Paul continues by rebutting a claim circulating in the Thessalonian community that both the Parousia and the day of the Lord had already come (2:1–2). Against this idea, Paul argues that Jewish eschatology will play out in traditional order: this age will culminate in the final rebellion against God’s covenantal dealing with Israel by means of the Antichrist (vv. 3–7), who will be revealed and destroyed by Israel’s true Messiah (v. 8).72 Paul then calls the Thessalonians to hold to their eschatological hope: “To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us” (vv. 14–15). - John P. Harrigan, Extending Mercy to the Gentiles, p.219