I Told You These Things 2 Thessalonians 2:5

Paul the apostle wrote his second letter to the Thessalonian church members and mentioned the “man of sin” and “son of perdition” who is to be revealed before “the day of Christ” appears. This “antichrist”, as he is often referred, will “oppose” God and “exalt” himself “above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God”. In chapter two and verse five of this letter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he “told” them “these things” “when” he “was yet with” them where we read:

Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

The verse begins, “Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you,...” Paul began with the words, “Remember you not” which means “do you not call to mind, think of and hold in memory” “that, when I was yet with you” which means “being still near, at, towards and by” the Thessalonian church members. Paul referred to the time when he was physically with the Thessalonians in their church.

The verse goes on to say, “...I told you these things?” Paul continues with the phrase, “I told you” which means “said, maintained, affirmed, taught, advised, commanded, directed and mentioned” “these things” which refers to “the same teachings about the day of Christ and the man of sin and son of perdition”. Paul reminded the church members how he taught them concerning the “day of Christ” and the “son of perdition” rising upon the scene before that day would come.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand the importance of being reminded of important doctrinal positions. If we are not careful, we can be persuaded by other voices than the word of God, and it is important that we continually think of and hold in our memories what the Lord has declared through His word. Perhaps it will help us to see the value of “remembering” divine principles and doctrine, and when we hear something over and over again, may the Lord Jesus keep us aware of the importance of His truth.

Next time Paul tells them they “know what withholds”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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