At first glance it seems that there may be some force in the notion, although we may

fail to see the appropriateness of such a strong word as olethros (destruction).

II Thess. 1: 9, however, is one verse only, it is not independent of all Scripture, and

therefore if the interpretation offered be true, it will stand the most vigorous

investigation. Turning to Acts 3: 19 we read the identical words, "from the presence of

the Lord," and if the translation of apo in II Thess. 1: 9 means "away from," implying the

removal of those "destroyed" into some remote region, it should mean the same here. Let

us test it: "When there shall come seasons of refreshing away from the presence of the

Lord," that is at some long distance far removed from the presence of the Lord, seasons

of refreshing shall operate, while in the presence of the Lord, despair and desolation shall

hold undisputed sway. No reader of the Scriptures needs to be told that such an idea is

obviously too stupid to need refuting.

The meaning of the word apo (from) governing the genitive case indicates the

efficient cause:--

Nothing could be more foreign to the idea of this usage than to say, "We would see a

sign away from (or separated from) Thee." Does "peace from God" (Rom. 1: 7) mean that

peace is found somewhere far removed from God? Does "seasons of refreshing from the

presence of the Lord" mean anything else but that the active and efficient cause of such

refreshing is the very presence of the Lord on earth? How can we then arbitrarily speak

of an identical usage of the same word concerning another phase of the same coming, as

meaning the exact opposite? The destruction comes from the presence of the Lord as the

efficient cause, explained in other language regarding Antichrist himself in II Thess. 2: 8.

It is by means of this specious scholarship that many humble souls are fortified in their

errors; the tremendous responsibility resting upon their teachers is something to be

considered with fear and trembling.

Olethreuõ.--This verb is derived from olethros, and means "to destroy." It occurs

only in Heb. 11: 28, "Lest the destroyer of the firstborn should touch them." This word

occurs in the 70: of Exod. 12: 23; Jer. 2: 30, &100:, and as one well-known lexicographer

says, "It seems in the 70: a strong word, and to denote entire destruction" (our italics).

Olothreutes is connected with this word, and occurs only in I Cor. 10: 10, "destroyed by

the destroyer."

II Thess.

2

8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his

mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

12

23

For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the

lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the

destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

2

30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured

your prophets, like a destroying lion.