2 Thessalonians 2:5

KJV

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember ye {G3421} not {G3756}, that {G3754}, when I was {G5607} yet {G2089} with {G4314} you {G5209}, I told {G3004} you {G5213} these things {G5023}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things?

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not remember that I told you these things while I was still with you?

American Standard Version

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 2:5, the Apostle Paul issues a poignant rhetorical question to the believers in Thessalonica, serving as a gentle yet firm reminder of the crucial eschatological truths he had previously taught them during his initial visit. This verse underscores Paul's consistent pastoral care and his foundational commitment to grounding the church in sound doctrine, particularly in the face of confusion and false teachings concerning the timing and nature of the Day of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians, specifically in chapter 2, where he addresses the church's profound distress over eschatological matters. The preceding verses [2 Thessalonians 2:1-2](/2_thessalonians/2-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - Concerning the Coming of the Lord") reveal that false teachings, possibly even forged letters purporting to be from Paul, had convinced some believers that the "Day of the Lord" had already arrived. This misconception led to significant alarm and a disruption of their daily lives. Paul's immediate response in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness") is to provide a clear sequence of events that *must* precede the Day of the Lord: a great "falling away" (apostasy) and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist). Verse 5 then serves as a direct appeal to their memory, reinforcing that these were not new revelations but consistent teachings delivered orally when he was physically present with them, thereby validating his current written instruction against the deceptive rumors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was a relatively young community, founded by Paul during his second missionary journey [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"). They were a Gentile church, recently converted from idolatry, and facing significant persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Conversion of the Thessalonians"). This persecution, combined with a fervent expectation of Christ's return, made them particularly susceptible to eschatological speculation and deception. False teachers, or perhaps well-meaning but misguided individuals, exploited this vulnerability by spreading misinformation about the Day of the Lord, leading some to believe it had already occurred, causing fear and idleness. Paul's letters to the Thessalonians, therefore, serve as crucial pastoral interventions, providing theological clarity, practical instruction, and encouragement to a church under duress, reminding them of the foundational truths he had laid down.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's rhetorical question in [2 Thessalonians 2:5](/2_thessalonians/2-5 "2 Thessalonians 2:5 - Paul's Prior Teaching") contributes to several overarching themes in this epistle. Firstly, it highlights the **Consistency and Authority of Apostolic Teaching**. Paul emphasizes that his message about future events was not new information but a reiteration of what he had already taught them in person, underscoring the unchanging nature of divine revelation and the reliability of his apostolic witness. Secondly, it stresses the **Importance of Remembering and Adhering to Sound Doctrine**. The implied affirmative answer to his question serves as a gentle rebuke and a call to memory, urging the Thessalonians not to be easily shaken or deceived by every new teaching or rumor, especially concerning sensitive topics like the end times. This theme is echoed throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the need for believers to be [grounded in truth](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Tossed by Waves"). Lastly, the verse points to the theme of **Preparation and Discernment Regarding Future Events**. Paul's earlier instruction was designed to equip the believers with knowledge so they would not be caught off guard or deceived when these events began to unfold. His teaching provided a framework for understanding the sequence of events before the [coming of our Lord Jesus Christ](/2_thessalonians/2-1 "2 Thessalonians 2:1 - The Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ"), fostering spiritual stability rather than panic.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Greek, _mnēmoneúō'_):** This verb (G3421) signifies "to exercise memory, i.e. recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse." In this context, it is a call to recollection, implying that the information was previously given and should have been retained. Paul is not introducing new doctrine but reminding them of established truth, appealing to their own memory as a basis for correcting their present confusion.
* **yet (Greek, _éti'_):** This adverb (G2089) means "still" or "yet" (of time or degree). Its inclusion emphasizes the continuity of Paul's presence and teaching. It highlights that the information was given while he was physically with them, reinforcing the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of his original instruction.
* **told (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb (G3004) means "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse...)); by implication, to mean." It suggests a deliberate, systematic imparting of information, not merely casual conversation. Paul's teaching was a structured discourse, designed for their understanding and retention, indicating the gravity and importance of the "things" he communicated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember ye not,"**: This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Paul's pedagogical style. It expects an affirmative answer ("Yes, we do remember!"). It is not a harsh accusation but a gentle, yet firm, pastoral prompting designed to jog their memory and draw them back to foundational truths. It implies a degree of forgetfulness or perhaps a failure to fully grasp the implications of his earlier teaching, which has now left them vulnerable to deception.
* **"that, when I was yet with you,"**: This clause establishes the timeframe and context of the original instruction. Paul grounds his current correction in his personal presence and direct teaching. The phrase "yet with you" emphasizes the continuity and recency of his physical presence, reinforcing the idea that these were not ancient, forgotten truths but relatively recent, vital instructions delivered face-to-face. This direct connection adds weight and authority to his reminder.
* **"I told you these things?"**: This final clause identifies the content of his previous communication. "These things" refers to the specific eschatological details Paul outlined in the preceding verses, particularly the necessity of the "falling away" and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" before the Day of the Lord. Paul is appealing to their own recollection of his systematic teaching, demonstrating that the current confusion stems from a lapse in memory or attention to his established doctrine, rather than from a lack of prior instruction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [2 Thessalonians 2:5](/2_thessalonians/2-5 "2 Thessalonians 2:5 - Paul's Rhetorical Question") is a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul uses this technique not to elicit new information, but to prompt the Thessalonians to recall what they already know, thereby affirming the truth of his prior teaching and gently rebuking their forgetfulness or susceptibility to error. This question serves as a powerful form of **Anamnesis** (recollection), guiding the audience to remember and internalize past truths. Furthermore, there is an element of **Apostolic Authority** conveyed through this reminder; Paul, as their spiritual father and founder of their church, is appealing to his established credibility and the consistency of his message. The overall tone is one of **Pastoral Concern**, as Paul seeks to correct their misunderstanding and alleviate their distress by reminding them of the stable foundation he had already laid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of [2 Thessalonians 2:5](/2_thessalonians/2-5 "2 Thessalonians 2:5 - The Importance of Remembering") lies in its emphasis on the enduring importance of sound doctrine and the consistency of apostolic teaching. Paul's reminder underscores that Christian truth is not subject to shifting interpretations or the latest sensational rumor, but is grounded in the authoritative revelation delivered by God's appointed messengers. It highlights the pastoral responsibility to not only teach truth but also to reinforce it, ensuring believers are firmly rooted and not easily swayed by deception. This verse implicitly teaches that spiritual stability in times of confusion or persecution is directly tied to a faithful remembrance and application of previously received biblical instruction, particularly concerning critical eschatological events that shape our hope and understanding of God's sovereign plan.

