Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Thessalonian 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
10. and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish ] Both reading and rendering need to be amended; it is rather, and in all deceit of unrighteousness for the perishing the opposite of “them that are being saved,” or “the subjects of salvation” (1Co 1:18; 2Co 2:15). They follow, alas, the guidance of “the son of perdition,” and share his ruin (2Th 2:3).
“Deceit of unrighteousness” is a phrase compounded similarly to “good pleasure of goodness,” ch. 2Th 1:11; it signifies such deceit as belongs to unrighteousness, that which it is wont to employ. These devices are “deceit for the perishing,” for men without the lie of God, whose spiritual perception is destroyed by sin and who therefore fall a prey to deceit. The children of God are not imposed upon by these means; they know how to “prove all things” (1Th 5:21). Read carefully 1Jn 4:1-6, and compare with this context.
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved ] Placing himself amid the scenes of the triumph of Antichrist and viewing the sad fate of his victims, St Paul explains their ruin. They had no “love of the truth.” This sentiment they never “entertained.” And so in compensation for this they believe wicked lies, to their undoing: in return for their refusal to entertain the love of the truth. On receive, see note to 1Th 2:13 (second “received”); there is implied a want of heart to receive.
It is not “the truth” simply, but “ the love of the truth” that these unhappy men repudiate. Their unbelief is not of the reason so much as of the heart. Those of whom the Apostle speaks resist “the truth” with an instinctive, invincible prejudice; for they have no desire to “be saved” from the sins it condemns. Christ found in this moral prepossession the reason why so many rejected His word. “Every one that doeth evil,” He said, “hateth the light” (Joh 3:20; comp. Joh 10:26; &c.). So St Paul writes in 2Co 4:3-4, “Our gospel is a veiled thing amongst them that perish. The god of this world has blinded their minds that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ may not shine upon them.” It is a just, but mournful result, that rejecters of Christ’s miracles become believers in Satan’s, and that atheism should be avenged by superstition. So it has been, and will be.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness – There are two ideas here. The first is, that there would be deceit; and the other is, that it would be for the purpose of promoting unrighteousness or iniquity. The iniquitous system would be maintained by fraudulent methods. No one who has read Pascals Provincial Letters can ever doubt that this description is applicable to the system of the Jesuits; and no one familiar with the acts of the papacy, as they have always been practiced, can doubt that the whole system is accurately described by this language. The plausible reasoning by which the advocates of that system have palliated and apologized for sins of various kinds, has been among its most remarkable features.
In them that perish – Among those who will perish; that is, among the abandoned and wicked. The reference is to men of corrupt minds and lives, over whom this system would have power; countenancing them in their depravity, and fitting them still farther for destruction. The idea is, that these acts would have special reference to men who would be lost at any rate, and who would be sustained in their wickedness by this false and delusive system.
Because they received not the love of the truth – They prefer this system of error and delusion to the simple and pure gospel, by which they might have been saved.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness] With every art that cunning can invent and unrighteousness suggest, in order to delude and deceive.
In them that perish] Among them that are destroyed; and they are destroyed and perish because they would not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. So they perish because they obstinately refuse to be saved, and receive a lie in preference to the truth. This has been true of all the Jews from the days of the apostle until now.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness; or, deceit of unrighteousness, unrighteous deceit, or deceitful unrighteousness. And it is universal, all. It is unrighteousness managed with great subtlety to deceive; and so the same with the mystery of iniquity, mentioned before, or the mystery of unrighteousness, as we may read it. All sin is unrighteousness, whether against God or man, as all virtue is comprehended in righteousness. The apostle here means unrighteousness so cloaked and covered, that men discern it not, but are deceived by it: as the Pharisees, who devoured widows houses, and for pretence made long prayers; and so also they tithed mint and cummin as exactly religious, built the sepulchres of the prophets, made broad their phylacteries, would not eat with unwashen hands, &c. The like we find in the Church of Rome, as I mentioned before, where men are ambitious, covetous, cruel, superstitious, &c., and all under a pretence of righteousness, and for honour to Christ and the church: make use of Peters keys to open rich mens coffers; and for a sum of money, to absolve men in this world, or to redeem them out of purgatory in the other worid; which is a mere cheat, &c. Thus comes this man of sin, and by such ways he hath advanced himself.
