IN the absence of any very positive evidence on the subject, it has been generally supposed that the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians was written, like the First, from Corinth, and not after a very long interval of time. In the introductory salutation the writer joins the same names with his own in both cases,--names of persons known to have been with Paul at Corinth at the time alluded to.

      This Epistle has been brought into a somewhat prominent position in the history or controversial theology, on account of the discussions to which the prediction relating to the man of sin, contained in the second chapter, has given rise. That prediction points, evidently, to the development of some great power or influence hostile to pure Christianity; but very various opinions have been advanced in the attempts to ascertain what particular apostatizing enemy was intended.

      5. Token of the righteous judgment of God; that is, an indication that there is a righteous judgment to come [458]

      9. Everlasting destruction. The word destruction is perhaps still more decisive even than such terms as eternal and everlasting, in reference to the perpetuity of the moral ruin in which the impenitent soul will be involved. If the permanent and final loss of virtue and happiness can be indicated by any language whatever, it would seem that such phraseology as "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord" is the language fitted to express it. We must not, however, in looking forward to the future condition of the condemned, conceive of them as simply suffering through eternity the punishment due for the sins of this life; but, on the other hand, as continuing to sin, and consequently continuing to suffer. The misery of the soul in a future world is the consequence of its impenitence in this; but it is nowhere in the Scriptures said to be the penalty for that sin exclusively. The doctrine of the gospel is simply this,--that a change of the heart and character, which becomes almost out of the question after the lapse of many years of sin in this life, becomes wholly out of the question after death has terminated probation; and then, when there is no longer any hope of holiness, there can be none of happiness or peace. In the great and, almost insuperable difficulties in the way of moral transformation late in life, which we all witness in this world, we have indications by which the truth of this doctrine is strongly confirmed.

      2. It would seem from this expression that Paul had been supposed to teach that the final coming of Christ was then very near. Perhaps his remarks on the subject in 1 Thess. 4:15-17, are referred to.

      3. A failing away; an apostasy.--Be revealed; openly appear.

      6. What withholdeth, &c.; that is, what cause prevents the development of the apostasy now.

      7. Letteth; restrains and hinders. [459]

      8. That Wicked; the influence designated above as "the man of sin."

      11. Send them strong delusion; open before them the way of delusion and sin,--since they desired and sought it. There has been a great deal of discussion, and a great variety of opinions, in regard to the person or power intended by is prediction. (v. 3-12.) Some commentators understand it to refer to pagan persecutions that were to occur in those days, and to precede the destruction of Jerusalem, which they suppose to have been intended by the coming of Christ. (v. 2.) Protestant commentators have very extensively applied the description to the Roman hierarchy, to the usurpations and abuses of which the particulars of the description in many respects correspond. Others have considered it as referring to a malignant influence against the cause of God, yet to be developed.

      15. The traditions; the instructions.

      1. Be glorified; by its success and efficacy. [460]

      8. Compare 1 Thess. 2:9.

      9. We have not power; that is, power to require of them a support.

      11. Busybodies; busy with other people's affairs, instead of attending to their own duties. [461]

[AINT 458-461]