Observation: In one of the more interesting sections of any of Paul's letters, he dives into what many consider to be end-times prophesy. The passage on the man of lawlessness has become interpreted as the 'antichrist' by many, and he reviews some items to come before Jesus' second coming. However, he introduces this with a word of comfort to the church, assuring them that they have not missed Jesus' second coming already, as some in the church were claiming. This comfort comes with a very interesting instruction. They are not to believe this lie if someone says it to them, nor are they to believe it if ... they receive a letter from Paul himself declaring it.
That's right, Paul was the victim of identity theft ... and then information was sent in his name to incite worry and fear. It seems rather clear from this statement that Paul is aware that there is someone out there sending letters to churches, with the claim the letters are from him, and those letters are designed to cause anxiety. It's doubtful he knows who, because Paul is never one to pull punches and name names in such matters. However, as Paul always used a scribe, he is a logical victim of such a sham as there wouldn't be a way to compare most of his handwriting.
And yes, what we are seeing here is that, 2,000 years ago when the church had just started, certain Christians are making false claims and spreading false teaching, attributing the messages to more famous and established church leaders, and garnering attention through emotional manipulating.
Application: As I learn from other sources ... online pastors, YouTube vlogs, online bible studies ... I am always suspect of the individuals. I will often hear a very, very good and compelling teaching, and before I embrace it as truth I will go and look at that teacher's other content and information to analyze how much of it seems reliable. I try to be a Barean ... the church that was careful of believing Paul until they validated what he said against the scriptures.
In our modern times, this is critical. We have way too much easy access to way too much false (or at lease "loose" or "lazy") doctrine. There are way too many Christians who would create click-bait lies for followers, and way too many Christians who would believe them. And this has been going on since the dawn of the Church.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to seek your will for my life every day. As I seek, may I have your wisdom and your discernment about what that will is. Your word, as taught and reinforced by the Holy Spirit, must be my only guide for true discernment and understanding. Amen.
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