In them that perish: this shows who they are that are deceived by him. Reprobates are often so described, 2Co 2:15; 4:3; and it is the same as elsewhere signifies damnation. The word signifies men that are lost, so used Mat 18:11, or destroyed, 2Co 4:9. They are such as have not their names written in the book of life, Rev 13:8; and who shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, and the smoke of their torment ascendeth for ever, Rev 14:10,11.
Because they received not the love of the truth: and the apostle gives the reason why they are thus deceived. He saith not they had not received the truth, but the love of it, and so hold it not fast, but are carried away with the general apostacy. Truth is either natural, which the heathen had, and detained in unrighteousness, Rom 1:18; or supernatural, from Divine revelation. This is meant, for he speaks not of heathens, but Christians; not the world, but the church.
That they might be saved: and the truth here meant is saving truth, as the gospel is called the word of truth, Eph 1:13; Col 1:5; for had they received it in love they might have been saved, but for want of that they perish; so that it is unsound, notional professors that are carried away by the man of sin, and deceived by him. Truth, if it be not received into the heart as well as the head, will not secure against apostacy or popery, nor prevent perishing. And the amiableness that is in gospel truth calls for love, as the certainty of its revelation calls for faith; and had they so received the truth they might have been saved.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. deceivablenessrather asGreek, “deceit of (to promote) unrighteousness” (2Th2:12).
inThe oldestmanuscripts and versions omit “in.” Translate, “untothem that are perishing” (2Co 2:15;2Co 2:16; 2Co 4:3):the victims of him whose very name describes his perishingnature, “the son of perdition”; in contrast to youwhom (2Th 2:13) “God hathfrom the beginning chosen to salvation through sanctificationof the Spirit and belief of the truth.”
becauseliterally, “inrequital for”; in just retribution for their having no lovefor the truth which was within their reach (on account of its puttinga check on their bad passions), and for their having “pleasurein unrighteousness” (2Th 2:12;Rom 1:18); they are lostbecause they loved not, but rejected, the truth which would havesaved them.
received notGreek,“welcomed not”; admitted it not cordially.
love of the truthnotmerely love of truth, but love of THEtruth (and of, Jesus who is the Truth, in opposition toSatan’s “lie,” 2Th 2:9;2Th 2:11; Joh 8:42-44),can save (Eph 4:21). Weare required not merely to assent to, but to love the truth(Ps 119:97). The Jewsrejected Him who came in His divine Father’s name; they will receiveAntichrist coming in his own name (Joh5:43). Their pleasant sin shall prove their terrible scourge.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness,…. Not that he deceives, or goes about to deceive, or thinks to deceive by open unrighteousness; but by unrighteousness, under a pretence of righteousness and holiness; as with the doctrines of justification and salvation by a man’s own righteousness, with the doctrines of merit and of works of supererogation, which are taking to men, and by which they are deceived, and are no other than unrighteousness with God, and betray ignorance of his righteousness, and a non-submission to it; as also with practices which carry a show of holiness, religion, and devotion, when they are no other than acts of impiety, superstition, and will worship; as their litanies and prayers, their worship of images, angels, and saints departed, their frequent fasts and festivals, their pilgrimages, penance, and various acts of mortification and the like: but then these deceptions only have place
in them that perish; whom the god of this world has blinded, from whom the Gospel is hid, and to whom it is foolishness: all men indeed are in a lost perishing condition, through original and actual sin; but all shall not perish, there are some that God will not have perish, whom Christ is given for that they should not perish, and whom he has redeemed by his blood, and to whom he gives eternal life; but there are others that are vessels of wrath afore ordained to condemnation, reprobate men left to themselves, and given up to their hearts’ lusts; and these, and only these, are finally and totally deceived, by the signs and lying wonders, and false appearances of antichrist; see Mt 24:24
