2 Thessalonians 2:3-6 – Activities before the Lord’s return (1)

Paul knew full well that if the Thessalonians were totally taken in by the rumors that were circulating concerning the Lord’s return, they would be deceived and be led astray. He then set forth to deal with them. So in verse 3, he told them not to let anyone deceive them. Then he gave the reasons why the day of the Lord had not yet come. He told them that there must first be widespread apostasy or the rebellion before the day of the Lord comes.

What exactly is this event known as the apostasy? This word in the classical Greek was used to denote a political or military rebellion. Thus, it led some to conclude that it is referring to a revolt against the public order or civil authority. They reasoned that since God is the One Who instituted civil authority, so they concluded that this rebellion is one which is against divine authority. Paul is more likely referring to a departure of believers from the faith. It suggests that there will be a widespread revolt against God’s authority.

Then he revealed to them concerning “the man of lawlessness” before the day of the Lord comes. Here, this antichrist is also referred to as the son of destruction. Many would be interested to know who he is exactly. Attempts to link this man to different people in history had been countless, but suffice to say that two things are clearly evident. He will forbid all religions and religious practices, and he will take his seat in the temple of God and set himself forth as God (v.4).

Paul was himself amazed that the Thessalonians should forget what he had told them while he was with them. So in verse 5, he chided them for their forgetfulness. Here he also reminded them that he was not introducing a new subject but one which he had told them before. Had the Thessalonians listened to Paul correctly, they would not be thrown into the disarray by all the misleading teachings.

Deception still lures strongly in our days. The surest insulation we have against it, is still the Word of God and our prayers with discernment. We must be sober-minded and alert so that we will not be unwittingly sucked in it by the devises of the wicked one. To help us to be more discerning, we will be examining some other aspects of his work tomorrow.