1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message 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, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NASB)
Before we dig into this passage let me make it clear that I am not an eschatology “expert” or “specialist.”….
I believe eschatology is important and we should learn as much as we can from God’s Word about it because it is the fulfillment of God’s plan for His creation and His people. All I know to do is to look at what God’s Word says, keep it in context and make room for the Holy Spirit to write those truths on our hearts.
1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NASB)
It is obvious that Paul was responding to one or more questions from the Thessalonians about the coming of the day of Lord. These questions were sent to Paul via Timothy. What is this reference to “the times and seasons?” This phrase in the Greek source for this passage is τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν, This is strikingly similar to our Lord’s own words in Acts 1:7 just prior to His Ascension in response to His disciples questions about the fulfillment of the Kingdom.