* [1 Corinthians 15:1-2](/1_corinthians/15-1-2 "The Gospel Delivered")
* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Contending for the Faith")
* [2 Peter 3:17-18](/2_peter/3-17-18 "Guarding Against Error")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's rhetorical question in [2 Thessalonians 2:5](/2_thessalonians/2-5 "2 Thessalonians 2:5 - A Call to Remember") resonates powerfully with believers today, serving as a vital call to spiritual vigilance and a firm grounding in truth. In an age saturated with information, often conflicting and sensational, the temptation to be "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children") is ever-present. This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just hearing truth, but remembering it, internalizing it, and allowing it to shape our worldview and responses. It underscores the critical need for discernment, urging us to test all teachings against the consistent, foundational truths of Scripture, rather than being swayed by novel interpretations or fear-mongering. Just as Paul sought to anchor the Thessalonians in what they had already been taught, we are called to continually return to the wellspring of God's Word, allowing its unchanging truths to provide stability and clarity amidst life's uncertainties and the clamor of competing voices. Our spiritual resilience depends on our commitment to remembering and living by the sound doctrine we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What foundational truths about Christ or the Christian life have I learned but perhaps forgotten or neglected in my daily walk?**
* **How susceptible am I to new teachings or rumors, especially concerning complex topics like the end times, if they contradict what I've been taught from Scripture?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally "remember" and internalize biblical truths so that they provide stability and discernment in my life?**
* **How does my engagement with sound biblical teaching contribute to my resistance against deception and anxiety?**

### FAQ
**What "things" did Paul tell the Thessalonians that he expected them to remember?**

Answer: The "things" Paul expected the Thessalonians to remember primarily refer to the sequence of events leading up to the Day of the Lord, which he had taught them orally during his initial ministry in Thessalonica. Specifically, these "things" include the necessity of a great "falling away" or apostasy, and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" (also known as the Antichrist), before the actual Day of the Lord would commence. Paul reiterates these points in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Apostasy and Man of Lawlessness"), clarifying that these events must unfold *before* Christ's return and the Day of the Lord, thereby correcting their mistaken belief that it had already arrived. His previous teaching was meant to provide a clear framework for understanding future eschatological developments, preventing them from being deceived or unduly alarmed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Thessalonians 2:5](/2_thessalonians/2-5 "2 Thessalonians 2:5 - Paul's Christ-Centered Teaching") speaks of remembering past instruction, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are deeply rooted in Christ. The "things" Paul taught were not merely abstract eschatological details but pointed to the climactic return of Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of all prophecy and the ultimate hope of believers. The "Day of the Lord" is fundamentally the Day of Christ, when He will return in glory to establish His eternal kingdom, defeat all opposing forces, and gather His elect [2 Thessalonians 1:7-10](/2_thessalonians/1-7-10 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - The Revelation of the Lord Jesus"). Paul's instruction, therefore, was designed to prepare the Thessalonians for *His* coming, ensuring they would not be caught off guard or deceived but would remain steadfast in their faith in Him. Christ Himself taught His disciples about future events, urging them to be watchful and prepared [Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36-44 "Matthew 24:36-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man"). Thus, remembering Paul's teaching is ultimately about remembering the sovereign plan of God, which culminates in the triumph and reign of Jesus Christ, the one who holds all things together and in whom all prophecies find their "Yes and Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ"). The entire eschatological narrative, including the warnings about apostasy and the man of lawlessness, serves to highlight the absolute necessity and ultimate victory of Christ as Lord over all history and creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

John 16:4

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Mark 8:18

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

1 Thessalonians 2:11

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.