle of the great tribulation. And, our next phrase happens at that time. And, that is when he is revealed to men. However, he can be revealed to angels and devils before that. Therefore, this particular phrase can occur any time from the 'Rapture' through the middle of the great tribulation.
5. The phrase Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped means: 'He presents himself as God in human flesh and claims that he has more authority than the written word of God'.
6. The phrase so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God tells us what He will literally do in the middle of the great tribulation. In general, after he does this things become far worse for everyone living in this physical reality.
C2-S3 Remember that you were told these truths before. Paul was a true apostle and spoke with the authority that is only found in the written word of God today.
C2-S4 God's Holy Spirit is controlling things. This sentence, and the next two sentences, speak in symbolic language. Therefore, they can not be taken literally but must be understood within the context in order to truly understand the symbolism.
1. The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior two sentences. The prior sentence told us that Paul wrote with the authority of God's apostle. The second prior sentence told us about the beast of Revelation 13. And, when he is revealed, devils will roam freely in this physical reality and it was telling us about the time of the great tribulation'.
2. The word now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. That is, 'After you understand that this sentence is speaking about the time when devils will roam freely in this physical reality'.
3. The phrase ye know what withholdeth symbolically identified God's Holy Spirit. God's Holy Spirit keeps devils from roaming freely in this physical reality (withholdeth).
4. The phrase that he might be revealed in his time means: 'God's Holy Spirit keeps devils from roaming freely in this physical reality until it is time to reveal the beast of Revelation 13 '.
C2-S5 Spiritual warfare is going on. As already mentioned for the prior sentence, this sentence must be understood symbolically and within the context.
1. The word For means: 'This sentence tells us why the prior sentence is true'.
2. The word iniquity means: 'ongoing lifestyle sins'. The word mystery means: 'something that God hides until He chooses to reveal it'. The phrase the mystery of iniquity doth already work means: 'There are ongoing lifestyle sins going on in the world that most of the world is not aware of and that they deny if they are told about these sins. These mysteries include the signs that Jesus said would precede the great tribulation and things like the preparation for the mark of the beast'.
3. The word let, in the Bible, has a different meaning than in common English. in this phrase, it means: 'hinder'. The phrase only he who now letteth will let means: 'God's Holy Spirit currently hinders the work of devils while not preventing it all together'.
4. The phrase until he be taken out of the way means: 'God's Holy Spirit will continue to hinder the work of devils this until He is removed from this physical reality by the 'Rapture''.
C2-S6 What will happen to the beast of Revelation 13. As already mentioned for the second prior sentence, this sentence must be understood symbolically and within the context.
1. The word Wicked is a name because it is capitalized. This is another identifier for that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition of 2Tessaloni and 2:3-4. The phrase And then shall that Wicked be revealed means: 'The beast of Revelation 13 will not be revealed until after God's Holy Spirit is removed from this physical reality'. Now, he will not do the prophesied action, which will reveal him for who he is and will do so to the entire world, until the middle of the great tribulation. However, that does not prevent some people from realizing the truth before that. Therefore, the claim that he will be completely hid until the middle of the great tribulation has no basis in the Bible and, probably, is a lie from devils.
2. The phrase whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth is the same message as Revelation 19:20, only said a different way.
3. The phrase and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming references Revelation 19:19. The beast, of Revelation 13, will gather all of the kings of the earth, and their armies...to make war against him that sat on the horse (Jesus Christ). And, He will destroy all of them as He returns to this world to rule and reign.
4. The phrase Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish means that the beast of Revelation 13 will do miracles and deceive...them that perish into believing that he is Christ.
5. The phrase because they received not the love of the truth means: these people were deceived because they wanted to believe a lie (they received not the love) and they refused to use the true way to find the truth.
6. The phrase that they might be saved means that we have to received the love of the truth if we truly wish to be saved.
C2-S7 God will confirm them in the lie that they choose to believe.
1. The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence'. This sentence tells us what God will do to people who are not saved, before the 'Rapture', because they received not the love of the truth. This sentence is dealing with people who had a chance to hear the Gospel, and rejected it, before the 'Rapture'. It does hot include the people who did not reject the Gospel and can be saved during the great tribulation.
2. The phrase For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie means: 'The people identified will never get saved even though they remain alive until our Lord Jesus Christ returns to this world'.
3. The phrase That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness identifies their attitude and actions which caused them to be condemned.
C2-S8 But believers aren't like those whom God destroys. Please see the detail note for this sentence to see a comparison of the character traits of each group, as reported in this epistle.
1. The word But means: 'This sentence is continuing the subject of the prior sentence while going a different direction'. And, the change in direction is because the people of this church had a proven that they had a different attitude and different actions than the people identified in the prior sentence.
2. The phrase we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you means that the pastors are required to give thanks alway to God for you.
3. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren.
4. The phrase beloved of the Lord means that they were loved by the Lord personally. Yes, God so loved the world, but that is not personal until someone becomes a true child of God and starts obeying the Lord. Yes, people can argue that God and Jesus love the lost, but that is not true for the Lord once we include the true Biblical meaning of Lord.
5. The phrase because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth
  1. The word salvation, in the Bible, means: 'having an ongoing personal relationship with God. During the 'Church Age', it means having the indwelling Holy Spirit and God's life in you'. one critical thing to remember is that all forms of life grow. Our phrase is speaking about growing our spiritual life while we are in this world.
  2. The word sanctification means: 'set aside from sin and for God's service. Or, as Webster's 1828 claims: the act of making holy'.
  3. The phrase salvation through sanctification means: 'God increases our spiritual life through His making us holy and separating us from sin and using us for His service'.
  4. The phrase and belief of the truth means that our believing the truth also increases our spiritual life.
  5. The phrase God hath from the beginning means: 'This was God's plan before He saved us'.
  6. The phrase God hath...chosen you means: 'God made a plan for our personal life and chose us to fulfil His plan'. However, we each have a free will and can accept or reject God's plan for our life.
6. The phrase Whereunto he called you by our gospel means: 'God calls each saved person to His personal plan for their life by using the gospel to, first, lead us to salvation and. after that, to sanctification'.
7. The phrase to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ means: 'God made His plan so that we could obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our current physical life, and then display that glory for the world to see and to attract people to our Lord Jesus Christ. God also made His plan so that we could obtain the glory of (that belongs to) our Lord Jesus Christ, and have it as our own glory in Heaven'.
C2-S9 What the saved are to do because of these differences.
1. The word Therefore means: 'What follows this word is the conclusion based upon what came before it'.
2. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren. Paul is writing this epistle, and this command, to true Biblical brethren, because they are the only people who will truly obey both.
3. The word fast means: 'Don't let go for any reason'. The phrase stand fast means: 'stay in place like a soldier in a battle and don't change our doctrine for any non-Biblical reason'. And, since our doctrine is supposed to be based upon the word of God, we should never change it for any reason.
4. The phrase and hold the traditions which ye have been taught must be considered in context. Back in 2Thessalonians 1:4, we read: persecutions and tribulations that ye endure. They had these conditions because they were taking the Gospel to their country and to the next country and lying ministers of Satan were trying to get them to stop doing that. Therefore, spreading the Gospel was the traditions which ye have been taught and was what they were to hold fast. However, applying this phrase to any other religious traditions is taking the phrase out of the context of the message of this epistle.
5. The phrase whether by word, or our epistle also needs to be consider as instruction given before the New Testament was completed. God was still using the words of apostles. Today, we are to hold fast to what is literally written in the word of God.
C2-S10 Comfort comes after accepting the truth.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. This is the last sentence of a chapter on prophecy which deals with our Lord Jesus Christ returning to rule this world and bring judgment on hem that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those were the people who were giving these church members persecutions and tribulations. And, our sentence is saying: 'After you understand what will happen to them, then here is what will happen to you'.
2. The phrase our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father identifies Who will do the actions of this sentence. These blessings do not come from the preachers, who are only the messengers, but come from God himself.
3. The phrase which hath loved us tells us God's motivation for blessing us.
4. The phrases hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work tell us the blessings from God given to people who devote their life to the service of God.
  1. The phrase hath given us everlasting consolation means that God gave us what we need to deal with problems in this life.
  2. The phrase and good hope through grace means that good hope will keep us looking to the future. However, this is through grace and we must spiritually mature if we want to increase the grace that God gives to us personally.
  3. The phrase Comfort your hearts means: 'Give you peace while you go through problems in this life. The peace comes from realizing the presence of the Lord with us in our trouble'.
  4. The word stablish means: 'To set and fix firmly or unalterably; to settle permanently'. The phrase stablish you in every good word and work means: God, Who does not change, will give us never-changing doctrines (word) and never-changing service to God (work) when we devote our current life to the service to God.

Chapter 3
Chapter theme: Separate yourselves from those who live wrong.

In Chapter 2 Paul has dealt with the doctrinal error which motivated this epistle. He has told them how to see the difference between those who are following error and those who are obeying God. Now in the first 5 sentences of Chapter 3 Paul uses Lord 5 times (once in each sentence). Paul is making it very clear that the commandment of this chapter is not optional. We will answer for obeying or disobeying these commandments when we face our Lord. When we allow people to remain within the church while teaching doctrinal error we support confusion about what the Bible truly teaches, we erode the authority of our Lord among men and we help the devil to send souls to Hell and the Lake of Fire.

C3-S1 Pray about spreading true doctrine.
1. The word Finally means that Paul is finishing the subject, of the prior chapter, and is ready to start a new subject. Where the prior chapter was giving us prophecy, this chapter is telling us how to live based upon that prophecy.
2. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren.
3. The phrase pray for us means: 'This is the main job that true Biblical brethren have in their relationship to their pastor'.
4. The phrase that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you tells us why the prior commandment was given.
  1. The phrase that the word of the Lord may have free course means: 'People get upset when their pastor corrects them. But, he has to give them the word of the Lord when they are doing wrong in order for them to avoid judgment by the Lord. Therefore, we are to pray that the pastor can use the word of the Lord to correct people when necessary and that they will accept the correction as coming from the Lord'.
  2. The phrase may have free course was just dealt with and means: 'Will be accepted as correction coming from the Lord and not from the pastor.'.
  3. The phrase and be glorified means: 'This is added to the correction. We are to pray that people will glorify the Lord, when they are corrected, instead of attacking the pastor. And, they are to glorify the Lord because His corrections are to prevent greater future punishment.'.
  4. The phrase even as it is with you means: 'These church members accepted correction with a Godly attitude. We are to pray that other church members do the same (even as).'.
5. The phrase And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men means: 'These are the kind of people who reject correction from the pastor. And, unfortunately, these types of people are found in churches and claiming to be saved'.
6. The phrase for all men have not faith means: 'This is why these types of prayers are needed'. Notice that this sentence is mainly applied to saved church members. Even though someone may be a saved church member, that does not mean that they have enough faith to accept correction.
C3-S2 the Lord will keep the saved from becoming evil.
1. The word But means: 'This sentence is continuing the subject of the prior sentence while going a different direction'. And, the change in direction is because the people of this church had a proven that they had a different attitude and actions than the people identified in the prior sentence.
2. The phrase But the Lord is faithful means: 'We are to not rely upon our own ability. We are to obey the Lord because He is faithful and will always do what is best for our long-term good'. Our thoughts and feelings often disagree, but, For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? (Romans 11:34).
3. The phrase who shall stablish you means: 'It is the Lord Who keeps our faith and our works stable'.
4. The phrase and keep you from evil means: 'It is the Lord Who keeps us from evil by restricting us from doing things which would lead us into doing evil'.
C3-S3 the Lord will convince the saved to obey.
1. The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence'. This sentence tells us how the work of the Lord, in the life of saved people who obey the Lord, affects their pastor.
2. The phrase we have confidence in the Lord touching you means: their confidence was in the Lord and not in the people. Where people naturally do not want to obey, the Lord motivated obedience in people who are submitted to the Lord.
3. The word ye means: 'each and every one of you personally'. The phrase that ye both do and will do the things which we command you means that the pastors were confident that the Lord would motivate obedience in these people because the commandments from the preachers actually came from the Lord. That is one reason why pastors need to preach what the word of God says and not preach their own opinion nor religious traditions.
C3-S4 the Lord direct our hearts.
1. The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence'. This sentence tells us what the Lord will do in our own life when we are submitted to Him.
2. The phrase direct your hearts into the love of God means: 'We are to let the love of God direct how we think, feel and make decisions of our will'. When we let the love of God be spread abroad through our life, that is what the Bible calls charity (1Corinthians 13).
3. The word patient means: 'Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or Christian submission to the divine will'. The phrase into the patient waiting for Christ means: 'We are to endure the many problems of life with this Godly attitude and the knowledge that we will receive our reward when we return with Christ to help Him rule this world'. Notice that it is the Lord Who will direct your heart into this attitude and activity. That is because promises from the Lord have the weight of law behind them and His promises are guaranteed by His power and authority.
C3-S5 Command to withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. Please notice that every sentence before this sentence, in this chapter, gives us a commandment from the Lord. These are things that we will be judged for obeying or disobeying and for how well we obey. In addition, our current sentence says: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, which means: 'in the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ'. And, our current sentence says: Now we command you, brethren. This means that the command came from Paul and the other pastors using 'in the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ' because they were allowed to do that as pastors and with Paul being a true Biblical apostle. What we see here is a change from never-changing laws to an application of a law from our Lord Jesus Christ. And, this sentence starts with the word Now so that we will understand this difference.
2. As already written, the phrase we command you, brethren means that the command came from pastors. Our Lord Jesus Christ gives that authority to pastors.
3. The phrase in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ tells us the true authority behind this command.
4. The phrase that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly means: 'Stop associating with any saved person who stops living according to the commandments of the Bible'.
5. The tradition included the doctrines from the Bible as well as the applications of the word of God within their culture. The phrase and not after the tradition which he received of us means: 'leave anyone who is trying to change the way that you have been taught to serve God'. In particular, these people had been taught to each personally take the Gospel to everyone that they could and to live holy. And, they had preachers coming in there telling them to live lives of sin and to stop taking the Gospel to everyone ado submit to their religious rules. This doctrinal errors were want Paul was writing them to not accept and, in this phrase, he is telling them to kick out, of the church, anyone who was telling them to make these types of changes.
C3-S6 Follow Paul's example of how to act.
1. The word For means: 'This sentence tells us why the prior sentence is true'. There, Paul gave a command. in this sentence, Paul writes that he personally lived what he commanded and that his life is an example to follow. A true Godly person lives what they preach.
2. The word ye means: 'each and every one of you personally'. The phrase yourselves know how ye ought to follow us means: 'Paul, and his team, live an example of Godly living and taught these people to personally follow the examples given'.
3. The phrases: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you list several ways that Paul and his team were examples to these people.
  1. The phrase for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you means: 'Paul, and his team, did not act like culture and law allowed but restricted their attitudes and actions to what pleased God'.
  2. The phrase Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought means: 'Paul, and his team, did not demand that the church members provide for their physical needs without payment. They did not insist that their preaching was sufficient payment for things which they used'.
  3. The phrase but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you means: 'Paul, and his team, earned a living and paid for their own physical needs'.
  4. The phrase that we might not be chargeable to any of you tells why they acted like they did.
4. The phrase Not because we have not power means: 'Paul, and his team, could have demanded that the newly saved people support them financially and in every other physical way. They had power to demand such as ministers of the Gospel. However, as our next phrase says, they chose to not exercise their rights'.
5. The phrase but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us means: 'This is why they showed these people how to live Godly lives and old them to follow the examples'.
C3-S7 this command has not changed.
1. The word For means: 'This sentence tells us why the prior sentence is true'.
2. The phrase even when we were with you, this we commanded you means: 'Paul, and his team, commanded them about how to deal with lazy people and sinners who try to take advantage of God's church and God's people'.
3. The phrase that if any would not work, neither should he eat means: 'God does not support a lazy person'. Lazy people can have a big sob story, but if they truly get hungry enough then they will go to work in order to provide for their own physical needs. Many lazy people try to take advantage of the caring and loving attitude of God's churches and people. However, giving to the lazy, and encouraging there main lazy, is not teaching them to be Godly but is teaching them to be like a devil and to take advantage of others.
C3-S8 there are some in the church who have not obeyed the command and example.
1. The word For means: 'This sentence tells us why the prior sentence is true'. This is why Paul is bring up prior teaching and examples. Here, Paul will correct error that is in this church.
2. The phrase we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly means: 'There are church members who are not following the rules of the church for how to live a Godly example and for how to bring glory to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ'.
3. The phrase working not at all, but are busybodies means: 'These people expected everyone else to provide for their physical needs while they were gossips and telling everyone else how to live their life'. I imagine that there were some people who proclaimed themselves to be self appointed preachers and expected the church to support them just like the preachers who came in preaching doctrinal error expected support for giving out lies.
C3-S9 this command comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'.
2. The phrase them that are such references the people identified in the prior sentence.
3. The phrase that with quietness they work means: 'Shut your mouth, stop being a busybody, earn your own living and stop trying to tell everyone else how to live'. Please notice that these people were ordering others around based upon their own opinion. This is totally different from a pastor telling people what God, and the word of God, says. And, we can see this by the context and with how many times that Paul uses the title of Lord. in this chapter and in this epistle. He is not basing anything on his own opinion but bases everything on the power and authority of the Lord.
4. The phrase and eat their own bread means: 'Provide for your own physical needs'. If your provision only provides rice and fish head soup, then that is what you eat. If you want more then do what is necessary to get more. Do not beg others to provide what God has commanded you to provide.
C3-S10 be not weary in well doing.
1. The word But means: 'This sentence is continuing the subject of the prior sentence while going a different direction'. And, the change in direction is because the people of this church had a proven that they had a different attitude and actions than the people identified in the prior sentence.
2. The word brethren means: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. People who make a profession, but do not get baptized and join the church, are not part of the family of God and, therefore, are not true Biblical brethren.
3. The phrase be not weary in well doing means: 'Don't get tired of doing what God commanded you to do'. God always puts His people through a test first, t5o prove to everyone that they will be faithful no matter what the circumstances are. After that, God provides for His people who.
C3-S11 How to treat the disobedient.
1. The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence'. This sentence tells us how to deal with people who refuse to obey this epistle where the prior sentence encouraged people to obey.
2. The phrase if any man obey not our word By this epistle identifies who this sentence id to be applied to.
3. The phrase note that man, and have no company with him tells us how to treat such people.
4. The phrase that he may be ashamed tells us why.
C3-S12 the attitude to have with the disobedient.
1. The phrase Yet count him not as an enemy means: 'What to not do'.
2. The phrase but admonish him as a brother means: 'What to do'.
C3-S13 After obedience comes peace.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. This is a result of obeying all that is commanded in this epistle.
2. The phrase the Lord of peace himself means: 'God is in control of who gets peace'. You can not receive true peace from any other source.
3. The phrase give you peace always by all means 'No matter what is going on in your life and no matter what cause of problems exist, God can use those things to give you peace'.
C3-S14 The Lord be with you all. This is the final blessing to the members of this church from their pastor.
C3-S15 Assurance that this epistle came from Paul. This is a very critical sentence to understand.
1. The phrase The salutation of Paul with mine own hand means: 'Paul personally signed every epistle that he wrote'. There were liars sending epistles with doctrinal error and claiming that they came from Paul. Thus, he is telling them, and us, to reject any claim that he wrote an epistle that he did not personally sign. This includes the epistle to the Hebrews.
2. The phrase which is the token in every epistle: so I write means: 'Paul's personal signature is what we are to look for'.
C3-S16 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. This final blessing is to everyone who reads, and obeys, this epistle.
C3-S17 Amen. This doubles the prior sentence and makes it something which is enforced by the law of God.

