As I was studying the two Thessalonian epistles today, I noticed that there’s a question regarding the authority of 2 Thessalonians. Some people say that this letter wasn’t written by the Apostle Paul. There are also assertions that 2 Thessalonians is written as an “apology” for something Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians. Specifically, this verse:

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV)

Paul was addressing the concerns that the Thessalonians had that the day of the Lord had already come. I’ve written about this before, so I’m not going to go into it much here. Other than to suggest that the false teaching going around about this topic had to do with the events in Matthew 27:53: “They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people” (NIV).

Some posit that Paul was saying in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 that the day of the Lord was soon to come because he mentions himself as being alive. Then, in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, the “fake” Paul writes an apology of sorts inferring that 1 Thessalonians was a forgery.

Not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.

2 Thessalonians 2:2 (NIV)

Another verse that some people point to as proof that 2 Thessalonians is a forgery written by someone other than Paul is this verse.

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 (NIV)

Surely some argue, that the real Paul wouldn’t have said that he was really the person writing this letter if he really was Paul. However, someone claiming to be Paul would.

Confused yet? I was certainly confused by some of the stuff I was reading today, but not by what I read in the Bible. This leads me to this verse.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)

I know that Paul was talking about tongues and prophesying during gatherings that the Corinthians attended, but this doesn’t change the application. God isn’t the author of confusion.

I’m not going to go into any explanations about 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians and what Paul meant when he said this thing or that thing. Instead, I want to point out our source. Yours and mine. For Biblical understanding doesn’t come from people. It comes by way of God through the Holy Spirit. Sure, I write a lot about Scripture and do my best to convey what I believe the Lord has shown me. I do this because it’s one way that I’ve been led by the Lord, per Romans 10:14, but the One we all need to go to first is the Holy Spirit. This is why I said I see nothing confusing in 1 or 2 Thessalonians when I read the text. I only see confusion in those trying to explain away how 2 Thessalonians is fake.

It’s fine to read Bible commentaries and discuss the Bible with other Christians. It’s also fine to listen to messages and seek more understanding about God. However, we should always seek God directly for ourselves for all clarity in understanding his word.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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