“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”
My Notes
What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:9 Mean?
Paul warns about the coming of the lawless one — a figure empowered by Satan with counterfeit power, signs, and lying wonders. The deception is not powerless. It is backed by genuine supernatural activity.
"All power and signs and lying wonders" — the miracles are real in their manifestation but lying in their origin and purpose. They are designed to deceive, not to reveal truth. Supernatural activity is not automatically from God.
The "working of Satan" describes the energy source behind the deception. Satan's strategy is not just lies in words but lies in works — supernatural demonstrations that authenticate a false message.
Paul writes this to a church confused about the timing of Christ's return. The warning is practical: do not be fooled by impressive displays of power. Test the source, not just the spectacle.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How do you distinguish between genuine miracles from God and 'lying wonders' from the enemy?
- 2.Why is supernatural power alone not proof that something is from God?
- 3.What criteria do you use to evaluate spiritual experiences and claims of miraculous activity?
- 4.How does this warning apply to modern expressions of spiritual power?
Devotional
All power and signs and lying wonders. The miracles are real. The power is genuine. And every bit of it is a lie.
That is the danger Paul warns about: supernatural activity that is not from God. Signs that look divine but serve deception. Wonders that amaze but lead away from truth.
In a world fascinated by the miraculous — where spiritual experiences are valued above spiritual discernment — this warning is urgent. Not everything supernatural is from God. The enemy performs signs too. And his signs are designed specifically to deceive.
After the working of Satan. The power source matters more than the power display. A miracle from Satan and a miracle from God may look identical. The difference is in the source and the message.
How do you tell the difference? Not by the intensity of the experience but by the fruit it produces. Does it lead to truth or away from it? Does it produce humility or pride? Does it point to Christ or to the performer?
Be amazed by nothing until you have tested its source.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan,.... That is, as a deceiver, a liar, and a murderer; for such was…
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan - Greek, κατ ̓ ἐνέργειαν τοὺ Σατανᾶ kat' energeian tou Satana.…
Whose coming is after the working of Satan - The operation of God's Spirit sends his messengers; the operation of…
In these words the apostle confutes the error against which he had cautioned them, and gives the reasons why they should…
even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan Rather, even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan…
Cross References
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