Commentary in Simple English on 2 Thessalonians

Notes

[0.1] There are two other views. A fair case can be made for 2 Thessalonians being the first of the two letters. Dr. Hemer describes this as 'an open question'. The New Testament epistles are arranged in order of length so that the canonical order proves nothing. The other view is that the two were sent at the same time to two groups in the church - say, Jews and Greeks. Such a view is less acceptable.

[1.1] (1:6) Calvin (Commentary p 390) remarks 'how unjust and perverse the government of the world would be if God did not postpone rewards and punishments to another judgment'.

[1.2] (1:11) The meaning could be that God will fulfil every purpose of his goodness. This seems less likely. See Lenski and Leon Morris.

[2.1] (2:3) Stott (p.159) remarks that the 'Antichrist' figure has four names or titles - the 'Antinomian', the 'Doomed', the 'Enemy' and the 'Climber'. We may compare Revelation 20: 2. But Christ also has fourfold names, as in Revelation 19: 11-16.There are other examples.
Of course, every Roman had three parts to his name. Do these fourfold names seek to go a step further?

[2.2] (2:6) Calvin's view (Commentary) that this is the universal preaching of the gospel is attractive and deserves respect. But it is not quite convincing. The restraining force here does not appear to be good in itself.

[2.3] (2:13) There are other interpretations, of course, either 'from the beginning of Creation' or 'from the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel among you'. Neither is very helpful.
Lenski thought that 'through sanctification of (your human) spirit' was intended by the following words. There seems little support for this view