What seven-year period does Paul introduce in 2 Thessalonians 2?
Paul introduces the seven-year tribulation, the period of time Jesus called the time of tribulation in Matthew 24. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul writes to believers who feared they had missed the rapture, reassuring them and distinguishing the rapture—Christ gathering His own—from the second coming.
Les explains that in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 Paul comes as close to prophecy as in any of his writings, introducing this seven-year period of time. Jesus in Matthew 24 called it the time of tribulation, and other portions of Scripture also speak of it. Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers who were under persecution and pressure and feared the rapture had taken place and they had missed it. He reassures them that they had not missed the rapture, though things would get tough. Paul points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together unto Him, an act where Christ gathers His own to Himself, which is the rapture, distinct from the second coming when Christ is coming and will not be gathering people unto Himself. Paul sets their minds at ease and gives them points to look for so they will know they have not missed it.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,