Comments for November 19

v.70 The Tirshatha, who, we are told later, was Nehemiah himself (ch.8:9, 10:1), gave the equivalent of between £10000 and £20000 in modern terms - not an insignificant amount.

7:3 'Let not the gates ...' The gates were not to be opened till sun-rise, and to be shut at sun-set. If a traveller arrives after sun-set, he finds the gates shut, and on no consideration will they open them till morning. It was a precaution to preserve the safety of the city.

v.2 - Sadly times have moved a long way from this. How much we would benefit if the criteria for choosing leaders in our day and age was still their faith. We do still have opportunity, however, to employ this yardstick within our own communities, so let us do that, and when choosing those to lead, serve or represent us, look for the most spiritually minded.

7:70-72 Notice that Nehemiah - the Tirshatha - and the priest and the people gave a vast amount of money and goods to the work of God. Nehemiah might have reasoned that he had given enough already as he was away from his job and living in poor circumstances compared to how things would have been for him as the king's cup bearer.

7:5 The finding of a register indicates that details of the work of Ezra had been kept. Notice that Nehemiah sees the importance of taking the register and giving it some credence by drawing attention to it. Israel had always been concerned with genealogies and registers. It was at the instigation of God so Nehemiah is ensuring that this pattern was continued after the return from Babylon.

7:2 So the city is now secure, however the enemies and adversaries are still all around the city. The opposition has not stopped. Maybe time to gather an army together. But no, Nehemiah appointed men over the city who were "faithful" and who "feared God above many".  Nehemiah's priorities were correct. How often do we seek to resolve our difficulties by working out a solution which relies on our own strength rather than seeking for God's way?

I like the way Nehemiah writes. Neh 7:5 says that “My God put into mine heart …”  He acknowledges where his good ideas came from.

V.5 To merely get the people safely inside the walls was not enough. Sanballat had been defeated; now the ecclesia must be strengthened ( Luke 22:32, Rev 3:2). We see in this verse that God is with Nehemiah in his work.

7:2 It might have been thought that in giving his brother Hanani a position of authority that he was showing favouritisms. However this was not so. His brother was ‘faithful’. Nehemiah would have known this from close contact with his brother and so would be able to rely on him. We should take care that we do not think evil of our brethren just because they choose helpers from their own friends. It does not follow that favouritism is being shown. Like Nehemiah they may know their friends and family and therefore know that they can have confidence in them.

V.5 Before the captivity, Yahweh had promised that His people would re-possess their land.  Thus, good record-keeping of family lands and properties had been encouraged.  Jeremiah had demonstrated both these things when he was instructed by Yahweh to buy his uncle's field in Anathoth (Jer 32:6-14).

7:4 The seemingly casual comment that the ‘houses were not built’ shows to us that the focus was in building the walls of the city – a collective act – rather than the solitary and selfish act of providing a roof over their own heads. How often do we put what we see as our own ‘needs’ above the common good of the ecclesia?

7:2 The walls were being built in troublous times – against that background we are told that Hanani ‘feared God’. So when there are difficulties and good reason to be afraid of the problems and those that cause the problems it is best to ‘fear’ that is reverence God.

V.2 Hanani, Nehemiah’s brother was made governor over Jerusalem; Hananiah the priest was put in charge of all the gates of Jerusalem.

V.4 The houses of Jerusalem were destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Makeshift structures would have been erected to house the people working on the wall.

V.62 Compare the numbers with 2:60. The Tobiah mentioned here is not the Ammonite slave who was giving Nehemiah trouble. The children of Tobiah (KJV) came to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel.

Vs.65,70 The term Tirshatha (KJV) is Persian for governor. Nehemiah was the Tirshatha of Judea.

7:5 When we are told that Nehemiah said ‘God put into my heart ...’ we should not immediately presume that God told him what to do in some mystical visionary way. Rather, from his reading of the Scriptures that he had he would have worked out what was required. Thus the motivation came from a willingness to accomplish the word of God. Likewise we cannot simply sit and wait for ‘the spirit to move us’. We have to, from our reading of Scripture, establish what the Father wants us to do and then do it.

Neh 7:63-65 - family records could not be found for some priests so Urim and Thummim (God's  decision) was used to determine if they were to be accepted as clean.

7:7-62 This is not simply a list of names.  It is broken down into sections

:8-25    Sons of named individuals

26-42    People from named cities

And so on.  Breaking the list into sections helps us to make more sense of it.

7:5       When we read of God putting an idea into Nehemiah’s heart we should not think that necessarily the idea was implanted in his mind without any thought on the part of Nehemiah.  It is more likely that he, having thought about the plight of Israel and reflecting on Scripture, Nehemiah thought of the need – the idea being implanted by God through Nehemiah’s thoughtful consideration of the requirements God had for His people.  In like manner God does not implant ideas into our minds independent of our own thought processes. We have an obligation to reflect on His will and implement ideas that come from that realisation which is informed by our reading of His word.

7:4        Here we have confirmation that the city was still dilapidated, even though the walls had been rebuilt. One might have thought that those living in the houses would have been concerned to secure commodious dwellings for themselves before building the walls.  The focus of Nehemiah had been to both set up the walls and institute faithful worship rather than make life comfortable for those who lived in Jerusalem. Our focus, likewise, should be upon our worship, not on our own personal comfort.

7:64    Whilst it might seem harsh that those who had come up and associated themselves with Nehemiah were not allowed, as priests, to share but were “put from the priesthood” we should realise that there is a principle involved here.  Only those who have the right to association with the things of God are allowed to share them.  The lesson for us is that unless we are “in Christ” then we are not in fellowship with other true Christians no matter how much time we spend with them. 

Recognisable people that returned to Jerusalem

v2: Where have we heard this name Hananiah before? We might be more familiar with Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego, the Babylonish names for Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael, Daniel's friends who were thrown into the furnace (see Dan 1:7). It could be quite a common name so isn't necessarily the same man, except that he is described as the "ruler of the palace". Given that there was no palace in Jerusalem, and that Hananiah had been promoted greatly in Babylon (see Dan 2:49, 3:30), it seems possible that this man was a ruler of the staff in the palace in Babylon. Interestingly, the name Mishael too appears in Neh 8:4 and Azariah in 8:7 and numerous other places, which makes me wonder: "did all these men we recognise come back to Jerusalem?".