Chapter 1

C1-S1 (Verse 1-2), C1-S2 (Verse 3-10), C1-S3 (Verse 11-12)'.

Please see the Chapter Summary, at the start of this book Study, for an overview of this Chapter.

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1-10	Paul certifies them of the good opinion which he had of their faith, love, and patience;
11-12	and therewithal uses divers reasons for the comforting of them in persecution, whereof the chief is taken from the righteous judgment of God.

C1-S1 (Verse 1-2) Opening of the epistle.

Equivalent Section: Who the epistle is fRomans to.

Paul,
and Silvanus,
and Timotheus,
unto the church of the thessaloni and in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ :.

Equivalent Section: What the epistle is supposed to accomplish.

Grace unto you,
and peace,
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..

In our First Equivalent Section we see who God used to write this epistle and whom it was written to. important part of this First Equivalent Section is that the church was in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is more said about this sentence in the note for this sentence within the Lord Jesus Christ Study. Most of the doctrine for this sentence is related to the roles of the Son of God.

Paul and Timothy are well-known to everyone who has read and studied their Bible. We find Timothy mentioned several places in Acts 16:1 - 20:4 because he traveled and ministered along with Paul and Silas. He is mentioned in Paul's closing to the Romans, so he was well-known and well thought of by them. He was sent to Corinth and to Philippians to thessalonica by Paul and many people claim that he was pastor at each of those churches. Beyond these mentions in the Bible, we also have the two epistles written to Timothy which provide doctrinal direction to all pastors and other types of ministers.

In our Second Equivalent Section we see the blessings that are offered to those saints who obey what is in this epistle. We find, essentially, this same phrase in: Romans 1:7; 1Corinthians 1:3; 2Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1Thessalonians 1:1; 2Thessalonians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:2; 2Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2John 1:3. In the personal letters of 1Timothy 1:2; 2Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4 and 2John 1:3, we find mercy also added in. Please also see the notes at these links if you need more explanation of this phrase. As with the titles that Paul gives himself in the opening of his various letters, we also find some differences in the exact title of our Lord Jesus Christ within these opening sentences.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to where Paul is named within the Bible for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. Please also see the second half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Paul to show us how He uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry. . We see Paul mentioned 163 times in the Bible but this is the only place in 1Timothy.

The note for 1Thessalonians 1:1 provides to every place in the Bible where we find the name of Silvanus and to every place in the Bible where we find the name of Silas. Silvanus is the long-form of the nameans Silas is the short-form of the name for the same man who was with Paul on his second Missionary journey. Silvanus was a less known preacher than Paul and, therefore, is often overlooked. He was with Paul and Timothy in Corinth (LJC in 2Corinthians 1:19) and He is named, along with Paul and Timothy, as the author of both letters to thessalonica because he was a leader in the missionary team which started that church. He is also mentioned by Peter as being with him at the church that is at Babylon (1Peter 5:10).

Please see the notes for Romans C16S27 and Philippians 2:19 which tells us where the Bible talks about Timothy / Timotheus (Timothy). He is one of only three (Timothy, Titus and Onesimus) that Paul called Son. We first read about him in Acts 16:1. and he is seen traveling with Paul, in Acts, through Acts 20:4. Those notes have much more detail but he is generally accepted as the man who inherited Paul's ministry.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:22 about the word church. The functional definition is: 'a called out assembly of baptized believers'. Our epistle equates the church to the body of Christ. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The commonly accepted definition is 'a called out assembly of baptized believers' with most of the disagreement over people including buildings in the definition and people adding or denying different definitions for a 'universal church'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:18-24 about the word churches (plural). Please also note that 1Thessalonians gives us 'The Doctrine of the Church'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about this word.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:16 for links to every place in the Bible where we find mention of Thessalonica. It is identified as: ' large and populous city on the sea-coast of Macedonia. Cassander having enlarged it, named it after his wife thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great. Under the Romans it was a city of note, and was eventually made a free city and became the capital of Macedonia'. There is more detail in the note for Philippians.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:16 about Thessalonica.

We find the word grace, within our epistle, only in: 1:2; 1:12; 2:16 and 3:18. Please see the notes for Romans C4S5; Romans C4S17; Galatians 1:1 and Ephesians C1S2 about the word grace. The commonly accepted definition, which is actually the main application, is: 'receiving a blessing that we did not earn. The acrostic of 'God's Riches At Christ Expense' is a good way to remember this definition'. However, that saying ignores the fact that the Bible says that men also give grace, and Christ certainly didn't die for their grace. The true functional definition is: 'what is given to make the giver look good'. The devils tell lies about God to try to keep from going to God for salvation and sanctification. God gives us His grace so that we can make Him look good and cause people to turn to God for salvation and for sanctification. If we don't make God look Good then He wasted His grace on us.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S16 and Galatians C1-S1 about the word peace. Please also see the Gospel of Peace in the Word Study on Gospel. Please also see the Gospel of Peace in the Word Study on Gospel. The functional definition is: 'In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind'. Peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:22). Please see the notes for Romans 10:15 and Hebrews 12:14-LJC about peace with God.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. That note has a dictionary definition and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'The being who gives his character to his son'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. 2Co 1:19; 1Th 1
General references. Ro 1:7; 1Co 1:3,8exp: 2Co 1:2; Ga 1:3'.

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C1-S2 (Verse 3-10) Their testimony and the consequence of it.

Main sentence without included part.

Equivalent Section: their testimony brought thanks to God and praise before men.

Paul was bound to thank God always for these people and their testimony.

We are bound to thank God always for you,
brethren,
as it is meet,
because that your faith groweth exceedingly,
and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;.

Paul gloried in these people and their testimony when with other saved people.

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:.

Equivalent Section: their testimony proves that God was righteous in giving them the kingdom.

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God,
that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God,
for which ye also suffer:.

Equivalent Section: their testimony proves that God will be righteous when He judges non-believers.

Their testimony that God will be righteous to judge those that trouble the saints.

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;.

Don't worry about those that trouble you because God will deal with them.

and to you who are troubled rest with us,
when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ :.

Equivalent Section: their testimony proves the justice of God's judgment.

The disobedient people will be judged by God.

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,
and from the glory of his power;.

The Lord Jesus Christ will be admired and be glorified in his saints.

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,
and to be admired in all them that believe (See Below) in that day..

Below is the part of the sentence from the parenthesis.

Their testimony proved that they believed Paul's preaching and testimony.

(because our testimony among you was believed).

This is the most complex sentence in this epistle. in this sentence Paul tells four different, but equivalent, ways that their testimony was an advantage to God. That is, their testimony gave God what He wanted from a saint's testimony.

In the first section of this sentence we read how their testimony was an encouragement to other saints and preachers and how it brought thanks and glory to God. It is fitting that this is first because one of the first things that God wants us to do is to encourage other saints so that they will go out and work in God's field (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2). Notice that Paul was thanking God for them as people, not just thanking God for what they did. He also used you and not ye because he was thanking God for the whole group and not for individuals. The fact is that he might not be able to thank God for certain individuals but he could count them in with the entire church and thank God for them that way. Moving on, when Paul calls them brethren, he is making it clear that he is writing to saved people and that he is thanking God for the testimony that these people had since they made their initial profession. Paul also said that it was meet to thank God always for you. In the Bible, meet is used to mean a perfect match like God had initially planned for a husband and wife to be a perfect match (Genesis 2:18). Paul is saying that there is a perfect match between his thanking God for them and the things they did to cause that thanksgiving. Notice that their faith groweth exceedingly and that charity...aboundeth. The word abound means 'great or overflowing supply'. Please see the note for Romans 5:20 for links to every place in the Bible where any forms of the word abound is used.

Please also consider everything in this chapter together as God saw fit to devote this entire chapter to the subject of charity. Please see the note for 8:1 for links to every sentence in the word of God which use any form of the word charityThe functional definition of charity is: 'Showing God's love to others regardless of who they are. Charity differs from love in that love is shown to people we know'. Please also see the note for Romans 14:15 about the word charitably.

Both of the verbs (groweth and abound) that are in our Equivalent Section show increase. It has been said that we are either going forward or backward in our Christian life but never standing still. In 2John 1:4 we read I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth and in 3John 1:4 we read I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. In these epistles John is expressing the same joy as Paul expresses in this first step of this section of this sentence.

In the second step of the first section Paul said we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God. We should always pray and thank God about something before we testify to others. There are several reasons for this but one important reason is that this gives God a chance to change what we say or how we say it. That's what we see here. We know that every word (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4) of the Bible is from God. Out of all of the things in their testimony which could be praised, God choose these things to be permanently recorded in His Word about their testimony. Their testimony matched how Christ wants us to act according to what Peter tells us in the first two chapters of 1Peter. Please see the note for 1Peter 2:21-24.

The second equivalent section starts with which is in reference to the first section, especially to their patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure. (The note for Romans 5:3-5 provides links to every verse which uses the word patience along with a small note on each verse.) Notice that in this section Paul says for which ye also suffer. That means that they suffered for the kingdom of God in addition to suffering for the encouragement of saints and the glory of God as expressed in the first section of this sentence. Paul calls it a manifest ('revealed in every possible way') token ('A sign; something intended to represent or indicate another thing or an event').

Before we go on we need to acknowledge that the Biblical definition of the kingdom of God is 'God's character in you today and the 1,000 years reign of Christ in the future'. This is a different definition than what most people believe. There are certain blessings which go with people fulfilling this definition, and not all saved people have these blessings, even though they are saved, because they don't fulfill God's requirements. Please use the link provided in the sentence outline, above, to go the Study which explains this doctrine.

Their testimony made it clear to everyone that they had the kingdom of God in their life and had the blessings which include 'eternal security'. There would be no questions at their funeral about that. But notice that Paul uses ye in this part of the sentence. Earlier it was mentioned that Paul used you to include members of the church in his thanks when he might not have thanked God for them personally. However, when it gets to receiving the kingdom of God, this is done on a personal basis (not just because you were a member of a church) as seen by Paul's deliberate switching to ye. Further we see that those who have this manifest token have it because of the righteous judgment of God. God knows who will suffer for His kingdom and who will not. Those who will suffer He allows to suffer that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Not everyone who wants to get into the elite units of armed forces are allowed to enter. Only those people who pass the test are allowed to enter. Likewise, this section is telling us that not all saved people are assured of receiving the kingdom of God. I know that this goes against popular doctrine, but there are other places in the Bible which indicate the same thing. The reader needs to study all that the Bible says about the kingdom of God before 'taking a doctrinal stand' that I'm wrong. The note for Galatians 5:19-21 has several links to verses on the kingdom of God and gives more of an explanation of this doctrine. Basically, there are certain lifestyle sins that indicate that a person is not saved and will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, it takes time to spiritually mature and 'Stop our sinning'. So a person who is newly saved, or still spiritually immature, may not yet have stopped doing these particular sins. If they die in that state, they do not lose their salvation but they have not yet fulfilled God's requirement to receive the inheritance. Thus, we need to encourage people to 'Stop our sinning' as soon as possible.

Rather than providing all of those references here I'll say that I'm ready to face my Lord in judgment having encouraged others to earn their own manifest token. Are you ready to face your Lord in judgment after having discouraged others from accepting this testimony from Him? Do you really believe that people will accept persecutions and tribulations if they can have all that is in the kingdom of God without the persecutions and tribulations?

In the third equivalent section Paul has two steps which are separated by time. In the first step, Paul explains about God dealing with people in the present time. In the second step Paul is talking about God dealing with people in the future. The people that attack God's people end up having a lot of 'bad luck' and a lot of other people 'cheating and taking advantage of them'. This is God remaining anonymous while He recompenses tribulation to them that trouble you. The note for Romans 5:3-5 provides links to every verse which uses the word tribulation along with a small note on each verse. The note for Romans 12:17 provides links to every verse which uses the word recompense along with the definition from Webster's 1828 .

In the second step of this third section we have four parts all going on in the future. In the first part Paul tells us to rest. This rest has a special meaning in the Bible which is explained in Hebrews 3 and 4. The meaning of rest is explained in the notes for Lord Jesus Christ in Hebrews 3:1. 3:6. and 4:8.

In the second part of this section Paul is talking about when Lord Jesus returns to Earth to set up His kingdom. Please see the note for This verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.

In the third part of this section Paul is talking about God sending all lost people to Hell and the Lake of Fire when he says In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God. Anyone who end up in Hell got there by rejecting God's plan for their life and by refusing the message that God sent to them. It is a lie of the devil that God lets people go to Hell with no chance to hear the gospel. In 1Chronicles 28:9; 2Chronicles 15:2 and in Jeremiah 29:14 we read I will be found of you, saith the LORD. Yes, these verses were written to the Jews but we find that God, Who does not change, makes the same offer to all people. However, this truth is not as clearly and as simply seen in the Bible for other people. So, anyone who goes to Hell not only rejected God's message but they have hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). It is because of their own actions that our sentence says taking vengeance.

In the Fourth part of this section Paul is talking about saved people who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, according to the Bible some saved people will be punished and not just 'get time-out'. Please see the note for This verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.

In the fourth equivalent section we again have a two-step process where the first step tells what will happen and the seconds step tells when it will happen. Within the first step we have two parts which are parallel to the last two parts of the prior section. That is: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord is parallel to In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God. And Who shall be punished from the glory of his power is parallel to that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The parallel of the first part should not cause anyone (who knows their Bible) any problem. I expect that some people will have a problem with the second part. However, as explained several places, the parable of the talents, the parable of the pounds and many other places in the Bible teach the doctrine of variable rewards based upon our service to God and His kingdom. The more that a saved person obeys not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the further away from Him (and the glory of his power) they will be in heaven. Also, the more that a saved person obeys the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the closer to Him (and the glory of his power) they will be in heaven. Please also see the This verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.

In the second step of our fourth section we see that this will happen when He returns to this Earth to set up His Kingdom. Again, please see the note for 1:7 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.

All that is left is the included part. This part starts with because. Both because and for. tell us 'here's why'. Because is used when the cause and the result are both in the past. For is used when the cause in the past and the result is in the future at the time that the statement was made. Both Paul's testimony among you and their believing it were in the past when Paul wrote this letter. Paul is saying that because they believed and acted upon his testimony (in the past), our Lord Jesus will be glorified in his saints. His glory is in the things that His saints allow Him to do in and through their lives while they are in this flesh.

Please see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word bound. The functional definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word bind'. Please see the note for Mark 3:27 about the word bind. The functional definition for this word is: 'Past-tense of bind. As a participle, made fast by a band, or by chains or fetters; obliged by moral ties; confined; restrained'. Please also see the Word Study on Word Study on abound. It means: 'not bound'.

Please see the notes for Ephesians 5:3-4 and 1Corinthians 14:17 about the word thank. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks. The functional definition is: 'To express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed'.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:19 about the words alway / always. The functional definition for this word is: 'Perpetually; throughout all time; as, God is always the same. 2. Continually; without variation. the word "always" (plural) is used for several never ending continuances'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S10 and Galatians C1-S1 about the word brother. Please see the note for Romans C12-S8 about the word brotherly. Please see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The functional definition is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. We find forms of the word brethren occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3; 2:1; 2:13; 2:15; 3:1; 3:6; 3:13 and 3:15.

Please see the note for Romans C1S15 for links to every place in this epistle where we find mention of meet. The functional definition is: 'come together and match in every area'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition is: 'provides a effect where the effect and effect are both in the past'. We find forms of this word, in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3; 1:10; 2:10; 2:13 and 3:9.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. As explained many times on this site, faith is an action word which Hebrews 11:1 defines as: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11 then goes on to list actions done by the elders but notice that what is in your head and heart (a belief) does not have substance, which can be sensed by others, until a person acts on their belief (faith) and produces works. Further, what is in your head and heart (a belief) can not be separated from you in order to be evidence in court. No, true faith produces works and it is the works which 'belong to' (are the results of) faith which are remembered by God and His workers.

Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the word Abraham's faith. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase Law and faith. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. We find forms of the word faith occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3-4; 1:11; 3:2 and 3:3.

Please see the note for Mark 4:26-27 about the word grow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To enlarge in bulk or stature, by a natural, imperceptible addition of matter, through ducts and secreting organs, as animal and vegetable bodies; to vegetate as plants, or to be augmented by natural process, as animals'.

Please see the note for Ephesians C2S2 about the word exceed. The functional definition is: 'Going beyond; surpassing; excelling; outdoing'.

Please see the notes for Romans 14:15; 1Corinthians C8S2 and Colossians 3:14 about the word charity. The functional definition is: 'In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good'. The Bible actually lifts charity above love, even though many preachers claim that they are the same. While love is extended to people whom you know, charity is extended to people whom you don't know. Please also see the comments earlier in this note about charity.

Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to access the definition of the word abound and to find links to every place in the Bible where any forms of this word are used along with a note for each word and the full definition from Webster's 1828 . The functional definition is: 'To be in great plenty; to be very prevalent'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'. We find this word within 2Thessalonians in: 1:4, 9 and 2:14. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 2:6 for the definition from Easton's Bible Dictionary. The functional definition is: 'Honour, dignity, Splendour, brightness, majesty'.

The doctrine of the church is too complicated to go into within this note. Please note that our sentence uses the plural word churches. That eliminates this doctrinal error which is commonly presented as 'The Universal Church'. By the way, that is the true meaning of 'Catholic Church'. Another important thing which we see in our sentence is the phrase churches of God with the word of defined as: 'belonging to'. A lot of organizations which call themselves church do not belong to' the God of the Bible. While there is much more, we get this much just out of our sentence. We find forms of the word church, within the Bible, in 114 verses, all of which are in the New Testament. We find the exact phrase church(es) of God in: Acts 20:28; 1Corinthians 1:2; 1Corinthians 10:32; 1Corinthians 11:16; 1Corinthians 11:22; 1Corinthians 15:9; 2Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1Thessalonians 2:14; 2Thessalonians 1:4; 1Timothy 3:5 and 1Timothy 3:15. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S18 for links to where church is used in that epistle along with links from other commentators.

Please see the notes for Romans C5S2; Colossians C1S3 about the word patience. Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word patient. The functional definition is: 'The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word persecution. The functional definition is: 'The act or practice of persecuting; the infliction of pain, punishment or death upon others unjustly, particularly for adhering to a religious creed or mode of worship, either by way of penalty or for compelling them to renounce their principles'.

Please see the notes for Romans C5S2 and Romans C8S37 about the word tribulation. The definition from Webster's 1828 is: 'n. L. tribulo, to thrash, to beat. Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 6:15 about the word endure. The functional definition is: 'To last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33 and 1John-Manifest about the word manifest. Please see the note for Romans C3S20 about the word manifested. The functional definition is: 'made available for extensive examination that uses multiple means to accomplish the examination'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:44 about the word token. The functional definition for this word is: 'A sign; something intended to represent or indicate another thing or an event'.

Please see the notes for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the word righteous / righteousness. The functional definition is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'. Please see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the righteousness of the Law. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the fruit of righteousness. Please see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness. Please see the notes for Romans C3S7 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness. Please see the note for Romans C2S5 about obeying unrighteousness.

Please see the notes for Romans C2S2; Philippians 1:9-11 and Psalms 119 about the word judgment. The functional definition is: 'Comparison of actions and attitudes, which a person displays, to the statutes and commandments of a rightful authority. Judgment results in reward of the obedient and punishment of the disobedient with the amount of reward or punishment determined by the judge'. Please see the notes for Matthew 7:1 about the word judge. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S5 and Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase judge, we are to. Please see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please see the notes for Romans C14S16 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the judgment Seat of Christ. Please see the notes for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S1 about the word account. The functional definition is: 'A sum stated on paper; a registry of a debt or credit; of debts and credits, or charges; an entry in a book or on paper of things bought or sold, of payments, services etc., including the names of the parties to the transaction, date, and price or value of the thing'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the word worth. The functional definition is: ' Deservedly; according to merit'.

Please the notes for 1Corinthians C4S20; 1Corinthians C15S46 and Galatians C5S20; Doctrinal Study about the kingdom of God. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Within the Bible we find that a kingdom reflects the character of the king. The functional definition is: 'the character of our true king, as displayed in our life, reveals what spiritual kingdom we truly belong to' please also see the note for 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase the kingdom of heaven. Please also see the verses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of king. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews. Please also see the note for Revelation 14:14-LJC about the phrase King of kings. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:37-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews. Please also see the notes for Ephesians 5:5; 2Timohy 4:1 and 2Peter 1:11 about the phrase kingdom of Christ. Please also see the note for note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer. The functional definition is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind; to undergo'. Please also see the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for references to verses related to the suffering of Jesus Christ. Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the word see / sight. The functional definition is: 'The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son.

Please see the note for Romans C11S14 about the word recompence / recompense. The functional definition is: 'To compensate; to make return of an equivalent for anything given, done or suffered; as, to recompense a person for services, for fidelity or for sacrifices of time, for loss or damages'.

Please see the note for Galatians C5-S10 about the word trouble. The functional definition is: 'The primary sense is to turn or to stir, to whirl about, as in L. turbo, turbinis, a whirlwind. Hence the sense of agitation, disturbance. 1. to agitate; to disturb; to put into confused motion'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:12-13; Hebrews 4:8-LJC and Hebrews 3:6-LJC about the word rest. The functional definition is: 'Cessation of motion or action of any kind, and applicable to any body or being; as rest from labor; rest from mental exertion'. The notes in Hebrews explain God's rest, which is different than most people think and applicable to this sentence.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33 and Galatians C1-S10 about the word reveal. The functional definition is: 'an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:1 about the word revelation. We find forms of this word, in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:7; 2:3; 2:6 and 2:8.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. The functional definition is: 'the home of God'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the heaven, things in. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the kingdom of heaven. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about treasure in heaven.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition is: 'a messenger, to tell or announce. A spirit, or a spiritual intelligent being employed by God to communicate his will to man'.

Please see the note for James 3:6 about the word fire. Please also see the note for Romans C12S18 about coals of fire. Please see the note for Romans 1:3-LJC about the Lake of Fire.

Please see the note for Romans C12S17 about the word vengeance. That note provides several links to where the Bible gives different applications of this word. The functional definition is: 'The infliction of pain on another, in return for an injury or offense'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; Galatians C3-S9 and know in 1John about the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. We find forms of these words, within 1Thessalonians, in: 1:4; 1:5; 2:1-2; 2:5; 2:11; 3:3; 3:4; 3:5; 4:2; 4:4-5; 5:2 and 5:12. There are different levels of knowledge which can vary based upon their source, how the knowledge is obtained and more. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word obey. The functional definition is: 'To comply with the commands, orders or instructions of a superior, or with the requirements of law, moral, political or municipal; to do that which is commanded or required, or to forbear doing that which is prohibited'. Please also see the notes for Romans C6S12 and 2Corinthians C2S9 about the word obedience. Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:6 about the word punish. The functional definition is: 'Any pain or suffering inflicted on a person for a crime or offense, by the authority to which the offender is subject, either by the constitution of God or of civil society'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:46 about the word punishment.

Please see the note for Luke 16:9 about the word everlasting. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having a beginning but no end. While many equate everlasting to eternal, that is wrong because eternal has no beginning'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:8-LJC about the phrase life everlasting.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 6:9 about the word destruction. It has definitions from more than one dictionary, links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word, and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'The act of destroying; demolition; a pulling down; subversion; ruin, by whatever means'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence. The functional definition is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. We find forms of this word, in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:9; 1:11; 2:9 and 3:9. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about spiritual powers.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S1; 2Corinthians C1S1 and Colossians C1S1 about the word saints. The functional definition is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'. Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible in order to understand the difference between a saint and other saved people.

We find forms of the word admiration only in: our current sentence; Jude 1:16 and Revelation 17:6. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Wonder mingled with pleasing emotions, as approbation, esteem, love or veneration; a compound emotion excited by something novel, rare, great, or excellent; applied to persons and their works. It often includes a slight degree of surprise. thus, we view the solar system with admiration. Very near to admiration is the wish to admire. It has been sometimes used in an ill sense, denoting wonder with disapprobation. Your boldness I with admiration see. When I saw her I wondered with great admiration. Luke 18'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S15; 1Corinthians C14S25 and Galatians C3-S8 about the word believe. The functional definition is: 'To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about belief changes life. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about believe in Jesus / Christ. Please also see the note for Romans C4S21 about belief requires us to do.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition is: 'provides a effect where the effect and effect are both in the past'.

Please see the note for Psalms 119 about the word testimony. The functional definition is: 'statements that are used in a court of law to judge the legality of someone's actions'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'are. 2Th 2:13; Ro 1:8; 1Co 1:4; 1Th 1:2-3; 3:6,9
as it is. Lu 15:32; Php 1:7; 2Pe 1:13
your. Job 17:9; Ps 84:7; 92:13; Pr 4:18; Isa 40:29-31; Lu 17:5; Joh 15:2; Php 1:9; 1Th 4:1,9-10; 1Pe 1:22; 2Pe 1:5-10; 3:18exp: 1Th 1:3.
groweth. the word, huperauxano G5232, from huper G5228, intensive, and auxano G837, to grow, increase, signifies, as Dr. Clarke remarks, to grow luxuriantly, as a good and healthy tree in a good soil; and, if a fruit tree, bearing an abundance of fruit to compensate the labour of the husbandman. Faith is one of the seeds of the kingdom: this the Apostle had sowed and watered, and God gave an abundant increase. their faith was multiplied, and their love abounded: and this was not the case with some distinguished characters only; it was the case with every one of them. for this the apostle felt himself bound to give continual thanks to God on their behalf, as it was "meet" and right.
General references. exp: Joh 15:12; 1Co 16:14; Phm 1:4; Heb 13:1.

glory. 2Co 7:14; 9:2,4; 1Th 2:19
your patience. 2Th 3:5; Ro 2:7; 5:3-5; 8:25; 12:12; 1Th 1:3; 3:2-8; Heb 6:15; 10:36; 12:1-3; Jas 1:3-4; 5:7-8; 2Pe 1:6; Re 14:12
your persecutions. 1Th 2:14; 3:3-4; Jas 5:11

manifest. 2Th 1:6; Php 1:28; 1Pe 4:14-18
righteous. Job 8:3; Ps 9:7-8; 33:5; 50:6; 72:2; 99:4; 111:7; Jer 9:24; Da 4:37; Ro 2:5; Re 15:4; 16:7; 19:2
may. 2Th 1:11; Lu 20:35; 21:36; Ac 13:46; Eph 4:1; Col 1:12; Re 3:4
for. 2Th 1:7; Ac 14:22; Ro 8:17; 1Th 2:14; 2Ti 2:12; Heb 10:32-33 exp: Mt 5:10; Lu 6:20; Re 3:4.
General references. exp: Lu 21:13.

General references. De 32:41-43; Ps 74:22-23; 79:10-12; 94:20-23; Isa 49:26; Zec 2:8; Re 6:10; 11:18; 15:4; 16:5-6; 18:20,24; 19:2 exp: Isa 34:8; Mt 7:2.

who. Isa 57:2; Mt 5:10-12; Lu 16:25; Ro 8:17; 2Co 4:17; 2Ti 2:12; Heb 4:1,9,11; 1Pe 4:1; Re 7:14-17; 14:13; 21:4 exp: 2Ti 4:1.
when. Mt 13:39-43; 16:27; 25:31; 26:64; Mr 8:38; 14:62; Joh 1:51; Ac 1:11; 1Th 4:16-17; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:28; Jude 1:14-15; Re 1:7; 20:11 exp: Mt 19:28; Ac 3:19; 1Pe 4:13.
his mighty angels. Gr. the angels of his power. Joh 1:3; Eph 1:2; Col 1:16; 1Pe 3:22; Re 22:6,9,16
General references. exp: Isa 34:8; Mt 7:2; Mr 13:26; Lu 17:30; Joh 5:22.

flaming. Ge 3:24; De 4:11; 5:5; Ps 21:8-9; 50:2-6; Da 7:10; Mt 25:41,46; Heb 10:27; 12:29; 2Pe 3:7,10-12; Re 20:10,14-15; 21:8
taking. or, yielding vengeance. De 32:35,41-42; Ps 2:9-12; 94:1; Isa 61:2; 63:4-6; Heb 10:30; Re 6:10,16-17
that know. Ex 5:2; 1Sa 2:12; Ps 9:10; 79:6; Isa 27:11; Jer 9:6; Zep 1:6; Joh 3:19; 8:19; Ro 1:28; 1Co 15:34; 1Th 4:5 exp: Jer 10:25.
and that. De 4:30; Ps 18:44; Isa 1:19; Ac 6:7; Ro 1:5; 2:7-8; 6:16; 10:16; 15:18; 16:26; 2Co 10:5; Ga 3:1; Heb 2:3; 5:9; 11:8; 1Pe 1:2; 3:6; 4:17
General references. exp: Ps 37:38; 97:3; Isa 34:8; Mic 5:15; Mt 25:42; Mr 13:26; Joh 5:22; Heb 12:29.

be. Isa 33:14; 66:24; Da 12:2; Mt 25:41,46; 26:24; Mr 9:43-49; Lu 16:25-26; Joh 5:14; Php 3:19; Heb 10:29; 2Pe 2:17; 3:7; Jude 1:13; Re 14:10-11; 20:14; 21:8; 22:15
from the presence. Ge 3:8; 4:16; Job 21:14; 22:17; Ps 16:11; 51:11; Mt 7:23; 22:13; 25:41; Lu 13:27
the glory. 2Th 2:8; De 33:2; Isa 2:10,19,21; Mt 16:27; 24:30; Tit 2:13 (Gr) Re 20:11 exp: Joh 17:22; Ro 8:18.
General references. exp: Ps 37:38; Isa 34:8; Mr 13:26; Joh 5:22.

to be glorified. 2Th 1:12; Nu 23:23; Ps 89:7; Isa 43:21; 44:23; 49:3; 60:21; Jer 33:9; Mt 25:31; Joh 11:4; 17:10; Ga 1:24; Eph 1:6,12,14,18; 2:7; 3:10,16; 1Pe 2:9; Re 7:11-12
to be admired. Ps 68:35
our. 2Th 2:13; 1Th 1:5; 2:13
in that. Mal 3:17; Mt 7:22; 24:36; Lu 10:12; 2Ti 1:12,18; 4:8
General references. exp: Isa 34:8; 41:20; Mr 13:26; Joh 5:22; Ga 1:24'.

Home Start of Chapter

C1-S3 (Verse 11-12) Just keep on doing what God commands.

Equivalent Section: God working through their lives.

Wherefore also we pray always for you,
that our God would count you worthy of this calling,
and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness,
and the work of faith with power:.

Equivalent Section: the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is glorified.

that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,
and ye in him,
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ..

This sentence is divided into two equivalent sections by the colon between verses. The 1:12 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study is not small and provides several details about the second section of this sentence. That note explains how God provides the grace and power for people to have a Christ-like spirit while going through persecutions and tribulations. It also explains how God gets increased glory from these occasions and how we get increased rewards as a result. The ability to do what Paul commands in this sentence, and these results are based upon the people already having the testimony that Paul talked about in the prior sentence. (This sentence starts with Wherefore which means both sections are the result of the prior sentence.)

In the first section of this sentence we are told what they should do in the future based upon (wherefore also) their past. The second section says why (That) they should do what Paul says in this section. That is: they should obey this command because it will result in God getting glory, their getting increased grace and power in this life and their getting increased rewards in eternity. So the question becomes: what is the specific command? they are to fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and they are to do the work of faith with power. Notice that Paul calls this a calling. Matthew 20:16 and Mark 22:14 tell us For many are called, but few are chosen. The context of those verses let us know that not all saved are chosen. 1Peter 2:9 tells us But ye (each and every one of you personally) are a chosen generation.. and goes on to tell us some of the requirements of being chosen. Again, we see that not all called are chosen. In Revelation 17:14 we read of the reward for those who are called, and chosen, and faithful. So while Paul says that they are called, in this verse, they (and we) will not be chosen (and receive the reward) unless they faithfully fulfil what they are called to do. That is, they must faithfully fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and they must do the work of faith with power.

The power comes from our Lord Jesus Christ...in you and their being in Him as explained in the 1:12 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study. As explained many places on this site, faith is an action verb which requires our finding the promise of God and then obeying His command (related to that promise) in order to prove that we are giving Him permission to work in and through our life. Of course, the phrase work of faith (in the section we are considering) makes it literally clear that true Biblical faith is a work that we do. This sentence also makes it clear that the grace and power required to do the work of faith come from our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This sentence also makes it clear that God gets good pleasure from our allowing His goodness into our life and that this goodness is something that we are to fulfil. Finally, this work of faith and God's goodness in their (and in our) life was based (wherefore) upon the testimony that they already had as expressed in the prior sentence. If we want to be considered to be called, and chosen, and faithful so that we can receive God's grace and power and also receive other rewards then we first need to obtain a testimony like the one that Paul said these thessaloni and had.

Please see the note in the Romans intro about the word wherefore. The functional definition is: 'a future result that can be seen wherever you look and that is based upon what came before the wherefore'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and the Doctrinal Study on Prayer about the word pray. Those notes have a discussion of this word, the full definition from Webster's 128, links from other commentators and links where this word is used within those epistles. The functional definition is: 'In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the word worth. The functional definition is: ' Deservedly; according to merit'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. This word is used, in this book, in: 2Thessalonians 1:11; 2Thessalonians 2:4 and 2Thessalonians 2:14. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the note for Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfil. The functional definition is: 'A tautological compound of full and fill. 1. to accomplish; to perform; to complete; to answer in execution or event what has been foretold or promised; as, to fulfill a prophecy or prediction; to fulfill a promise'. Please also see the Studies called Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospels and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Epistles

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26; 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good. The functional definition is: 'that which comes from God'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:14 about the word pleasure. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'PLEASURE, n. plezh'ur. 1. the gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish or happiness produced by enjoyment or the expectation of good; opposed to pain. We receive pleasure from the indulgence of appetite; from the view of a beautiful landscape; from the harmony of sounds; from agreeable society; from the expectation of seeing an absent friend; from the prospect of gain or success of any kind. Pleasure, bodily and mental, carnal and spiritual, constitutes the whole of positive happiness, as pain constitutes the whole of misery. Pleasure is properly positive excitement of the passions or the mind; but we give the name also to the absence of excitement, when that excitement is painful; as when we cease to labor, or repose after fatigue, or when the mind is tranquilized after anxiety or agitation. Pleasure is susceptible of increase to any degree; but the word when unqualified, expresses less excitement or happiness than delight or joy. 2. Sensual or sexual gratification. 3. Approbation. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people. Ps. 147. and 149. 4. What the will dictates or prefers; will; choice; purpose; intention; command; as, use your pleasure. Cyrus, he is my shepherd and shall perform all my pleasure. Is.44. My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure. Is.46. 5. A favor; that which Please s. Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul. Acts.25. 6. Arbitrary will or choice. He can vary his scheme at pleasure.' please also see the notes for 2Timothy 2:4 and Galatians 1:10-LJC about the word please. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the phrase well pleased.

