Interpretation of 2 Thessalonians

Contents

1. 0Theodoret sets out the occasion of 2 Thessalonians, persecution and false claims that the end had come, and notes the equal power of Father and Son in the greeting.
2. 1.3Theodoret explains Paul's praise of the Thessalonians' faith under persecution, the just judgment at Christ's coming in fire, and the warning that the Antichrist, a man filled with the devil's working, must come before the day of the Lord.
3. 1.5Theodoret notes that Paul had already taught the Thessalonians about the Antichrist.
4. 1.6Theodoret rejects the views that what restrains the Antichrist is the Roman Empire or the grace of the Spirit, and explains it as God's decree and the preaching of the gospel to all nations.
5. 1.7Theodoret identifies the mystery of lawlessness with the heresies through which the devil prepares the Antichrist's open deceit.
6. 1.8Theodoret explains the destruction of the lawless one by Christ, his false wonders worked by Satan, God's permitting of error for those who reject the truth, and the equality of Son and Father shown by the order of names.
7. 2.3Theodoret begins to explain Paul's assurance that the Lord will guard the Thessalonians.
8. 2.4Theodoret explains Paul's expression of confidence as encouragement to live up to it.
9. 2.5Theodoret explains that the prayer names Lord, God, and Christ, and so shows the Trinity, with "Lord" meaning the Holy Spirit.
10. 2.6Theodoret explains the command to separate from disorderly brothers who do not follow the tradition Paul gave by his example.
11. 2.7Theodoret explains that Paul worked night and day to support himself while preaching.
12. 2.9Theodoret explains that Paul gave up his right to support as an example, and that "let him not eat" is addressed to the idle.
13. 2.11Theodoret notes that idleness breeds gossip and meddling.
14. 2.12Theodoret explains the command that the idle work quietly and eat their own bread.
15. 3.10Theodoret explains that the disobedient are to be kept at a distance but cared for and admonished as sick members, not treated as enemies.
16. 3.16Theodoret explains Paul's prayer for peace and his autograph greeting.
17. 3.18Theodoret explains that the closing blessing was Paul's autograph sign against forged letters.