What does 2 Thessalonians 2:4 mean?
This passage has begun to reassure Christians in Thessalonica that they have not been left behind, to face the judgment of the day of the Lord. Though Paul has already addressed this with these believers (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13–17; 5:1–11), they seem plagued once again with doubts. Prior verses explained how several events needed to take place before this part of the end of days, including the appearance of a "man of lawlessness."In this verse Paul tells his readers what the man of lawlessness does when he is revealed. He sets himself against God and the worship of God. He sits in the temple and declares that he is God. This description of the man of lawlessness seems to fit the false prophet, although many Bible teachers believe he is the head of the Revived Roman Empire, who is described as the beast that rises out of the sea (Revelation 13:1). However, the second beast of Revelation 13 performs "great signs" (Revelation 13:13) that deceive multitudes and leads them into idol worship (Revelation 13:14–17). Although many interpreters apply the title, "Antichrist," to the first beast of Revelation 13, the title may justifiably be ascribed as well to the false prophet, the second beast of Revelation 13. The first beast is a political leader, whereas the second beast is a deceptive religious leader; and references to "antichrist" in the New Testament appear in a religious, not political, context (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7).