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved; by the “truth” is meant either Christ the truth of types, the sum of promises, in whom the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are, and by whom grace and truth came; or the Gospel, often called truth, and the word of truth, it coming from the God of truth, has for its subject Christ the truth, is dictated and directed into by the spirit of truth, and contains nothing but truth: and by “the love” of it is meant, either the loveliness of it, for truth is an amiable, lovely thing, in its nature and use; or an affection for it, which there is, where true faith in it is, for faith works by love: there may be a flashy affection for the truths of the Gospel, where there is no true faith in Christ, or the root of the matter is not, as in the stony ground hearers; and there may be an historical faith in the doctrines of the Gospel, where the power of them is denied, and there is no true hearty love for them; and in these persons there is neither faith nor love; the truths of the Gospel are neither believed by them, nor are they affected with them, that so, they might be saved; for where there is true faith in the Gospel of Christ, and in Christ the substance of it, there is salvation; the reason therefore of these men’s perishing is not the decree of God, nor even want of the means of grace, the revelation of the Gospel, but their rejection and contempt of it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
With all deceit of unrighteousness ( ). This pastmaster of trickery will have at his command all the energy and skill of Satan to mislead and deceive. How many illustrations lie along the pathway of Christian history.
For them that are perishing ( ). Dative case of personal interest. Note this very phrase in 2Cor 2:15; 2Cor 4:3. Present middle participle of , to destroy, the dreadful process goes on.
Because (‘ ). In return for which things ( and the genitive of the relative pronoun). Same idiom in Luke 1:20; Luke 12:3; Luke 19:44; Acts 12:23 and very common in the LXX.
The love of the truth ( ). That is the gospel in contrast with lying and deceit.
That they might be saved ( ). First aorist passive infinitive of with , again, epexegetic purpose of
the truth if they had heeded it.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Deceivableness of unrighteousness [ ] . Better deceit of unrighteousness; which is characteristic of unrighteousness and is employed by it.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And with all deceivableness” (kai en pase apate) and with all deceit”; as Satan, the Devil, is by nature a deceiver, he uses his power to hold in slavery, through demon spirits, and the sin nature, all the unsaved possible, to damn them in hell. 1Jn 2:18; 2Co 4:3-6.
2) “Of unrighteousness in them that perish” (adikias tois apollumenois) “of unrighteousness in those perishing”; the Christ rejecting, unregenerated ones, 2Co 2:15; 2Co 4:3; 1Co 1:1. Responsible people, who are not born again, are said to be lost, perishing, condemned, afar off from God, because they HEED Satan, 2Co 4:3-4.
3) “Because they received not the love of the truth” (anth hon ten agapen tes aletheias ouk edeksanto), “because they did not of their own accord receive the love of the truth”, or the love of God revealed in truth, the truth, Joh 14:6. The love of the truth embraces the gospel, 1Co 15:1-4 and its call to service in the Church, Eph 2:10; Eph 3:21.
4) “That they might be saved” (eis to sothenai autous) “In order that they might be saved”; Salvation, or deliverance, in the fuller sense, refers to (1) deliverance from condemnation and hell to (2) identity and useful service for Christ in His Church, and to (3) a bodily resurrection, in the glorified likeness of Christ, for Millennial and heaven of heaven services to Him.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 In those that perish. He limits the power of Satan, as not being able to injure the elect of God, just as Christ, also, exempts them from this danger. (Mat 24:24.) From this it appears, that Antichrist has not so great power otherwise than by his permission. Now, this consolation was necessary. For all the pious, but for this, would of necessity be overpowered with fear, if they saw a yawning gulf pervading the whole path, along which they must pass. Hence Paul, however he may wish them to be in a state of anxiety, that they may be on their guard, lest by excessive carelessness they should fall back, nay, even throw themselves into ruin, does, nevertheless, bid them cherish good hope, inasmuch as Satan’s power is bridled, that he may not be able to involve any but the wicked in ruin.