Take a look in the list of names in Nehemiah 7:6-7 and Neh 10:1-27 to see how many others you recognise.

7:7        The mention of Zerubbabel  reminds us that the list relates to those who came to Jerusalem quite some years before the time that Nehemiah came to the city.

7:70-72  Israel had gone into Babylon as captives. One presumes, therefore, that they were not wealthy. However seventy years later it seems that they had significant wealth. Those that had gone to Babylon and submitted to the rule there had prospered.

7:73      The seventh month was  a really important month in the Jewish religious calendar, culminating in the great day of atonement – Lev 23:27 -  so, having secured the city the religious festivals could be enjoyed in relative safety.

7:1      Notice here was more to Nehemiah’s concern than just the physical security of the city. Having secured the city with walls and gates Nehemiah appoints porters, singers and Levites.  The city, without faithful worship to God was but a shell.

7:66     the 42,360 who returned with Zerubbabel is in stark contrast to the smaller number  - Ezra 8:1-14. It seems by now the commitment to returning to Jerusalem had increased among the captives taken by the Chaldeans.

7:71-72 that the poor returned to the land seems to be confirmed by the value of gold and silver given as a few of the nobles gave the same amount of gold as the whole of the rest of the group that went up from Babylon.

7:66-69 When we compare the number of men who returned and the rather small number of their servants we have to conclude that not many of those that returned were wealthy enough to have servants. That is it was, it seems, that the poor returned leaving the more wealthy of their brethren in Babylon who did not want to forsake their comfort for the privations of returning to the land promised to them.  Are so comfortable that we do not long for the return of Christ and the re-establishment of God’s kingdom?

7:3 There were houses on the wall of the city. Each house was occupied by a family and that family had the responsibility to watch over the section of the wall where they were - where they could see what was happening. A lesson for us is we should take care of the things we see and can deal with where we are. We should not seek to go around telling others in other locations how they should take care of their circumstances.

7:2 I gave my brother Hanani and  Hananiah, the governor of the castle, charge over Jerusalem for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many.

Did Hanani and Hananiah replace "Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 3:9) and "Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 3:12)? If so, this would have been a tough decision by Nehemiah and charges of nepotism might have abounded.

Leaders sometimes have to make some tough decisions that do not please everybody. His motives were simple: a God-fearing, faithful servant was the criterion for leadership.

That said, both Hanani and Hananiah disappear from the record in Nehemiah 13 where Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from Babylon to be met with a decadent Jerusalem. Hanani and Hananiah may have been deposed in Nehemiah's absence.

7:2 We might be inclines to slip over the names we read when we come across long lists of names that we might find difficulty pronouncing. However it is valuable to follow up the names individuals when they are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Hannania is found in 1:2 where the term “one of my brethren” is used.  It is only here in chapter 2 that we learn that |Hannania was indeed a brother in the flesh to Nehemiah.

v.14 - The possibility of salvation is there for every individual (here expressed in terms of the nation, but nevertheless true of individuals) until the day of their death. Consider also David's thoughts in 2Sam.12:22

2:1 Day of the Lord cometh Zechariah 14:1
2:2 A day of darkness Amos 5:18
2:3 behind them ... desolate wilderness Zechariah 7:14
2:4 the appearance ... horses Revelation 9:7
2:5 Like ... chariots Revelation 9:9
2:6 faces ... gather blackness Nahum 2:10
2:10 earth shall quake Nahum 1:5
2:11 who can abide it Nahum 1:6
2:12 turn ye to me ... Deuteronomy 4:29 - 30
2:12 with fasting 2 Chronicles 20:3
2:13 gracious merciful ... Exodus 34:6
2:13 great kindness Exodus 34:6
2:15 sanctify a fast 2 Chronicles 20:3
2:17 where is their God Micah 7:10
2:17 thine heritage Micah 7:14
2:18 Then will the Lord be jealous Zechariah 1:14
2:19 corn ... wine ... oil Deuteronomy 11:14
2:23 former ... latter rain Hosea 6:3
2:24 floor ... full of wheat Amos 9:13
2:28 pour out my spirit Proverbs 1:23
2:31 The sun ... into blood Revelation 6:12
2:31 before the ... day of the Lord Malachi 4:5
2:31 - 32 sun dark moon blood Zion Jerusalem Isaiah 24:23
2:32 whosoever shall call ... saved Romans 10:13
2:32 whom the Lord shall call Acts 2:21

2:12 - 17 is a call, by the prophet, for repentance. His assurance is that if true repentance is shown then blessings will follow. Joel 2:18. Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
It is in the connection that the prophet reminds Israel of the attributes of their God as they were revealed at Mount Sinai to Moses by quoting the language from Exodus 34.

v. 3 gives a beautiful picture of the start of the kingdom. The Garden of Eden before us and the wilderness behind us. Oh to leave this wilderness existence behind us!

2:7 The seeming supernatural powers of the 'locusts' - the Assyrians - was to teach Israel that they would not be able to resist their enemies by strength in battle - rather it required repentance and submission to His will.

2:19 And so the people, who have repented, will receive the blessings of God - the curse of Deuteronomy 28 will be lifted.

Joel 2:12-14. This is the second call for repentance spoken by the prophet Joel. We see the first call (1:14-15) in the calling of the solemn assembly in the temple, now we have the second call “Rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto me”

2:13 'Rend your hearts and not your garments' is a call to repentance. Israel were good at rending their garments as an outward show. However God was looking for more than just a show. He was looking for a changed way of living. Something which is not just an outward show but something which is generated by a changed heart - a heart of flesh.

AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE
 
Israel were at the end of their rope in the vision that the LORD had given them.  They had nowhere to turn when the huge invading army raged down on Israel like locusts, destroying everything in it's path.  Even if there were allies, or even just in their own strength, there was no way they could stand against the invader.  There were two alternatives: Turn to the LORD, or Die.
 
