Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to 2 Thessalonians · About this commentary
Power, Signs, and Lying Wonders
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, · WEB
The counterfeit works by real power and genuine wonders, so the test Scripture gives is never the marvel but the truth it serves.
His coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders. The three words are the same three Scripture uses for the works of Christ and the apostles Acts 2:22 Hebrews 2:4, which is the difficulty the verse creates on purpose. The marvels are not said to be tricks. They are said to be lying — false in what they testify, not necessarily false in what they do.
That is consistent with the whole warning. False christs and false prophets will show great signs and wonders, enough to deceive even the elect if that were possible Matthew 24:24. A miracle is therefore never offered in Scripture as self-authenticating; the law and the testimony are the standard Isaiah 8:20.
Verse 10 names who is vulnerable, and the diagnosis is precise. They perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Not because they lacked evidence or intelligence. Because they did not love the truth enough to want it.
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