Because they received not the love. Lest the wicked should complain that they perish innocently, (675) and that they have been appointed to death rather from cruelty on the part of God, than from any fault on their part, Paul shews on what good grounds it is that so severe vengeance from God is to come upon them — because they have not received in the temper of mind with which they ought the truth which was presented to them, nay more, of their own accord refused salvation. And from this appears more clearly what I have already stated — that the gospel required to be preached to the world before God would give Satan so much permission, for he would never have allowed his temple to be so basely profaned, (676) had he not been provoked by extreme ingratitude on the part of men. In short, Paul declares that Antichrist will be the minister of God’s righteous vengeance against those who, being called to salvation, have rejected the gospel, and have preferred to apply their mind to impiety and errors. Hence there is no reason why Papists should now object, that it is at variance with the clemency of Christ to cast off his Church in this manner. For though the domination of Antichrist has been cruel, none have perished but those who were deserving of it, nay more, did of their own accord choose death. (Pro 8:36.) And unquestionably, while the voice of the Son of God has sounded forth everywhere, it finds the ears of men deaf, nay obstinate, (677) and while a profession of Christianity is common, there are, nevertheless, few that have truly and heartily given themselves to Christ. Hence it is not to be wondered, if similar vengeance quickly follows such a criminal (678) contempt.
It is asked whether the punishment of blindness does not fall on any but those who have on set purpose rebelled against the gospel. I answer, that this special judgment by which God has avenged open contumacy, (679) does not stand in the way of his striking down with stupidity, (680) as often as seems good to him, those that have never heard a single word respecting Christ, for Paul does not discourse in a general way as to the reasons why God has from the beginning permitted Satan to go at large with his falsehoods, but as to what a horrible vengeance impends over gross despisers of new and previously unwonted grace. (681)
He uses the expression — receiving the love of the truth, to mean — applying the mind to the love of it. Hence we learn that faith is always conjoined with a sweet and voluntary reverence for God, because we do not properly believe the word of God, unless it is lovely and pleasant to us.
(675) “ Sans cause et estans innocens;” — “Without cause, and being innocent.”
(676) “ Vileinement et horriblement;” — “Basely and horribly.”
(677) “ Eudurcies et obstinees;” — “Hardened and obstinate.”
(678) “ Si execrable;” — “So execrable.”
(679) “ Le mespris orgueilleux de sa Parolle;” — “Proud contempt of his Word.”
(680) “ Estourdissement et stupidite;” — “Giddiness and stupidity.”
(681) “ C’est ascauoir de l’Euangile;” — “That is, of the Gospel.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Text (2Th. 2:10)
10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Translation and Paraphrase
10.
And (his manner of coming is just what you might expect. It is in keeping) with every (form of) deceit (that is within the ability) of unrighteousness. (He comes particularly) to the lost, because they have not (welcomed nor) received the love of the truth so that they might be saved (and therefore they are easily deceived by the doctrines of the man of sin).
Notes (2Th. 2:10)
1.
Two things are stated about the coming of the Wicked one, the man of sin:
(1)
He comes with all power, and signs, and lying wonders. 2Th. 2:9.
(2)
He comes with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. 2Th. 2:10.
2.
We have talked to numerous people who have gone off into some cult or strange doctrine. Many of these people have told us, I had been a member of several churches, and I tried to understand the Bible, but I just never was satisfied unto I went into my present belief.
3.
Perhaps the reason that they were not satisfied was that they had been fed on denominational teaching, rather than actually on what the Bible says. Such doctrines as (1) that we are saved by faith alone, or (2) that one church is just as good as another, or (3) that everybody is going to heaven; we are just going there by different routes, are enough to make anybody dissatisfied if he has studied the Scriptures with understanding.
A person will surely be more than satisfied with his faith, if he will do these things:
(1)
Believe in Jesus as Gods son and your only Lord and savior.
(2)
Take the Bible as your only authority.
(3)
Repent and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins, as the Holy Spirit commanded. Act. 2:38.
(4)
Call yourself a Christian, or a disciple of Christ, but dont wear any denominational names invented by men.