Hosea urges Israel to turn to the LORD, not just with words or in ritual, but with the whole heart.  He says, "'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." (Joel 2:12-13)
 
It was not yet too late for Israel to seek the LORD and to turn back to him.  Neither is it too late for us to turn back to the LORD.  Maybe God is using similar circumstances in our lives to urge us to turn back to him once we have turned away. Perhaps we also are at the end of our rope.  The best alternative is to turn back to the LORD before it is too late.  Even now, if we return to the LORD and repent, turning to him with all our heart, he will be compassionate and loving toward us, and welcome us back with open arms.

If the last locust invasion is to be when Christ returns, and when all nations fight against Jerusalem, isn't there a great picture given here in Joel 2:4-11? In Joel 2:5 can we see aircraft? You can’t take a chariot on to the top of a mountain, but if you could it would sound just like an aeroplane. The point is emphasised when the word “leap” is seen to be mean “dance, skip or bound”. It’s a plane up in the air. Joel 2:8, the last part, probably means that armour plating will save the army tanks from attack, especially when “sword” is seen to be a “missile, dart or spear”. This sounds to me like modern missiles which are shot through the air. Joel 2:5 The army is “God’s army” in Joel 2:11 – just as He called Nebuchadnezzar “My servant” in Jer 25:9.

2:17     ‘thine heritage’ -  Mic 7:14 – speaks of Jerusalem which is to be laid waste by the Babylonians – though in Nahum’s day the Assyrians looked as if they would do it.

We can put this chapter into historical context because we know vs 28-29 were fulfilled in Acts 2. This means that the rest of the chapter is prior to the ascension of Christ. Now, we know that the blessings in vs 21-24 didn't happen prior to the time of Christ, so we can conclude that they are not a literal blessing as we would suppose. The blessings refer instead to the first coming of Christ, in which he blessed the people of Israel with his words of hope and salvation. This was the new wine and oil (see Jesus' parables, e.g. Matt 9:15-17 and Luke 10:34). Eating in plenty (v26) refers to the promise of Isa 55:1-2 and was demonstrated by Jesus in the feeding of the five and four thousand.

2:20 The removal of the ‘northern army’ may well be a reference to the deliverance from the Assyrians in the days of Hezekiah.

V.20 Prophetical Hebrew Scriptures often have double applications. The first application of the northern army refers to the Assyrians, under Sennacherib, who were repulsed from Judah and Jerusalem (2Chron 32:21,22).

The second application of the northern army is Gog (Eze 38:1,15; Dan 11:40). This latter-day Assyrian is Russia who will come against Israel with its confederates such as Iran and Libya.

Great destruction will occur, but the returned Lord Jesus, together with His immortalised followers, will destroy the invading host as surely as Sennacherib's army was annihilated (Eze 39:2-4; Zech 14:1-3).

Joel uses the term day of the LORD to describe this cataclysmic event (vs.1,11,31). The same phrase is used elsewhere, such as in Zech 14:1. Yesterday, we examined Paul's use of the phrase as referring to the destruction of Jerusalem and also the invasion of Gog (see yesterday's note on I Thess 5).

2:10 the sun and moon being ‘dark’ is clearly a judgement from God. The details of the judgement are presented, or at least one element of the judgement, in Joel 3:15

Vs.2-10 Joel uses the figure of the locust to describe the invasion of the land of Israel by the northern host. Compare the language of Joel's description with that of Ezekiel's description of Russia's invasion:

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong (v.2) (KJV).

Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee (Eze 38:9) (KJV).

…and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel (Eze 39:2) (KJV).

2:4-7The two phrases quoted in Revelation 9 highlight , along with quotations in chapter 1, that the invasion spoken of here is a basis for the events spoken of in Revelation 9

Joel 2:28-32 - V.28-29 this prophetic outpouring of the spirit was fulfilled during the apostolic time; V.30-31 is this referring to AD 70 or around the time of Christ's second coming, or could it be both (Matt 24:29-30 would seem to suggest around the time of Christ's second coming is applicable)? V.32 this would appear to refer to deliverance upon Christ's second coming (there was no true deliverance in 70 AD) - Acts 2:17-21 references Joel 2:28-32.

V.23 The former rain (KJV) comes in the autumn, and the latter rain comes in the spring. The first month is Nisan.

V.25 Notice the reverse order of 1:4. Yahweh will reverse the misfortunes that His people have suffered.

Vs.28,29 There was an application of this at Pentecost (Acts 2:17,18). But, the greatest application will be when Jesus returns (Zech 12:10).

Vs.30,31 When Jesus returns, He will fight and destroy the nations and people who would oppose Him. The political heavens shall be in turmoil. World leaders will be perplexed.

V.32 Destruction will come upon the land of Israel in the end times. Israel will recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and He will save them (Zech 12:9; 14:1-5).

2:19 the restoration of the corn and oil presents a picture of what God had promised Israel before they entered the land under Joshua – Deut 11:14

2:10 The sun and moon being dark is clearly a metaphor for the ruling powers as Scripture makes clear ‘seed time and harvest’ will continue Gen 8:22

2:27  That Israel will ‘know’ that God is in Israel looks to the time of the re-establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth. At that time Israel will have a ‘new heart’ and will be forgiven their sins – Jer 31:31-34

Ch 2 v 8 The previous verses show that this army relates to Gog as seen in Ezekiel 38. But this verse appears very difficult to understand in particular when it says they shall fall upon the sword. However the word for sword is also translated in Song of Solomon 4 v 13 as plants. Another problem word is where it says wounded , but this word can be translated as fulfilled. So this verse is telling us of the northern army like locusts shall fall upon the plants and devour everything before them and that being such an enormous hosts they will truly decimate all vegetation and not be satisfied.

Ch 2 v 11 This I believe is the Lord Jesus coming with the saints as the army of the Lord to pour the judgements of God upon Gog. Ezekiel 38 v 18 -23

Joel 2:28-32.

It seems to me that this prophecy concerning the pouring out of God's Spirit may have multiple fulfillments. If so, what are they?

With so many prophecies, it can be easily shown that there are 2 fulfillments: a partial one usually within the lifetime of the prophet, and a more complete one in regard to Jesus (either as to his first or second coming). This one, it seems to me, likely has 3.

