2 Thessalonians 2:5
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
Original Language Analysis
μνημονεύετε
Remember ye
G3421
μνημονεύετε
Remember ye
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
2 of 10
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 10
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 10
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Historical Context
New Testament Christianity included robust eschatological teaching from the start. Converts immediately learned Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and kingdom. Modern churches often neglect these doctrines, producing similar confusion. Paul assumes what many contemporary Christians ignore.
Questions for Reflection
- What foundational Christian doctrines have you forgotten or never learned?
- How does neglecting eschatology leave believers vulnerable to false teaching?
- Why would Paul teach end-times details to brand-new converts—what does this reveal about its importance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?—Paul's rhetorical question (ou mnēmoneuete, οὐ μνημονεύετε, 'don't you remember?') appeals to prior teaching. During his brief Thessalonian ministry (perhaps 3 weeks, Acts 17:2), he taught end-times chronology. This shows eschatology was basic Christian catechism, not advanced speculation.
The question implies: 'You should know this already—why are you confused?' False teachers had erased or distorted Paul's foundational instruction. Forgetting apostolic doctrine opens believers to deception. The present confusion required returning to first principles, not new revelation.