What does 2 Thessalonians 2:14 mean?
In this verse Paul reminds his readers that God used the good news of salvation to call them for a purpose. He called them to share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus was on earth, He took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and was transfigured before them (Luke 9:28–36). His inner glory shone through His body, and later John and Peter reflected on what had taken place. John wrote: "We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Peter wrote, "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty . . . for we were with him on the holy mountain" (2 Peter 1:16–18). In his letter to the Colossians Paul said Christ in believers is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Now, we hope to share in Christ's glory, but when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4).Second Thessalonians 2:13–17 presents a stark contrast to the preceding passage. Previously, Paul wrote about the evil man of lawlessness, his wicked deeds, and the dreadful consequences that await him and his followers. Now Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers with a positive, uplifting message about their salvation, and he encourages them to take a defensive posture against false teaching and to adhere to what he had taught them. He concludes with an uplifting benediction, in which he calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father to encourage the Thessalonians and establish them in every good word and deed.
The Christians of Thessalonica have not missed out on the events described in Paul's prior letter. Despite what some teachers apparently thought, they were not experiencing the ''day of the Lord,'' a time of God's great wrath and judgment. As proof, Paul offers instruction on events which had yet to occur, prior to the coming of the day of the Lord. The first is a rebellion, or a ''falling away.'' The second is the emergence of a ''man of lawlessness'' who will demonstrate satanic power. This will correspond with God removing His restraint, in some way, leaving sin freer rein to enable His judgment.
