Who is Paul discussing in 2 Thessalonians 2?

[Earburner]

If Paul had believed that all ethnic Israel would be saved, he would have been beyond ecstatic.

But he wasn't, and we've seen the distinctions that he draws between the Israel that will be saved and the Israel that will not be saved.

The difference being between faithfulness and obedience, and unfaithfulness and disobedience.

A microcosm of the entirety of humanity.

I sincerely believe that when Christians position themselves into this severe dichotomy for understanding, of how it is that "not all of Israel is Israel" and yet we also read that "all of Israel shall be saved", it is all due to the fact that neither of the christian positions are understanding who the symbolic 144,000 of the nation of Israel truly are.

The 144k has nothing to do with the NC. but rather everything to do with the OC. It is from "under the altar" of the OC. that the 144,000 originate from. Mal. 3:16-18; Rev. 6:9-11.
The 144k of OC Israel were each "sealed" with the Holy Spirit of Promise [white robe] upon the day when Christ was "glorified" in His resurrection.
John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [permanently] given [to anyone]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified [resurrected].)

In other words, the symbolic number of the 144,000 are from ALL of the tribes of OC. Israel of faith, who lived and died in faith "under the altar" of OC. Israel.

Now, during this present Age if God's Grace, those of Israel who are Born again through faith in Jesus, AFTER His resurrection, they are now OF THE Great Multitude, along with the Gentiles who have also believed.