1. If Joel prophesied during the time of Hezekiah and the Assyrian invasion of Israel and attempted overthrow of Jerusalem, then the pouring out of the Spirit would specifically apply to Isaiah (his correct prophecies) and likely Hezekiah who offered such a beautiful prayer seeking God's protection and blessing and maybe on other faithful followers in and around Jerusalem. The result - salvation on Mt. Zion and Jerusalem for all who called on the name of the LORD (v. 32) due to God's intervention and miraculous destruction of the 185,000 Assyrian army (Isa 37:36) without loss of life by any Jews within Jerusalem.

2. In Acts 2, Peter cites this passage as a prophecy of what had just happened on that day - with the Holy Spirit being poured out on the apostles and their being able to speak in tongues on the Day of Pentecost. There ended up being 3000 who believed and were baptized into Christ on that very day, it would appear, as Peter put it - "saving themselves from this corrupt generation" (Acts 2:40,41). There too the signs Joel mentioned in the heavens and earth would have a fulfillment in the awesome spectacle of the sudden violent wind and what seemed to be "tongues" of fire that separated and came to rest on the apostles (Acts 2:2,3).

3. The 3rd fulfillment is more problematic since it has yet to occur. But it seems to me that there should be one more fulfillment at the very time of Jesus' 2nd coming since the ultimate salvation - the granting of immortality to the faithful of all ages - "to all who call on the name of the LORD" - will happen at that time (and in that same location? Jerusalem?) It may be the case, though it's really hard to know for sure, that through the preaching of the Elijah prophet (Mal 4:5,6), there may be a fulfillment of this with the acceptance of the repentant Jews at that time. If so, it would be an amazing sign to their enemies that God really was with them and blessing them if they immediately were blessed with such powers as the apostles had in the first century. On this last fulfillment, we'll likely just have to wait and see how it will happen. But my bet is that if it does, it will be in some way that is obvious to those who are watching for it. Or - in the other scenario - we will, if we remain faithful, be participating in its fulfillment, that is, receiving the ultimate Spirit gift of eternal life on the day of judgment.

2:1-2  One might have thought that the “day of the Lord” would be a wonderful time. However here it is a “day of darkness” – that is judgement for rebellion against God. There are always two sides to the day of the Lord. There will be blessings for some and punishment for others.  Where do we stand? How will the return of Christ be to us?

2:6    The statement that all faces would gather blackness is found also in Nah 2:10 where Nahum speaks against Nineveh.

2:13   The way in which God is described here catches His own manifestation of His character as seen in Exo 34:6-7

2:17   The space between “the porch and the altar” must have been a location where people met for various reasons. Later  - Eze 8:16 – Ezekiel sees the elders of Israel there involved in false worship and actions.

2:11   Even though God, through the prophet, speaks of “his army” he is clearly speaking of the Assyrians. Thus we truly appreciate that the judgment was of God. So no man could “abide it” – that is there was no escape from God’s judgment.

Joel 2:31

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.”

Is the Aug 21, 2017 total solar eclipse that followed the blood moon tetrads, the harbinger of what is to come shortly in bringing on the unprecedented time of trouble and the shaking of the political heavens as prophesied in Matt 24:29; Luke 21:25,26?

Solar Eclipse fever has hit the United States. Millions prepare to celebrate as they watch, not even thinking that this eclipse may be more of a calamitous one. This event is the first-ever total solar eclipse with its path exclusively inside the entire continental United States- only visible in the United States! It is the most talked-about, most photographed, the most tweeted, and most studied in human history! It crosses the country from coast to coast, which has not occurred in 99 years. Seven years later on April 8, 2024 this next Great American Eclipse, as it has been dubbed, will return and its path will mark an X across the nation!

www.greatamericaneclipse.com/ While millions are celebrating, on this same day 25,000 U.S. troops will conduct major military exercises with South Korea for ten days despite the numerous nuclear threats and rebukes from North Korea. One mistake could lead to disaster!

Since the dawn of time, a lot of superstition had been placed on eclipses when daylight turns to darkness. While some take total eclipses to be a fearful and ominous sign for the country, for others it is “business as usual.” The sun’s corona, suddenly visible, glows like an eerie sunset. In time, though, the causes and effects of total solar eclipses have been replaced by detailed physical and astronomical explanations.

The eclipse of August 21, 2017 is said to be a part of a Saros Series.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saros_(astronomy)/ Claudius Ptolemy, Greek Astronomer c. 90-168 AD, documented and based on the Saros Series the rise and fall of Empires, and the Saros effects on society prior to and years after depending on the solar eclipses’ duration and location – Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, 1609, by Johannes Kepler.

The following are believed to be part of this series with the dates of the eclipse and the dates of events:

June 17, 1909, President William Howard Taft’s attempted assassination, Oct 16, 1909.

June 29, 1927, the Bath School massacre, May 18, 1927, a murderous revenge related to increase taxes and political reasons.

January 14, 1945, the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Aug 6, 9, 1945.

January 25, 1963, President John F. Kennedy assassinated Nov 22, 1963.

July 31, 1981, attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan March 30, 1981.

August 11, 1999, President William Clinton impeached Dec 19, 1998.

August 21, 2017, - time will tell, but the political upheavals continue unprecedented as we witness the death of a nation with its increasingly violent revolutions. America has not been this divided since the Civil War. How interesting that the coming eclipse is metaphorically splitting the nation in two!

The Great American Eclipse brings with it a new month, Elul, a time of repentance and preparation! Without doubt, we need to be ready, to repent of our sins, search our hearts, and pray that in the midst of His coming wrath, Yahweh will remember His mercy (Hab 3:2).

2:7-9  The seeming invincibility of the Assyrians as shown here will change. A later prophet – Nah 3:3 – speaks of the defeat and end of the Assyrian.

2:25    The promise that God would restore that which they had lost maybe the basis, amongst other passages, which would be seen to teach that Elijah was going to return to restore all things – Mark 9:12

2:17    Even though the judgment was from God this did not mean that petition could not be made to God for deliverance. So the priests are told that this is exactly what they should do.

