not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.
as that the day of Christ is at hand: The word "day" (heemera) points "of the last day of the present age" (Thayer 278-2-2250). "At hand" (enisteemi) literally means " (properly as it were to stand in sight, stand near) to be upon, impend, threaten" (Thayer 216-2-1764). The confusion of the Thessalonians concerns false reports saying that Paul said the coming of the Lord was at hand (enistemi), that is, "now present" (Vincent, Vol. IV 63). The underlying reason for this section of this epistle is the misunderstanding for whatever reason of the coming of Christ. Paul wants to clear it up before the congregation, saying certain events must happen before Jesus Christ will return.