Please see the note for Romans 11:22 for links to every place in the New Testament where the word goodness is used. God's goodness is 'a fruit of the Spirit which is given to saved people, and denied to the lost, to cause the saved to show God's love to a lost and dying world so that they will want to get saved. We also see warning of punishment to God's children who refuse to show his goodness to a lost and dying world so that they will want to get saved. Finally, we see that God's goodness is to bring Him glory from our life as it leads us to true Biblical repentance and causes us to have God's knowledge and to be light in the Lord and to walk as children of light and to prove what is acceptable unto the Lord'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. Please see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Forms of the word work are found in 2Thessalonians in: 1:11; 2:7; ; 2:9; 2:17; 3:10; 3:11 and 3:12. The basic Biblical definition of work is: 'to move, or to labor'.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the word Abraham's faith. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase Law and faith. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. We find forms of the word faith occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3-4; 1:11; 3:2 and 3:3.

Please see the note for James 2:14 for links to every verse in the New Testament where the words faith and works contained within the same verse.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about spiritual powers.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. The functional definition is: 'by way of the power associated with the name'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 2:6 for the definition from Easton's Bible Dictionary. The functional definition is: 'Honour, dignity, Splendour, brightness, majesty'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The functional definition is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note'. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S5; Romans C4S17; Galatians 1:1 and Ephesians C1S2 about the word grace. The commonly accepted definition, which is actually the main application, is: 'receiving a blessing that we did not earn. The acrostic of 'God's Riches At Christ Expense' is a good way to remember this definition'. However, that saying ignores the fact that the Bible says that men also give grace, and Christ certainly didn't die for their grace. The true functional definition is: 'what is given to make the giver look good'. The devils tell lies about God to try to keep from going to God for salvation and sanctification. God gives us His grace so that we can make Him look good and cause people to turn to God for salvation and for sanctification. If we don't make God look Good then He wasted His grace on us.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we pray. Ro 1:9; Eph 1:16; 3:14-21; Php 1:9-11; Col 1:9-13; 1Th 3:9-13
our God. Ps 48:14; 68:20; Isa 25:9; 55:7; Da 3:17; Re 5:10
would. 2Th 1:5; Col 1:12; Re 3:4
count. or, vouchsafe.
calling. 2Th 2:14; Ro 8:30; 9:23-24; Php 3:14; 1Th 2:12; Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10
fulfil. Ps 138:8; Pr 4:18; Isa 66:9; Ho 6:3; Zec 4:7; Mr 4:28; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:6
the good. Ps 51:18; Lu 12:32; Eph 1:5,9; Php 2:13; Tit 3:4-7
the work. Joh 6:27-29; Eph 1:19-20; 1Th 1:3; 2:13; Heb 12:2

the name. 2Th 1:10; Joh 17:10; 1Pe 4:14 exp: Ac 19:17.
and ye. Ge 18:18; Ps 72:17; Isa 45:17,25; Joh 17:21-26; Php 3:9; Col 2:9-10; 1Pe 1:7-8
the grace. Ro 1:7; 1Co 1:4; 2Co 8:9; 13:4; Tit 2:11; Re 1:4
General references. exp: Ga 1:24'.

Home Start of Chapter

Chapter 2

C2-S1 (Verse 1-2), C2-S2 (Verse 3-4), C2-S3 (Verse 5), C2-S4 (Verse 6), C2-S5 (Verse 7), C2-S6 (Verse 8-10), C2-S7 (Verse 11-12), C2-S8 (Verse 13-14), C2-S9 (Verse 15), C2-S10 (Verse 16-17)'.

Please see the Chapter Summary, at the start of this book Study, for an overview of this Chapter.

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1-2	Paul urges them to continue stedfast in the truth received;
3-8	shows that there shall be a departure from the faith,
9-14	and a discovery of Antichrist, before the day of the Lord come;
15-17	and thereupon repeats his former exhortation, and prays for them.

C2-S1 (Verse 1-2) The main purpose of this epistle.

Now we beseech you,
brethren,
by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by our gathering together unto him,
that ye be not soon shaken in mind,
or be troubled,
neither by spirit,
nor by word,
nor by letter as from us,
as that the day of Christ is at hand..

verses 2:1 and 2:2 form a single sentence that is about the Second Coming. The notes in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for 2:1 and 2:2 deal with how the names of the Son of God are used in this sentence. As explained there, Lord Jesus Christ is used for the Second Coming because each of those roles are directly involved in that event. However, the day of Christ does not include Lord nor Jesus because this is referring to the prophesied 1,000-years reign of Christ. Please see those notes for more details.

This sentence starts with Now because Paul is starting a new subject after completing the subject of the first chapter. There Paul dealt with their testimony, the consequences of their testimony and the requirement for them to continue, and even increase, in the good things of their testimony. Now Paul is going to deal with those people who don't have a testimony like these sa7ints and what will happen to them during the Great Tribulation. As noted elsewhere, these saints were troubled and were shaken in mind because they were being told that they wasted their efforts by serving our Lord through enduring persecutions and tribulations. They were told that the day of Christ is at hand, which meant there would by no Great Tribulation and no punishment for those people who caused them persecutions and tribulations. in this sentence, Paul is clearly saying that what they were told is a lie, that they are not to believe it and Paul goes on in this chapter to tell them (and us) what will really happen. This sentence also tells them to be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit... Paul is going to explain, in the next few sentences, about the beast of revelation and what will happen to him and to all people who have the same spirit.

It so argued, and probably is true, that devil motivated religious liars had sent a letter containing false doctrine and signed Paul's name to it. We see support for that claim in the phrase nor by letter as from us, within our current sentence, and by The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write found in 3:17. This may be true and such actions match the spirit of religious liars. However, while there is no reason to doubt this claim, neither is it directly supported by what the Bible says. Therefore, it is not the basis of doctrine. This is just one example of haw we need to be careful to separate what the Bible actually says from our religious traditions which can not be proven to be true nor false. God wants us to stick with what we can prove from His Word.

Please also see the note for Romans 12:1 for links to every place in the New Testament where the word beseech is used, along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . The functional definition is: ' to entreat; to supplicate; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency; followed by a person;'.

Please see the note for 1:3 for links to every place in this epistle where we find mention of brethren / brother. The functional definition is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

Please see the note for Luke 6:47-48 about the word shake. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to cause to move with quick vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other; to agitate; as, the wind shakes a tree; an earthquake shakes the hills or the earth. I shook my lap, and said, so God shake out every man from his house- Neh. 5. He shook the sacred honors of his head. Dryden. -As a fig casteth her untimely fruit, when it is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev. 6. 2. to make to totter or tremble. the rapid wheels shake the heav'n's basis. Milton. 3. to cause to shiver; as, an ague shakes the whole frame. 4. to throw down by a violent motion. Macbeth is ripe for shaking. Shak. But see shake off, which is generally used. 5. to throw away; to drive off. 'Tis our first intent to shake all cares and business from our age. See Shake off. Shak. 6. to move from firmness; to weaken the stability of; to endanger; to threaten to overthrow. Nothing should shake our belief in the being and perfections of God, and in our own accountableness. 7. to cause to waver or doubt; to impair the resolution of; to depress the courage of. that ye be not soon shaken in mind. 2 thess. 2. 8. to trill; as, to shake a note in music'.

Please see the notes for Romans C11-S37; Romans C12-S2 and 2Corinthians C1S9 about the word mind. The functional definition is: 'Intention; purpose; design'. Please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about mind Jesus. Please see the note for Romans 11:20; 1Timothy 6:17 and 2Timothy 3:4 about the word highminded.

Please use the link in the sentence above and see the notes for Romans C8S1; Galatians C6S8 and Hebrews 8:10-LJC about the word Spirit. The functional definition is: 'An intelligent being from the spiritual reality which is a super-set of the physical reality'. As seen in the summary part of the Study on Spirit, 'We are made spiritually alive when God's spirit quickens our spirit'. That study also provides links to many more verses which teach the same doctrine. Please use his link for links to every usage in the Bible where we find the phrase Spirit of the Lord. Please see the note for Romans C11S13 about the phrase spirit of slumber. Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in Word Study on Spirit for links to every place where we find the word spiritual. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40; Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about the phrase spiritual verses physical. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. Please see the note for please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. the word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

Please see the note for Romans C7S6 about the word letter. The functional definition is: 'A written or printed message; an epistle; a communication made by visible characters from one person to another at a distance'.

Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about for links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase day of deals with a significant event such as prophecy. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. The day of Christ is the 1,000-years reign of Christ.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12; Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition is: 'close by, within reach of the hand'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase the right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we. Ro 12:1
by the. 1Th 4:14-16 exp: 1Co 1:10; 1Th 4:1.
and by. Ge 49:10; Mt 24:31; 25:32; Mr 13:27; Eph 1:10; 1Th 3:13; 4:17; 2Ti 4:1

shaken. Isa 7:2; 8:12-13; 26:3; Mt 24:6; Mr 13:7; Lu 21:9,19; Joh 14:1,27; Ac 20:23-24; Eph 5:6; 1Th 3:3
by spirit. De 13:1-5; Jer 23:25-27; Mic 2:11; Mt 24:4-5,24; 2Pe 2:1-3; 1Jo 4:1-2; Re 19:20
nor by letter. 1Th 4:15; 2Pe 3:4-8
General references. exp: Ac 3:20'.

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C2-S2 (Verse 3-4) The big deception.

Equivalent Section: Avoid the things that bring deception.

Let no man deceive you by any means:.

Equivalent Section: there are three steps of deception.

The day of Christ will not come before the beast of Revelation is revealed.

for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first,
and that man of sin be revealed,
the son of perdition;.

Who he fights.

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,
or that is worshipped;.

Who he tries to replace.

so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,
shewing himself that he is God..

Please see the note for This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study. There I explain why it is foolishness to try to explain future events based upon Biblical prophecy. Our sentence tells us that the day of Christ can not happen until the two things mentioned in this sentence happen. The one event is there come a falling away first. Some people argue that this is speaking about the 'Rapture'. Others argue that it is talking about most people abandoning church. While the Bible definitely teaches that both events will happen before the son of perdition is revealed, I do not believe that anyone can doctrinally prove that the phrase in this sentence is talking about one event or another. Another point of contention, which has several books written about it, is 'Pre-Trib' versus 'Post-Trib' versus 'Mid-Trib'. I won't get into that argument but will simply say that this epistle was written to dispute the doctrinal error of 'No Trib'. Both 'Post-Trib' and 'Mid-Trib' are (a form of) denials of the Great Tribulation, and are, therefore, variations of the doctrinal error of 'No Trib'. The next few sentences in this chapter tell us that the son of perdition can not be revealed until after the Holy Spirit is removed. Since saved people who are alive can not be separated from the Holy Spirit, they have to be removed ('Pre-Trib') before the son of perdition can not be revealed. Both 'Post-Trib' and 'Mid-Trib' are part of 'the big deception' that this sentence is warning us about.

Moving on, I want to deal with the phrase of so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. John 1:1 tells us In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God and 1:14 tells us the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, which means that the Word is called God. Without going into all of the verses to prove it, I will say that the Bible (the Word) is our only God approved, spiritually alive picture of the Son of God. It is also called seed (Matthew 13; Luke 8) and 1Peter 1:23 warns us that we can not receive God's life (salvation) from a corrupted seed (Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever). These people who oppose an incorruptible seed / Bible prove themselves to be an antichrist of today when all of these verses are combined. These antichrists follow the same spirit as the son of perdition. The most believable lie is one that is almost pure truth. They have the same spirit but in order to hide themselves, they point to the son of perdition and call him 'The Antichrist'. They then point at all of the political things he will do and get everyone worried about all of the things he will do to this physical world so that they completely ignore the spiritual impact. This, they hide their own spiritual corruption. With a lot of people getting upset about 'The Antichrist', they are ignoring the people who are leading them astray today. Yes this sentence tells us about future events. However, people are so busy arguing about details that God's Word has not revealed that they are missing the message which God has for them.

This was written before Revelation and only gives a glimpse of what Revelation says in more detail. God's message in this chapter and in Revelation can be summed up into a simple message. There is going to be a time of Great Tribulation. The type of people who cause God's saints to suffer persecutions and tribulations are going to go through this time of Great Tribulation while God's saints will not because Paul already showed how God separates His saints from these other in chapter 1 of this epistle. Those people who go through the Great Tribulation will have to put up with this son of perdition and other devils and devil motivated people. God's people will not have to go through that or deal with the son of perdition and devils because, as Paul says in the next few sentences, the Holy Spirit withholds revealing him until the Holy Spirit is removed and God's true church is removed with the Holy Spirit. This entire epistle is about our Lord bringing judgment upon those people who deny His authority and about His removing His children before that. So stop worrying about these people if you are a true child of God. Ignore their lies and go out and serve your Lord every way that you can.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S15 and 1Corinthians 3:18 about the word deceived. The note in 1Corinthians breaks down the references, in the New Testament, by how the word is used. The functional definition is: 'to take said, to ensnare'. The note in 1Corinthians has links to every place in the New Testament where we find forms of this word and those links are divided by the actual word used. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S3 about deceiveth himself.

Please see the note for Luke 5:18 about the word means (plural). The functional definition for this word is: 'Means, in the plural, income, revenue, resources, substance or estate, considered as the instrument of effecting any purpose. He would have built a house, but he wanted means'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1 Timothy 3:7 about the word fall. The functional definition is: 'apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. The functional definition is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). We find this exact phrase of sin unto death: in 1John 5:16; Romans 6:16. We see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.

Please see the note for 1:7 for links to every place in this epistle where we find mention of any form of the word reveal. The functional definition is: 'an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word perdition. The functional definition is: 'Entire loss or ruin; utter destruction'. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word.

We find forms of the word oppose in: Job 30:21; Acts 18:6; 2Thessalonians 2:4; 2Timothy 2:25. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to set; against; to put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail, and thus to hinder defeat, destroy or prevent effect; as, to oppose one argument to another. I may without presumption oppose my single opinion to his. 2. to act against; to resist, either by physical means, by arguments or other means. the army opposed the progress of the enemy, but without success. Several members of the house strenuously opposed the bill, but it passed. 3. to check; to resist effectually. the army was not able to oppose the progress of the enemy. 4. to place in front; to set opposite. 5. to act against, as a competitor'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word oppose as: 'OPPOSERS, hinder Religious work: Examples of: Ezr 4:4; Ne 4:8; Zec 3:1; Ac 13:8; 18:6; 1Co 16:9; 2Ti 3:8; 4:15. Seek to Silence the Prophets and Religious Leaders: Isa 30:10; Jer 11:21; Am 2:12; 7:13; Mic 2:6'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word exalt. The functional definition is: 'To elevate in power, wealth, rank or dignity; as, to exalt one to a throne, to the chief magistracy, to a bishopric'. Please note that our actual word is exalteth, which means that he 'keeps on keeping on exalting himself'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 for a detailed on the word temple. That note has definitions from a couple of different dictionaries and links from other commentators, which together provide a lot of reference material on this word. In addition, the note also provides some discussion and links to every place in that epistle where this word is used along with links to other important verses within the New Testament that use this word. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrases temple of the Lord and temple of God. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase temple of God and the phrase temple of the Lord and an explanation of the similarities and differences.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God. The functional definition is: 'the temple or tabernacle of God'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S8 about the word shew. This is just another spelling for the word show.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'no man. Mt 24:4-6; 1Co 6:9; Eph 5:6
except. 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 3:1-3; 4:3-4
man. 2Th 2:8-10; Da 7:25; 1Jo 2:18; Re 13:11-18
the son. Joh 17:12; Re 17:8,11
General references. exp: Pr 30:13.

and exalteth. Isa 14:13; Eze 28:2,6,9; Da 7:8,25; 8:9-11; 11:36; Re 13:6
called. 1Co 8:5
sitteth. Da 8:12-14; 11:45; Re 13:6-7
General references. exp: Pr 30:13; Isa 36:14'.

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C2-S3 (Verse 5) Paul reminds them of what he taught them on this subject.

Remember ye not,
that,
when I was yet with you,
I told you these things?.

This is why God put His Word in writing and why this epistle was written. We forget the things of God and the things of faith. We need to constantly read, and study, God's Word so that He can refresh things in our memory that we need in order to keep representing Him and letting Him live through our lives. Otherwise, even as saved people, the world, the devil and our own flesh will cause us to slip back into sin. The note for Romans 7:25 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study sums up Romans 7 and how our own flesh causes us to sin but that Jesus Christ our Lord allows us to serve the law of God. These people didn't have the full written Bible that we have today. They had a reason for forgetting the things of God, including the promises of God, that we don't have today.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S28 about the words remember / remembrance. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines remembrance as: 'the retaining or having in mind an idea which had been present before, or an idea which had been previously received from an object when present, and which recurs to the mind afterwards without the presence of its object. Technically, remembrance differs from reminiscence and recollection, as the former implies that an idea occurs to the mind spontaneously, or without much mental exertion. the latter imply the power or the act of recalling ideas which do not spontaneously recur to the mind. the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps. 112. Remembrance is when the same idea recurs, without the operation of the like object on the external sensory. 2. Transmission of a fact from one to another. Titan among the heav'ns th' immortal fact display'd, lest the remembrance of his grief should fall. 3. Account preserved; something to assist the memory. those proceedings and remembrances are in the Tower. 4. Memorial. But in remembrance of so brave a deed, a tomb and funeral honors I decreed. 5. A token by which one is kept in the memory. Keep this remembrance for thy Julia's sake. 6. Notice of something absent. Let your remembrance still apply to Banquo. 7. Power of remembering; limit of time within which a fact can be remembered; as when we say, an event took place before our remembrance, or since our remembrance. 8. Honorable memory. Not in use. 9. Admonition. 10. Memorandum; a note to help the memory'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C10S24 and The S and P's of 2Timothy 1 about the word seek. The functional definition is: 'To go in search or quest of; to look for; to search for by going from place to place'.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Remember. Mt 16:9; Mr 8:18; Lu 24:6-7; Ac 20:31
when. 2Th 3:10; Joh 16:4; Ga 5:21; 1Th 2:11; 2Pe 1:15'.

