Prophecy in 1 and 2 Thessalonians - The Rock of Offence

The epistles of First and Second Thessalonians contain many prophetic messages for God’s people. Of the 136 total verses in these two epistles, more than 50 verses relate to prophecy. Prophecy is the Greek word prophēteia, which literally mean to ‘speak before’. For Christians living today in the apostasy, there remains three basic prophetic events that will soon occur: The Great Tribulation, the Last Day (e.g., Second Coming of Jesus Christ, General Resurrection, Judgment Day) and Eternity in New Jerusalem. Below are links (and summaries) to 27 You Tube videos that examine the prophecy of the Thessalonian epistles:

Patience in Prophecy – Waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Delivered from the Wrath of God

The Call of God into His Kingdom and Glory

Christians and the Crown of Rejoicing (Boasting)

Blameless in Holiness at the Second Coming of Christ

The Raising of Those who Sleep in Christ at the Second Coming

Why the Dead in Christ are Raised First

The Shout in Prophecy

The Voice of the Archangel

The Trumpet Call at Christ’s Returns

Caught up in the Clouds to Meet Christ in the Air

Times and Seasons, but not the Day or Hour

Day of the Lord as a Thief in the Night

Peace and Safety, then Sudden Destruction

Pain in Childbirth – Travail on the Last Day

Tribulation – The Christian Life, The Great Tribulation and Judgment Day

The Revelation of Jesus Christ – Salvation and Judgment

What is Everlasting Destruction by Fire

Deception about the Timing of the Day of Christ

Why the Man of Sin is the Antichrist

The Son of Perdition

The Restraint and Restrainer of the Man of Sin

The Man of Sin sits in the Temple of God

Man of Sin Opposes and Exalts Himself over God

5 Characteristics of the Man of Sin

Epiphany – Brightness of Jesus Christ’s Coming

The Spirit of the Lord’s Mouth

1 Thessalonians Prophetic Verses

2 Thessalonians Prophetic Verses

Outline of 2 Thessalonians

Useful Links

Patience in Prophecy – Waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (1 Th 1:3, 1 Th 1:10, 2 Th 2:16, 3:5)

Summary: There are several passage in the Thessalonian epistles that teach the importance of patience. All true Christians will patiently wait for Jesus Christ. Christians are patient because of the hope they have in the glory of eternal life. While patiently waiting, Christians are proved because of their faith. The Word of God provides comfort while patiently waiting for Christ to return. Their patience is particularly on display during the period of time known as the Great Tribulation.

Delivered from the Wrath of God (1 Th 1:9-10, 1 Th 2:16, 1 Th 5:9)

Summary: The Bible teaches that Christians are delivered from the wrath of God. Jesus Christ is the Deliverer. Wrath points to God’s passionate anger (Judgment Day). The unsaved are appointed to wrath at the End (Last Day). However, God’s people, are delivered (rescued) from the day of God’s wrath. To be rescued means that they are saved from God’s wrath. Also, God’s people are not appointed to wrath because salvation is predetermined from before the foundation of the world.

The Call of God into His Kingdom and Glory (1 Th 2:12, 1 Th 5:24, 2 Th 1:10, 2 Th 2:14)

Summary: Christians are a called out people. The word ‘church’ means to be ‘called out’. This video examines what it means to be ‘called out’. God Calls through the Word of God (Gospel). The Bible teaches that many are called, but few are chosen (elected). Only God’s people (the Elect) are given saving faith. They are called to the Marriage Feast. They attend and are not cast out.

Christians and the Crown of Rejoicing (Boasting) (1 Th 2:19-20)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Christians receive a crown. God’s people are kings in Christ. They receive a crown of righteousness, eternal life and glory. In 1 Th 2:19, the crown of ‘rejoicing’ is literally a crown of ‘boasting’. This boasting is in God’s work, which is done in His people. This work of God results in hope, perseverance, and good works. Christians boasting not in the flesh, but in God’s work.

