2 Thessalonians 2

The Great Apostasy

¹ Now, brethren (gospel believers), concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (at the rapture of the church) and our gathering together to Him (1 Thess. 4:13-18), we (Paul, Silvanus and Timothy) ask you, ² not to be soon (quickly or easily) shaken (unsettled, tossed about, upset—[It’s the word used for a reed tossed about by the wind]) in mind (in your knowledge and understanding—[We might say today, “Keep your head screwed on straight.”]) or troubled (a nervous anxiousness or alarm—[The Britain’s and Australians have a saying that fits here, “before you get your knickers in a knot…”]), either by spirit (by some proclaimed prophecy or speaking in tongues) or by word (by  some conversation, teaching, rumor etc.) or by letter (by some written report or notice), as if from (written and sent by) us, as though the day of Christ had (already) come (Paul is basically saying to the gospel believers here, “Calm down!”). ³ Let no one deceive (seduce) you by any means (no matter by what accreditations they may have, or how charismatic they may be or how absolutely convinced they are); for that Day(the rapture of the church)will(absolutely)not come unless the falling away (lit., “the standing off from” – it’s the word we get our word “apostasy” from – So the “falling away” is from something like a position or location),

Three views as to what this “falling away” may pertain to are.

1. Most believe it pertains to the professing church going predominately apostate; moving from truth to lies.

• 1 Timothy 4:1–3 – Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ² speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, ³ forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
• 2 Timothy 3:1–5 – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
• 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
• James 5:1–8 – Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. ⁴ Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. ⁵ You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. ⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
• 2 Peter 2
• 2 Peter 3:3–6 – knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, ⁶ by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
• Jude

• Others believe that it may pertain to Israel’s transgression of complying with the Jewish antichrist’s decision to place an idol in the holy of holies in God’s temple.

• Daniel 8:13 – Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”
• Daniel 8:23 – “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes.
• Daniel 9:24 – “Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
• Daniel 9:27 – Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”
• Micah 1:5 – All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?

• Others yet believe it pertains to the universal church moving from earth to heaven; the result of the rapture. (Referring to the previous chapters through 1 Thess. 4)

for that Day will (absolutely)not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin (the Jewish antichrist) is revealed (publically and officially – he is called the “man of sin” because he is the embodiment and personification of sin), the son of perdition (the son of hell, doom, destruction – he is called this as this is his ultimate destiny), ⁴ who opposes (Christ – “he will speak against Him,” “he will denounce Him,” or “he will regard Him as nothing.”^[1]) and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped (he will oppose every so-called god as well as every object of worship, other than himself.  He will attack and seek to destroy anyone and anything that threatens his being supremely worshiped in Israel.), so (much so) that he (will place himself above them all as he) sits as God (hijacking for himself all divine honors as God) in the (very) temple of God, showing himself (proclaiming) that he is God (Israel’s prophet, priest and king).

• Matthew 24:15 – “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),
• Mark 13:14 – “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Just as Herod ruled in Palestine and Caesar ruled in Europe, so the antichrist will reign in Palestine and the Roman prince will reign in Europe.  (Rev. 13)

The willful king (the Jewish antichrist) of Daniel 11:36-39 will exalt himself and tolerate no god except the European dictator who controls the militarism and defense in the West.  The willful king will honor, acknowledge, and glorify the European dictator as an equal, for he (the Jewish antichrist) will enjoy all of the authority of the European dictator.[2]

• Daniel 11:36–39 – “Then the king (the Jewish antichrist) shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. ³⁷ He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. ³⁸ But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses (the European prince/dictator); and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. ³⁹ Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

⁵ Do you not remember (the inference is “surely you have not forgotten”) that when I (Paul) was still with you I (personally) told you these (same) things? ⁶ And now (at the present time) you know what ([neuter] they knew what this was, but we are not told what) is restraining (which can mean is “holding back,” or “holding fast,” or “holding sway over”), that he (the Jewish antichrist) may be revealed (publicly only) in his own time (at the assigned time, at the time allowed for him to do so [e.g., Sprinters waiting for the gun; the one who holds the gun restrains them).

 ⁷ For the mystery (referring here to the decisive direction and culmination of human history which is hidden from the world, but not from Christians) of lawlessness (lawless, rebellious living; the outworking of a worldview that is in complete disregard and disrespect to what is prescribed by God and even society) is already (in part and principle) at work (evidencing its presence not in a wholesale sense yet, as that is being restrained, but certainly to and against the community of gospel believers); only He ([masculine, sing.] ) who now (presently) restrains (“holds back,” or “holds fast,” and/or “holds sway over” – I believe Him to be the Holy Spirit who) will (continue to) do so (restrain this global lawlessness) until He (the Holy Spirit) is taken (not “away,” but) out of the way (until He fires the gun, the Holy Spirit will remain active on the earth, but He will step aside and allow the ever-determined tidal wave of lawlessness to finally wash over the entire world.  The removal of the gospel believers in the rapture probably happens at the same time).