(5)
Consider yourself a member of ONLY that divine church to which the Lord adds all saved people. Act. 2:47. If Paul and the early Christians could be members of the Lords church without belonging to any denomination, we also can do it and should.
(6)
Be faithful in worship, telling others about your faith, giving your money, prayer, and the study of Gods word.
4.
Still there are people who have known the truth, but are restless and desire to know things that God has not revealed. They are always looking for something novel and spectacular, something that will make them feel that they are superior to their brethren. They long to be the enlightened ones, the gnostics. This is a dangerous attitude of mind, and often causes them to accept some outlandish doctrine.
We should have an attitude such as David had when he said, Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Psa. 131:1.
5.
The deceivableness of unrighteousness means the deceit which unrighteousness uses. Unrighteousness will use any trick to win followers. Unrighteousness uses half-truths, the pressure of business and friends, appeals to pride, brainwashing, and any other method that will obtain our support.
Because Christians are harmless as doves, they sometimes mistakenly assume that others have the same straight-forward, good-intentioned spirit that they themselves have. Unfortunately that is not the case. Hence we must not only be as harmless as doves, but as wise as serpents. Mat. 10:16.
6.
This verse mentions them that perish. These people are also called them that are lost. (The word here translated perish (apollumi) in the middle voice means to be lost.)
Thus we read in 2Co. 4:3-4 that, If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) And with all deceivableness.Deceivableness does not mean readiness to be deceived, but, according to old English usage, has an active meaning; the words include and expand the list just given in all sham power and signs and wonders, and, in fact, in every iniquitous fraud.
In them that perish.Rather, for them. These are not the persons who exercise the fraud, but the objects of it. The word depends not only on deceivableness, but on the whole sentence: his coming (for them) is, &c. St. Paul adds the words as a consolation to them that are saved: it will not be possible to seduce the elect (Mar. 13:22). They that perish (1Co. 1:18; 2Co. 2:15; 2Co. 4:3; comp. also Act. 2:47) is a phrase which contains no reference whatever to the doctrine of predestination, but merely describes the class; the men who let themselves be thus duped are, as a plain matter of fact, in course of perishing.
Because.Here does come in the question of Gods decree. The phrase rendered because means in requital of the fact that, which at once implies that their being duped by Antichrists coming is a judicial visitation. (See next verse.) They did not receive, i.e., it was offered them, and they refused it; not, as Calvinism would teach, because it was not given them. The grace of love of the truth is offered us along with every new presentment of truth; if we are too indolent to examine whether it be truth, we are rejecting the love of the truth. This is a worse thing than not accepting the truth itself: if they had only aspired to know what was the truth they would have been saved, even if, in fact, they had been in error.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. Deceivableness Rather, deceivingness, actively taken; referring to the deceiving operations of the man of sin.
Of unrighteousness The deceptiveness of his iniquity.
In them that perish The objects of the unrighteous deception; literally, towards or upon them who are the perishing: namely, those who receive, and become partisans of, the iniquity of antichrist. They are now sinking to perdition.
Because Reason why they are the perishing; first, they loved not the truth; secondly, they consequently believed not the truth; thirdly, they incurred from God these strong delusions to the belief of the deception of the man of sin, that they might be (not damned) but judged.
Received not the love of the truth Back of their disbelief of truth was their hatred of the truth. And this hatred was voluntary and not necessary, for they received not they rejected the possible predisposition towards the truth. Back of all was a free responsible will. For these followers of antichrist had, or might have had, knowledge of the true Christ. They were in the Church, as he was seated in the Church, 2Th 2:4; and they were guilty of a falling away, 2Th 2:3, an apostasy.
That they might be saved The result which would have followed their choosing the love of truth.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Th 2:10 . ] and in every deceit which leads to or advances unrighteousness, i.e. ungodliness (Estius, Aretius, Grotius, de Wette, and others).
But this energetic working of Antichrist by no means describes his power as irresistible; only the succumb under it. Theodoret: , , .
] is dativus incommodi , and belongs not only to (Heydenreich, Flatt, Hofmann), but to the whole sentence from 2Th 2:9 onwards.
