2 Thessalonians 2:2

2. That Depends upon beseech.

Soon Hastily; as soon as the rumour reaches your ear.

Shaken Tossed to and fro, as by billows of the sea.

In mind Rather, from your intellect, in the higher sense; wise judgment, and so self-possession and composure.

By spirit Neither a false understanding of the ancient prophecies, nor any sign by dreams is meant: but the declaration through the Spirit of some inspired Church member. Note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

Nor by word Intelligence of some word or statement of ours.

Letter as from us The as implies that the reference is not to his first epistle, but to some letter falsely rumoured as from him. St. Paul herein denies the having sent any such letter. Why, however, any one should forge a letter, or what motive there could be for the Church dishonestly to spread those false impressions, it is impossible to conceive. But it is plain that the Church was in high excitement under false rumours. The charismatic persons were led, by excitement, to imagine revelations, which it required the higher inspiration of the apostle to overmaster; and probably misinterpretation of his first epistle was shaped by rumour into the statement that an epistle had been received announcing the immediate advent.

Day of Christ Better reading, of our Lord The parousia, or second advent. Note on 1 Corinthians 15:23. The notion of any allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem, or of any double meaning in this prophecy, (as countenanced by Dr. Clarke,) is to be promptly rejected. See our notes on Matthew 24:25.

At hand The Greek is very strong: is present, is here. Probably a somewhat reproving hyperbole, as implying that their excited fancies made them feel and act as if the judgment throne were visible and already set! The true height of Christian calmness should prevent such billowy commotion, even if it were so; but the old man will often surge up and disturb the new man in us.