2:1-7 the frightening description of the invasion is a dire warning of what the Assyrian invasion of Jerusalem will be – it will be unstoppable.

2:3 visualise the scene. Life continues smoothly. The nation has no cares, unaware of the fact that their God would intervene because of their godlessness. The army comes and passes through the land. The lush, well maintained, farms are destroyed.

Whilst Joel is speaking of an invasion in his day it is a foretaste of God’s judgment on the world.

Where is our confidence? Do we think man has all the solutions?

When God intervenes in world affairs, hopefully very soon, there will be destruction. We should look beyond that to the glories of His kingdom restored on the earth.

2:20 Whilst the immediate event in Joel’s day was the Assyrian he like Isa 34:3 looks to the destruction of the northern invader who will die on the mountains of Israel.

2:20 That this event has not yet happened is evident. It matches the way in which Ezekiel speaks of the destruction of Gog – Eze 39:11.

2:13-15 - Here is a wonderful exhortation. It is not through any effort of our own that we obtain righteousness, but entirely through the grace of God. If we do not remember that, we fall into the danger of falling away (v.3-12), thinking we are following the way, but in fact following our own desires.

1:5 suffering for the kingdom. Being counted worthy to suffer was the sentiments of the apostles Acts 5:41.

2:3 'son of perdition' uses the language that Jesus uses to speak of Judas Iscariot in John 17:12 highlighting the seriousness of the doctrinal problems of the one spoken of.

1:3 Do we ever feel 'bound to give thanks' for our brethren and sisters? How often do we thank God for the brethren and sisters we have taught the gospel to? Or do we feel that we just do a job and that is all. The benefit, it seems is two fold. Angels rejoice over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7,10) and that is there is joy in heaven. Also there should be joy in our hearts.

2:13 Paul continues the theme (from 1:3) of being bound to give thanks - this time because the election of the brethren was 'from the foundation of the world'

THANK GOD!
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love everyone of you has for each other is increasing."
Maybe I should thank God for my brothers and sisters more often. In the past my thanks for them have been because of the blessings that I have received from them, and I have given thanks for new brothers and sisters when they have just given their lives to the Lord. But as far as following the examples of Paul, Silas and Timothy and giving thanks for the growth of faith and love, I fall far short.
What we have to do is to take more notice of how our Brothers and Sisters are growing spiritually, seeing how they are developing their faith and how their love is growing. Then, when we begin to recognize their growth, we can truly appreciate it and thank God for it. So let us consider the faith and love of our Brothers and Sisters and then rejoice in their achievements and thank God for them.>

1:8 'Taking vengeance' quotes Isaiah 61:2 and so we see the return of Jesus will complete the quotation from Isaiah 61 which Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:18)`

2:15 So we see that 'tradition' is not always a bad thing - though we must be careful to discern between tradition taught by Scripture and tradition taught by our own preferences and practices.

1:5 The tribulation is a 'manifest token of the righteous judgment of God' because God is going to judge the world. The persecution the brethren suffered was evidence that they deserved the judgment.

2:13 Some of us may struggle with God's foreknowledge and the Bible teaching of predestination. However there is a very positive message to take away from the fact that God has chosen us from the foundation of the world to salvation. It is this. He wishes to give us everlasting life, the only person who can throw that away is ourselves.

1:6-7 Once again we see our Heavenly Father's righteous judgement. Those who persecute God's people will suffer punishment, and those who suffer persecuted because of their faith will rewarded.

1:12 The reason for praying for our brethren and sisters – see comment for May 20^th this year - is that God and His son might be glorified. We do not pray for our brethren and sisters, though doubtless we like them, rather we are concerned for their salvation so that the Father and His son might be glorified. 

1:4-5 We have many exhortations in scripture reminding us that what ever suffering and hardships that we face in life, they are a small price to pay, to even to have the lowest place in the kingdom, here we have another from the pen of Paul. Among the many examples we have, here are a few; Phil 1:12, 1Pet 4:14-18, Acts 14:22, Rom 8:17. Without the sacrifice and suffering of our Master, we would be without hope.

2:4 In speaking of one who ‘sitteth in the temple of God’ Paul is drawing language from Ezekiel’s description of Tyre – Eze 28:2

1:3 The reason for the constant thanksgiving is that the faith of the Thessalonians is growing beyond measure, and that the love of each brother is constantly increasing, which was exactly what Paul had wished and prayed so earnestly for (1Thess 3:12)

2:7 A false system of worship had already started in Paul's day.  During the subsequent centuries it would grow into a mighty universal church having power and influence over individuals and nations.  This religious-political entity would be headed by a false prophet (the man of sin or the lawless one 2:3). 

When Jesus returns, this false system of worship, spearheaded by the lawless one will oppose Him.  But Jesus will destroy both the false prophet and his system (2:8; cf. Rev 17:3-5;18:2,10,21;19:20).

1:10 God and Jesus will only be glorified in those ‘saints’ who in this life work to manifest His glory now by imitating His attributes.

1:6-10 These verses tell so much. The say that Jesus is coming back to earth to judge the world (Acts 17:31). Those accepted by Him (His saints = sanctified ones) will be glorified (made immortal and given eternal life) (Rom 2:7; 1Cor 15:52,53).

These true followers of Jesus have believed the one true gospel and have conformed to His commandments. They will reign with Jesus in His Kingdom on earth (Rev 20:6).

Those who have followed wrong doctrine, or have disparaged Yahweh or His Word, will be punished. They will be relegated to perpetual death.

These verses dispel some of the myths held by Christendom. The reward for the faithful is here on earth and not in heaven. Souls do not go floating skyward at death. The unfaithful will die and live no more. They will sleep a perpetual sleep, and not be tormented forever by some hideous creature with horns and a tail in a hot place.

False doctrines were already entering in the ecclesia in the first century (2:7). This apostasy has grown throughout the ages and is expressed in the idolatrous worship of Christendom. The man of sin will appear as leader of this apostasy in the end time (2:3,9). He will be confronted by Jesus when he returns to earth.

The son of perdition and his false system of worship will be destroyed by Jesus; the earth will be cleansed; and then the Kingdom of God will begin (2:8; Rev 11:15; 19:20).

