1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 

형제들아 우리가 너희에게 구하는 것은 우리 주 예수 그리스도의 강림하심과 우리가 그 앞에 모임에 관하여

The reason Paul is writing to the Thessalonians for the second time. it concerns the coming again of the Lord Jesus which he taught them in the first letter (1 Thess 4:16 – 17).

² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us – whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter – asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 

혹 영으로나, 혹 말로나, 혹 우리에게서 받았다 하는 편지로나 주의 날이 이르렀다고 쉬 동심하거나 두려워하거나 하지 아니할 그것이라

There were obviously false teachers telling the Thessalonians that Jesus had come back already and somehow they missed it! It might sound bizarre to modern believers, but throughout history many dictators have actually claimed the worlds they build are the paradise, and by claiming so they exalt themselves as the returned Lord. But even without false leaders and teachers, are not many of us or around us live as if this world now is what we hope for?  

³ Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 

누가 아무렇게 하여도 너희가 미혹하지 말라 먼저 배도하는 일이 있고 저 불법의 사람 곧 멸망의 아들이 나타나기 전에는 이르지 아니하리니

This figure ‘the man of lawlessness’, ‘the son of destruction (ESV, NASB)’ seem to coincide with ‘the Antichrist’ (1 John 2:18) and ‘the beast coming out of the sea’ (Rev 13:1).[1] The first reaction we tend to show when we hear this kind of remark is, ‘Who is this?’ and would like to have it pointed down to some individuals. But rather this is someone/something that works behind all ungodly things – that hinder us from living the way God wills, being filled with His Spirit. So at the end times when our Lord does return the identity of this power will not only be revealed but also crushed. The vision of it is vividly pictured in Rev. 19, 20.  

⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

저는 대적하는 자라 범사에 일컫는 하나님이나 숭배함을 받는 자 위에 뛰어나 자존하여 하나님 성전에 앉아 자기를 보여 하나님이라 하느니라

Indeed such force claims everyday that it is God and claim worship from everyone. It is not only about a certain figure in history who built his statue in the temple. It is over everything and all times. But until a limited time. In all this Paul’s teaching is not only Christ has not come back yet! But also we are not to lose sight of his real coming back and that the true God who started the good work in us will surely accomplish it perfectly until then. Therefore hold fast!

Dear Lord our true and almighty God! We are believers who you have called and are sanctifying. This world until you come back is a mixture of confusion and unrest whitewashed with success and convenience.  Let us not lose sight of you! Let us hold fast! You do not want us to hide away in dark caves until you return. You want us to live. Live a life of a believer filled with your Spirit in this world. But we are scared. How are we to live in this world but not of this world? In minutes and seconds we are all mixed and swirled into the thoughts and ideas of this world. Lord! Give us the courage and strength not to be scared. Let us know how to live. Let us remember that you will return and that you will reveal the man of lawlessness and crush it. Let us go with you slowly, step by step. Hold my hand today my Lord. In your precious name. Amen.   

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[1] Blomberg, Craig L., and Darlene M. Seal. From Pentecost to Patmos, New Testament Introduction and Survey Volume 2,. London: APOLLOS, 2021, 227