2 Thessalonians 2
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedPaul urges the Thessalonians not to be shaken by any spirit, word or letter "as from us" claiming "that the day of Christ is at hand." That day will not come until "a falling away" comes first and "that man of sin be revealed," whom the Lord "shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." Paul then thanks God that he chose them to salvation and tells them to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught." 2 Thessalonians 2:22 Thessalonians 2:32 Thessalonians 2:82 Thessalonians 2:132 Thessalonians 2:15
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul writes to the brethren at Thessalonica. The chapter describes "that man of sin... the son of perdition" and "them that perish" because "they received not the love of the truth." Paul does not name the man of sin. 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Thessalonians 2:32 Thessalonians 2:10
Where
Thessalonica, where Paul had already taught them these things: "when I was yet with you, I told you these things." 2 Thessalonians overview2 Thessalonians 2:5
When
Traditionally about AD 50-51. The chapter speaks of a time still to come: "that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first." 2 Thessalonians overview2 Thessalonians 2:3
How it fits
Chapter 1 spoke of the Lord coming to be glorified in his saints "in that day"; this chapter answers when that day comes. Chapter 3 begins, "Finally, brethren, pray for us." 2 Thessalonians 1:102 Thessalonians 2:32 Thessalonians 3:1
Key verses
- Verse 3
"That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed." Jesus also warned, "Take heed that no man deceive you." 2 Thessalonians 2:22 Thessalonians 2:3Matthew 24:4
- Verse 6
"Ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time." The readers knew what Paul meant from his teaching in person (2:5), but the letter does not name it. 2 Thessalonians 2:52 Thessalonians 2:62 Thessalonians 2:7
- Verse 13
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth," in contrast to those who "believed not the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:122 Thessalonians 2:132 Thessalonians 2:14
Takeaway
Do not let rumours about the Lord's coming unsettle you; hold to the apostles' teaching and trust the God who chose you, loves you and gives "good hope through grace." 2 Thessalonians 2:22 Thessalonians 2:152 Thessalonians 2:162 Thessalonians 2:17
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.
Do not be shaken
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That 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.
The falling away and the man of sin
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And 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: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Chosen to salvation: stand fast
13But 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: 14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16Now 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, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.