2 Thessalonians 2:1,2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming, &c.— Dr. Heylin has it, Now, with respect to the coming, &c. and our being assembled with him,—I desire, brethren, 2 Thessalonians 2:2 that you would not inconsiderately change your sentiments, and be alarmed by any revelation, or discourse, or letter, as from us, as if the day of Christ were to come immediately. Michaelis thinks, that the second verse relates to some epistles forged in St. Paul's name, to propagate the notion above referred to; and to certain calculations and false prophesies applied to the same purpose. The Bishop of Bristol observes, in agreement with the above translation, that "the preposition which is translated by, ought rather to be translated concerning, as it signifies in Romans 9:27. 2 Corinthians 8:23 besides other places of scripture, and as it does in other authors. Now we beseech you, brethren, concerning the coming, &c. For he does not beseech them by the coming of Christ, but the coming of Christ is the subject of which he is treating; and it is in relation to this subject that he desires them not to be disturbed or affrighted, neither by revelation, nor by message, nor by letter, as from him, as if the day of Christ's coming was at hand." (See the Reflections.) The phrase of the coming of Christ must be taken literally for his coming in glory to judge the world, as the context will evince beyond contradiction. It is used in this sense in the former epistle. From 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 some had inferred, that the end of the world was now approaching, and the day of Christ was at hand: the apostle sets himself in this place to rectify that mistake; and it is with reference to this coming of Christ that he beseeches the Thessalonians, not to be shaken from their steadfastness, nor to be troubled and terrified, as if it was now at hand. Nothing then can be more evident and undeniable, than that the coming of Christ here intended, is his second coming in glory to judge the world; and of this second coming the apostle had spoken before, ch. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. It was a point of great importance for the Thessalonians not to be mistaken in this particular; because if they were taught to believe that the coming of Christ was at hand, and he should not come according to their expectation, they might be staggered in their faith; and, finding part of their creed to be false, might be hasty enough to conclude that the whole was so. The apostle therefore cautions them in the strongest manner against this delusion, and assures them, that other memorable events will take place before the coming of the Lord.