] are they who perish, who fall into eternal (comp. 1Co 1:18 ; 2Co 2:15 ; 2Co 4:3 ), and the present participle characterizes this future fate as already decided . Comp. Bernhardy, Syntax , p. 371. But the addition . . . denotes that this was occasioned by their own fault .
] in requital for this (comp. Luk 1:20 ; Luk 19:44 ; Act 12:23 ; LXX. 1Ki 11:11 ; Joe 3:5 ; Xen. Anab. i. 3. 4, ibid. v. 5. 14), that they have not received in themselves the love of the truth . To interpret, with Bolten: , “the loveable and true religion,” is naturally as impossible as, with Chrysostom, Theodoret, [51] Oecumenius, and Theophylact, to find therein a circumlocution for Christ Himself. denotes moral and religious truth generally , not, as is usually supposed, Christian truth specially. Thus every objection which Kern (p. 212) takes to it vanishes, that was written instead of the simple . For in a similar manner, as the apostle in Gal 5:5 , instead of the simple , which one would expect, put the apparently strange , but did so designedly, in order to oppose to the arrogant feeling of the legally righteous the humble feeling of the true Christian; so here the expression is designedly chosen to bring forward the high degree of guilt . Not only have they not received the Christian truth presented to them; for it might be still conceivable that they highly esteemed the truth itself and felt themselves drawn to it, although in consequence of spiritual blindness they had not known and recognised Christianity as an embodiment and full expression of the truth; but they have not even received into their hearts the love of the truth under whatever form it may be presented to them; they have rendered themselves entirely unsusceptible of the truth, they have hardened themselves against it.
] in order that they might be saved , brings still more prominently forward this hardness. They ought to have received that , to the end that they might receive , eternal salvation. But the attainment of such an end did not trouble them, was something indifferent to them .
[51] , .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Ver. 10. And with all deceiveableness ] Popery is nothing else but a great lie, a grand imposture, a farrago of falsities and heresies. It is not without cause that the Centurists say, “That all the old heretics fled, and hid themselves in the Popish clergy.” (Cent. x. c. 11.)
Because they received not the love ] This is the great gospel sin, punished by God with strong delusions, vile affections, just damnation. Infatuati seducentur, seducti iudicabuntur. Given up by God they shall be seduced, and being seduced they shall be condemned. It is Austin’s note upon this text.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Th 2:10 . ( cf. 2Th 2:12 ) here, as Luk 11:42 , with obj. gen. Cf. Asc. Isa. , iv. 15, 16: “And He will give rest [above, ch. 2Th 1:7 ] to the godly whom He shall find in the body in this world, and to all who because of their faith in Him have execrated Beliar and his kings”. , not = “truth” in the general sense of the term (Lnemann, Lightfoot, Zimmer) but = “the truth of the gospel” (as usual in Paul) as against and (Rom 1:15 f., 2Th 2:8 ). The apostle holds that the refusal to open one’s mind and heart to the gospel leaves life a prey to moral delusion; judicial infatuation is the penalty of disobedience to the truth of God in Christ.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
all = every.
deceivableness = (form of) deceit.
unrighteousness. App-128.
in. The texts omit. Dative case.
them that perish = the perishing. See same phrase, 1Co 1:18. 2Co 2:15; 2Co 4:3.
