Bible Study
January 26, 2026
2 Thessalonians 2:1 – 4 (NKJV)
2 “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
“The Great Apostasy”I’m not to sure how far we will get with this passage of scripture today. It is packed with teaching and warning.
The Thessalonians were anticipating the return of Jesus for His church but there was confusion within the church about a number of things. Paul uses the phrase “our gathering together” to most likely refer to the rapture of the church as Jesus gathers His followers together. There is a difference among many as to when this event will take place.
I believe the rapture of the church will be the next great event for the church. There is also a difference of opinion as to when the rapture will take place> We’ll look at that tomorrow.
The concern here was their misunderstanding of the events. They had expected to be taken to glory and heavenly rest, not left for persecution. Paul must have taught them would miss the day of the Lord but they became confused by the persecution they were facing at the time thinking they may have been “in the day of the Lord.” A letter or word may have been delivered and they were assumed it was from Paul.
Whoever sent this letter or word claimed it came from Paul who heard it, preached it, wrote it. It was a lie but it sent shock waves throughout the church. Paul corrected this wrong teaching in verse three though twelve. A deeper look into that later in the study.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 