1:7 Some of the brethren were ‘troubled’ by which it is reasonable to infer they were suffering persecution. The comfort was not that the problem could be avoided but that it would be removed with the return of the lord Jesus. Is this our focus when we face difficulties?

2:3,4 This man of sin who presumes too much power and importance is identified with the Pope, the false prophet who heads the beast system of worship. This system will be destroyed when Jesus returns (Rev 20:10).

On the front of the Pope’s jewelled crown is the phrase: Vicarius Filii Dei which is Latin for the Vicar or Representative of the Son of God. The value of the letters of Vicarius Filii Dei in Latin gematria is 666. This is the number of the beast (Rev 13:18).

2:3,7 Paul warned that before Jesus would return to earth to become the king of the world, spiritual rot would set in the ecclesia. The term falling away is derived from the Greek word apostasia from which the word apostasy (the abandonment of former beliefs) comes.

The apostasy began in the first century and was already observable to Paul . Over the subsequent centuries the apostasy would develop, organise and enlarge until we now see the organised Christian churches which are astray from the original tenets of the apostles.

It behoves anyone interested in truly serving Yahweh to refer to the His Word, the Bible, and check out the claims of those espousing religious beliefs and philosophies (John 4:24). If those claims do not agree with the Word, they should be rejected (Isa 8:20; 2Cor 11:3,4).

If we quote the words of 1v5, we should be careful not to leave out the word "counted". We can not be worthy of the kingdom of God, but can be counted worthy through faith (Rom 4:2-3).

THE SPIRIT OF GRACE (v.2)

What a wonderful way in which Paul greats the brethren & sisters in Thessalonica. "Grace be unto you". Vines dictionary defines "grace" as - "the divine influence upon the heart and it's reflection in life."

Paul wishes the spirit of divine influence to touch all hearts to whom the Lord reaches out to, but it doesn't stop there. It must be reflected in our lives in everything we do. And so it should be with us. Let the divine influence enter into your heart today (by way of His word) - and let it reflect itself in everything you say or do.

2:12 The condemnation of those who take pleasure in unrighteousness echoes Rom 1:32 but more importantly we see that God recognises that we are liable to be unrighteous. It is our attitude to what we do that is important to God.

GROWTH

Paul, Silas and Timothy thanked God for the believers at Thessalonica. The reason they were so thankful was "because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing." (2Thess 1:3)

I wonder if Paul, Silas and Timothy would have had the same thankfulness for us if they had heard about our faith and love? Would they have seen our faith and love growing?

Let's think back a year, ten years, or since we first gave our lives to the Lord. How much has our faith and love grown since then? How much has it grown recently? Sometimes we can find ourselves stuck in the routine of being a Christian, doing what needs to be done, but not really growing. We need to make sure we have consistent growth in both faith and love in our lives all the time. If we are find that we are becoming more exclusive in our Christian lives, we may find that we are feeding our faith but our love is dying. Or if we are full of compassion but the hope of the return of Christ is no longer a reality, then our love may be strong, but our faith needs some serious work.

Let's make sure our faith and love are works in progress, growing, no matter what stage we are at, to the glory of God.

"MYSTERY OF INIQUITY"

John Thomas gives an excellent insight into the "mystery of iniquity" (2:7), and what it really means: "Beside glorying in men, this unfortunate peculiarity of the human mind has developed the organisation of a system of things impiously hostile to the institutions and wisdom of Jehovah. It is a system of many subordinate "THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY" parts. It is animated by one spirit which, under various modifications, pervades and actuates the whole. It is an evil spirit, and may be detected wherever the dogma of unintelligible mystery is at work. The name of this system is "MYSTERY." Its baneful effects began to be visible in the apostolic age. It was then styled, "the Mystery of Iniquity," which, as was predicted, has, like a cancer, eaten out the truth..."  Elpis Israel (pg.5)

2:16  The ‘everlasting consolation’ contrasts with our problems which are ‘for a moment’ – 2Cor 4:17

2Thess 2:4

“Who 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.”

Brother John Thomas in his book, Eureka, Volume 2, tells us that the Greco-Dragon emperors gave the Roman bishop all their subjects, setting up the pre-Constantinian seat, thus giving the head of the Roman apostasy his power, his seat, and his great authority (Rev 13:2), that “he might as God sit in the temple of the god, showing himself that he is a god.”

Since the “man of sin” apostasy and origin of the Catholic Church began already during the apostles’ time (2Thess 2:7), and is to be consumed by Christ at his coming (verse 8), we know that though there have been a succession of Popes, the wicked and lawless “man of sin” will be the Pope reigning at the time of the second coming of Christ.

1:2   If the holy spirit is the third person of the trinity why is grace and peace only from God and Jesus?

2:1  It is easy to think of “our gathering together unto him” as speaking of the return of Christ. However when we meet o break bread we are “gathering together”  - rather like “when ye be come together”  1Cor 11:20 – which speaks of the breaking of bread.  Do we see the breaking of bread as an opportunity to strengthen ourselves in our faith? Or is it just a ritual that we have to keep?

2:7    The “mystery” is nothing secretive. It is something which has not been yet manifest. It is “antichrist” – 1John 2:18 or one who denies the physical coming of Jesus – 1John 4:3

1:3     Are you the sort of believer that others give thanks for? Or are you the sort of person that causes tension and stress among your fellow believers so that they do not look forward to your company?

2Thess 2:3

“Let 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...”

The early Christians while enduring great persecutions under Roman rule (65-300 A.D.) went through a gradual departure from doctrinal Truth, worship and practice.  The simple form of worship from the heart was replaced with the rituals and splendor of Paganism. Ministers became “priests,” and pagans became “Christians.” The Roman Emperor Constantine became head of the church around 325 A.D, and made “Christianity” the official religion of the Roman Empire. This ungodly system eventually ushered in the darkest period of history known as the “Dark Ages” (500-1500 A.D.).

Throughout time, popes, bishops, and priests made Biblical Christianity illegal! Yet, throughout it all, there remained individual groups of true Christians, as witnessed to this very day.