Who or what is restraining the satanically empowered movement against God’s law and is postponing the revelation of the man of sin? Some say it is the Roman Empire. But the empire has long vanished and “the holder back” is not yet revealed. Another suggestion is that this is Satan, but it is difficult to see why he would hold back sin. Others suggest that human governments are holding back sin and the revealing of the Antichrist. But human governments will not end prior to the Antichrist’s unveiling. Nor do all governments restrain sin; many encourage it!

The Holy Spirit of God is the only Person with sufficient (supernatural) power to do this restraining. ^[3]

Daniel 9:26–27 – “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined. ²⁷ Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.”

Daniel 11:36–12:1 – “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. ³⁷ He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. ³⁸ But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. ³⁹ Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

⁴⁰ “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. ⁴¹ He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. ⁴² He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. ⁴³ He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. ⁴⁴ But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. ⁴⁵ And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.

^12:1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.

Revelation 13:13–14 – He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. ¹⁴ And he deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

⁸ And then (after the restrainer steps aside) the lawless one (the Jewish Antichrist [who will reign jointly with the Roman prince]) will be revealed (for the world to see), whom the Lord (Jesus Christ) will (at the end of the 7 year tribulation period of time) consume (overthrow, destroy him, his word and his influence easily) with the breath of His mouth (by His simple command) and destroy (bring him to an end, to utter defeat) with the brightness (the purity, majesty, glory) of His coming (instantly, at the very moment of Jesus Christ’s glorious and royal arrival).

 ⁹ The coming (the existence and arrival) of the lawless one (this Jewish antichrist who lives out a worldview that is in complete disregard and disrespect to what is prescribed by God and society) is according to (in respect to its source, power, and character to) the working (the purpose and zeal) of Satan (himself), with all power (to the full capacity of the power God has granted Satan, which allows him to perform), signs (supernatural displays that are meant to direct the thoughts of its audience in a certain direction), and lying wonders (supernatural displays that are meant to awe, astonish, mesmerize—desiring to pass himself off as the God who allows him these powers),

Matthew 24:24 – For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—

 ¹⁰ and with all (sorts/kinds of) unrighteous (wicked, evil) deception (delusion, seduction) among those who perish (who die in their sin and spend eternity in judgment), because they did not receive (welcome, accept) the love (the love of One who loved us while we were yet sinners—verses the one who Satan seeks to destroy us [because they did not receive the love]) of the truth (God’s signs and wonders testifying to Christ being the true Messiah and Savior of the world—verses Satan’s lies), that they might be saved (saved from sin and death and saved to righteousness and eternal life). ¹¹ And for this reason (because they chose to love Satan’s wicked lies rather than God’s loving truth) God will send them (those who choose Satan over Christ) strong (working, effectual) delusion (false judgment or opinion), that they should believe the lie (as Satan’s endeavors don’t work just because he wills them to.  God is not only in control of how much or little power Satan has, but God is also in control as to the impact of the power.),

Romans 1:18–25 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

John 12:36–43 – While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. ³⁷ But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, ³⁸ that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” ³⁹ Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: ⁴⁰        “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” ⁴¹ These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. ⁴² Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

 ¹² that they all may be condemned (pronounced guilty) who did not believe (place saving faith in) the truth (of the gospel of Jesus Christ) but (instead) had pleasure (delight) in unrighteousness (sin).

Stand Fast

¹³ But (in contrast to the judgment that awaits non-gospel believers) we (Paul, Silas and Timothy) are bound (obligated) to give thanks (express our gratitude) to God always (at all times, in all our circumstances) for you, brethren (our fellow gospel believers) beloved by the Lord (subjects of God’s infinite and eternal love),

Why were they bound to give thanks?

For “we are obliged to give thanks to God always for you” see on 2 Thess. 1:3.

For “brothers beloved by the Lord” cf. on 1 Thess. 1:4.

For “because God chose you” see on 1 Thess. 1:4.

For “salvation” see on 1 Thess. 5:8, 9.

For “sanctification” see on 1 Thess. 4:3, 7.

For “belief” see on 2 Thess. 1:3, 4, 11; 1 Thess. 1:3.

For “truth” see on 2 Thess. 2:10, 12.

For “calling” see on 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:12; 4:7; 5:24.

For “with a view to obtaining” see on 1 Thess. 5:9.

For “glory” see on 1 Thess. 2:12.

For “our Lord Jesus Christ” see on 1 Thess. 1:1.^[4]

because (on account that) God from the beginning (from the concept of mankind God [Eph. 1:4]) chose you (Personally separated you[5]) for salvation (from the guilt, power and penalty of sin; to a more abundant and eternal life) through sanctification (for you to be holy as He is holy [1 Pet. 1:16] – God’s will is for gospel believers to become in practice what He has made us positionally in providing us the righteousness of Christ [Phil. 3:9]; that is accomplished) by the (Holy) Spirit and belief in the truth (God’s truth, verses all of Satan’s lies and counterfeits), ¹⁴ to which He called (summoned) you (to this eternal salvation and progressive sanctification) by our gospel (the gospel of Christ), for (ultimately) the obtaining (for the acquisition and sharing) of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (of all that salvation in Christ has to offer.)