because. Greek. anth’ on, indicating exchange. Compare Rom 1:25 (Revised Version)
love. App-135.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
2Th 2:10. , of the truth) which is in Christ Jesus.- , they did not receive) The Jews were mostly chargeable with this conduct, Joh 5:43; and that Iniquitous one [Wicked] will be particularly hurtful to the Jews. The remarks, which we a little before threw out concerning the Jews here and there in the positions laid down, refer to this point.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Th 2:10
and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.-And this evil comes to the destruction of those who disobey God, because when they learned the truth they did not receive it in the love of the truth. To receive it in the love of it was to receive it in the heart and obey it in all of its precepts: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. (1Jn 5:3.) To love the truth is to obey it. To know the truth and not obey it is to hinder the truth in unrighteousness. (Rom 1:18.) There is no more dangerous condition for man than for him to know the truth and refuse to obey it. To do this is to harden the heart and make the condemnation sure.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
saved
(See Scofield “Rom 1:16”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
deceivableness: Rom 16:18, 2Co 2:17, 2Co 4:2, 2Co 11:13, 2Co 11:15, Eph 4:14, 2Pe 2:18, Heb 3:13
in them: 1Co 1:18, 2Co 2:15, 2Co 4:3, 2Pe 2:12
they received: Pro 1:7, Pro 2:1-6, Pro 4:5, Pro 4:6, Pro 8:17, Mat 13:11, Joh 3:19-21, Joh 8:45-47, Rom 2:7, Rom 2:8, Rom 6:17, 1Co 16:22, Jam 1:16-18
that they: Joh 3:17, Joh 5:34, Rom 10:1, 1Th 2:16, 1Ti 2:4
Reciprocal: Exo 4:21 – I will harden Deu 29:4 – General 1Ki 22:22 – a lying spirit Neh 6:5 – with an open letter Job 21:14 – for we Job 24:13 – they know Psa 25:12 – him Psa 50:17 – hatest Psa 106:7 – Our Psa 109:17 – General Pro 5:6 – her Pro 12:1 – loveth Isa 47:9 – for the multitude Isa 66:4 – will choose Jer 5:1 – that seeketh Eze 12:2 – which Eze 13:4 – like Dan 8:12 – and it cast Dan 12:10 – but the wicked Hos 9:7 – the multitude Amo 4:5 – for Zec 7:12 – lest Mat 13:15 – their eyes Mat 13:23 – good Mat 21:27 – We cannot tell Mar 4:6 – no root Mar 11:33 – We Luk 17:1 – It is Luk 20:7 – that Joh 9:39 – might be Joh 16:3 – because Act 7:42 – and gave Act 8:14 – received Act 17:11 – they received Act 19:35 – and of Rom 1:18 – who hold Rom 1:24 – God Rom 1:28 – as they did Rom 9:18 – will he Rom 11:7 – and the rest 1Co 15:33 – Be Eph 5:6 – no 2Th 2:13 – through Tit 1:10 – there Heb 3:10 – err Heb 10:26 – after Jam 3:6 – a world 2Pe 3:5 – they willingly Rev 13:13 – he doeth Rev 17:17 – put Rev 22:15 – whosoever
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Th 2:10. Deceivableness and unright-eousness. All kinds of unrighteousness are to be condemned; but some kinds are naked and open so that everyone can understand them. However, the kind that this man of sin will use is such that his followers will be misled into doing it, with the notion that they are doing the right thing. In them that perish. The pope will not be able to deceive every individual on whom he tries his trickery. He will succeed only on those who are not honestly disposed to eternal life, and they are the ones who are destined finally to perish. The explanation for such an attitude is in the fact that they do not have enough love of the truth to obey it and be saved. In other words, since they do not love the truth, they will be “easy marks” for the agents of the pope, and consequently they will not be saved.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Th 2:10. And in all deceitfulness of unrighteousness. This more comprehensive expression is added to complete the description of the deceitfulness of the Man of Sin; he will come and win acceptance not only by doing wonders which seem miraculous, but by every kind of deceit which unscrupulous wickedness can suggest.
In them that perish. This expression specifies the class of person in whom this deceit of the Man of Sin will take effect, and thus affords a tacit consolation to Christians, involving, as it does, the assurance that in their case the Satanic power shall not deceive them. Those who are deceived have prepared themselves for such deception and destruction.
Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Disinclination to learn the truth of course predisposes men to believe a lie, and gradually incapacitates them from discerning between the true and the false. For various reasons men seek to avoid the truth, to shut their eyes to it for the present, to live as if it were not true, and so doing they become darkened in their minds; they have their wish and cannot see the truth. On the words that they might be saved Ellicott remarks that they denote the object that would have been naturally contemplated in their reception of it; and which was negatived and disregarded by the contrary course.
