A. verses 1-3a Warning
B. verse 3b The apostasy, and
C. verses 3c-5 The revelation of the Man of Lawlessness
D. verses 5-7 The katexon/ -wn
C'. verses 8-9 The revelation and annihilation of the Lawless One
B'. verses 10-12 The leading astray of unbelievers
A'. verses 13-15 Thanksgiving and exhortation
Note the negative exhortations and warning of vv. 1-3a parallel to the
thanksgiving and strong message of assurance of salvation (as opposed the
Thessalonians' distress) and the positive exhortation to hold fast to Paul's
teachings (both here and previously). The apostasy in v. 3b is parallel to
the leading astray of unbelievers in vv. 10-12. The revelation of the man of
lawlessness in vv. 3c-5 is paralled in vv. 8-9. Finally, the discussion of TO
KATXON/ HO KATEXWN is the center of the chiasm (and perhaps the center of the
chiasm of the letter). As the center of this chiastic structure, it would
make sense that the discussion of the TO KATXON/ HO KATEXWN has a direct
relationship of the overall topic mentioned in v. 1. Finally, the PAROUSIA of
Christ is discussed entirely in terms of its relationship to the man of
lawlessness. We would expect that the SUNAGWGHN of believers would also be
discussed in terms of its relationship to the man of lawlessness. As the
center of the chiasm, TO KATXON/ HO KATEXWN may involve the SUNAGWGHN of
believers as it relates to the man of lawlessness. Paul, who may be
anticipating another deceptive message in response to the letter, tries to
prevent such a message by resorting to apocalyptic imagery that he has used
with the Thessalonians, but which would be unknown to his enemies.
Charles Powell
Dallas Theological Seminary