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C2-S4 (Verse 6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

This verse can only be understood within context. I see no reason to disagree with the traditional Baptist teaching of this sentence. That is: the Holy Spirit withholds the influence of sin and devils so long as the church is in the world. The Holy Spirit does this in our personal lives and by God working through our lives, the same is done in this world. The world complains about true Christians and their 'nosey laws' against sin that is 'victimless' and done in private. (There is no such thing but the lie makes the right appear to be wrong and makes the predator [pedophile, etc] appear to be a victim.) For example, the false teachers tell us that 2Chronicles 7:14 promises that God will heal (our) land if we just 'pray, pray, pray' because 'prayer changes things'. However, prayer does not change things, God changes things. And, God changes things by working through the lives of His saints. That verse has several and which are what God uses to change this world and heal (our) land. The prayer lets God change His saints. But before the prayer is a requirement for His saints to humble themselves, which includes stopping thinking they can correct God's Word and to start obeying what God literally wrote in His Word. That verse also requires people to seek (God's ) face which means 'report for duty and obey any order given'. That is part of how God works through the lives of His saints in order to heal their land. But this verse also says that they must turn from their wicked ways. Part of that turning is to not only stop doing sin but to cause others around them to stop doing the same sin.

Returning to our verse we see that the Holy Spirit withholds the influence of sin and devils so long as the church is in the world. As said, God does this by working through our lives, such as when we do all of the things found in 2Chronicles 7:14. However, when God's people forget the things God said (as mentioned in the prior verse and the note above), and God's people stop letting God work through their lives even when that work causes them to suffer persecutions and tribulations, then God will remove His church and the Holy Spirit from this world. Then this world will get all of the sin that they want, and the consequences of that sin.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; Galatians C3-S9 and know in 1John about the word know. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. We find forms of these words, within 1Thessalonians, in: 1:4; 1:5; 2:1-2; 2:5; 2:11; 3:3; 3:4; 3:5; 4:2; 4:4-5; 5:2 and 5:12. There are different levels of knowledge which can vary based upon their source, how the knowledge is obtained and more. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

We find forms of the word withhold in: Genesis 23:6; 2Samuel 13:13; Job 4:2; Job 12:15; Psalms 40:11; Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 3:27; Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 11:26; Proverbs 23:13; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Jeremiah 2:25; 2Thessalonians 2:6. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', v.t. pret. and pp. withheld. with and hold. 1. to hold back; to restrain; to keep from action. Withhold--your hasty hand. If our passions may be withheld. 2. to retain; to keep back; not to grant; as, to withhold assent to a proposition. the sun does not withhold his light'.

Please also see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word hold. The functional definition is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'withholdeth. or, holdeth. 2Th 2:7
revealed. 2Th 2:3,8'.

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C2-S5 (Verse 7) Spiritual warfare is going on.

Equivalent Section: the influence of devils is happening even though people don't see it.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:.

Equivalent Section: the Holy Ghost is restricting their operation for now.

only he who now letteth will let,
until he be taken out of the way..

In Ephesians 3:9 we read ...what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God... This gives us the definition that a Biblical mystery is 'that which has been hid by God until it is revealed'. For example, all unfulfilled prophecy contains a Biblical mystery. We know what will happen but can not know all of the details of exactly how it will happen. We can know when it will happen in relationship to other events but can not know exactly when any of it will happen because we can not know the time of the starting event. Likewise, this mystery of iniquity was hid until God revealed it through Paul. In context of this chapter we see that this mystery of iniquity is a spiritual influence that encourages lifestyle sins which will be fully expressed in the person that is called the beast in Revelation. Opposite of this mystery of iniquity is the mystery of godliness (1Timothy 3:16) which encourages lifestyle s of godliness and is fully expressed in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please see the mystery of Christ in Colossians 1:26-27; 2:1 and 4:3. Also see the mystery of Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 1:9; 3:3-4; 3:9; 5:32 and 6:19. (Please see the note for Romans 11:25 which has links to where the Bible talks about mystery.) thus, this mystery of iniquity is expressed in sinful lifestyle s which oppose the godliness of a lifestyle that is led by our Lord Jesus Christ. Part of that lifestyle of iniquity was causing the persecutions and tribulation that these people in thessalonica had already personally experienced. The mystery was that God was allowing the devil inspired iniquity of sinners to prove who were truly saved, because they stayed true in spite of the persecutions and tribulation; and who were truly lost, because the persecutions and tribulation turned them from God.

As bad as they had it, and as bad as we might experience the persecutions and tribulation, that experience is nothing compared to what people will experience after God removes the church and the Holy Ghost. When the Bible uses let it is speaking of a law of God which has the power of creation (Genesis 1). So when this sentence says he who now letteth will let, it is talking about God, in the person of the Holy Ghost, using all of the power of creation to hold back this mystery of iniquity .

Please see the note for Romans C11S29 about the word mystery. We find forms of the word mystery in 27 verses of the New Testament and not in the Old Testament. That note has links to every usage within the Bible along with a short note on each usage. The functional definition is: 'what God hid until God choose to reveal it'.

Please see the note for James 3:6 about the word iniquity. It has links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word along with the full definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'ongoing lifestyle sins'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. The functional definition is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:15 about the phrase will of God. That note has links to every place in the Bible where we find this phrase along with notes on each reference. In particular, that note explains that the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God are not three different levels of the will of God but, in fact, are three attributes of the single will of God. As that note explains, there is only one will of God for each circumstance in life but we receive variable rewards or punishment based upon how well we obey the will of God or how much we disobey the will of God.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S17 AND Psalms 119 about the word way. The functional definition is: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the mystery. 1Ti 3:16; Re 17:5,7
doth. Ac 20:29; Col 2:18-23; 2Ti 2:17-18; 1Jo 2:18; 4:3
he who. 2Th 2:6'.

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C2-S6 (Verse 8-10) The beast of Revelation.

Equivalent Section: What will happen to the beast of Revelation.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed,
whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth,
and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:.

Equivalent Section: What will happen to those people who are like the beast of Revelation.

Why God will destroy the beast of Revelation.

Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;.

Why God will destroy those people who follow the beast of Revelation.

because they received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved..

This sentence starts with an And. That adds it to the prior sentence which starts with For. That means that both of these sentences give the reason for the sentence prior to them. That sentence starts with an And. The fact is that all of the sentences in this chapter start with connecting words which lets us know that NONE of them can be interpreted properly outside of the context of the entire chapter.

The context is that these believers were upset by a lie being taught by false teachers in the church. These believers suffered persecutions and tribulations. The lie was that there would be no judgment on those people who caused the persecutions and tribulations because the day of Christ is at hand and the trouble makers would go into the kingdom just like those who lived righteously. In other words, they were wasting their time trying to live for God and suffer persecutions and tribulations. Paul is reminding them (and giving us a written record) of what he had told them earlier. This book was written before Revelation and tells us, in a more summary fashion, about the beast of Revelation. This sentence tells us what God will do to the beast of Revelation. Revelation 14:9-11 tells us that the people who follow (act like) the beast are going to share in his judgment. These were the people spreading the lie that these believers were listening to. They seemed to be right because they had the advantage in the present day, but God tells His people to live by faith in His promised and not get upset by present circumstances. This sentence is telling us some of those promises which do not seem likely if we are looking at present circumstances.

This sentence has two equivalent sections which tell us about future events which seem impossible given current circumstances. In the first part we are told about what will happen to the beast of Revelation. Please notice that Wicked is capitalized in our sentence. That makes it the name of a being. in this case, it is the beast of Revelation who displays the spirit of Satan.

He will not be revealed until after the church and Holy Ghost are removed, which means that the saved won't have to put up with him. Further, this beast shall be destroyed with the brightness of his coming because He is the Truth (14:6) and a lie is destroyed by truth. Further, this section tells us that the Lord shall consume (him) with the spirit of his mouth and the word of God (spirit of his mouth) consumes a lie if we truly pay attention to what it says. Please see the note for This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details.

The second (equivalent) section tells us what will happen to those people who are like the beast of Revelation. First, they believe people who display all power and signs and lying wonders. God isn't using these things any more and tells us to believe what he literally wrote in His Word by the spirit of his mouth. When someone has all power and signs and lying wonders but they also (and) have unrighteousness in them, we are not to believe their deceivableness. They are going to perish. Notice that this section has two steps. The first step is talking about the beast of Revelation and how he has all deceivableness of unrighteousness that is in all people that perish. So while it is mainly talking about him, it is also drawing a parallel to all people that perish. This is important because the next step is talking about they. This second step tells us that all people that perish do so because they received not the love of the truth. (Please see the note for Study on Truth which show that it is personified in the Son of God but is also in the word of God and is lived by the people of God). If we truly love of the truth then we will spend time in His Word and become like Him. Notice that this sentence ends with the phrase that they might be saved. Lots of people claim to be saved who are not. This sentence tells us that those who are truly saved will receive the love of the truth. It is the end of a sentence which tells us about our Lord destroying these people who had all deceivableness of unrighteousness and He does it with the spirit of his mouth and...the brightness of his coming. This sentence warns us that people who claim to be saved but who have not a love of the truth have deceived themselves and are going to perish. It does not matter what power and signs and lying wonders they have. The only thing that matters is if they received...the love of the truth.

Please see the notes for Romans C1S16;1Corinthians 5:8; Colossians 1:9-17 and Ephesians 6:12 about the word wicked. Please also use the link in the sentence outline, above. The functional definition is: 'Departure from the rules of the divine law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; crime; sin; sinfulness; corrupt manners Wickedness generally signifies evil practices'. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about a wicked heart. Please notice that our word is capitalized, which means it is a formal name, and the name is applied to the beast of Revelation.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:15 for links to where the word consume is used in the New Testament along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . The functional definition is: ' to destroy, by separating the parts of a thing, by decomposition, as by fire, or eating, devouring, and annihilating the form of a substance'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

Please see the note for Matthew 17:5 about the word brightness. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'briteness. Splendor; luster; glitter. 1. Acuteness, applied to the faculties; sharpness of wit; as the brightness of a man's parts.'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy. The functional definition is: 'To demolish; to pull down; to separate the parts of an edifice, the union of which is necessary to constitute the thing'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the name of Satan. The functional definition is: 'The grand adversary of man; the devil or prince of darkness; the chief of the fallen angels'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about spiritual powers.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:39-40 about the word sign. The functional definition is: 'A token, pledge, or proof'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word wonder. The functional definition for this word is: 'That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind, of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; something that arrests the attention by its novelty, grandeur or inexplicableness'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:22 about the word wonderful. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; astonishing. Job 42.'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15-16 AND 2Corinthians 4:16 about the word perish. The functional definition is: 'To die; to lose life in any manner; applied to animals'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition is: 'provides a effect where the effect and effect are both in the past'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S1; 1Corinthians C15S1 and Colossians 2:6-7 about the word receive. The functional definition is: 'To take, as a thing offered or sent; to accept'. In addition, please see the note for Matthew 10:41, which explains that in order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own.

Please see the notes for Romans 8:39-LJC; Galatians C5-S14; Philippians 1:9-11; love in 1John and 2John 1:3-LJC about the word love. Please also see the note for Revelation 8:35-LJC for a table which divides the various roles of God and gives Bible references for how God loves us through each of His roles. Please also see the note for 1John C3S26 about the phrase love one another. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love. Please see the note for Romans C9S23 about the word beloved. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:5 for links to every place where the phrase beloved Son is applied to Jesus. We find forms of the word love occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 2:10; 2:13; 2:16 and 3:5.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 for links to every place in that epistle where we find the word salvation along with definitions from three different dictionaries and links from other commentators. This is the only place in 2Thessalonians where the word salvation is used. Please also see the note for Main Menu item for Salvation about the word save. Please see the notes for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification. We find the word saved, within 2Thessalonians in 2:13 and the word salvation, within 2Thessalonians in 2:10. The functional definition is: 'to exclude. When used spiritually, it means to exclude from the damned by having God's life in you. When used physically, it means to exclude from what is endangering physical life' .

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that. 2Th 2:3; Mt 13:19,38; 1Jo 2:13; 3:12; 5:18
whom. Da 7:10-11,26; Re 18:8-10; 19:20; 20:10
the spirit. Job 4:9; Ps 18:15; Isa 11:4; Ho 6:5; Re 1:16; 2:16; 19:15,20-21 exp: Isa 59:19.
with the brightness. 2Th 1:8-9; Heb 10:27
General references. exp: Da 7:26; Ac 3:20.

is. Joh 8:41,44; Ac 8:9-11; 13:10; 2Co 4:4; 11:3,14; Eph 2:2; Re 9:11; 12:9,17; 13:1-5; 18:23; 19:20; 20:10
and signs. Ex 7:22; 8:7,18; De 13:1-2; Mt 24:24; Mr 13:22; 2Ti 3:8; Re 13:11-15; 18:23; 19:20
General references. exp: Ex 8:7; De 13:2; 28:28; Isa 47:12.

deceivableness. Ro 16:18; 2Co 2:17; 4:2; 11:13,15; Eph 4:14; 2Pe 2:18; Heb 3:13
in them. 1Co 1:18; 2Co 2:15; 4:3; 2Pe 2:12
they received. Pr 1:7; 2:1-6; 4:5-6; 8:17; Mt 13:11; Joh 3:19-21; 8:45-47; Ro 2:7-8; 6:17; 1Co 16:22; Jas 1:16-18exp: Ac 17:11.
that they. Joh 3:17; 5:34; Ro 10:1; 1Th 2:16; 1Ti 2:4
General references. exp: Ex 8:7; De 13:2; 28:28; 29:4; Ps 109:17; Isa 47:12; Joh 8:45'.

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C2-S7 (Verse 11-12) God will confirm them in the lie that they choose to believe.

Equivalent Section: God confirms them in their lie.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,
that they should believe a lie:.

Equivalent Section: Why God confirms them.

that they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness..

This sentence starts with the word and, which adds it to the sentence before. As explained there, all of the sentences in this chapter start with connecting words and the entire chapter must be considered together to provide the context of any sentence. The context is explained in the note above. Please see it.

This sentence is divided into two equivalent sections which tell us that the people who received not the love of the truth would receive strong delusion...That they all might be damned who believed not the truth. While the context of this sentence means that it is talking about people who die lost, there is an underlying principal that applies to both those who die lost and the saved who live in sin. First, there are people who remain lost because they hear that 'God is the God of the second, third and more chances'. While this is true for the saved, within limits, I know of no place that promises that to the lost. In addition, the message of this epistle is that God makes a very definite difference between how He treats the lost and the saved. Unfortunately, those who preach multiple chances with God usually gloss over (or deny) this difference and they rarely include God's requirement for a true repentance which causes a changed lifestyle .

The truth of this sentence is that every time that someone believes not the truth and chooses pleasure in unrighteousness they receive a delusion and it becomes harder for them to hear or receive the truth the next time. Yes, the way of truth is still open to them but the changes in their spirit make it harder and harder for them to follow the way of truth. This underlying principal also applies to the saved. When the saved stop receiving not the love of the truth and find pleasure in unrighteousness, it becomes harder for them also to return to the truth. That's why the Bible warns about a sin unto death (Romans 6:16; 1John 5:16) for the child of God. Further, the child of God who chooses this way will not receive the rewards or other promises made to those children who suffer persecutions and tribulations like these believers at thessalonica suffered. Unfortunately, this warning is probably lost to those who need it, whether lost or saved, because they have already received a delusion.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 for links to every place in 2Corinthians where we find forms of the word cause along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . That definition gives this word legal implications. The functional definition is: 'Basically, the source of a result. It can also be an action in court, or any legal process whereby someone demands his supposed right'. In our current sentence we are told to worship God and recognize that He is the source of all power which allows us to do anything for His kingdom. Please also see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause. In John 15:25, we read that the prophecy was fulfilled about Jesus that: They hated me without a cause.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word strong. The functional definition is: 'Having physical active power, or great physical power; having the power of exerting great bodily force; vigorous'.

We find forms of the word delusion in: Isaiah 66:4; 2Thessalonians 2:11. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', n. S as z. 1. the act of deluding; deception; a misleading of the mind. We are all liable to the delusions of artifice. 2. False representation; illusion; error or mistake proceeding from false views. And fondly mournd the dear delusion gone'.

Please see the note for Romans 13:2 which has links to all of the verses in the Bible which use any form of the word damn, along with a short note on each and the Webster's 1828 definition. The functional definition is: 'To sentence to eternal torments in a future state; to punish in hell'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'for. Ps 81:11-12; 109:17; Isa 29:9-14; Joh 12:39-43; Ro 1:21-25,28exp: Ho 4:12; Am 4:5.
God. 1Ki 22:18-22; 2Ch 18:18-22; Isa 6:9-10; Eze 14:9 exp: Jg 9:23; Ro 1:24.
that. Isa 44:20; 66:4; Jer 27:10; Eze 21:29; Mt 24:5,11; 1Ti 4:1 exp: Lu 20:7.
General references. exp: Ex 8:7; 10:20; Le 13:29; De 13:2; 28:28; 29:4; Ps 109:17; Isa 47:12.

they. De 32:35; Mr 16:16; Joh 3:36; 1Th 5:9; 2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:4-5
but. Ps 11:5; 50:16-21; 52:3-4; Ho 7:3; Mic 3:2; Mr 14:11; Joh 3:19-21; Ro 1:32; 2:8; 8:7-8; 12:9; 2Pe 2:13-15; 3Jo 1:11 exp: Ho 14:9; Mr 16:16; Lu 11:34; 19:42; Heb 10:39.
General references. exp: Ex 10:20; Le 13:29; De 29:4; Isa 47:12; Heb 3:19'.

Home Start of Chapter

C2-S8 (Verse 13-14) But believers aren't like those whom God destroys.

Equivalent Section: God choose them to salvation.

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 :.

Equivalent Section: the effects that salvation is to have in the believer's life.

