Keraia
2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2:4

The Man of Lawlessness · 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
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Translations

Modern
He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Traditional
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Literal
…the one opposing and exalting himself above every so-called god or object of worship—so as for him to sit down in the temple of God, setting forth that he himself is God.
Latin
…qui adversatur, et extollitur supra omne, quod dicitur Deus, aut quod colitur, ita ut in templo Dei sedeat ostendens se tamquam sit Deus.

Original

Greek
English
He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

Notes

2 Thessalonians 2:4

  • exalt himself: Like other Roman cities, Thessalonica built temples to worship the emperor (king). This religion (cult) was the model for the worship described here.

  • he will seat himself in the temple of God: Antiochus Epiphanes polluted the temple in Jerusalem in 167 BC (see Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). This might have anticipated the event prophesied here (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). It could also refer to Emperor Caligula's attempt to place his image in the temple in AD 40.

  • Alternatively, the temple might be a temple of the emperor. Here, of God could mean of the god. They will build this temple to honor the man of lawlessness. It is not necessarily the temple in Jerusalem.

  • proclaiming himself to be God (Ezekiel 28:2–10): In the first century AD, people often gave divine titles to the emperor.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12

False teachings about the Day of the Lord had upset the Thessalonian church (2:1–2). Paul reminds them that two events will happen before that day: a great rebellion and the revealing of the man of lawlessness (2:3–12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8). Those deceived by him will also encounter judgment (2:9–12).

Glossary

Antichrist Apostasy Mystery of Lawlessness Parousia Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Thessalonians Temple

Topics

Ambition: Antichrist Antichrist: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: The Man of Sin Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Self-Exaltation: General Scriptures Concerning Temple of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) The Antichrist Third Temple