While every successive Roman Pope is identified as a man of sin, the revelation of the man of sin has clearly been revealed to us upon whom the end of the Age has come. Consider this statement that came from Pope Francis, himself, on Sept 24, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral!

"We need to remember that we are followers of Jesus Christ and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, the failure of the cross.” 
This is incredible! The cross of Christ is the power of God (1Cor 1:18) and the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24)! It is the very foundation on which Christianity is based. The Pope is undermining the cross, and it is blasphemy to say what he said and unprecedented in the history of Catholicism! The entire transcript may be read at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/read-pope-francis-yorks-st-patricks-cathedral/story?id=34023376/

Here is what the Pope said during his speech at the United Nations in New York on Sept 25, 2015:  The entire transcript may be read at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/pope-francis-told-united-nations-general-assembly/story?id=34034426
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your kind words. Once again, following a tradition, by which I feel honored, the Secretary General of the United Nations has invited the Pope to address this distinguished assembly of nations. In my own name, and that of the entire Catholic community, I wish to express to you, Mr Ban Ki-moon, my heartfelt gratitude. I greet the Heads of State and Heads of Government present, as well as the ambassadors, diplomats and political and technical officials accompanying them, the personnel of the United Nations engaged in this 70th Session of the General Assembly, the personnel of the various programs and agencies of the United Nations family, and all those who, in one way or another, take part in this meeting…” Christ said, " I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" (John 5:43). And so they do!

At this United Nations General Assembly, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was endorsed by Pope Francis. What is this Agenda that 193 countries adopted, which covers every aspect of our lives, including our faith? It is global governance! Lord Monckton, former science adviser to Margaret Thatcher summed it up this way: “The goal of the U.N. is to impose communist world government on the world.” This received its formal approval from President Obama, Pope Francis and U.N. General Assembly with thunderous applause! The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a recipe be it for Socialism, Fascism, or Communism.

For those of us who do not fully understand the implications of these actions, Socialism may be best explained as having two cows, the government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else’s cows and then gives us as much milk as the regulations say we need. Fascism is like having two cows; the government takes both of them, and sells you the milk. Communism is having two cows, we take care of them, but the government takes all the milk. Neither Government system is good and a recipe for disaster.

Biblical Capitalism, simply put is having two cows; we take care of them and sell the extra milk if we want to. This shadowy end-times figure, Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope to be elected, speaks against Capitalism. He backed off on his views of homosexuality, asking, “Who am I to judge?” He calls for a New World Order. He warmed up to Islam, opening the door to Muslim prayers and readings out of the Quran at the Vatican last year. This is viewed by some as a precursor to a one world religion. The Pope said, “Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world…”

We live in momentous times. Is Pope Francis the final pope before the return of Christ? The chatter continues.

1:3     Baptism is the beginning of a process. Not the end. It is all too easy to think that once someone – maybe even we think this of ourselves -  has been baptised that development and growth can stop. However form the way in which Paul speaks to the Thessalonians this cannot be so. He rejoices that  their “faith growth”. So should ours and also our “charity” as we become more aware of how great our God is and our appreciation of the needs of our fellow believers grows.

2:2      Despite the fact that the Thessalonians might be deceived by letters purporting to come from Paul he did not in either of the letters to the Thessalonians appeal to his apostleship. Possibly an indication that they knew him so well that such an introduction was not necessary despite the fraudulent letters circulating.

2Thess 2:3,4

“Let 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; Who 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.”

Decretal epistles together with Canon laws were deemed of equal weight with the Scriptures. The Scriptures are made to receive their authority from the approval of the Pope. Decretal epistles frequently contradicted the plainest teachings of Scripture and gladly received among the Beast worshippers.

Pope Nicolas in a decretal epistle wrote: “It is evidently shewn that the pontiff can neither be bound nor loosed by the secular power; of whom it is certain, as we said long before, that by the pious prince Constantine, he was styled God; and it is manifest that God cannot be judged by man.”

Pope Urban II wrote: “… that the divine right of judging concerning every church is of the pope alone; and that he himself is subject to the judgment of none.”

Pope Calixtus I in a decretal epistle to all the bishops wrote: “It is not fit that members depart from the head, but, as Scripture testifies, that all the members follow the head. Now it is doubtful to no one that the Apostolic church is the mother of all churches, from whose rules ye ought in no way to deviate. For as the Son of God came to do the will of his Father so ought you also to do the will of your mother, which is the Church.”

Pope Calixtus II in his decretal 27.8 wrote: “We entirely interdict priests, deacons, sub deacons, and monks, from contracting marriages; we decide also that, according to the sacred canons, the marriages contracted by persons of this kind be dissolved, and the persons brought to do penance.”

These pretended vicars of Christ and successors of the apostle Peter claim to be rulers over all kings and nations, the future prerogative of Christ. They change divine laws, a conspicuous feature of their papal decretals (cf. Dan 7:25). The Popes substitute themselves for Christ, Rome for Jerusalem, but Scripture identifies Jerusalem as “the mother of us all” (Gal 4:26), and the will of the Roman church is declared to be absolute!

2Thess 2:3

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first…” NASB

The following was written by a brother in November 1930:

“There is a great antidote to apostasy viz.—reading, first the Scriptures, then Dr. Thomas and bro. Roberts: with little dependence upon self. A brother of 36 years (?) in the Truth wrote me last week, complaining of my habit of quoting Dr. Thomas and brother Roberts, exhorting me to study for myself and speak for myself. I know well I could never have discovered the Truth myself. I know these brethren had the Truth, and passed it on to me. Shall I forsake their guidance now, when I see what happens to those who do?”

The question is very sobering, as the Bible contains numerous strong warnings against apostasy. The answer to the question is YES! As we grow in the Truth, we realize whether we are in the right ecclesia or not, and as scripturally commanded, we are to separate ourselves from the evil sons of Belial (2Cor 6:15,17). It is possible to read the Word, agree with the Word, attend the weekly Memorial Services, do ecclesial work, but none of these guarantee a change of heart (cf. Matt 7:21-23. There are those who do their daily Bible readings, stand up for the pioneer brethren, yet barely are familiar with their works, who, likewise, manifest no change of heart (cf. Isa 29:13; Mark 7:6). Then there are those who read the Word as time allows, while critically denouncing the pioneer brethren, altogether, having never read their works! They just don’t like what they hear and so do not take them seriously.

