The Skeptics Annotated Bible
Page 314
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
(3.13) “He may stablish your hearts … at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 THESSALONIANS 4
4 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
(4.4) “Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.” Every man should know how to possess his penis or his wife (depending on the translation) in a holy way.
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
(4.6) “That no man … defraud his brother in any matter”
91 Is it wrong to steal?
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
(4.13) “Concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Christians shouldn’t mourn the death of their fellow believers. They’ll be OK and you’ll see them later in heaven. The people you should mourn are dead nonbelievers. They have no hope; they will be tortured forever in hell.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
(4:15) “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” 1 Thessalonians was one of the first Christian writings, yet already (ca.50 CE) believers were getting impatient about Jesus’ supposed return. Their fellow believers were dying and yet Jesus still hadn’t come. What the hell is taking him? And what happens to dead believers? Will they get to see Jesus return? Paul had a lot of ‘splainin to do.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
(4.16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel.” From this verse and Jude 9, the Jehovah’s Witnesses figure that Jesus is really the archangel Michael.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(4.17) “We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Christians get the idea of the rapture from this verse. (Paul thought he’d live to see it.)
469 Is the day of the Lord at hand?
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 THESSALONIANS 5
5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
(5.14) “Comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
(5.15) “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(5.21) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
308 Should we believe everything?
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(5.23) “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul prays that the Thessalonians will be good until Jesus returns, which implies that he expected this to happen within their lifetimes.
469 Is the day of the Lord at hand?
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
(5.26) �
��Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.”
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2 THESSALONIANS
God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned. — 2 Thessalonians 2.11-12
Although this epistle (1.1, 3.17) claims to have been written by Paul, many scholars think it was a later forgery. If Paul did write it, though, he completely changed his mind (since writing 1 Thessalonians) about the timing of Christ’s return. The day of the Lord is no longer at hand. In fact, it’s nowhere near. Many things must happen first: there will be a great “falling away,” a “man of sin” will be reveled, and Satan will show off his power by doing all kinds of signs and wonders. (2.2-9)
Every skeptic should know one passage from Second Thessalonians: 2.11-12. (“God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.”)
Here are the highlights:
“Jesus … in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God … who shall be punished with everlasting destruction.” 1.7-9
“Be not soon shaken in mind … by letter as from us.” What letter is being referred to here? Is it 1 Thessalonians? If so, then should Christians not read it to avoid being “skaken in mind?” 2.2
Jesus will “consume” the wicked “with the spirit of his mouth.” 2.8
Satan, not God, is all-powerful. 2.9
“God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.” 2.11-12
“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.” (If you’re among the chosen, that is. If not, you’re going to hell.) 2.13
Those who disagree with the views expressed in this epistle are to be shunned. 3.6, 14
Those who will not or cannot work should starve to death. 3.10
2 THESSALONIANS 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
(1.1) “Paul … unto the church of the Thessalonians” Although this epistle claims to have been written by Paul, many scholars think it was a forgery.
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(1.7-9) “The Lord Jesus … in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God … who shall be punished with everlasting destruction.”
157 Does Hell exist?
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 THESSALONIANS 2
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
(2.2) “Be not soon shaken in mind … by letter as from us.” What letter is being referred to here? Is it 1 Thessalonians? If so, then should Christians not read it to avoid being “shaken in mind?”
(2.2-9) If Paul wrote this letter (and many scholars think he didn’t), then he changed his mind (since writing 1 Thessalonians) about the timing of the Christ’s return. The day of the Lord is no longer at hand. In fact it’s nowhere near. Many things must happen first: there will be a great “falling away”, a “man of sin” will be reveled, and Satan will show off his power by doing all kinds of signs and wonders.
469 Is the Day of the Lord at hand?
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
(2.2) “Be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled … by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
(2.3) “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(2.8) “The Lord shall consume [the wicked] with the spirit of his mouth.”
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(2.9) “Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” Satan, not God, is all-powerful.
306 Can only God work wonders?
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.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
(2.11-12) “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.” God will cause us to believe lies so that he can damn us to hell.
158 Do humans have free will?
139 Does God lie?
311 Does God want some people to go to hell?
443 Who forces non-believers to disbelieve?
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
(2.13) “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.” God selects those who are to be saved (or damned) “from the beginning.” It makes no difference how good, kind, honest, or loving we may be; if God hasn’t chosen us, we are damned to hell.
158 Do humans have free will?
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 THESSALONIANS 3
3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
(3.6) “Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh … not after the tradition which he received of us.” Shun those that disagree with the views expressed in this epistle. (See also 3.14)
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(3.10) “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” Those who will not or cannot work should starve to death.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
(3.14) “If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him.”
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.