“Proud Deluders”

2 Thessalonians: 2: 2, 3a: “[Do] 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. Let no one in any way deceive you ….” St. Paul wastes no time sparing the feelings of those authors of the deceptive messages and letters, does he? His words against them become even stronger in later verses (vv. 10-12). Having become so prideful that they could even take it upon themselves to write to the Church in the name of Paul, deluding words at that, they had to be humbled in order to receive the truth themselves, and also for the sake of the flock, lest they be led astray. Again, this is ultimately an act of love on Paul’s part.