Let no one deceive you by any means; for it will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
Truth to Learn
The Tribulation won’t begin until a couple of other things happen first.
Behind the Words
“Deceive” is translated from the Greek verb exapataō, made up of ek, used as an intensifier, and apataō, meaning “to deceive” or “to seduce.” Thus, exapataō means “to completely deceive.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability. Therefore, the opening part of this verse should read, “No one might completely deceive you …”
The words “it will not come” are not in the Greek text; however, they are implied by the context and are appropriately inserted.
The words “falling away” are translated from the Greek noun apostasia. This word is based on the verb aphistēmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to place.” Thus, aphistēmi, means “to put away” or “to remove.” So, the noun apostasia refers to “the departure.” It can refer to a departure from a place or from a set of ideals. The English word apostasy primarily refers to a departure from the core beliefs of Christianity, but the Greek word could also refer to a physical departure.
Anomia is the Greek word translated “lawlessness.” It is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and nomos, meaning “a law.” Thus, this word describes someone who does not acknowledge or obey the law.
“Destruction” is from the Greek noun apoliea, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used here as an intensifier, and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Thus, apoliea refers to “complete destruction.”
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse we noted that Paul is talking about how the Thessalonian Christians had been fooled into believing that the Day of the Lord (the Tribulation) had already begun. In today’s verse he instructs us regarding certain events that must occur before the Tribulation can begin.
He says, “no one should completely deceive you …” The reason we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking the Tribulation is upon us is because it won’t happen until a couple of other things happen. The first thing that must occur is the apostasia; however, there is much debate as to what this specifically refers to. Some believe that it refers to the Rapture, when the church is removed from the earth. Others note that the only other use of the word in the New Testament is the following:
… that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses … (Acts 21:21)
Secular writers of the first century use the word to refer to political revolt as well as the religious movement away from fundamental Judaism. So, it is unclear as to whether Paul is referring to a religious apostasy or to the rapture. Based on the context of Paul’s teaching here, it is most reasonable to view this as a reference to the rapture of the church.
The other event that must occur before the Tribulation is the “man of lawlessness” must be revealed. This is most likely a reference to the one we call “antichrist,” although only the Apostle John uses that designation. Only after the apostasia and the revealing of the “man of lawlessness” can the Tribulation begin.
Application
It’s very clear to many of us that the Rapture and the Day of the Lord are both very near. Until that day, keep your focus on God and listen for the trumpet blast!
In God's service, for His glory,
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