2 Thessalonians 2:3

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

a. NLT: Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.

b. NIV: Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: let not any one deceive you in any manner, because -- if the falling away may not come first, and the man of sin be revealed -- the son of the destruction,

d. Amplified Bible: Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition),

e. Worrell Translation: Let no one deceive you in any manner; because that day will not come, unless the falling away comes first, and the man of lawlessness be revealed—the son of perdition.

f. Wuest Translation: Do not begin to allow anyone to lead you astray in any way, because that day shall not come except the aforementioned departure [of the Church to heaven] comes first and the man of the lawlessness is disclosed [in his true identity]

1). There are two things that have to happen before the day of Christ occurs, first, a falling away and two, the revelation of the man of sin upon the world stage. Wuest’s translation of this verse is to be rejected. He is one of the few, and I do mean few that translate the Greek word for falling away as to mean the departure of the church to heaven and not as the majority of scholars, who translate it as a departure or falling away of the church from revealed truth.

1. “Let no man deceive you by any means”…

a. Let…deceive [Strong: 1818 exapatao ex-ap-at-ah'-o from 1537 and 538; to seduce wholly:--beguile, deceive.] [Zodhiates: to deceive completely, beguile, seduce, meaning to lead out of the right way into error.]

b. no [Strong: 3361 me may a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

c. man [Strong: 5100 tis tis an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

d. you [Strong: 5209 humas hoo-mas' accusative case of 5210; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):--ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).]

e. by [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah' a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.]

f. any [Strong: 3367 medeis may-dice', including the irregular feminine medemia may-dem-ee'-ah, and the neuter meden may-den' from 3361 and 1520; not even one (man, woman, thing):--any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay.]

 g. means [Strong: 5158 tropos trop'-os from the same as 5157; a turn, i.e. (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character:--(even) as, conversation, (+ like) manner, (+ by any) means, way.]

1). In particular the “means” he has just written concerning, “by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us”. The warning though goes beyond that to include “any means” for as the text progresses Paul writes about a coming planned deception so persuasive so cunning that it will sweep millions of believers away from Christ, in addition to other millions and billions who are not believers. Paul use similar language when warning the Ephesian church against those who would try to include sexual immorality into their lifestyles.

a). Ephesians 5:3-7 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

2). Jesus warned his disciples not to let any man deceive them.

a). Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

3). The Scripture clearly says we as believers have the personal responsibility not to be deceived, by anything in this present world and especially by the deception that is coming. If we are deceived it is our own fault.

2. “…for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…”

a. for [Strong: 3754 hoti hot'-ee neuter of 3748 as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.]

b. [that day shall not come] except [Strong: 3362 ean me eh-an' may i.e. 1437 and 3361; if not, i.e. unless:--X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not.] [Zodhiates: if not, unless.]

c. there come [Strong: 2064 erchomai er'-khom-ahee middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) eleuthomai el-yoo'-thom-ahee, or (active) eltho el'-tho, which do not otherwise occur) to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.]

d. a falling away [646 apostasia ap-os-tas-ee'-ah feminine of the same as 647; defection from truth (properly, the state) ("apostasy"):--falling away, forsake.]  [Thayer: a falling away, defection, apostasy.] [Vine: "a defection, revolt, apostasy," is used in the NT of religious apostasy; in Acts 21:21, it is translated "to forsake," lit., "thou teachest apostasy from Moses." In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 "the falling away" signifies apostasy from the faith.]

e. first [Strong: 4412 proton pro'-ton neuter of 4413 as adverb (with or without 3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance):--before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all).]

1). Every translation I found follows this definition and I believe the context rings true. The various translations previously cited bear this out. Chronologically, the timing for this falling away, apostasy is before the revelation of the anti-Christ. I personally believe we are witnessing the beginning of that falling away right now.  

2). Don Costello: We must remember Paul is speaking to Christians when he writes, “Let no man deceive you…”.  The successful coming on the scene and the acceptance of the anti-Christ by the world, will follow a steady and massive rejection and departure from the truth, the truth of the word of God. This rejection of the truth has been going on since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Paul wrote that it was in operation in his day when he wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work”. Most of the other translations translate it as “the mystery of lawlessness”. The ultimate goal of this mystery is the devil’s attempt to put his man on the world’s throne to rule man. The only way the believers can fall for this is they have to stop being believers which will be achieved by a massive rejection and departure from the truth. This rejection and departure from the truth accelerated in our churches and in our culture in the last 60 years. In respect to church denominations, approximately 25 million men and women, boys and girls attend churches that are pro-abortion in their practice. Those same churches for the most part are pro-homosexual in their theology. These are only symptoms of a much more serious problem, i.e., a system of theology that does not have a high view of Scripture and most of the churches within these denominations do not have that high view. They believe that what the Bible says should be trumped by circumstances, personal experience, personal opinion and what modern science says. The Bible, the word of God requires that its followers, in Covenant with God, have a view of Scripture that is higher than books inspired by man. David wrote in Psalm 119:128, “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right…”. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:3, 4 “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?  God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Finally Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Translation: As a believer in Covenant with God, when I am faced with a decision to either believe a person’s experience or the culture or what science says concerning Scripture, I am to take what the Bible says and reject what the others say. This is part of the high view of Scripture that believers are to have. It is the rejection of a high view of Scripture that is resulting in churches and Christians accepting and embracing things that were unthinkable a few decades ago. Because I believe we are living in the last days, I personally believe we are witnessing the “falling away” the Apostle Paul warned us about. What makes this falling away worse is what is coming after this departure from the truth by Christians. After they reject the truth of the word Of God they then fall prey to the deception of the anti-Christ, and seal their own doom. The text goes on to say the devil will use every trick at his disposal to deceive and because these former believers have already rejected the truth they will be deceived and doomed with the other countless millions who are not Christians. In our churches today a corrupt form of Christianity is being taught, it is called “progressive” and “emergent”. Sometimes they are two different things and sometime they are the same. Both are corrupt. Not everything they preach is error, but they are filled with enough error to warrant a strong warning not to entertain their teaching and avoid them unless the individual is thoroughly grounded in the truth of the word of God. Websites such as Red Letter Christians, Sojourners and a myriad of others are rank with error. Individuals such as Donald Miller, Rachel Held Evens, Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Jim Wallis and a host of others should be avoided. Their writings will corrupt the ungrounded believer.