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ as an heir of God.

Romans 8:16–17 – The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

• The believer shall be glorified by being given a body just like the body of Christ.

Philippians 3:21 – who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by appearing in the glory of heaven.

Colossians 3:4 – When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by receiving [an endowment] of glory, a glorious [endowment] just like the [Person] of Christ.
  • Eternal life
  • Purity/Holiness
  • Made in God’s image/self-awareness
  • Indwelling Holy Spirit
  • Spiritual gifts

Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by receiving an eternal weight of glory (i.e., all the glory there is to experience).
  • The depth, height, and breadth of our glory—its boundries

2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by receiving a salvation that involves eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:10 – Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by becoming a partaker of all the glory that shall be revealed.

1 Peter 5:1 – The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

• The believer shall be glorified with Christ by receiving the light of the glory of God, and they shall reign with Him for ever and ever.

Revelation 22:5 – There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.[6]

 ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, (because we are assured of God’s sovereign grace in salvation, because we are certain of its ultimate [result] in glory, because God works out in time what He has planned from eternity, because we have believed the truth of the gospel[7]) stand fast (meaning here to stand firm in faith and duty, to be constant, to persevere)

• Romans 14:4 – Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls (meaning it is for his own master, not someone else, to judge whether or not he is faithful)^[8]. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
• 1 Corinthians 16:13 – Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
• Philippians 1:27 – Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
• Philippians 4:1 – Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

stand fast and hold (cling to, seize) the traditions (the authoritative teachings that have been handed down) which you were taught (by Paul, Silas, and Timothy), whether by word (hearing these teachings from our own mouth) or our epistle (or by letters from us).

• 1 Corinthians 11:2 – Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me (they respected Paul), in all things and keep the traditions (the instructions that Paul taught and modeled), just as I delivered them to you. (The issue wasn’t that the Corinthian believers didn’t know the truth, they simply weren’t applying the truth.)
• Galatians 1:14 – And I advanced (up the ladder in status), in Judaism beyond (or outstripping), many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous (than they), for the traditions (the teachings of the law of Moses), of my fathers, (of my pharisaical superiors).
• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 is not talking about the traditions of men outside of God as Colossians 2:8 is, Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy (human understanding, ideas, speculation) and empty (hollow, worthless, vain) deceit (illusions, seductions), according to the tradition (ideas, teachings) of (mere) men, according to the basic (rudimentary, fleshly) principles of the world (the worldview of humanism), and not according to Christ (truth, wisdom that is from above).

¹⁶ Now (since God is the only One who can supernaturally encourage and strengthen you) may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father (who are the same in essence and purpose, but do differ some in function), who has loved us (when we were sinner and with an everlasting love and continues to love us now) and (freely) given (rather than deserved, merited or earned—He has given) us everlasting  (never ending) consolation (comfort, encouragement) and good (sure, firm, bright) hope (confident expectation) by grace (completely by God’s unmerited favor), ¹⁷ comfort your hearts (the control center of your life) and establish you (strengthen, support— “to cause someone to become stronger in the sense of more firm and unchanging in attitude [and/]or belief”^[9]) in every (in you and through you—in every) good (godly) word (that comes out of your mouth) and work (that you apply your mind and hands to).

We are responsible to exert ourselves and exercise a firm grip on the truth which is embodied in the New Testament revelation. The knowledge that we have been saved by sovereign election should encourage us to fresh efforts in evangelism, endurance, vigilance, and obedience. We have been chosen not to be careless but to “stand fast.” We owe it as a debt to God to be steadfast. It goes without saying, of course, that our strength to stand fast comes from God, not from natural energies native to our dispositions. In the power which the Spirit supplies, we remain faithful. God strengthens the believer by giving him reminders of the Saviours love (verse 16). What Christ did at the cross is the absolute proof and demonstration that God the Father loves us. From this fountain of love all other benefits flow. Because He loves us, He graciously imparts to us whatever encouragement we need for Christian living. Such “consolation” does not quickly expire; it continues to eternity future. In grace God has given the believer “good hope” – a sure and cheery an­ticipation in Christ which shall know no disappointment.[10]

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^[1] Ellingworth, P., & Nida, E. A. (1976). A handbook on Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians (p. 164). New York: United Bible Societies.

[2] Benson, John L, (1980). I and II Thessalonians: The Prospect of Glory. Accent Publications Inc, p. 78

^[3] Constable, T. L. (1985). 2 Thessalonians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 719). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[4] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of I-II Thessalonians (Vol. 3, p. 187). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[5]  Jas. 1:18; Rev. 14:4; Rom. 8:23; 11:16; 16:5; 1 Cor. 15:20, 23; 16:15

^[6] Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible – Commentary – The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible – 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Thimothy, Titus, Philemon.

[7]Benson, John L, (1980). I and II Thessalonians: The Prospect of Glory. Accent Publications Inc, p. 84

^[8] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[9] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains. New York: United Bible Societies.

[10] Benson, John L, (1980). I and II Thessalonians: The Prospect of Glory. Accent Publications Inc, p. 84, 85