Whereunto he called you by our gospel,
to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ..

This sentence has a lot of detail relating sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth to each of the roles of our Lord Jesus Christ in the This verse within the Lord Jesus Christ Study. There is also detail about this sentence in the notes for this verse within the Study on Spirit and the Study on Truth.

In context, we need to see the contrast between the lifestyle of these saints at thessalonica and those others that Paul was talking about in the prior sentences of this chapter. Back in 1:3 Paul also used this phrase of We are bound to thank God always for you. Notice what Paul said about these saints at thessalonica:

brethren : 1:3 and 2:13
your faith groweth exceedingly : 1:3
the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth : 1:3
they caused others to glory in you in the churches of God : 1:4
your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure : 1:4
they had a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God : 1:5
they were counted worthy of the kingdom of God : 1:5
beloved of the Lord : 2:13
chosen by God: 2:13
called...to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ : 2:14
loved (by) God, even our Father : 2:16
given...everlasting consolation : 2:16
given...good hope through grace, : 2:16
Comfort your hearts by God: 2:17
stablish you in every good word and work by God: 2:17

Now notice what Paul said about those people who persecuted these saints at thessalonica:

God will recompense tribulation to them that trouble you : 1:6
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them : 1:8
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord : 1:9
punished...from the glory of his power : 1:9
they have a falling away : 2:3
them that perish : 2:10
they receive all deceivableness of unrighteousness : 2:10
they received not the love of the truth : 2:10
they are not saved : 2:10
God shall send them strong delusion : 2:11
they should believe a lie : 2:11
they all might be damned : 2:12

While the other notes deal with several detailed points that are within this sentence, it is also important to see the contrast that is shown between these two groups of people and the results that God gives to each group. Please click on each of the links in the sentence outline above to see the notes related to that particular word. Most of the explanation of the doctrine of this sentence is within those notes. In general, when the word has a link within the sentence it is not included within the Word Studies at the end of the note for the sentence.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. The functional definition is: 'Bestowed; granted; conferred; imparted; admitted or supposed'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give.

please see the notes for Romans C9S23 and Colossians C3S8 about the word beloved. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:5 for links to every place where the phrase beloved Son is applied to Jesus. The functional definition is: 'be and loved, from love. Belove, as a verb, is not used. Loved; greatly loved; dear to the heart'. Please also see the note for 2:10 about the word love. That note has links to several notes which discuss this non-simple doctrine which is a characteristic of God.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition is: 'provides a effect where the effect and effect are both in the past'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the word chosen. The functional definition is: 'Past-tense form of choose'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:22 about the word choose. The functional definition for it is: 'To pick out; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more things offered; to make choice of'.

Please see the notes for Jude C1S1; 2Timothy [follow link then FIND 'sanctified'] about the word sanctified. The functional definition is: 'Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred services'. Please see the notes for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about salvation through sanctification.

Please see the note for about the word unbelief. The functional definition is: 'To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity'. In addition, the difference between a 'head belief' and a true 'heart belief' is that a true 'hart belief' causes a person to act upon what they claim to believe. Further, the word believeth is: 'an ongoing lifestyle heart based belief'. Any so-called belief, which does not result in a changed life is only a 'head belief' and does not receive the promised blessings of a true Biblical belief. . Every reference in the Bible uses the word unbelief except this particular sentence. However, the verb believe, as opposed to the noun of belief, occurs a lot within the Bible. Thus, we see that God is more concerned about an active believe. Than He us about a finished belief. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ:. Please also see the note for Romans C4S21 about the phrase belief (true) requires us to do. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S15; 1Corinthians C14S25 and Galatians C3-S8 about the word believe. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. Please also see the note for John 6:40 about the phrase believe on. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where we find forms of this phrase along with an explanation of the usage.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the note for 11:30-31 for links to where the Bible deals with forms of the word obtain. The functional definition is: 'Gained; procured; acquired'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 2:6 for the definition from Easton's Bible Dictionary. The functional definition is: 'Honour, dignity, Splendour, brightness, majesty'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we. 2Th 1:3; Ro 1:8; 6:17
beloved. 2Th 2:16; De 33:12; 2Sa 12:25 (margin) Jer 31:3; Eze 16:8; Da 9:23; 10:11,19; Ro 1:7; Col 3:12; 1Jo 4:10,19
from. Ge 1:1; Pr 8:23; Isa 46:10; Joh 1:1; 8:44; Heb 1:10
chosen. Ro 8:33; 9:11; Eph 1:4-5; 1Th 1:4; 2Ti 1:9; 1Pe 1:2 exp: Ro 16:13.
through. 2Th 2:10,12; Lu 1:75; 1Pe 1:2-5
belief. Joh 8:45-46; 14:6; Ac 13:48; 15:9; Ga 3:1; Eph 2:8; Col 1:5; 2Ti 2:15; 3:15; Jas 1:18
General references. exp: Lu 1:75; Ac 15:18; Ro 9:16.

he called. Ro 8:28-30; 1Th 2:12; 1Pe 5:10
our gospel. Ro 2:16; 16:25; 1Th 1:5
to. Ps 16:11; Mt 25:21; Joh 14:2-3; 17:22,24; Ro 8:17; Eph 1:18; 1Th 2:12; 2Ti 2:12; 1Pe 1:4-5; 5:10; Re 3:21; 21:23; 22:3-5
General references. exp: Ro 9:16'.

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C2-S9 (Verse 15) What the saved are to do.

Therefore,
brethren,
stand fast,
and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
whether by word,
or our epistle..

This sentence starts with Therefore, which means it gives us a conclusion based upon what was said in the prior sentences. Please see all of the sentences and associated notes for chapter two, especially the several notes for the sentence immediately prior to this one.

The second word in our sentence is brethren. As shown in the note above, Paul has been making a major distinction between the brethren and other people. He is going to give a command to the brethren because God has given them the ability to keep it while the saved don't have this help from God. 1Peter 1:22-23 starts with Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit... As that note explains, and as we can see from the context of this sentence, God expects there to be a visible difference between the behaviour of brethren and the behaviour of lost.

Next Paul tells them to stand fast. The study called Prove is based upon 1Thessalonians 5:21 and tells us to hold fast that which is good. As that Study explains, fast means hold 'without wavering' or 'don't let go no matter what changes in circumstances occur'. In addition, the note for Galatians 5:1 shows the places where the Bible tells us to stand fast. These saints were suffering persecutions and tribulations and had lying religious leaders telling them that there would be no difference made between them and the lost and had many other 'storms of life' to endure. Paul was telling them to not move from the traditions which ye (each and every one of you personally) have been taught no matter what 'storms of life' they had to endure.

In the next phrase of our sentence, Paul tells them (and us) and hold the traditions which ye have been taught. The and adds this to the prior phrase to stand fast. At the time that this epistle was written the Bible was not complete. We now have a complete Bible. As we see throughout all history and as exemplified by the life of Jesus, our religion gives us traditions which go against the Bible. As explained many places on this site, Jesus used John the Baptist as His witness that He kept the traditions which came from God and matched the Bible. These are the true Biblical traditions which ye have been taught. As any Bible student knows, the basic message from John the Baptist was Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8). We also see the difference between the fruit of religion and the fruit of a personal relationship with God explained in many places in the Bible such as in Galatians. The doctrinal basis for separating traditions of religion from the true Biblical traditions which ye have been taught can be found in the Study on Doctrine, which is based upon Isaiah 28.

In the last two phrases of our sentence, (whether by word, or our epistle) we see Paul telling them what was explained just above. 1Corinthians 3:11 tells us For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:20 tells us And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;. Jesus Christ worked through the apostles to give us the completed Bible. At the time that 1Corinthin and was written, and at the time that this epistle was written, some of what the apostles would write (which became scripture) was still spoken. We are still to stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught...by word, so long as the word of our religious leaders does not go against what the Bible literally says in at least two places. This is explained in many places found on this site, especially in the studies accessed from the Hermeneutics page.

Please see the note in the Romans intro about the word therefore. The functional definition is: 'a future result that can be seen only at the place which was specified before the therefore'. in this sentence, Paul's missionary team received comfort...in all our affliction and distress by your faith only after receiving the report from Timothy, which was specified within our sentence before the therefore.

Please see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. Please see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word fast. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S54 about the word stedfast. The functional definition of the word fast is: 'something that is held in place with a fastener and no circumstances will move the thing which is fastened down'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word hold. The functional definition is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S11 about the word tradition. The functional definition is: 'The delivery of opinions, doctrines, practices, rites and customs from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any opinions or practice from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach. The functional definition is: 'To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant'.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:5 about the word whether. The functional definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

Please see the note for 1:4 about the word word. Please see the note for Colossians 2:4 for extensive links and other information about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. The phrase every word is explained in Romans C13S12, stated in Deuteronomy 8:3; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 18:16; Luke 4:4.

Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:9-10 for links to every place in the Bible where the word epistle is used. The functional definition is: 'A written message which contains several words which are combined to deliver the thoughts from one person to another person when those words are not spoken'. As the note for 1Corinthians 5:9-10 explains, that sentence uses epistle for a letter which was not part of the Bible.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'stand. 1Co 15:58; 16:13; Php 4:1 exp: Ga 5:1.
hold. 2Th 3:6; 1Co 11:2 exp: 1Th 5:21.
the traditions. Ro 16:17; Jude 1:3 (Gr)
whether. 2Th 2:2; 3:14'.

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C2-S10 (Verse 16-17) Comfort comes after accepting the truth.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself,
and God,
even our Father,
which hath loved us,
and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Comfort your hearts,
and stablish you in every good word and work..

We have seen throughout this epistle that Paul is making a major distinction between the saints at thessalonica and the people who persecuted them. He also made a major distinction between the results that each group received. As detailed in the This sentence within the Lord Jesus Christ Study, these saints received all that was promised in this sentence and received different forms of each promise based upon the particular role of the Son of God which fulfilled the promise. They received these promises because they fulfilled God's requirements to receive them. People who do not fulfil God's requirements should not expect to receive these promises even though they might be saved. In addition, the amount that God fulfills each promise in our life is proportional to the amount that we are willing to suffer persecutions and tribulations for His glory.

Please see the notes for Romans 8:39-LJC; Galatians C5-S14; Philippians 1:9-11; love in 1John and 2John 1:3-LJC about the word love. Please also see the note for Revelation 8:35-LJC for a table which divides the various roles of God and gives Bible references for how God loves us through each of His roles. Please also see the note for 1John C3S26 about the phrase love one another. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love. Please see the note for Romans C9S23 about the word beloved. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:5 for links to every place where the phrase beloved Son is applied to Jesus. This is a non-simple doctrine which is a characteristic of God.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. The functional definition is: 'Bestowed; granted; confered; imparted; admitted or supposed'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'.. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. This word is also used in the following sentences: 3:6; 3:10 and 3:12.

Please see the note for Romans C15S5 about the word consolation. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with a note for each usage and an explanation of the Biblical definition. The functional definition is: 'Comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits'.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good. Please see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about Good Friday.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S18; 1Corinthians C13S10 and Philippians 1:19-20 about the word hope. The functional definition is: 'This is an action word like faith. However, where faith is based upon a promise found within the word of God, hope is based upon the character of God'.

Please see the notes for Philippians 2:1; 2Corinthians C1S2 about the word comfort. The functional definition for this word is: 'To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven. Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men'.

Please see the note for please also see the note for Colossians 4:7-9 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase comfort your hearts. That note also explains this phrase. The functional definition is: 'To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S6; 2Corinthians C2S4 and Colossians C2S1 about the word heart. The functional definition is: 'Our heart controls the same things as our soul only where the soul deals with the long term the heart deals with the short term and we control our heart directly while the soul is the accumulated actions of our heart. Both are the way we think (mind), the way we emotionally respond to circumstances (emotions) and the method we use to make decisions (will)'. Please see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase LORD looketh on the heart. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about a wicked heart.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:16 about the word establish. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to set and fix firmly or unalterably; to settle permanently. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant. Gen.17. 2. to found permanently; to erect and fix or settle; as, to establish a colony or an empire. 3. to enact or decree by authority and for permanence; to ordain; to appoint; as, to establish laws, regulations, institutions, rules, ordinances, etc. 4. to settle or fix; to confirm; as, to establish a person, society or corporation, in possessions or privileges. 5. to make firm; to confirm; to ratify what has been previously set or made. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law. Rom.3. 6. to settle or fix what is wavering, doubtful or weak; to confirm. So were the churches established in the faith. Acts.16. Tothe end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness. l thess.3. 7. to confirm; to fulfill; to make good. Establish thy word to thy servant. Ps.119. 8. to set up in the place of another and confirm. Who go about to establish their own righteousness. Rom.10.'. Please also see the note for Romans 16:25-27 which gives links to every place in the New Testament that uses any form of the word stablish and provides the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for 1Thessalonians 3:13; 2Thessalonians 2:17; 3:3 and James 5:8-LJC about this word. The functional definition is: 'To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm. In lieu of this, establish is now always used'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'our Lord. 2Th 1:1-2; Ro 1:7; 1Th 3:11
which. 2Th 2:13; Joh 3:16; 13:1; 15:9,13; Ro 5:8; Eph 2:4-5; 5:2,25; Tit 3:4-7; 1Jo 3:16; 4:9-10; Re 1:5; 3:9
everlasting. Ps 103:17; Isa 35:10; 51:11; 60:19-20; 61:7; Lu 16:25; Joh 4:14; 14:16-18; 16:22; 2Co 4:17-18; Heb 6:18; 1Pe 1:5-8; Re 7:16-17; 22:5 exp: Re 14:6.
good. Ro 5:2-5; 8:24-25; Col 1:5,23; 1Th 1:3; Tit 1:2; 2:13; Heb 6:11,12,19; 7:19; 1Pe 1:3-5; 1Jo 3:2-3 exp: Lu 2:14.
through. Ac 15:11; 18:27; Ro 4:4,16; 5:2; 11:5-6

Comfort. 2Th 2:16; Isa 51:3,12; 57:15; 61:1-2; 66:13; Ro 15:13; 2Co 1:3-6
stablish. 2Th 3:3; Isa 62:7; Ro 1:11; 16:25; 1Co 1:8; 2Co 1:21; Col 2:7; 1Th 3:2,13; Heb 13:9; 1Pe 5:10; Jude 1:24
in. Jas 1:21-22; 1Jo 3:18exp: Joh 16:24.
General references. exp: Eph 6:22'.

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Chapter 3

C3-S1 (Verse 1-2), C3-S2 (Verse 3), C3-S3 (Verse 4), C3-S4 (Verse 5), C3-S5 (Verse 6), C3-S6 (Verse 7-9), C3-S7 (Verse 10), C3-S8 (Verse 11), C3-S9 (Verse 12), C3-S10 (Verse 13), C3-S11 (Verse 14), C3-S12 (Verse 15), C3-S13 (Verse 16), C3-S14 (Verse 16), C3-S15 (Verse 17), C3-S16 (Verse 17)', C3-S17 (Verse 18)'.

Please see the Chapter Summary, at the start of this book Study, for an overview of this Chapter.

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1-2	Paul craves their prayers for himself;
3-4	testifies what confidence he has in them
5	makes request to God in their behalf;
6-15	gives them divers precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company;
16-18	and then concludes with prayer and salutation.

C3-S1 (Verse 1-2) Pray about spreading true doctrine.

Equivalent Section: Pray for God to help us spread the truth from the word of the Lord.

Finally,
brethren,
pray for us,
that the word of the Lord may have free course,
and be glorified,
even as it is with you:.

Equivalent Section: Pray for God to protect us.

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:.

Equivalent Section: Why we should pray for God.

for all men have not faith..

verses 3:1 and 3:2 form a single sentence that is divided by punctuation into 3 equivalent parts by 2 colons. All three sections talk about how the word of the Lord is restricted from having a free course. The word of the Lord won't have free course so long as we don't listen to warnings of the consequences of sin and so long as we don't want the word of the Lord to reprove, rebuke, exhort (2Timothy 4:2) us. Please see the note for This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for a detailed explanation about how the word of the Lord is used in this sentence.

Paul starts this verse with Finally because he is starting his last main section in this letter. He is moving past discussion of the Great Tribulation and moving on to specific instructions about how they were to start acting immediately based upon what he told them. They had their problems from listening to false religious teachers. The cure to that is always found in the word of the Lord. However, it must have free course in our lives in order to overcome doctrinal error from false teachers.

The first of the instructions, within this sentence, was to pray for their apostle / preacher and these verses tell us why. He says to pray that the word of the Lord may have free course. The things that hinder the word of the Lord go all the way back to the Garden of Eden and Original Sin. There, Satan promised ye shall be as gods (Genesis 3:5) to encourage us to challenge the authority of the word of the Lord. In these verses, Paul equates this challenge of the Lord's word to unreasonable and wicked men and to men (that) have not faith. It is totally unreasonable and wicked to tell your creator that your opinion is equal to or greater than His when He promised He would kill you and has killed men for challenging His authority throughout the last several thousands of years. It is also a complete lack of faith to see all of the fulfilled prophecy in the word of God and then claim that God won't keep other promises found there. Men who do such things are obviously following the prompting of a devil and it takes prayer to the Lord to drive out the influence of a devil. Jude 1:9 tells us that even Michael the archangel didn't try to take on a devil by himself but called upon the authority of the Lord. So, when we need to drive out the influence of a devil, we need to call upon the authority of the Lord. Please note that the next several sentences reference our Lord because that is Who Paul is relying upon when he commands these saints to change their behaviour.

Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the word of the Lord. It is a subset of the word of God, as explained in that note which has links every place in the New Testament where we find this phrase.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S29 about the word free. The functional definition is: 'Being at liberty; not being under necessity or restraint, physical or moral; a word of general application to the body, the will or mind, and to corporations'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word course. The functional definition for this word is: 'A set way for someone or something to move from an existing position in order to reach a goal'. The free course is: 'the way that God wants His word to spread'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 2:6 for the definition from Easton's Bible Dictionary. The functional definition is: 'Honour, dignity, Splendour, brightness, majesty'.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The functional definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:10 about the word reason. The functional definition is: ' that which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination'. The word reasonable is a combination of reason and able. People who are unreasonable are not able to give a valid reason for their beliefs even while they often are willing to commit murder in order to maintain their unreasonable belief.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the word Abraham's faith. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase Law and faith. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. We find forms of the word faith occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3-4; 1:11; 3:2 and 3:3.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'pray. Mt 9:38; Lu 10:2; Ro 15:30; 2Co 1:11; Eph 6:19-20; Col 4:3; 1Th 5:17,25; Heb 13:18-19
the word. Ac 6:7; 12:24; 13:49; 19:20; 1Co 16:9; 2Ti 2:9
have free course. Gr. run, be. Ps 138:2; Ac 13:48
even. 1Th 1:5; 2:1,13 exp: 2Ti 2:9.
General references. exp: Ac 12:24; 19:20; 1Th 5:25.

delivered. Ro 15:31; 1Co 15:32; 2Co 1:8-10; 1Th 2:18; 2Ti 4:17
unreasonable. Gr. absurd.
for. De 32:20; Mt 17:17; 23:23; Lu 18:8; Joh 2:23-25; Ac 13:45,50; 14:2; 17:5; 28:24; Ro 10:16; 2Co 4:3-4
General references. exp: 1Th 5:25'.

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C3-S2 (Verse 3) The Lord will keep the saved from becoming evil.

But the Lord is faithful,
who shall stablish you,
and keep you from evil..

This sentence has three equally important parts. In the first part, Paul tells us that the Lord is faithful and contrasts how our Lord is with how these false teachers were (by starting with But). Where these false teachers had put these believers in turmoil, Paul promises us that our Lord...shall stablish you. In addition, where these false teachers had had brought evil into the church and into their lives, Paul promises us that our Lord...shall...keep you from evil. If we look at the character of our Lord in comparison to the character of false teachers, we should see an obvious difference. Please see the note for This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details. Please see the note for 1John 4:2-3 in the Book Study on 1John for details on the spirits of false teachers.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the word Abraham's faith. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase Law and faith. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. We find forms of the word faith occurring in 2Thessalonians, in: 1:3-4; 1:11; 3:2 and 3:3.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'of anything. 1. One who retains in custody; one who has the care of a prison and the custody of prisoners. 2. One who has the care of a park or other inclosure, or the custody of beasts; as the keeper of a park, a pound, or of sheep. 3. One who has the care, custody or superintendence of anything. In Great Britain, the keeper of the great seal, is a lord by his office, and one of the privy council. All royal grants, commissions and charters pass through his hands. He is constituted lord-keeper by the delivery of the great seal. the keeper of the privy seal is also a lord by his office, and a member of the privy council.'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. Please see the note for 1John about the phrase keep his commandments. The functional definition is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'.

Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S15 about evil speaking. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about evil workers. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about inventors of evil thing. The functional definition is: 'to be unjust or injurious, to defraud. Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. The source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Lord. 1Co 1:9; 10:13; 1Th 5:24
stablish. 2Th 2:17 exp: 1Pe 5:10.
and. Ge 48:16; 1Ch 4:10; Ps 19:13; 121:7; Mt 6:13; Lu 11:4; Joh 17:15; 2Ti 4:18; 2Pe 2:9; Jude 1:24
General references. exp: 1Th 5:25'.

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C3-S3 (Verse 4) The Lord will convince the saved to obey.

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you,
that ye both do and will do the things which we command you..

This sentence starts with And, which adds it to the prior two sentences. Further, the next sentence is also added to this one and the prior two, making verses 3:1-5 a subgroup about our Lord. Paul has said that our Lord is faithful. Now he is telling us how our Lord is faithful by saying that He will continue to do what He currently does. That is, our Lord faithfully motivates us to obey the commandments of the Bible. Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details.

Paul had confidence that they were each personally currently doing and would continue to do (ye both do and will do) the things which we command you because of how the Lord works. The Lord rewards obedience and punishes disobedience without respect of persons (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1,9; 1Peter 1:17). Since the main role used in 1Thessalonians and 2Thessalonians is the Lord, Paul knew that they responded, and would continue to respond, to the Lord that is why Paul had confidence in their actions. Look at the definition of the word touch below. Paul had confidence in the results of the lord 'contacting' these people.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:3-7 about the word confident. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having full belief; trusting; relying; fully assured. This is how the saved are to trust God'.

Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:6 about the word confidence. The functional definition for this word is: 'A trusting, or reliance; an assurance of mind or firm belief in the integrity, stability or veracity of another, or in the truth and reality of a fact'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:3-7 about the word confident. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having full belief; trusting; relying; fully assured. This is how the saved are to trust God'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S11 about the word touch. The functional definition is: 'To come in contact with; to hit or strike against'.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. We find forms of this word, in 2Thessalonians, in: 3:4; 3:6; 3:10 and 3:12. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we have. Ro 15:14; 2Co 2:3; 7:16; 8:22; Ga 5:10; Php 1:6; Phm 1:21
that. 2Th 3:6,12; Mt 28:20; Ro 2:7; 15:18; 1Co 7:19; 14:37; 2Co 2:9; 7:15; Php 2:12; 1Th 4:1-2,10 exp: 2Co 7:16.
General references. exp: Phm 1:21'.

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C3-S4 (Verse 5) The Lord will direct our hearts.

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God,
and into the patient waiting for Christ..

This is the fourth mention of out Lord in this subsection of 3:1-5. Paul is saying that our Lord will direct us into two more things besides obeying the Bible. Direct can be gentle if we do not resist but it can also be forceful if we resist. As we see all through the Bible, Lord is used for laws even if they are gently enforced. We have three basic laws to obey: obey the Bible, love God and wait for Christ. Towait for Christ includes waiting for the return of Christ, but it also includes present time waiting in the meaning of a servant waiting upon his master. That is, we are to be constantly looking at Christ to respond quickly to His every desire. If we are obeying these three commandments then we won't be led into doctrinal error and won't have it trouble us like was happening in the church at thessalonica. Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details.

Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 3:11 about the word direct. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to make straight. See Right. 1. Straight; right; as, to pass in a direct line from one body or place to another. It is opposed to crooked, winding, oblique. It is also opposed to refracted; as a direct ray of light. 2. In astronomy, appearing to move forward in the zodiac, in the direction of the sign; opposed to retrograde; as, the motion of a planet is direct. 3. In the line of father and sons; opposed to collateral; as a descendant in the direct line. 4. Leading or tending to an end, as by a straight line or course; not circuitous. thus we speak of direct means to effect an object; a direct course; a direct way. 5. Open; not ambiguous or doubtful. 6. Plain; express; not ambiguous; as, he said this in direct words; he made a direct acknowledgment. 7. In music, a direct interval is that which forms any kind of harmony on the fundamental sound which produces it; as the fifth, major third and octave. Direct tax, is a tax assess on real estate, as houses and lands.
DIRECT, v.t. L. 1. to point or aim in a straight line, towards a place or object; as, to direct an arrow or a piece of ordnance; to direct the eye; to direct a course or flight. 2. to point; to show the right road or course; as, he directed me to the left hand road. 3. to regulate; to guide or lead; to govern; to cause to proceed in a particular manner; as, to direct the affairs of a nation. Wisdom is profitable to direct. Ecclesiastes 10. 4. to prescribe a course; to mark out a way. Job 37. 5. to order; to instruct; to point out a course of proceeding, with authority; to command. But direct is a softer term than command.
DIRECT, n. In music, a character placed at the end of a stave to direct the performer to the first note of the next stave'.

Please see the notes for Romans 8:39-LJC; Galatians C5-S14; Philippians 1:9-11; love in 1John and 2John 1:3-LJC about the word love. Please also see the note for Revelation 8:35-LJC for a table which divides the various roles of God and gives Bible references for how God loves us through each of His roles. Please also see the note for 1John C3S26 about the phrase love one another. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love. Please see the note for Romans C9S23 about the word beloved. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:5 for links to every place where the phrase beloved Son is applied to Jesus. This is a non-simple doctrine which is a characteristic of God.

Please see the note for Romans 12:10-13 which has links to every verse, in Romans, which uses any form of the word patient along with the Webster's 1828 definition. The functional definition is: ' Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or Christian submission to the divine will'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:25 about the word waiting. Please also see the note for Acts 1:1 about the word wait. The functional definition for this word is: 'Staying in expectation'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Lord. 1Ki 8:58; 1Ch 29:18; Ps 119:5,36; Pr 3:6; Jer 10:23; Jas 1:16-18
into. De 30:6; Jer 31:33; Ro 5:5; 8:28; 1Co 8:3; Ga 5:22; Jas 2:5; 1Jo 4:19
and into. Ps 40:1; 130:5-6; La 3:26; Lu 12:36-37; Ro 8:25; Php 3:20-21; 1Th 1:3,10; 2Ti 4:8; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:28; 2Pe 3:12; Re 3:10-11; 13:10
the patient waiting for Christ. or, the patience of Christ. Heb 12:2-3; 1Pe 4:1
General references. exp: Ps 119:5; Lu 21:19'.

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C3-S5 (Verse 6) Command to protect us from being drawn into error.

Now we command you,
brethren,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly,
and not after the tradition which he received of us..

This verse starts with Now, which means 'after you have heard and understood all that came before this'. Paul has been telling them about those who teach error and the judgment that will come upon them. Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on how each of the roles of the Son of God are involved in this commandment.

This sentence is the main commandment of this entire epistle. Paul uses forms of command in 3:4; this verse; 3:10 and 3:12. In 3:4 Paul said that he had confidence in the Lord touching you. In 3:4 Paul says that he gave them the same commandment in the past. in this verse and in 3:12 we see Paul use Lord Jesus Christ. So three out of four times in this epistle we see Paul tell them (and us) that these commandments come from out Lord. There are people who teach doctrinal error while they hide behind what they claim is the love of God. They do this in order to get people to put up with them while they spew out poison that causes God's people to turn away from Him. Our loving God puts such people into the Lake of Fire. (Please see verses that use antichrist and other verses in the Study of False things in the Bible.)

Paul makes this command as strong as he possibly can. Proverbs 6:12-19 tells us that those who sow discord among the brethren are an abomination to the Lord and says that shall his calamity come suddenly. If you have ever dealt with someone that walketh disorderly, you know that they sow discord. They also do all of the things that Proverbs 6:12-19 says, God hates. Further, it would be one thing if someone outside the church tried to disrupt, but it's different when a brother sows discord because many object to kicking a brother out. Some say that the love of God should allow compassion. However, we see that the Lord threw Satan out of heaven for sowing discord. God went further and created Hell and said that those who refuse to submit (Luke 13:3, 5) can go to Hell with their father Satan. In fact, God says that the only limit on how much order we are to have is when order becomes indecent (1Corinthians 14:40). We see time and again where God judged those who walked disorderly in the Old Testament and we see all of the destruction that came on the Jews in the book of Judges because every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6, 21:25). Now some would claim that Jesus would forgive anything but Psalms 55:10-15 gives us an idea of how Jesus would respond to Judas and the Psalmist calls on God to send the brother to Hell. As for those that are in Christ, they not only see this brother who sows discord, but they see the destruction of all of the immature who are led into error. Paul makes it clear that no matter which role of God you approach, every one of them condemn a brother that sows discord and says to remove their influence from those that can be led astray. In addition, this is the second time that Paul is having to deal with false teaching on the 'Rapture' and second coming of our Lord in this church. Those that taught error didn't learn to shut their mouths with Paul's first correction. Paul knows that he won't be around to keep correcting the errors that these 'brothers' keep teaching. That's part of why Paul is telling them to get rid of the source of error before they get involved in an error that no one can lead them out of and God has to then judge them. Paul goes on with more detailed instructions all the way through 3:15. Please read those verses with the related notes.

This commandment is very simple and clear. Unfortunately, our churches, our families and our faith are being destroyed by not obeying it. When it comes to religious arguments, the Bible tells us to use a simple principal that most people don't follow. We are to look at the ultimate long-term results. No matter what excuse these people give, that excuse or possible result can't match the long-term destruction of our churches, our families and our faith. We need to stop listening to excuses and arguments and literally obey this simple commandment that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S7 about the words withdraw / withdrew. The functional definition for this word is: 'To retire; to retreat; to quit a company or place'.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk. The functional definition is: 'repeated steps used to travel'. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S3 about the word order. The functional definition is: 'Regular disposition or methodical arrangement of things; a word of extensive application; as the order of troops or parade; the order of books in a library; the order of proceedings in a legislative assembly. Order is the life of business. Good order is the foundation of all good things'. The word disorderly only occurs in this epistle. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Confused; immethodical; irregular; being without proper order or disposition; as, the books and papers are in a disorderly state. 2. Tumultuous; irregular; as the disorderly motions of the spirits. 3. Lawless; contrary to law; violating or disposed to violate law and good order; as disorderly people; disorderly assemblies. 4. Inclined to break loose from restraint; unruly; as disorderly cattle.
DISORDERLY, adv. 1. Without order, rule or method; irregularly; confusedly; in a disorderly manner. Savages fighting disorderly with stones. 2. In a manner violating law and good order; in a manner contrary to rules or established institutions. Withdraw from every brother that walketh disorderly. 2 thessaloni and 3'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'in the. 1Co 5:4; 2Co 2:10; Eph 4:17; Col 3:17; 1Th 4:1; 1Ti 5:21; 6:13-14; 2Ti 4:1
that ye. 2Th 3:14-15; Mt 18:17; Ro 16:17; 1Co 5:11-13; 1Ti 6:5; 2Ti 3:5; Heb 12:15,16; 3Jo 1:10-11
walketh. 2Th 3:7,11; 1Th 4:11; 5:14
after. 2Th 3:10,14; 2:15
General references. exp: Pr 31:27; Mr 7:5; 1Th 4:2'.

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C3-S6 (Verse 7-9) Paul's example on how to act.

Equivalent Section: Paul lived an example.

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us:.

Equivalent Section: Details of Paul's example.

First Step: Did not act wrongly.

for we behave not ourselves disorderly among you;.

Second Step: Did not take advantage.

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought;.

Third Step: Did right in a way that no one could fault.

but wrought with labour and travail night and day,
that we might not be chargeable to any of you:.

Equivalent Section: Why Paul was an example.

Not because we have not power,
but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us..

This verse starts with For and tells us why Paul gives this commandment. Simply put, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus lived an example of what he said was a commandment from our Lord Jesus Christ.

This sentence is divided into three equivalent sections with the middle section providing the most detail. In the first section, Paul uses yourselves to identify the group of people who are the church when he says what they know. However, he uses the personal ye when he says how they are to act. We see this precept many places in the Bible, including the 'Great Commission' (Please see the Sequence of the Crucifixion of Jesus Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study). If anyone searches the New Testament for verses which contain you and ye they will find 381 occurrences and these do not include the many places where this combination is spread across multiple verses. Nor does it include occurrences in the Old Testament. Simply put, God gives commandments to all men and then judges each of us on a personal level. It does not matter what others are doing or not doing. We will be judged and rewarded or punished on a personal basis.

In the third section, Paul says why ye ought to follow us. He could simply say it is a command, like a parent tells the child 'Because I sais so!'. However, he says Not because we have not power (to command). A double-negative is a positive. Thus, this phrase acknowledges that Paul had the power to command while choosing to not exercise that power. Instead, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus...made ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. Thus, true Christian leaders provide an example for others to follow. (Please see the note for 1Corinthians 4:16 for every verse in 1Corinthians which uses any form of the word follow along with the definition from Webster's 1828 and additional info.) As said many times on this site: there is a lot of truth in the doctrine of What Did Jesus Do?, if people search the Bible to see what Jesus actually did. Please see the Study called Jesus used the Holy Spirit which gives verses in the Bible where Jesus showed us how to 'walk orderly'.

In our middle equivalent section, we find three steps were involved in the example set by Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus. In the first step, Paul says we behave not ourselves disorderly among you. That means that they asked the question of What Did Jesus Do? and then followed that example in order to 'walk orderly'. Secondly, they did not expect others to take care of their physical needs. in 1Corinthians 9 Paul deals with this subject in much detail. Simply put, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus had the power to take care of their physical needs because they were full-time ministers of the gospel. However, they choose to not exercise their power ...lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. As shown elsewhere in this site, the gospel of Christ is the 'Good News of a Changed Life' after we receive the Holy Spirit in salvation. in this case, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus did not want to set an example that the wrong people would take advantage of. The people in this church who refused to work and demanded that others take care of their physical needs while they 'contemplated spiritual things' could not claim that Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus set the example. As it says in 1Corinthians 10:23 : All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. In our second step, we see that Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus is used wisdom in choosing what 'rights' they exercised because they considered the influence and needs of people in the church above their 'rights'.

If the third step of this middle equivalent section, Paul tells them what I just said, only Paul uses less words and Bible references. The next sentence in this epistle is also involved here. That is, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus not only set the example but they explained the example so that the people would understand. Thus, we have a three-step method for teaching someone how to act right in Christ. First they stopped doing wrong, then they did right then they explained their change in actions. We also see, from the first equivalent section of this sentence, that they verified that the students knew what they were to do. That is, the leaders tested the students and didn't just assume that the students understood. We also see the attitude and method used in the third equivalent section of this sentence. Thus, Paul gives a commandment in the prior sentence because their gentler teaching method was not followed. If we don't stick to what our Lord Jesus Christ teaches to us in a gently manner, then He will change it to a commandment with much harsher consequences for disobedience.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The functional definition is: 'To go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me.

Please see the note for Titus 2:3 about the word behaviour. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word, with a spelling of behaviour, as: 'Manner of behaving, whether good or bad; conduct; manners; carriage of one's self, with respect to propriety, or morals; deportment. It expresses external appearance or action; sometimes in a particular character; more generally in the common duties of life; as, our future destiny depends on our behaviour in this life. It may express correct or good manners, but I doubt whether it ever expresses the idea of elegance of manners, without another word to qualify it'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2 and 1Corinthians C11S37 about the word eat. The functional definition is: 'To bite or chew and swallow, as food'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word bread. The functional definition is: 'food in general, or that which is eaten'.

Please see the note for Romans 14:10 for links to every verse in the Bible which uses the word nought along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . The functional definition is: 'Nothing'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:5 about the word wrought. The functional definition is: 'Worked; formed by work or labor; as wrought iron. Effected; performed'.

