21 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 e 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 . 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things ? 6 And you know what restrains him now , so that in his time he will be revealed . 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work ; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way . 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming ; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan , with all power and signs and false wonders , 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish , because e they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved . 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false , 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth , but took pleasure in wickedness .
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord , because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth . 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel , that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ . 15 So then , brethren , stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught , whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father , who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace , 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word .
