1 The Man of Lawlessness Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the 2:1 Or presence coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one in any way deceive you, forit has not comeunless the 2:3 Or falling away from the faith apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above 2:4 Or everyone who is called God every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the 2:4 The innermost part of the temple sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.
5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrainswill do sountil he is taken out of the way.
8 And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord 2:8 Some mss omit Jesus Jesuswill slay with the breath ofHis mouthand bring to an end by the appearance of His 2:8 Or presence coming—
9 whose 2:9Or presence coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and 2:9Or attesting miracles signs and false wonders,
10 and with 2:10Or every deception all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11 And for this reason God sends upon them a 2:11 Lit work of delusion, cf.2:7, 9 deluding influence so that they will believe 2:11 Or the lie what is false,
12 in order that they all may be 2:12 Or condemned judged who did not believe the truth, but 2:12 Or approved took pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you 2:13Some mss from the beginning as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification 2:13Lit of by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 2:14 Some mss And It was for this He called you through our gospel, 2:14 Lit to the gaining of that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by wordof mouthor by letter 2:15Lit of from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
17 encourage your hearts and strengthenthemin every good work and word.