Blameless in Holiness at the Second Coming of Christ (1 Th 3:13, 1 Th 5:23, 2 Th 3:3)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Christians are blameless. That means that they are without sin since the fleshly body is shed. Christians are viewed as holy and blameless in their spirit existence. The flesh is not and never will be saved. It is prone to sin until the day Christians physically die. Christians, however, will not live a lifestyle of sin because they are led by the Holy Spirit. On the Last Day, Christians flesh and blood are changed to a spiritual body.

The Raising of Those who Sleep in Christ at the Second Coming (1 Th 4:13-14,18)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the dead in Christ are raised. The dead in Christ are said to be ‘asleep’. This awakening out of sleep points to the resurrection of the dead in Christ. This sleep is of the physical body and the raising of the spiritual body to live in the new heaven and new earth. This sleep is not soul sleep since the soul is awake and with Christ awaiting the spiritual glorious body on the Last Day.

Why the Dead in Christ are Raised First (1 Th 4:14-17, 1 Th 3:13)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the dead in Christ are raised first. Then, those who are alive and remain at the coming of the Lord are caught up together with them in the clouds. This video explores the spiritual meaning of why the dead in Christ must be raised first. This underscores that there will be some of God’s people who will never die physically.

The Shout in Prophecy (1 Th 4:16)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there is a shout. The Lord Jesus Christ descends from heaven with a shout. A shout in prophecy points to praise and joy in spiritual battle. A shout was a typical command in the battles of Israel / Judah. Also, a shout occurred at the battle of Jericho after the city was circled seven times on the seventh day. Finally, God’s people shout in praise and joy for God’s salvation; but on the Last Day we find God’s shout on Judgment Day.

The Voice of the Archangel (1 Th 4:16)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Voice of the Archangel is heard. ‘Arch’ means chief or first. Angel simply means ‘messenger’ (which could be God Himself, spiritual angels or human messengers). It is important to understand that Jesus Christ, as God, is the chief messenger (archangel) of the Gospel. The only archangel named in the Bible is ‘Michael’, which is a symbolic name for Jesus Christ. Jesus came preaching the Gospel. The word for Gospel literally means ‘good message’.

The Trumpet Call at Christ’s Returns (1 Th 4:16)

Summary: On the Last Day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there is a sound of a trumpet. In the Bible, a trumpet symbolizes preparation (announcement) of war. Judgment Day (Battle of Armageddon) occurs on the Last Day. This is the seventh trumpet discussed in the Book of Revelation. It also symbolizes the gathering of God’s people for salvation.

Caught up in the Clouds to Meet Christ in the Air (1 Th 4:17)

Summary: The Bible teaches His people are caught up into the clouds at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They meet Jesus Christ in the ‘air’. Clouds are symbolic for the glorious return of Jesus Christ in victory. Air is symbolic of the place of the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This passage points to salvation of the souls of God’s people on the Last Day. The clouds in the air point to the Latter Rain of God’s salvation.

Times and Seasons, but not the Day or Hour (1 Th 5:1)

Summary: The Bible teaches that Christians are to know the times and the seasons. However, they will not know the day or hour of the Last Day. In other words, Christians are to know the times and seasons such as the church age, the Apostasy and the Great Tribulation, which occurs just before the Last Day. Christians are to carefully watch so the Last Day does not come upon them by surprise. Also, prophecy is the blessed hope that all Christians are to earnestly desire.

Day of the Lord as a Thief in the Night (1 Th 5:2-8)

Summary: The day of the Lord is the Last Day, which includes Judgment Day and salvation for God’s people (General Resurrection). This day comes upon the unsaved as a ‘thief in the night’. The symbol of a ‘thief in the night’ points to the fact that for the unsaved, end-time prophecy is unimportant and life seems quite normal even up to the Last Day. Rather, God’s people are commanded to watch for the end-time events of the approaching Last Day.