Noah was denounced, ridiculed, and mocked when he tried to warn the people, but they refused to listen to Yahweh’s servant. They did not like what they heard and sloughed it off. It truly is as it was in the days of Noah wherein only a few were saved.

1:3      Do we feel “bound to give thanks” to God for our fellow believers? It is all too easy to see faults in others. However it is better to see good things in them and thank God for those fellow believers.

2:3       In quoting “son of perdition” from John 17:2 we learn something about the one spoken of by Paul here. Whoever or whatever is spoken of the qualities of Judas will be seen.

2:5     Notice the mediation is between men and God. We are the ones with the problem and are in need of being reconciled to God. As Isaiah puts it, by inspiration Isa 59:2

2:9  Paul is re-presenting Jesus’ warning Matt 24:24 – warning the believers that they should not be complacent but be aware of how at risk they were of being deceived.

2Thess 2:3

A reader writes: "I appreciate your comments on the readings. Today's from 2017 sounded like it was written in 2020."

My reply: While the signs of what was to come existed for a long time, the difference between then and now is that everything is in full-force in bringing about the New World Order. The time has arrived. It was inconceivable that Democratic Socialism, which will lead to Communism, would ever be possible in the United States and was written off as a, "conspiracy theory." What a difference three years made! Everything is converging with increased intensity into what will spell disaster, not just for the United States, but for the world!

To those who were watching knew this day would come, and here it is. Those who did not are in panic mode, getting drunk, losing their jobs, losing their homes, destroying families, and suicide rates are on the rise! The attitude of the people became one of what the government will do for them, rather than looking at who they are. How tragic!

I see this in some way as a parallel to Christ's return. Despite all the intensity and frequency of the times in our day, we still have those in Christadelphia who say that every generation waited for Christ and he didn't return.  While true, it is no excuse not to take the signs in our day seriously. Will they be caught off guard: not prepared, not watching, not waiting, not ready? While putting Christ in, "grace over-drive," we forget what he really said, who he really is, and who we really are. How tragic!

2:1 We might ask how the coming of the Lord is a relevant matter when appealing to the believers in Thessalonica. The answer is clear. If we can focus on the fact that Jesus is going to return to judge the living and the dead it would doubtless help us to modify the way we behave and think.

1:4-10 Whilst it is not clear exactly what persecution the believers in Thessalonica were experiencing it is clear they were really suffering. But notice Paul’s instruction. There is no instruction to stoically endure the suffering rather they were encouraged to look beyond the persecution to the better times to come when Jesus returns. It is all too easy for us to focus on the “here and new” when we have problems but rather we should be looking to the future, as Jesus did  - Heb 12:2
 

1:4-5  Clearly the ecclesia in Thessalonica was burdened with the persecution that they were seeing.  When one’s faith is tried it either brings despair or greater commitment. Paul was inspired to remind the brethren that there was a great reward in the future which was not to be compared to the present trouble. The exhortation was to look beyond the present distress. Something we need to realise.

2Thess 2:4

“Who 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 [# 3485, naos*], showing himself that he is God.” 1611 KJV. “G” in God is all capitalized.

“Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is reverenced; so that even in the temple of God, he sits as a god, and shows himself, as though he were a god.” HOLY BIBLE FROM THE ANCIENT EASTERN TEXT, GEORGE M. LAMSA’S TRANSLATION FROM THE ARAMAIC OF THE PESHITTA. Only the first two Gs are capitalized.

“Who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” HEbrEW – GREEK Key Word Study Bible, NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE. Here the first god is not capitalized while the rest are.

We know god refers to a pagan deity, while God refers to YHWH, Creator, so which version is accurate?

In Matt 26:55, “temple” is # <2411>, hieron, “a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas 3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerus[alem], or elsewhere):--temple.” In Acts 19:27, “temple” is # <2411>, hieron, is a sacred place for worshipping the goddess, Diana, while in Mark 11:11, “temple” is also # <2411>, hieron, and refers to God’s Holy Temple that Jesus entered in Jerusalem! The context of the verse determines which is which.

In Matt 26:61, “temple,” is # <3485>, naos, “a fane, shrine, temple…” (*Please note Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance reversed the 48 to 84 - <3845>. This is an error).

Naos: Acts 17:24, “temples, # <3485>, “shrine,” and compare this with Acts 19:24, “shrines,” # <3485>, naos, a “silver shrines” for the goddess, Diana used for heathen idol worship! Then, in Luke 1:9,21,22, “temple,” is also # <3485>, naos, and here it refers to the Jews’ sanctuary wherein only priests could lawfully enter the altar area. Even Jesus couldn’t enter here (Heb 7:13,14; 8:4)!  Again, the context of the verse determines which is which.

2Thess 2:4 refers to the “man of sin” (v. 3), “the son of perdition,” and taking into consideration that “naos” is used in this verse for “temple,” I would conclude neither of the above verses grasped the true intent of what the apostle Paul was conveying. This verse, therefore, ought to read: “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called a god, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sitteth in the temple of god showing himself that he is a god.” This fits the Pope in the Vatican, a heathen temple of pagan worship, claiming he is a god, being the head (cf. 1Cor 11:3) of Roman Catholicism, and “papa” in Latin, father.  Pope Francis is anti-Christ, as clearly evidenced:

https://thepeoplesvoice.tv/pope-francis-declares-klaus-schwab-is-more-important-than-jesus-christ/

3:5 “Patient waiting” is the antidote to the words of those who would trouble and deceive the believers – 2:1-3 - the human way of thinking is to look for instant gratification. God, by taking His time, is developing patience in each of us.

2:7 In using the phrase “the mystery of iniquity” we see that the way in which those opposed to Christ behave. This contrasts with “the mystery of godliness” – 1Tim 3:16 – God’s purpose thwarts the way that men devise iniquity. Neither is mysterious in the sense it cannot be understood. We can certainly understand iniquity and salvation in Christ by reading scripture. It defines and gives examples of both for us to reflect on.