One of Paul's primary purposes for writing 2 Thessalonians was to correct the rumor that Jesus was going to come back immediately. The people were growing discouraged and were confused. Paul tackles this head on in verses 1-2, "we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us."
He then writes about how Jesus won't return until some "man of lawlessness" is revealed, who will oppose God, exalt himself, perform counterfeit miracles, and ultimately, be overthrown and destroyed by Jesus and the breath of his mouth and splendor of His coming (v. 4-9).
We also see how many will be deceived by the work of Satan, and that they will perish because they refuse to love the truth. They refuse to be saved. They will believe the lies of evil and will be condemned. These are difficult, uncomfortable words to read...one of those aspects of Scripture that makes us cringe a little. I want to say, "God are you sure that those who reject you and refuse to believe have to be condemned? Isn't that a little extreme?" It's in those moments when I'm reminded how desperate our condition is apart from Christ, and how unfathomably gracious God is to have sent His Son to die our death.
Paul closes the chapter by encouraging the Thessalonians in their saving relationship with the Lord. They have been called and have responded in faith. Paul urges them to "stand firm", hold to what they've been taught, and prays for their strengthening and encouragement.
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