Peace and Safety, then Sudden Destruction – 1 Th 5:3 (see also 2 Th 1:8-9)

Summary: The Bible teaches that when people say ‘peace and safety’, then sudden destruction comes. By destruction, it is meant Judgment Day. This statement ‘peace and safety’ relates to the time period known as the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation occurs just before the Last Day (Judgment Day). This ‘peace and safety’ that people believe in pertains to false gospels and other means of security rather than security in the true God.

Pain in Childbirth – Travail on the Last Day (1 Th 5:3)

Summary: This video explores the prophetic significance of the pains (travail) of childbirth. There are three fulfillments: pain that brings forth salvation of the spirit in the body, secondly, pain (Great Tribulation) that brings the salvation of the soul and thirdly, pain that occurs on Judgment Day.

Tribulation – The Christian Life, The Great Tribulation and Judgment Day (2 Th 1:4-6)

Summary: This video explores the three ‘tribulation’ events in the Bible. First, all Christians endure tribulation in the body because of the name of Jesus Christ. Second, there is a period of time known as the Great Tribulation, where the churches become desolate due to the revealing of the Antichrist (Man of Sin) and the placement of the Abomination of Desolation in the church. Finally, the third tribulation is for the unsaved on Judgment Day (the Last Day).

The Revelation of Jesus Christ – Salvation and Judgment (2 Th 1:8)

Summary: This video explores the Revelation of Jesus Christ. On the Last Day, Jesus Christ is revealed for both Judgment and Salvation. For the unsaved, it is Judgment Day, but for the saved, it is the day of the salvation of their souls.

What is Everlasting Destruction by Fire (2 Th 1:8-9)

Summary: This video explores the Bible teaching about destruction by fire. On the Last Day, there will be Judgment. This judgment is described in a variety of ways. A person is made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. The spirit is what connects us to God. The soul is what connects us to God’s creation. The body is what functions in God’s creation. Bodies and souls of the unsaved are destroyed on Judgment Day. Fire points to this destruction. The souls are destroyed because there is no place for them in the new heavens / new hearth. The spirits of the unsaved are eternally separated from God in outer darkness. Eternal fire and outer darkness are symbolic of what happens to the unsaved spirits.

Deception about the Timing of the Day of Christ (2 Th 2:1-3)

Summary: There is much deception concerning the timing of the return of Jesus Christ. 2 Th 2:1-3 teaches that there will be two events prior to the return of Jesus Christ. These two events are the ‘apostasy’ and the revealing of the Man of Sin. There is much false prophecy in the ‘Christian’ churches and parachurches today. The doctrine known as Premillennialism is both a false gospel and false prophecy.

Why the Man of Sin is the Antichrist (2 Th 2:3-4)

Summary: The Man of Sin is the Antichrist. The Man of Sin is just one of many references to the Antichrist found throughout the Bible. The Man of Sin like the Antichrist is opposed to the Christ (Prophet, Priest and King). Notably the pride of the Man of Sin is described similarly to other notable entities in the Bible that are the Antichrist. Also, Satan gives his power to the Beast of Revelation 13 (which is a symbol for the Antichrist). The same is said of the Man of Sin (2 Th 2:9).

The Son of Perdition (2 Th 2:4, 2:9-10)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) is also referred to as the Son of Perdition. Perdition is the opposite of salvation. The word ‘perdition’ means destruction (loss / ruin). The Man of Sin is referred to a Son because he is the son of his father, the devil (Satan). The Man of Sin is powered by Satan. Satan is also is called Apollyon in Revelation 9. Apollyon means one that destroys. This release of Apollyon from the bottomless pit in Revelation 9 is a parallel to the release of Satan in Revelation 20 for the little season of the Great Tribulation.

The Restraint and Restrainer of the Man of Sin (2 Th 2:5-8)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) is restrained during the period of time known as the church age. The church age is symbolized by the Revelation 20 Millennium of 1000 years. During this time, Satan is bound in the bottomless pit and therefore, his power is limited. This is the restraint of the Man of Sin referred to in 2 Th 2. The restrainer is Jesus Christ.