Please see the note for Luke 10:2 about the word labourer. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a man who does work that requires little skill, as distinguished from an artisan.'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:3 about the word fellowlabourers. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C3S9 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word labour. The functional definition is: 'Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the exertion of the limbs in occupations by which subsistence is obtained, as in agriculture and manufactures'. The main application, within the Bible, is: 'work of God's ministry'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:3 about the word fellowlabourers. Please also see the Message called Labor for Everlasting Life which is based upon this sentence and the next couple of sentences. Please also see the Message called Labourers for the Harvest.

Please see the note for Galatians 4:19-20 for links to every verse in the New Testament that uses any form of the word travail, the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: ' to labor with pain; to toil. 2. to suffer the pangs of childbirth; to be in labor'.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1) the time of distress (Isa 21:12). (2) Death, the time when life's day is over (Joh 9:4). (3) Children of night, i.e. dark deeds, filthiness, which shuns daylight (1Th 5:5). (4) the present life, compared with the believer's bright life to come (Ro 13:12)'. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Used symbolically for: 1. Death, a time "when no man can work." Joh 9:4. 2. the moral darkness of the world, in which men sleep and are drunken. 1Th 5:7. 3. the period of Christ's rejection, which is far spent, and the 'day' at hand. Ro 13:12. there will be no night of moral or spiritual darkness in the heavenly Jerusalem. Re 21:25; 22:5'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:9 about the word chargeable. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with the full definition from Webster's 1828 . The functional definition of it is: 'Laying or bringing expense'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition is: 'provides a effect where the effect and effect are both in the past'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about spiritual powers.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S3 about the word example / ensample. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with additional links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'A pattern; a copy; a mode; that which is proposed to be imitated'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'how. 2Th 3:9; 1Co 4:16; 11:1; Php 3:17; 4:9; 1Th 1:6-7; 1Ti 4:12; Tit 2:7; 1Pe 5:3 exp: 1Th 2:10.
for. 2Th 3:6; 1Th 2:10
General references. exp: De 2:6.

eat. 2Th 3:12; Pr 31:27; Mt 6:11
but. Ac 18:3; 20:34; 1Co 4:12; 2Co 11:9; 1Th 4:11
night. 1Th 2:9 exp: Ac 20:31.
General references. exp: De 2:6; Ps 104:23; Ec 3:10.

Not. Mt 10:10; 1Co 9:4-14; Ga 6:6; 1Th 2:6
to make. 2Th 3:7; Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21
General references. exp: Ps 104:23; 1Co 4:16'.

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C3-S7 (Verse 10) Why they are to believe Paul's claims.

For even when we were with you,
This we commanded you,
that if any would not work,
neither should he eat..

The context and meaning of this sentence is explained in the note above because this sentence gives the reason (For) behind that sentence.

This commandment is so simple and yet many people get away with disobeying it because they convince fools that they have some excuse. Yes, people who work full time in the ministry of the gospel are to have their physical needs met. However, they are providing for a vital need of others. And yes, it is proper to divide labor and have one person concentrate upon one task while another concentrates on other tasks. However, that is totally different from someone concentrating upon purely selfish interests while demanding that others take care of their personal needs. God has a simple commandment about such people. 'Let them starve !!!'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2 and 1Corinthians C11S37 about the word eat. The functional definition is: 'To bite or chew and swallow, as food'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Lu 24:44; Joh 16:4; Ac 20:18exp: 2Th 2:5.
that. Ge 3:19; Pr 13:4; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30-34; 1Th 4:11
General references. exp: Ex 5:17; Ps 104:23; 1Th 4:2'.

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C3-S8 (Verse 11) Why Paul is giving this command.

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly,
working not at all,
but are busybodies..

This sentence starts with For and tells us why Paul gave the commandment in the prior sentence. As seen in the note above, Paul gave the commandment in the past, he lived the example before them and now he is having to come back with a command...by our Lord Jesus Christ. (Please see the next sentence.) When Paul says that there are some which walk among you disorderly, he is referring back to verse 6 and verse 7 where our Lord Jesus Christ commanded that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly. Not only was the commandment to 'Let them starve !!!' but it was also to 'Kick them out of the church' if they didn't get a job. While some may think this is harsh, it needs to be considered in light of all potential consequences.

We already saw (in earlier verses and notes of this chapter) that those who walketh disorderly caused others to sin and stop obeying God's Word. We also saw that they brought in people who taught doctrinal error and that the end result was the long-term destruction of our churches, our families and our faith. Therefore, when weighed against the true consequences of walking disorderly, this judgment is not too harsh. It encourages many to walk orderly and removes the influence of any who insist upon walking disorderly.

In 1Timothy 5:9-16 Paul is giving instructions about widows. In 1Timothy 5:15 He says For some are already turned aside after Satan who started out as busybodies. Therefore, in order to truly (spiritually) protect those people who would be busybodies, and in order to truly (spiritually) protect those who would be influenced by them, God says to remove the physical support which allows them to become busybodies.

In 1Peter 4:15 we see that God groups a busybody in with a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer. Joshua 7:10 says And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?. A thief had stolen something and had not been put out of the camp. About 36 men died and God refused to hear the prayer of Joshua until after they put the sin out of the camp. Joshua 7:25 tells us that not only was the thief killed but all that he influenced was destroyed. Further, we see this same judgment several times throughout the Bible and we see many of God's people destroyed when they do not completely remove such an influence. Therefore, Paul is dealing with a problem that brings spiritual and physical death. He deals with it in the next sentence.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. The functional definition is: 'Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S21 about He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Please note that, within the Bible, someone who refuses to obey did not really hear.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word busybody. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word. The functional definition is: 'A meddling person; one who officiously concerns himself with the affairs of others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'walk. 2Th 3:6
working. 1Th 4:11; 1Ti 5:13; 1Pe 4:15
General references. exp: Ex 5:17; Ps 104:23; Mr 7:5'.

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C3-S9 (Verse 12) The command and authority behind the command.

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ,
that with quietness they work,
and eat their own bread..

Shut up! Get to work and let your life do the talking for you'. When Jesus Christ was dying on the cross He was still doing the work of the Father and saved a soul. True followers of our Lord Jesus Christ will also be working for God with their last breath. Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on how each of the roles of the Son of God are involved in this commandment.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S3 about the word exhort. The functional definition is: 'the act of inciting to laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or commendable. 1. the form of words intended to incite and encourage. 2. Advice; counsel'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 2:1 about the word quiet. The functional definition is: 'Still; being in a state of rest; now moving'. God tells us to be quiet in order to hear Him.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2 and 1Corinthians C11S37 about the word eat. The functional definition is: 'To bite or chew and swallow, as food'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word bread. The functional definition is: 'food in general, or that which is eaten'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we. 2Th 3:6
that with. Ge 49:14-15; Pr 17:1; Ec 4:6; Eph 4:28; 1Th 4:11; 1Ti 2:2
eat. 2Th 3:8; Lu 11:3
General references. exp: Ps 104:23; Mt 6:11'.

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C3-S10 (Verse 13) Encouragement for those who don't need a command.

But ye,
brethren,
be not weary in well doing..

This sentence starts with But which means it is still dealing with the same subject as the last sentence while going in another direction. In that sentence Paul was talking to them that are such. in this sentence Paul is talking to brethren. Obviously, Paul did not consider them that are such to be brethren even though they claimed salvation. Further, in the last sentence Paul used very impersonal pronouns (them that are such). in this sentence Paul is using the personal pronoun of ye. In the last sentence Paul gave a command...by our Lord Jesus Christ. in this sentence Paul encourages with be not weary in well doing. These two sentences show us the difference in how our Lord Jesus Christ feels about each group that claims to be saved.

Please see the note for John 4:6 about the word weary / wearied. The functional definition is: ' Having the strength much exhausted by toil or violent exertion; tired; fatigued'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'ye. Isa 40:30-31; Mal 1:13; Ro 2:7; 1Co 15:28; Ga 6:9-10; Php 1:9; 1Th 4:1; Heb 12:3 exp: Eph 3:13.
be not weary. or, faint not. De 20:8; Ps 27:13; Isa 40:29; Zep 3:16 (margin) Lu 18:1; 2Co 4:1,16; Heb 12:5; Re 2:3
General references. exp: Nu 29:25'.

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C3-S11 (Verse 14) How to act with the disobedient.

And if any man obey not our word By this epistle,
note that man,
and have no company with him,
that he may be ashamed..

This sentence, and the next, are added unto the prior sentence with an And. They are given as encouragement and instruction to brethren. Paul is not talking about those people who are actively teaching doctrinal error. Neither is he talking about those people who are busybodies who do not work. Paul is talking about people who have also suffered but who don't want to punish the rebellious and would rather let everyone continue to suffer. Think of a mother who can't stand to hurt 'her little baby'. These are the people that Paul says to shame into submission and to admonish him as a brother by constantly telling him how he is hurting all others in the family who are working for the common good while keeping out Lord from dealing with the person who is wrong. In the end, our Lord will have to bring a much harsher punishment, such as killing a child, before the rebel stops their rebellion.

Please see the note for John 6:5 about the word company. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any assemblage of persons or other animals, in a very indefinite sense'. The functional definition for this word is: ' Any assemblage of persons or other animals, in a very indefinite sense'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:25 about the word companion. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:9 about the word accompany. All of these words have a similar basic meaning while the technical details vary.

Please see the notes for Romans C5S2 about the word ashamed. The functional definition for this word is: 'effected by shame; abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 6:7 for links to every sentence in this epistle which use any form of the word shame. The functional definition is: 'A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face'. Please see the note for Romans C5S2 which has a discussion of the Biblical use of shame along with links to several other verses. Basically, if God has to make us ashamed then it will probably be at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10-11) and that shame will last for eternity.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'obey. De 16:12; Pr 5:13; Zep 3:2; 2Co 2:9; 7:15; 10:6; Php 2:12; 1Th 4:8; Phm 1:21; Heb 13:17
By this epistle, note that man. or, signify that man by an epistle. 2Th 3:6; Mt 18:17; Ro 16:17; 1Co 5:9,11; Tit 3:10
that he. Nu 12:14; Ezr 9:6; Ps 83:16; Jer 3:3; 6:15; 31:18-20; Eze 16:61-63; 36:31-32; Lu 15:18-21
General references. exp: De 20:18'.

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C3-S12 (Verse 15) The attitude to have with the disobedient.

Yet count him not as an enemy,
but admonish him as a brother..

This sentence is added to the prior by starting with a Yet. It puts a limit upon the instruction of that sentence. This sentence is dealt with in the note above. Please see it. Please also see the note for Romans 15:14 which has links to every place in the Bible which uses forms of the word admonish along with the definition from Webster's 1828 .

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S19 about the word enemy. The functional definition is: 'A foe; an adversary. A private enemy is one who hates another and wishes him injury, or attempts to do him injury to gratify his own malice or ill will. A public enemy or foe, is one who belongs to a nation or party, at war with another'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S12; Ephesians C6S3 about the word admonish. The functional definition is: 'Gentle reproof; counseling against a fault; instruction in duties; caution; direction'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'count. Le 19:17-18; 1Co 5:5; 2Co 2:6-10; 10:8; 13:10; Ga 6:1; 1Th 5:14; Jude 1:22-23
admonish. Ps 141:5; Pr 9:9; 25:12; Mt 18:15; 1Co 4:14; Tit 3:10; Jas 5:19-20'.

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C3-S13 (Verse 16) Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on how each of the roles of the Son of God are involved in this commandment. This is the only place in the Bible where we find the exact phrase of: Lord of peace.

The Days of Praise provides the Following: 'The Peace of the God of Peace
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
forgenerations, most of the world's people have longed for peace, but the world continues to be at war. The evolutionists attribute this to ages of violent evolutionary struggle; the Bible attributes it to sin!
But it is wonderfully possible to have real personal peace even in a world at war. This is what the Bible calls the peace of God, and the peace of God surpasses all human understanding because it is provided by the God of peace, for the writer continues, The God of peace shall be with you (Philippians 4:9).
The God of peace! there are some wonderful promises associated with this beautiful name of our Lord. For example: The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20). Also: The very God of peace sanctify you wholly (1Thessalonians 5:23).
The provision of God's perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) is specifically invoked in 2Thessalonians 3:16 : Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. Perhaps the greatest promise of all is implied in the concluding prayer of the book of Hebrews :

Now the God of peace,
That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
That great shepherd of the sheep,
Through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you
That which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ
(Hebrews 13:20-21).

' There is only one other reference to the peace of God: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15). The peace of God, from the God of peace, can rule in our hearts if we let it rule in our hearts. Then, as promised in our text, it will also keep our hearts! HMM'

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Lord of. Ps 72:3,7; Isa 9:6-7; Zec 6:13; Lu 2:14; Joh 14:27; Ro 15:33; 16:20; 1Co 14:33; 2Co 5:19-21; 13:11; Eph 2:14-17; 1Th 5:23; Heb 7:2; 13:20
give. Nu 6:26; Jg 6:24 (margin) Ps 29:11; 85:8-10; Isa 26:12; 45:7; 54:10; 66:12; Hag 2:9; Joh 16:33; Ro 1:7; Php 4:7-9'.

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C3-S14 (Verse 16) The Lord be with you all.

Please see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details. Paul has used Lord as the main role of God all throughout this epistle because that is the role that these people responded to the best. Paul is blessing them with the presence of God in a way that they understand.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The Lord be. 2Th 3:18; 1Sa 17:37; 20:13; Ps 46:7,11; Isa 8:10; Mt 1:23; 28:20; 2Ti 4:22; Phm 1:25'.

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C3-S15 (Verse 17) Paul's assurance that the epistle comes from him.

Equivalent Section: the physical evident that they can see.

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand,
which is the token in every epistle:.

Equivalent Section: Evidence elsewhere that they can use to verify.

so I write..

The evidence of this epistle is that Paul was writing to them in order to correct lies. The wording of this sentence indicates that they might have received some communication which claimed to be from Paul but which was not. Here, Paul tells them how to verify that this epistle really came from him. He signed it. Likewise, we hear many lies which supposedly come from the God of the Bible. God gives similar evidence. First, He put His Word in writing and anything that goes against His written Word is not from Him. He also 'signed it' with His Holy Spirit. Please see the notes for 1John 4:1 and 4:2-3 in the Book Study on 1John which explain how God's Holy Spirit is used to try the spirits of prophets and see whether they are of God.

Please note that our Bible says that Paul gave The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle. We do not find The salutation of Paul with mine own hand in the book of Hebrews. That means that people who insist that Hebrews was written by Paul are claiming that the Bible is wrong in this sentence. Paul had three men whom he called son because they received Paul's spiritual character. If any of them wrote Hebrews then it would have the same 'markers' as found within Hebrews which people use to claim that it was written by Paul. However, none of those arguments really matter and they only serve to distract from the absolute truth of the relationship between man and the Bible. Anytime that someone has an opinion which disagrees with what the Bible literally says, they are wrong. Period, exclamation mark and the judgment of God upon all dissenters of this Biblical truth.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:21 for definitions of the word salutations which have explanations of the cultural applications and for links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'The brotherly greetings expressed at the close of nearly all the epistles. they were sent from the saints located where the epistles were written to the saints addressed, together with, at times, the injunction to greet one another with 'a holy kiss,' that being the ordinary form of salutation in the East among the men as well as among the women'. Please also see the note for Romans 16:16 for links to where that epistle uses the word salute. The functional definition is: 'To greet; to hail; to address with expressions of kind wishes'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:44 about the word token. The functional definition for this word is: 'A sign; something intended to represent or indicate another thing or an event'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S13; 2Corinthians 1:13-14; Galatians C3-S12 and John 20:31-LJC about the word write. The functional definition is: 'To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone; as, to write the characters called letters; to write figures'. Please also see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. In addition, please see the note for John 6:45 for links to where we find the phrases It is written or have ye not read.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'with. 1Co 16:21; Col 4:18
the token. 2Th 1:5; Jos 2:12; 1Sa 17:18'.

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C3-S16 (Verse 18) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Please also see the This sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on how each of the roles of the Son of God are involved in this commandment.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ro 16:20,24 exp: 1Th 5:28; Re 22:21'.

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C3-S17 (Verse 18) Amen.

The Bible uses the word Amen when it wants to double what was said before and let us know that the prior sentence is doctrine that all believers are to believe. Please also see the Significant Gospel Events for this, and other, Minor Titles of the Son of God.

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God in 2Thessalonians

of God:
churches	1:4
judgment	1:5
kingdom	1:5
grace	1:12
temple	2:4
love	2:16, 3:5
in God:
church of the thessalonians	1:1
from God:
Grace unto you, and peace	1:2
everlasting consolation and good hope	2:16
Thank God:	1:3, 2:13
a righteous thing with God:	1:6
God do:
fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness	1:11
send strong delusion	2:11
chosen your to salvation through sanctification	2:13
false god:	2:4

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Interpretive Study of 2Thessalonians

The Lord will judge righteously

God's Way to Study His Word:

Overview of 2Thessalonians

Epistle theme: the Lord will judge righteously

Chapter Outlines by sentence format.

Chapter 1
Chapter theme: Don't worry about others doing wrong but you do right.

Chapter 2
Chapter theme: Don't be troubled by lies: do right and trust God.

Chapter 3
Chapter theme: Separate yourselves from those who live wrong.

Chapter 1

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Chapter 2

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Chapter 3

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

God in 2Thessalonians

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.

Interpretive Study of 2Thessalonians

The Lord will judge righteously

God's Way to Study His Word:

Overview of 2Thessalonians

Epistle theme: the Lord will judge righteously

Chapter Outlines by sentence format.

Chapter 1 Chapter theme: Don't worry about others doing wrong but you do right.

Chapter 2 Chapter theme: Don't be troubled by lies: do right and trust God.

Chapter 3 Chapter theme: Separate yourselves from those who live wrong.

Chapter 1

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Chapter 2

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Chapter 3

Chapter Summary from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

God in 2Thessalonians

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.

Chapter 1
Chapter theme: Don't worry about others doing wrong but you do right.

Chapter 2
Chapter theme: Don't be troubled by lies: do right and trust God.

Chapter 3
Chapter theme: Separate yourselves from those who live wrong.