Jewish and Historical Background to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The eschatology of 2 Thess. 2:1-12 has been a perennial problem for biblical interpreters. The language of the chapter is very different from that which Paul uses in his other epistles. He exhorts the Thessalonians not to be excited about the coming of the day of the Lord, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed … (verse 3). When the appears, he will exalt himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that be takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God (verse 4)