The Man of Sin sits in the Temple of God (2 Th 2:4)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) sits in the Temple of God. This action of the Man of Sin is also described in many other titles, symbols and types of the antichrist. The Man of Sin is powered by Satan and is a prideful leader politically and in the church. This Antichrist sits in the Temple of God, which is symbolic of him having significant power within the church. This is an important prophecy since most people believe that they will be raptured prior to the period of time known as the Great Tribulation.

Man of Sin Opposes and Exalts Himself over God (2 Th 2:4)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) opposes and exalts himself above God. He as God even sits in the temple of God. This action of the Man of Sin is also described in many other titles, symbols and types of the antichrist. The Man of Sin is powered by Satan and is a prideful leader politically and in the church. This Antichrist sits in the Temple of God, which is symbolic of him having significant power within the church. This is during the Great Tribulation when the church and parachurches are Babylon. In Revelation 17, Babylon rides on the scarlet colored beast, which symbolizes the false Christian church and parachurches being powered by Satan. At this time the abomination of desolation is placed in the church and the church is worldly. The ‘daily’ is removed which symbolizes the removal of the church focus on prayer, Bible study and service. This results in the desolation of God’s true people because they are either taken captive in these false churches or driven away.

5 Characteristics of the Man of Sin (2 Th 2:3-4,7-12)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) has 5 important characteristics: sin (lawlessness), pride (opposed / exalted against God), Satan-powered, signs / wonders and lies / deception. These are also characteristics of many other titles, symbols and types of the antichrist.

Epiphany – Brightness of Jesus Christ’s Coming (2 Th 2:8)

Summary: The Greek word transliterated as ‘epiphany’ literally means to ‘shine upon’ or around. In the Bible an epiphany can occur for two reasons. The first is salvation of the Christian. Once saved, Christians are removed from the kingdom of darkness and are shined upon by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The second meaning is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for His people. At this time the epiphany of Jesus Christ results in judgment of those who are unsaved.

The Spirit of the Lord’s Mouth (2 Th 2:8)

Summary: The Man of Sin (Antichrist) is consumed by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s mouth. This symbol points to the fact that the unsaved are judged by the Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Word of God. The sword that protrudes out of the mouth of Christ on Judgment Day is the Word of God.

1 Thessalonians Prophetic Verses

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1Th 1:3)
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1Th 1:9-10)
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (1Th 2:12)
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. (1Th 2:19-20)
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1Th 3:13)
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1Th 4:13)
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1Th 4:14)
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (1Th 4:15)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (1Th 4:16)
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1Th 4:17)
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:18)
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1Th 5:1-11)
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1Th 5:23-24)

2 Thessalonians Prophetic Verses

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: (2Th 1:5-11)
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 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. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Th 2:1-14)
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, (2Th 2:16)
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2Th 3:3)
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (2Th 3:5)

Outline of 2 Thessalonians

Greeting from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy (2 Th 1:1-2)
Thankfulness for the faith, love and the patience of the Thessalonians in persecutions and tribulations (2 Th 1:3-5)
God will judge the persecutors and provide rest for God’s people on the Last Day (2 Th 1:6-10)
Prayer for God’s work to be done in the Thessalonians for His glory (2 Th 1:11-12)
Patience needed for the Day of Christ – Two things to watch for (2 Th 2:1-3)
Characteristics and actions of the Man of Sin (2 Th 2:3-12)
Stand firm since Christians are chosen and called and receive God’s consolation (2 Th 2:13-17)
Pray that the Word of God may have free course (2 Th 3:1-2)
The Lord is faithful and will direct your hearts (2 Th 3:3-5)
Warning against idleness (2 Th 3:6-12)
Command to obey the epistle (2 Th 3:13-15)
Benediction – peace and grace (2 Th 3:16-17)