Paul reminded his readers that he had told them of these things when he was with them. Since Paul was evidently only in Thessalonica a few weeks this reference is very significant. Paul did not regard prophecy as too deep or unimportant or controversial for even new Christians. Many Christians today play down the importance of this part of God"s revelation. Paul believed prophetic truth was a vital part of the whole counsel of God essential to victorious Christian living. Consequently he taught it without hesitation or apology. So should we. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Untroubled By Threatening Rumors
The Apostle sets himself to correct certain erroneous impressions which had unsettled the church in Thessalonica. Notice how reverently he speaks of our Savior. Once and again he alludes to Him as the Lord Jesus Christ. He is surely coming, and as surely will His saints be gathered to Him, as the drops of moisture are drawn up from ponds and oceans, to cluster in the clouds in radiant beauty around the sun.
But certain events must take place first. There must be a great apostasy and the unveiling of "the mystery of lawlessness," which even at that time was already at work. First, the man of sin; then, the Son of man. First, He that set Himself forth as God; then, God manifest in the flesh. First, the revelation of sin; then, the revelation of perfect salvation. Daniel 11:36 seems to have suggested Paul's words, which have been applied to Nero or Caligula, to Judaism or the Papal Church, and to some future manifestation of Satanic hatred toward the Church of God. But whatever form it may assume, the coming of Jesus will absolutely destroy this power of Antichrist. Let us be warned by the doom of those that are involved in this great apostasy, and ever cherish the love of the truth of Christ, that we may be saved. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Thessalonians 2
1Paul urges them to continue stedfast in the truth received; 3shows that there shall be a departure from the faith, 9and a discovery of Antichrist, before the day of the Lord comes; 15repeats his exhortation to stand firm, and prays for them
Greek Commentary for 2 Thessalonians 2:5
When I was yet with you [ετι ων προς υμας] The present participle takes the time of the verb ελεγον elegon (imperfect active), I used to tell you these things. So Paul recalls their memory of his words and leaves us without the clue to his idea. We know that one of the charges against him was that Jesus was another king, a rival to Caesar (Acts 17:7). That leads one to wonder how far Paul went when there in contrasting the kingdom of the world of which Rome was ruler and the kingdom of God of which Christ is king. Frame notes Paul‘s abrupt question here “with an unfinished sentence behind him” (2 Thessalonians 2:3.), even “with a trace of impatience.” [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 mean?
Notdo you rememberthatyetbeingwithyouthese thingsI was sayingto you
Greek Commentary for 2 Thessalonians 2:5
The present participle takes the time of the verb ελεγον elegon (imperfect active), I used to tell you these things. So Paul recalls their memory of his words and leaves us without the clue to his idea. We know that one of the charges against him was that Jesus was another king, a rival to Caesar (Acts 17:7). That leads one to wonder how far Paul went when there in contrasting the kingdom of the world of which Rome was ruler and the kingdom of God of which Christ is king. Frame notes Paul‘s abrupt question here “with an unfinished sentence behind him” (2 Thessalonians 2:3.), even “with a trace of impatience.” [source]