3). Rick Renner 11/27/16   Paul says that before the antichrist can be revealed, first there must be a “falling away” that takes place in the world. The phrase “falling away” is taken from the Greek word apostasia, which describes a falling away or a revolt. The writer Plutarch used this word to describe a political revolt. In First Maccabees 2:15, the word apostasia is used to picture people who are turning away from the Lord. This word also occurs in the Septuagint version of Joshua 2:22, where it conveys the idea of rebellion against God. Thus, the word apostasia is a word that denotes rebellion, mutiny, and defiance. Before the antichrist can be welcomed with wide-open arms by the world, a change in society’s mentality must first take place. Paul uses this word to predict a rebellion or mutiny against God that will occur in the last days. The text does not imply that this mutiny will occur within the Church; rather, it seems to point to a change in society’s attitude toward God. Paul is describing a time when society’s attitude toward God and holy things will become mutinous. Once this anti-God and anti-godliness mentality pervades society, the world will be primed and prepared to receive this man whom Paul calls “that man of sin.”

a). 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

3. “…and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition”.

a. and [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. that [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

c. man [Strong: 444 anthropos anth'-ro-pos from 435 and ops (the countenance; from 3700); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.]

d. of sin [Strong: 266 hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]

1). Rick Renner 11/27/16 The Greek word used here for “sin” is the word anomia. Translating the word anomia as “sin” is unfortunate, for the word anomia actually means without law and carries the idea of a lawless attitude. It has a definite article in Greek, which tells us emphatically that this individual is not just any person with a lawless attitude; rather, this is a reference to the man of lawlessness or the antichrist.

e. be revealed [Strong: 601 apokalupto ap-ok-al-oop'-to from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.]

1). Rick Renner 11/27/16 Paul points to a time when this evil leader will be “revealed.” The word “revealed” is the Greek word apokalupto. It is a compound word, using the words apo and kalupto. The word apo means away, and the word kalupto is something that is veiled, covered, concealed, or hidden. When these two words are compounded, they form the word apokalupto, depicting a veil that has been removed, exposing what is behind the veil that was formerly concealed or hidden from view. Paul uses this word to inform us that a day is coming when the antichrist — who has been concealed and hidden from public view — will suddenly appear. In that moment when he suddenly emerges on the world scene, it will be as if a stage curtain has been pulled out of the way so that he can make his grand appearance.

f. the son [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os' apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]

g. of perdition [Strong: 684 apoleia ap-o’-li-a from a presumed derivative of 622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal):--damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.]

1). Rick Renner 11/27/16 Paul calls this wicked leader “the son of perdition.” The word “perdition” is from the Greek word apoleia, which speaks of something that is doomed, rotten, ruinous, or decaying. Although this world leader may boast that he will lead the world to a higher and better day, what he will actually bring to the world is doom, destruction, ruin, rot, and decay. No redeeming value can be found in anything produced by the antichrist’s rule. In the Greek text, Paul uses a definite article, loudly signaling that this evil world ruler is in a category like none other before him. He is not simply another evil person. He is THE Son of Doom and Destruction.

2). This “man of sin” and “son of perdition” is the anti-Christ. He is the first “beast” of Revelation 13.

a). Revelation 13:1-8 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

2). There is so much Scripture in the Bible about this individual, certainly too much to list here. I do want to say something though concerning the anti-Christ and Bible prophecy that I believe is critically important. Many people believe in error that the anti-Christ is part of God’s plan, that God set it up this way, that there is a Christ and an anti-Christ but that is not the case; that would make God a puppeteer with Jesus and the devil on both hands and using them to manipulate people. No! A thousand times no.  God’s plan is salvation for all, blessing, victory and holiness for mankind because He is a good God. The devil though is always trying to steal from, kill, and destroy people, and stop or hinder what God is trying to do and so he tries to throw counter plans into God’s plan to thwart the plan of God. The anti-Christ is one of those counter-plans. The reason these things are written in the Scripture is because God knows the beginning from the end, and they are written for our warning and to pray against and not be deceived by them.