2 Thessalonians 2:3—Rebellion or Apostasy?

[ResidentAlien]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

 

[Magenta]

1 John 2:19

 

[Runningman]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

The translators actually used the correct word here. We'll examine that and how the word apostasia is used elsewhere in the New Testament. It basically means apostasy, a deserting of the faith, or a defection from faith.

G646 apostasia
Strong's Concordance

​

apostasia: defection, revolt
Original Word: ἀποστασία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: apostasia
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os-tas-ee'-ah)
Definition: defection, revolt
Usage: defection, apostasy, revolt.

​

It is not about moving from a literal geographical location to another because that doesn't fit the definition of the word or the overall context of the chapter.

The gathering to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:1) is not the same action being described in 2 Thess. 2:3. Furthermore, making apostasy mean moving from one physical location to another introduces contradictions in the chapter.

Your interpretation places the gathering to Christ and His return before the man of sin is revealed. 2 Thess. 2:8 days Christ returns to destroy the man of sin after he is already revealed; it can't be both.

In Acts 21:21, the same Greek word "apostasia" is used in context of commiting apostasy against the Law of Moses.

Acts 21:21 KJV
21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Apostasia is about rebellion against faith in Christ. Most Bible translations have accurately captured the spirit of what this verse is trying to say.

 

[ResidentAlien]

The translators actually used the correct word here. We'll examine that and how the word apostasia is used elsewhere in the New Testament. It basically means apostasy, a deserting of the faith, or a defection from faith.

G646 apostasia
Strong's Concordance

​

apostasia: defection, revolt
Original Word: ἀποστασία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: apostasia
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os-tas-ee'-ah)
Definition: defection, revolt
Usage: defection, apostasy, revolt.

​

It is not about moving from a literal geographical location to another because that doesn't fit the definition of the word or the overall context of the chapter.

The gathering to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:1) is not the same action being described in 2 Thess. 2:3. Furthermore, making apostasy mean moving from one physical location to another introduces contradictions in the chapter.

Your interpretation places the gathering to Christ and His return before the man of sin is revealed. 2 Thess. 2:8 days Christ returns to destroy the man of sin after he is already revealed; it can't be both.

In Acts 21:21, the same Greek word "apostasia" is used in context of commiting apostasy against the Law of Moses.

Acts 21:21 KJV
21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Apostasia is about rebellion against faith in Christ. Most Bible translations have accurately captured the spirit of what this verse is trying to say.

I agree, technically you have a point.

However, to me, rebellion gives the false impression that there will be some kind of revolt in the street, when it's actually a gradual brainwashing of people so they think they're doing things of their own free will but they're being controlled and manipulated by Satan.

You won't see the mass of Christianity out in the street with clubs and swords crying for Bibles to be burned. No, they'll be sitting passively, listening to false teachers and giving their hearty consent.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

amen it’s caused by this

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭

receiving the wrong directions leads the wrong direction

 

[Nehemiah6]

Apostasia is about rebellion against faith in Christ.

That may be so, but a proper translation would say "falling away" which is a departure from the truth. Not necessarily a rebellion.

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

Departure, and in Context, "Caught UP, meeting HIM in the air, being
Gathered Unto HIMSELF!" Amen? Wonderful Glorification!! Praise HIM!

 

[Blade]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

Praise God.. great question. Is it just a fallen away or departure. Some say its a fallen away .. to that I say it depends where you look I guess Well if we take just China alone Christianity is growing Back to the word.. not many today know ancient Greek. For me what was being talked about before all this...would seem something .. hmm something has to be taken out of the way before the lawless one can come out in the open. Which odd that he can't right now.. hmm who WHAT has ALL POWER and ALL AUTHORITY over him? My view

 

[Kidron]

Apostasia is about rebellion against faith in Christ. to say.

That would be the spirit of Anti-Christ, and that Spirit was "already in the world", in the days of the Apostles.

So, this "falling away", verse, is one of those verses that is argued by scholars for hundreds of years.

If you were in my class i'd teach this verse to you in a way you have not heard it before., and this is because i base it on something Jude said, and something Paul teaches.
So, READER, i'll tell you what i teach my students, and you can then add this to your rolodex inventory regarding what the verse means..

Here is what is says.....>"a great falling away".
So, that means, that something previously believed, is now no longer held as REAL belief.

Now, can this be the world of unbelievers? = No.
And that is because they have no faith or truth to fall from...
They are in this situation...>"LOST"....."DECEIVED"......"MIND BLINDED"......so, what would they fall away from ????, as they are already "adamic nature" "fallen", and hell bound. John 3:6

So, this verse has to be talking about the Church.

Now Look at Jude...........Jude says....>"contend earnestly for the REAL FAITH".

Now that is a very important verse... critically important to discern...as that is making a literal distinction between Real Faith and "doctrines of devils", Hebrew 13:9.
So, there is REAL FAITH, or the teaching that Paul gives that He calls ..."My Gospel".
So, anything that pretends to be "how to become a Christian", and "how to remain a Christian".... would be a false faith if its not the Real Faith stressed by JUDE...... and this "doctrine of Justification" is only found "in the time of the Gentiles", as provided by the Gentile Apostle, Paul.

Are you following me reader?
This means... "REAL FAITH", is what Paul teaches as "justification by faith"...which is..>>"The Gospel of the Grace of God".

So, anything that departs from this real faith, or "falls from this" or "fallen from Grace", regarding falling from Real Faith, is to apostatize from REAL FAITH>. ...is to "fall away".

= There is your falling away. Its a large percentage of the Body of Christ, leaving real faith, and become "fallen from Grace"

Notice. "falling away"............and ... "Fallen from Grace"..
See that?
They are the same.
Which is.... the leaving of the Gospel of Grace, by the Majority of The Church, based on subversion of the Real Gospel as its changed into "water baptism", and all types of "commandment keeping Gospel", and all types of "self effort to stay saved" Gospels that have no root of faith in Christ, and are literally become "fallen from Grace" doctrines "of devils". Hebrews 13:9

Paul said that the "simplicity in Christ", is the revealer of those who are "fallen away".
Those of you who have no idea what that is, might want to pay attention to what im showing you.....

Here is the verse.....>> 2nd Corinthians 11:3.......Paul says that believers become departed from real faith...

That is the "falling away",...... and in the end times, just before the Grt Trib starts, as the "time of the gentiles" is ending, there is a HUGE departing from real faith into all types of subverted gospel(s) that are all about Mary, and Water and enduring, and anything that is taught as a Gospel of SELF EFFORT to Stay saved to go to heaven.

There is your falling away., and its been here in the Body of Christ for quite a while.

I'l give you a prime example.
You can go to any Christian forum, in the world, as of '2021...... and im on them all or have been for quite a few years, (2004) and you can't find 5 members per forum who believe this......>"The blood of Jesus that saved you, KEEPS YOU SAVED".
But you can find nearly the entire forum including the mods that are caught up in "pre-destination", "water baptism", and nearly every person on a Christian forum will argue that Christ's blood does not keep you saved.
And they will show you their misused and twisted verses that talk about commandments, and water, and self effort, and Sacraments,
Any and everything that is NOT RELATED to the Cross of Christ and Jesus's BLOOD and Death, which is ONLY GOD's GRACE saving you and keeping you saved.
They are fallen away from this real faith, and are glad to explain it to you as their self saving LEGALISM.

So, the "falling away" is LEGALISM that has infected the entire body of Christ.

 

[Runningman]

That would be the spirit of Anti-Christ, and that Spirit was "already in the world", in the days of the Apostles.

So, this "falling away", verse, is one of those verses that is argued by scholars for hundreds of years.

If you were in my class i'd teach this verse to you in a way you have not heard it before., and this is because i base it on something Jude said, and something Paul teaches.
So, READER, i'll tell you what i teach my students, and you can then add this to your rolodex inventory regarding what the verse means..

Here is what is says.....>"a great falling away".
So, that means, that something previously believed, is now no longer held as REAL belief.

Now, can this be the world of unbelievers? = No.
And that is because they have no faith or truth to fall from...
They are in this situation...>"LOST"....."DECEIVED"......"MIND BLINDED"......so, what would they fall away from ????, as they are already "adamic nature" "fallen", and hell bound. John 3:6

So, this verse has to be talking about the Church.

Now Look at Jude...........Jude says....>"contend earnestly for the REAL FAITH".

Now that is a very important verse... critically important to discern...as that is making a literal distinction between Real Faith and "doctrines of devils", Hebrew 13:9.
So, there is REAL FAITH, or the teaching that Paul gives that He calls ..."My Gospel".
So, anything that pretends to be "how to become a Christian", and "how to remain a Christian".... would be a false faith if its not the Real Faith stressed by JUDE...... and this "doctrine of Justification" is only found "in the time of the Gentiles", as provided by the Gentile Apostle, Paul.

Are you following me reader?
This means... "REAL FAITH", is what Paul teaches as "justification by faith"...which is..>>"The Gospel of the Grace of God".

So, anything that departs from this real faith, or "falls from this" or "fallen from Grace", regarding falling from Real Faith, is to apostatize from REAL FAITH>. ...is to "fall away".

= There is your falling away. Its a large percentage of the Body of Christ, leaving real faith, and become "fallen from Grace"

Notice. "falling away"............and ... "Fallen from Grace"..
See that?
They are the same.
Which is.... the leaving of the Gospel of Grace, by the Majority of The Church, based on subversion of the Real Gospel as its changed into "water baptism", and all types of "commandment keeping Gospel", and all types of "self effort to stay saved" Gospels that have no root of faith in Christ, and are literally become "fallen from Grace" doctrines "of devils". Hebrews 13:9

Paul said that the "simplicity in Christ", is the revealer of those who are "fallen away".
Those of you who have no idea what that is, might want to pay attention to what im showing you.....

Here is the verse.....>> 2nd Corinthians 11:3.......Paul says that believers become departed from real faith...

That is the "falling away",...... and in the end times, just before the Grt Trib starts, as the "time of the gentiles" is ending, there is a HUGE departing from real faith into all types of subverted gospel(s) that are all about Mary, and Water and enduring, and anything that is taught as a Gospel of SELF EFFORT to Stay saved to go to heaven.

There is your falling away., and its been here in the Body of Christ for quite a while.

I'l give you a prime example.
You can go to any Christian forum, in the world, as of '2021...... and im on them all or have been for quite a few years, (2004) and you can't find 5 members per forum who believe this......>"The blood of Jesus that saved you, KEEPS YOU SAVED".
But you can find nearly the entire forum including the mods that are caught up in "pre-destination", "water baptism", and nearly every person on a Christian forum will argue that Christ's blood does not keep you saved.
And they will show you their misused and twisted verses that talk about commandments, and water, and self effort, and Sacraments,
Any and everything that is NOT RELATED to the Cross of Christ and Jesus's BLOOD and Death, which is ONLY GOD's GRACE saving you and keeping you saved.
They are fallen away from this real faith, and are glad to explain it to you as their self saving LEGALISM.

So, the "falling away" is LEGALISM that has infected the entire body of Christ.

I think people often confuse their physical body with their spirit body. The physical body sins regularly, the spiritual body does not sin at all because it has been born again.

I think people get tangled in all the scriptures, but often forget the foundation: Christ's sacrifice is enough to forgive all sin no matter what someone does. Either this is true or it's not. I know this might be construed as an either/or fallacy, but in this case there are really only two options: Christ is enough to save us or He isn't.

I believe that faith in Christ is enough and that's the faith I hold.

 

[laymen]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

 

[Ahwatukee]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

Hi ResidenAlien,

I agree with you regarding the word 'Apostasy' which is from the Greek 'Apostasia,' which is defined as follows:

====================================

HELPS Word-studies
646 apostasía (from 868 /aphístēmi, "leave, depart," which is derived from 575 /apó, "away from" and 2476 /histémi, "stand") – properly, departure (implying desertion); apostasy – literally, "a leaving, from a previous standing."

=============================================

So the translated words ' defection, apostasy, revolt, departure, desertion, falling away, etc.' can all be used to describe one's previous stand in faith.

And 'departure' can also be used, as long as it retains the original meaning of the Greek. I say this because there are those who grab hold of the word 'departure' and they attempt to force it to mean departing up into the air to meet the Lord, opposed to departure from one's stand in faith.

This is why am a proponent of looking at the actual Greek definition, as well as the other words that are used in the different translations.

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Berean Study Bible
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.

Berean Literal Bible
No one should deceive you in any way, because it is not until the apostasy shall have come first, and the man of lawlessness shall have been revealed--the son of destruction,

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

New American Standard Bible
No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

NASB 1995
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

NASB 1977
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Amplified Bible
Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed],

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.

American Standard Version
let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,

 

[AandW]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

All New Testaments arrive from the Codex Sinaiticus [1 of the 2 True Original first Edition Bibles, Greek Written, that contains the earliest New Testaments], so look at what this entire Verse claims. And don't be ALARMED here, this is the closest actual Version from Paul:

3 Let no one deceive you in any way, because, unless the apostasy come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.


This Codex Sinaiticus Version, in one Verse alone gives more detail than the KJV 2:3-4 in two Verses.

When we read:
openly showing himself that he is God.
it makes no mistake how to interpret this Verse.

 

[laymen]

That would be the spirit of Anti-Christ, and that Spirit was "already in the world", in the days of the Apostles.

So, this "falling away", verse, is one of those verses that is argued by scholars for hundreds of years.

If you were in my class i'd teach this verse to you in a way you have not heard it before., and this is because i base it on something Jude said, and something Paul teaches.
So, READER, i'll tell you what i teach my students, and you can then add this to your rolodex inventory regarding what the verse means..

Here is what is says.....>"a great falling away".
So, that means, that something previously believed, is now no longer held as REAL belief.

Now, can this be the world of unbelievers? = No.
And that is because they have no faith or truth to fall from...
They are in this situation...>"LOST"....."DECEIVED"......"MIND BLINDED"......so, what would they fall away from ????, as they are already "adamic nature" "fallen", and hell bound. John 3:6

So, this verse has to be talking about the Church.

Now Look at Jude...........Jude says....>"contend earnestly for the REAL FAITH".

Now that is a very important verse... critically important to discern...as that is making a literal distinction between Real Faith and "doctrines of devils", Hebrew 13:9.
So, there is REAL FAITH, or the teaching that Paul gives that He calls ..."My Gospel".
So, anything that pretends to be "how to become a Christian", and "how to remain a Christian".... would be a false faith if its not the Real Faith stressed by JUDE...... and this "doctrine of Justification" is only found "in the time of the Gentiles", as provided by the Gentile Apostle, Paul.

Are you following me reader?
This means... "REAL FAITH", is what Paul teaches as "justification by faith"...which is..>>"The Gospel of the Grace of God".

So, anything that departs from this real faith, or "falls from this" or "fallen from Grace", regarding falling from Real Faith, is to apostatize from REAL FAITH>. ...is to "fall away".

= There is your falling away. Its a large percentage of the Body of Christ, leaving real faith, and become "fallen from Grace"

Notice. "falling away"............and ... "Fallen from Grace"..
See that?
They are the same.
Which is.... the leaving of the Gospel of Grace, by the Majority of The Church, based on subversion of the Real Gospel as its changed into "water baptism", and all types of "commandment keeping Gospel", and all types of "self effort to stay saved" Gospels that have no root of faith in Christ, and are literally become "fallen from Grace" doctrines "of devils". Hebrews 13:9

Paul said that the "simplicity in Christ", is the revealer of those who are "fallen away".
Those of you who have no idea what that is, might want to pay attention to what im showing you.....

Here is the verse.....>> 2nd Corinthians 11:3.......Paul says that believers become departed from real faith...

That is the "falling away",...... and in the end times, just before the Grt Trib starts, as the "time of the gentiles" is ending, there is a HUGE departing from real faith into all types of subverted gospel(s) that are all about Mary, and Water and enduring, and anything that is taught as a Gospel of SELF EFFORT to Stay saved to go to heaven.

There is your falling away., and its been here in the Body of Christ for quite a while.

I'l give you a prime example.
You can go to any Christian forum, in the world, as of '2021...... and im on them all or have been for quite a few years, (2004) and you can't find 5 members per forum who believe this......>"The blood of Jesus that saved you, KEEPS YOU SAVED".
But you can find nearly the entire forum including the mods that are caught up in "pre-destination", "water baptism", and nearly every person on a Christian forum will argue that Christ's blood does not keep you saved.
And they will show you their misused and twisted verses that talk about commandments, and water, and self effort, and Sacraments,
Any and everything that is NOT RELATED to the Cross of Christ and Jesus's BLOOD and Death, which is ONLY GOD's GRACE saving you and keeping you saved.
They are fallen away from this real faith, and are glad to explain it to you as their self saving LEGALISM.

So, the "falling away" is LEGALISM that has infected the entire body of Christ.

Legalism can be easy to fall in to I agree if you do not know God, also though 1 Tim 1:8 Reminds us “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.”
That is, as it was intended to be used. To treat it as a mere set of rules to be argued about, or as a subject for profitless philosophical discussion (see vs. 3–7), or as a means of salvation (see on Rom. 3:20; cf. Rom. 4:14; Gal. 3:17, 19–25; 5:4) perverts and abuses the law.

 

[Ahwatukee]

I agree, technically you have a point.

However, to me, rebellion gives the false impression that there will be some kind of revolt in the street, when it's actually a gradual brainwashing of people so they think they're doing things of their own free will but they're being controlled and manipulated by Satan.

You won't see the mass of Christianity out in the street with clubs and swords crying for Bibles to be burned. No, they'll be sitting passively, listening to false teachers and giving their hearty consent.

Well, the falling away, will be a kind of revolt/rebellion, according to the Lord's description:

"Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many (believers) will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many."

Believers will turn away from their faith because of persecution and the threat of death. And will then turn on believers, hating them and betraying them.

 

[AandW]

I agree, technically you have a point.

However, to me, rebellion gives the false impression that there will be some kind of revolt in the street, when it's actually a gradual brainwashing of people so they think they're doing things of their own free will but they're being controlled and manipulated by Satan.

You won't see the mass of Christianity out in the street with clubs and swords crying for Bibles to be burned. No, they'll be sitting passively, listening to false teachers and giving their hearty consent.

That's because the Apostasy is not speaking of a rebellion in terms of Believers versus Evil. Read this Verse again from the Codex Sinaiticus

3 Let no one deceive you in any way, because, unless the apostasy come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.

This apostasy has to do with Evil Rebelling against God!

And from this Rebellion, the rest of this Verse happens ...[the apostasy come first], and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.

 

[AandW]

This apostasy has to do with Evil Rebelling against God!

And from this Rebellion, the rest of this Verse happens ...[the apostasy come first], and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.

To answers the question what does Apostasy mean?

It means:
the apostasy come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.

We will know the Apostasy/Rebellion happens, when, the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every one that is called God, or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, openly showing himself that he is God.

Because that is the Act of Rebellion, the Apostasy, sitting and showing himself that he is God!

 

[Pilgrimshope]

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That would be the spirit of Anti-Christ, and that Spirit was "already in the world", in the days of the Apostles.

So, this "falling away", verse, is one of those verses that is argued by scholars for hundreds of years.

If you were in my class i'd teach this verse to you in a way you have not heard it before., and this is because i base it on something Jude said, and something Paul teaches.
So, READER, i'll tell you what i teach my students, and you can then add this to your rolodex inventory regarding what the verse means..

Here is what is says.....>"a great falling away".
So, that means, that something previously believed, is now no longer held as REAL belief.

Now, can this be the world of unbelievers? = No.
And that is because they have no faith or truth to fall from...
They are in this situation...>"LOST"....."DECEIVED"......"MIND BLINDED"......so, what would they fall away from ????, as they are already "adamic nature" "fallen", and hell bound. John 3:6

So, this verse has to be talking about the Church.

Now Look at Jude...........Jude says....>"contend earnestly for the REAL FAITH".

Now that is a very important verse... critically important to discern...as that is making a literal distinction between Real Faith and "doctrines of devils", Hebrew 13:9.
So, there is REAL FAITH, or the teaching that Paul gives that He calls ..."My Gospel".
So, anything that pretends to be "how to become a Christian", and "how to remain a Christian".... would be a false faith if its not the Real Faith stressed by JUDE...... and this "doctrine of Justification" is only found "in the time of the Gentiles", as provided by the Gentile Apostle, Paul.

Are you following me reader?
This means... "REAL FAITH", is what Paul teaches as "justification by faith"...which is..>>"The Gospel of the Grace of God".

So, anything that departs from this real faith, or "falls from this" or "fallen from Grace", regarding falling from Real Faith, is to apostatize from REAL FAITH>. ...is to "fall away".