God doth send. The words are definite and significant; they point to that judicial infatuation into which, in the development of His just government of the world, God causes evil and error to be unfolded, and which He brings into punitive agency in the case of all obstinate and truth-hating rejection of His offers and calls of mercy (Ellicott). Of all the fatal effects of sin, none looks so dreadfully, none strikes so just an horror into considering minds, as that every sinful action a man does naturally disposes him to another; and that it is hardly possible for him to do anything so ill, but that it proves a preparative and introduction to the doing of something worse (South).
A working of delusion. This is the Satanic and delusive working of the Man of Sin already referred to. Unbelief tends to become superstition. The Jews who rejected the true Christ were led away by false Christs. Newman (Patristical Idea of Antichrist, p. 70) illustrates this state of mind by a reference to the French rejection of God, and worship of liberty and Reason. It would almost be incredible, that men who had flung off all religion should be at the pains to assume a new and senseless worship of their own devising, whether in superstition or in mockery, were not events so recent and so notorious. . . Men may oppose every existing worship, true and false, and yet take up a worship of their own from pride, wantonness, policy, superstition, fanaticism, or other reasons.
A lie. We adhere to the Authorised Version, although many of the best interpreters prefer to translate these words the lie, referring to the falsehood implied in the deceitful coming of the Man of Sin. But this does not afford so precise a contrast to the truth in the succeeding clause, which evidently means truth in general.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here we have a threefold description given of the subjects of Antichrist’s kingdom: they are described,
1. By the ways and means how they are drawn into this apostasy and defection, and that is, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness; where, by unrighteousness, understand his false doctrine and wicked laws, which tend to the making his disciples and followers injurious to God, unjust to men, and cruel to themselves; and by deceivableness, is meant all manner of deceits and wiles, tricks and cunning persuasions, to make the world believe his unrighteous errors to be pure and innocent truths.
Learn, That such as are ringleaders to error, are men of no conscience, but find out all unrighteous ways and means to make their tenets plausible, and pass for truth; they come with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.
Again, 2. They are described by the doom and misery which await them, they are such as perish; that is, such as are in an actual state of perdition, and, without hastening out of it, are undone for ever.
Learn hence, That the subjects of Antichrist’s power and seduction are those that perish.
And, 3. They are described by their sin, which is the cause and reason of this doom: Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Where mark, It is not enough to receive the truth in the light of it, but we must also receive it in the love of it, or it will do us no good; to make truth operative, there is required, besides knowledge, faith and love, there may be knowledge without faith, and there may be faith without love, that is, without any affection to the truth believed; it was therefore a pious prayer of St. Austin, Fac me, Domine, &c. “Lord, make me taste that by love, which I taste by knowledge.” As the certainity of truth calls for faith, so the amiableness of truth calls for love: if truth be not received into the heart as well as the head, it will not secure against apostasy, nor prevent perishing.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
The Power of the Lawless One Over the Lost Paul foresaw that the lawless one would especially deceive those who were already in a perishing condition because they did not love God’s will enough to obey it ( Joh 14:15 ; 1Jn 5:3 ). Those who refused to do as God directed could only look forward to His wrath ( Rom 2:8 ; Rom 1:18 ). This was especially true because they would do evil against God’s law by living in a manner totally opposed to God. Paul said He would deceive those unbelievers lest they should see the truth and be saved ( Mat 13:13-15 ).
Some would rather hear a lie than the truth. God tests man’s desires by allowing lies to be presented as well as truth. One can know what he hears is true when it is from God’s word ( Deu 13:1-5 ; 1Pe 4:11 ). Those who will perish delight in acts that are repulsive to God. Because of their attitude, God will permit them to find opportunity to show their true allegiance ( Isa 66:3-4 ). Those who love ways contrary to God’s will certainly would not love the truth. In its place, they would readily accept some lie that was more palatable to them. Because of such acceptance of error, Paul said they would be eternally condemned ( 2Th 2:10-12 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [Antichrist comes with lies, to those who love not the truth as to right and wrong, etc., that they may be saved by it; but sentence themselves to perish by preferring that deception leading to unrighteousness–which makes unrighteousness appear the better course.]