We saw in other posts that Paul had to contend with false doctrine which tried to misconstrue the correct teachings about Jesus Christ. This time, we’ll see that he also had to contend with lies that were told about him to try and lead people away for the truth Paul had delivered to the churches he established.

When Paul arrived in Corinth in 51 AD, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica because he was concerned about the church there as he had been forced out and had not had a lot of time with the new believers there (1Th 3:2-3). When Timothy returned, he reported good news of their faith but reported some issues as well (1Th 3:6-13). This is when Paul wrote his epistle of 1st Thessalonians so he could address these issues. Of course, the Jews who had caused Paul to leave the city spoke against Paul and used the argument that if Paul really cared for them, he would not have left them like he did.

This shows one of Satan’s most famous tactics, which is not new at all. He causes the issues and then uses those who he influences to be the one to bring the upset people solace and lead them astray once the Christian influence has been eliminated.

Paul defends his commitment to the Thessalonians by reminding them of what he had done for them and taught them, and because of his love for them, he sent Timothy to them as he was prevented time and again from returning himself. He thanks them for living pleasing to God and reminds them to avoid sexual immorality because those acts are displeasing to God (1Th 4:3-7). These people were living in a city where such events were part of their daily worship, so it was important to remind them to live differently from how they grew up. Paul then talks to them about some misunderstood ideas about what occurs as one’s death and about Christ’s imminent return (1Th 4:13-5:11).

Not long after writing his first letter to the Thessalonians, he wrote his second epistle, 2nd Thessalonians, to them as it seemed what he had written about Christ’s return was misconstrued by some. Evidently there were some people teaching falsely about Christ’s return stating that the Tribulation had already come and used Paul as their source of their facts regarding this. Paul wanted to set the record straight about this false teaching and that he was not the source of such doctrine (2Th 2:1-12).

He reminds them of what he had taught them. Before the Tribulation occurs, the “man of lawlessness,” the Antichrist would first be revealed. While the Satanic spirit of this lawless one is working in the world, the particular individual through whom Satan would work has not yet been revealed because the Holy Spirit is currently restraining his power. But one day, the Holy Spirit will remove his restraint, and the Antichrist will then be able to assume power.

Paul then encourages them to remain firm in the faith and in the truth of Jesus Christ which he had taught them. He then requests their prayers for the gospel to spread and warns them that no one should be idle in their work for the Lord but be engaged and active in pursing their relationship and growth in Christ (2Th 2:13-17).

After about eighteen months in Corinth, Paul, Silas, and Timothy set sail to go back to Syria. Priscilla and Aquilla went with them. He stopped in Ephesus where Priscilla and Aquilla stayed (Ac 18:19). While there, Paul preached in the synagogue. He was asked to stay longer, but he refused. After arriving back in Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem and met with those believers there and then went back to Antioch in Syria (Ac 18:22).

We can see how Satan uses multiple tactics to cause confusion and discord. May we ever strive to bring truth and harmony instead.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens