What is the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 2:9? The coming of the lawless one “The coming of the lawless one …” (2 Thessalonians 2:9) • Scripture speaks of a single, literal figure—also called “the man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)—who will step onto the world stage before Christ returns. • He is the final Antichrist (1 John 2:18) foretold in earlier prophecy (Daniel 7:25; 11:36; Revelation 13:1–8). • His “coming” imitates Christ’s Parousia, yet it arises out of rebellion and leads multitudes away from the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). • The phrase underscores that his appearance is scheduled on God’s prophetic calendar; history is not spiraling out of control. Will be accompanied by the working of Satan “… will be accompanied by the working of Satan …” • The lawless one operates under direct satanic empowerment, just as “the dragon gave the beast his power” (Revelation 13:2). • This connection echoes Satan’s earlier attempts to counterfeit God’s work—tempting Jesus with worldly kingdoms (Luke 4:6) and masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). • While Satan supplies the power, God’s sovereignty remains unshaken; even in Job 1:12 the adversary can act only within divine limits. • Knowing the source of this influence alerts believers to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and cling to the true gospel. With every kind of power, sign, and false wonder “… with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder.” • “Power” points to real supernatural ability—miracles that impress the senses (Exodus 7:11). • “Signs” are attention-grabbing acts meant to validate the impostor’s authority (Deuteronomy 13:1–3). • “False wonders” describe spectacular deceptions that steer hearts away from Christ (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:13–14). • The trio shows a full-court press of counterfeit revelation: – Physical phenomena that look irresistible. – Spiritual experiences that feel authentic. – Intellectual arguments that seem convincing. • Those who “refused to love the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) will swallow these lies, confirming the justice of God’s coming judgment. summary 2 Thessalonians 2:9 teaches that a real Antichrist will emerge, empowered by Satan and backed by dazzling yet deceptive miracles. His arrival imitates Christ’s second coming but serves the agenda of darkness. Because God has forewarned His people, believers can recognize the counterfeit, stand firm in truth, and await the genuine glory of Jesus’ return. |
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