= There is your falling away. Its a large percentage of the Body of Christ, leaving real faith, and become "fallen from Grace"

Notice. "falling away"............and ... "Fallen from Grace"..
See that?
They are the same.
Which is.... the leaving of the Gospel of Grace, by the Majority of The Church, based on subversion of the Real Gospel as its changed into "water baptism", and all types of "commandment keeping Gospel", and all types of "self effort to stay saved" Gospels that have no root of faith in Christ, and are literally become "fallen from Grace" doctrines "of devils". Hebrews 13:9

Paul said that the "simplicity in Christ", is the revealer of those who are "fallen away".
Those of you who have no idea what that is, might want to pay attention to what im showing you.....

Here is the verse.....>> 2nd Corinthians 11:3.......Paul says that believers become departed from real faith...

That is the "falling away",...... and in the end times, just before the Grt Trib starts, as the "time of the gentiles" is ending, there is a HUGE departing from real faith into all types of subverted gospel(s) that are all about Mary, and Water and enduring, and anything that is taught as a Gospel of SELF EFFORT to Stay saved to go to heaven.

There is your falling away., and its been here in the Body of Christ for quite a while.

I'l give you a prime example.
You can go to any Christian forum, in the world, as of '2021...... and im on them all or have been for quite a few years, (2004) and you can't find 5 members per forum who believe this......>"The blood of Jesus that saved you, KEEPS YOU SAVED".
But you can find nearly the entire forum including the mods that are caught up in "pre-destination", "water baptism", and nearly every person on a Christian forum will argue that Christ's blood does not keep you saved.
And they will show you their misused and twisted verses that talk about commandments, and water, and self effort, and Sacraments,
Any and everything that is NOT RELATED to the Cross of Christ and Jesus's BLOOD and Death, which is ONLY GOD's GRACE saving you and keeping you saved.
They are fallen away from this real faith, and are glad to explain it to you as their self saving LEGALISM.

So, the "falling away" is LEGALISM that has infected the entire body of Christ.

It doesn’t seem like you understand grace or are learning anything it’s meant to teach you you are just repeating Paul Ellis writings

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭

 

[Gideon300]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing." It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine. They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever. In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

Yes. In the Western world especially. It's not even false doctrine. Many churchgoers don't know enough or study enough to believe anything much. So it's little or no doctrine. That makes them susceptible to believing false manifestations that are called the Holy Spirit but which are not. We saw this in the 90's with the Toronto Blessing. I hear a lot about revival. I suspect that it will be just another counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. I see no sign of the conditions for true revival in the Church. I will be delighted to be proven wrong.

 

[FreeGrace2]

2 Thessalonians 2:3 says: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first. . ." (ESV) I generally like the ESV, but I believe they got this one totally wrong. The NASB says correctly "apostasy"; the KJV and NKJV also "falling away."

The Greek, apostasia, doesn't mean rebellion; it means "stand away from," "leave or depart," or "leaving from a previous standing."

Which can easily mean a "rebellion".

It's not talking about an outright rebellion; it's talking about those who, either intentionally, or through laxity, have drifted away into false doctrine.

No, it's much worse than that. It's an outright rebellion. In fact, it describes the Tribulation. And even with all the wrath of God being poured out on mankind, they still REFUSE to repent of their ways. Now, THAT'S a rebellion.

They've left behind what once was considered sound Biblical authority and now embrace all kinds of things that have no scriptural authority whatsoever.

This isn't describing believers in any sense.

In other words, the apostasy's here folks, it's come.

Yes, there's been a great apostasy in the world for quite a long time. But this verse isn't speaking of that.

We must include the first 2 verses in order to properly interpret v.3.

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,
2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.

The red words refer to the Second Advent. The blue words refer to the rapture of those alive on earth when Jesus comes again.
The green words refer to the first day of the time period known as the "Day of the Lord". That is when Jesus returns to earth to end the Tribulation and set up His Millennial Kingdom.

So, in v.3 the words "that day" refers specifically back to v.1 and "the coming of our Lord".

So, the word "apostasy" in v.3 specifically refers to the whole Tribulation period when unbelievers refuse to repent, in spite of clear evidence of God's wrath being poured out on them.

9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.