NOTES for Th2 2:13-3:5

From the theme of the end of time, Paul turns to the theme of election (13-14). At first glance it may appear that one has nothing to do with the other. Yet on closer examination it becomes clear that this is not so. Speaking of "election for salvation," the apostle undoubtedly follows the view of the Messiah and the people of God commonly accepted in his day in rabbinic circles, a view that held that both the Messiah and the people were conceived by God even before the creation of the world. Of course, in this case the point is not the fate of specific people, which God by no means predetermines, leaving human beings freedom of choice, but only the very fact of the existence of the people of God, destined to appear in the world and play their role in God's design. Paul transfers this idea to the Church, in which he sees the new people of God. Turning to Christ and being joined to the Kingdom, the one who is joined becomes part of the people of God, conceived before the creation of the world, and a participant in the plan that has existed from eternity. But the coming of the Kingdom of God is also part of this plan, whose realization entered a new, decisive stage with the Savior's coming into the world.

The spread of the "word," that is, of witness, is nothing other than the entrance of the Kingdom into the world, because it is through witness that those seeking new life are joined to it. It is no accident that the apostle speaks of the importance of the word being spread and "glorified," and also of the need to be delivered from those who preach the Kingdom insincerely (1-2). In mentioning "glorification," Paul undoubtedly has in mind the presence of God revealed to Moses during the Sinai theophany (Exod 3:1-6) and accompanying the people throughout their history, which later came to be called "the glory of God" or "the glory of Yahweh" (in the Synodal translation, "the glory of the Lord").

Being joined to the Kingdom naturally also implied abiding in the presence of God, that sanctification of the faithful and, through them, of the whole world which previously, before Christ's coming into the world, was possible only in part, but has now become possible in all its fullness. This is God's plan, in which everyone joined to the life of the Kingdom becomes a participant. It is not surprising that the history of the Kingdom and its becoming in our world, transformed but not yet transformed to the end, the spiritual path of each faithful person, and the design of God that determines both, are united into one whole. The Kingdom does not belong to God alone. He shares it with everyone who, in turn, is ready to share his life with Him.