2 Thessalonians 2:1 kjv

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 nkjv

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 niv

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 esv

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 nlt

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him.

2 Thessalonians 2 verses

2 Thessalonians 2 1 Meaning

Second Thessalonians 2:1 serves as a direct, earnest transition in Paul’s letter, addressing critical concerns within the Thessalonian church regarding the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the accompanying gathering of believers. This verse sets the stage for a detailed correction of false teachings that had caused distress, reassuring them about future eschatological events and emphasizing their future hope in Christ's physical presence and the believers' collective reunion with Him.

2 Thessalonians 2 1 Context

Second Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely from Corinth, shortly after his first letter to the Thessalonians. The initial letter addressed the Thessalonians' understanding of Christ's return and the state of believers who had died before the "Day of the Lord." However, it appears some had misinterpreted Paul's teaching, leading to anxiety, idleness, and false beliefs—specifically, that the "Day of the Lord" had already commenced or that they had been left behind. Chapter 2, therefore, directly tackles this confusion. Verse 1 serves as Paul's respectful yet urgent preface, setting the topic for the subsequent detailed clarification concerning the timing and signs preceding Christ's "parousia" (coming) and the "episynagoge" (gathering) of believers. He aims to comfort and stabilize a church facing internal error and external pressures regarding end-time events.

2 Thessalonians 2 1 Word analysis

• Now (Gr. De): A transitional particle often used to mark a new, significant topic or a shift in discussion, indicating a strong emphasis on what follows. Here, it signals the move to the core of their concern.
• brothers and sisters (Gr. Adelphoi): A warm and affectionate term Paul frequently uses to address his fellow believers. It establishes a familial bond and reinforces the sense of shared faith and mutual respect, paving the way for candid instruction. It underscores his pastoral concern and relational approach.
• concerning (Gr. Hyper): Means "on behalf of," "about," or "regarding." It indicates the specific subject matter Paul is about to discuss in detail.
• the coming (Gr. Tēs parousias): A crucial theological term. Parousia means "presence," "arrival," or "official visit." In ancient Greco-Roman contexts, it denoted the official arrival of a king, emperor, or high-ranking dignitary, often accompanied by fanfare and public display. In the New Testament, especially in Pauline letters, it became the technical term for the Second Advent of Christ—His definitive, physical return. It is not a secret or merely spiritual event, but a powerful, observable event.
• of our Lord Jesus Christ: This full title underscores His divine authority (Lord), His anointing as Messiah (Christ), and His human salvific work (Jesus). It places the parousia within a Trinitarian and Christocentric framework, affirming the centrality of Jesus in end-time events.
• and (Gr. Kai): Connective particle, linking the coming with the gathering as two interrelated aspects of the same eschatological event.
• our being gathered (Gr. Hemōn episynagogēs): Episynagoge means "a gathering," "a collecting," or "an assembly." In this context, it refers to the collection of believers (both the living and the resurrected dead) to be with Christ at His glorious return. This term strongly echoes themes of divine assembly and resurrection, signifying the definitive union of Christ's church with Him. It connects closely to the event described in 1 Thess 4:16-17, often referred to as the "rapture" or "catch-up."
• to Him (Gr. Ep' Auton): Directs the "gathering" specifically to Christ, emphasizing that He is the focus and destination of this divine assembly. It signifies fellowship and union with the returning Savior.
• we ask you (Gr. Erōtōmen de hymas): Paul’s earnest appeal. Erōtōmen means "we ask" or "we entreat," expressing a solemn, often urgent request. It's not a mere polite inquiry but an invocation of attention for critical teaching.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Now, brothers and sisters: This opening signifies a direct, personal, and urgent appeal to the community as a beloved family of faith, setting a pastoral tone before addressing doctrinal confusion.
• concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him: This phrase clearly states the twin focal points of the letter's subsequent teaching: the Second Advent of Christ and the specific event of believers being united with Him. The use of "our Lord Jesus Christ" adds weight and authority to these crucial eschatological events, as they pertain directly to the very person they worship and follow. The structure suggests these two events are intimately linked and happen in close conjunction, perhaps simultaneously.
• we ask you: This serves as an immediate directive for their full attention, implying that the message is vital for their peace, understanding, and continued faithfulness amidst theological misinformation.

2 Thessalonians 2 1 Bonus section

The concern about "the Day of the Lord" (Gr. Hē Hēmera tou Kyriou) was pervasive in the early church due to various prophecies and Christ's own teachings (e.g., Matt 24). However, its exact timing and signs were often subjects of misunderstanding. Paul's detailed explanation in 2 Thess 2 is not just for the Thessalonians; it serves as a foundational text for understanding Christian eschatology. The careful linking of "parousia" (coming) and "episynagoge" (gathering) highlights that the true biblical hope includes a tangible reunion with Christ for all His followers, emphasizing that this gathering to Him will be a manifest, unmistakable event, not a secret one that could have occurred unnoticed. This verse effectively counters the narrative that they might have missed something, grounding their hope firmly in a future, unmistakable divine act.

2 Thessalonians 2 1 Commentary

2 Thessalonians 2:1 is Paul's formal introduction to the correction of the Thessalonians' misunderstanding regarding the "Day of the Lord." Having established a tender address ("brothers and sisters"), he immediately names the subject: "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him." This dual phrasing signifies that these are two facets of a singular grand event. The "coming" (parousia) refers to Christ's public and triumphant return, akin to a royal visitation. The "being gathered to Him" (episynagoge) refers to the eschatological gathering of all believers—both resurrected dead and living—to be with Christ at His return, thereby clarifying the anxious question of whether some believers might be "left behind" or if the "Day" had already passed without their awareness. Paul aims to calm their agitation and redirect them towards sober truth.Practical Usage Example: Just as a traveler carefully plans their journey based on the stated arrival time of their transport, this verse encourages believers to live with patient expectation and theological clarity regarding Christ's assured, future arrival, not frantic uncertainty from misinformation.