Written by Paul J Bucknell on June, 28, 2024

2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 Revealings of the Future

The Biblical Teaching Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2

An Introduction to 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5

Paul introduces the troubling subject in the first two verses: false teaching on the coming of the Lord Jesus spread and brought much confusion. You might also feel confused over end-time theology, but the Thessalonian’s situation was quite different. They were being misled by false teachers, leading to extreme responses. Fortunately, Paul spends some time elaborating on these things. And though there are various views, the apostle cuts through all of this and identifies two signs to watch for. The Lord does not come back before they occur.

This section is divided into two parts: the first identifies the two signs preceding the Day of the Lord, verses 3-5. Later, verses 6-7 examine a more complicated section on what restricts the Day of the Lord from coming, the timing.

Let’s first look at these two signs in verses 3-5.

(2) Report Before the Day of the Lord (2 Thes 2:3-5)

Translations and Outline of 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5

³ 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, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. ⁵ Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? (2 Thes 2:3-5, NASB)

³ Let not anyone deceive you according to any means; because (that day) will not come unless firstly the apostasy and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ the one who opposes and exalts himself up to all things being called God or an object of worship, so that he is sitting in the Shrine of God proclaiming himself that he is God, ⁵ Do you not remember that yet being with you these things I was saying to you? (2 Thes 2:3-5, My translation)

(2) Report Before the Day of the Lord (2 Thess 2:3-7)

A. Revealings of the Future (2:3-5)

1. First Sign

2. Second Sign

3. Reassuring Word

B. Restriction of the Present (2:6-7)

1. Purpose of the Restraint

2. Present Mystery at Work

3. Plan of the Restrainer

A. Revealings of the Future (2 Thess 2:3-5)

1. First Sign—the Apostasy (2:3)

The first sign is the apostasy. The Day of the Lord cannot precede it—the “apostasy comes first” (3). Although Eadie would suggest that apostasy is a spiritual falling away, commentators such as Morris say it is not so much forsaking one’s first love and drifting into apathy as setting oneself in opposition to God. The emphasis is on revolt rather than falling away. The transliteration for apostasy from Greek is apostaseah, from which we see our English word.

Israel had numerous instances of apostasy in the Old Testament. At first, they followed God but then turned to other gods, bringing God’s judgment to the nation. Many periods or historical events could be identified as apostasies, such as in the Book of Judges. Still, the Day of the Lord must follow the final apostasy—an article in Greek points to this apostasy as the culmination of all apostasies at the end of time.

Has the Great Apostasy begun? Remember, this is only the first sign, so I’m not suggesting the Lord has come yet—even if we observe many turning away from the Lord! Several awkward, compromising movements have concerningly risen in recent years, including green, social justice, and woke efforts. These political-socio policies affect every sphere of life, including education and religion. Though caked in promises of bettering the environment and society, they collaborate to stifle truth, restrict justice, and increase immorality. Many professing believers are being led astray (i.e., apostasy), assuming a specific policy, like “save the earth,” is all important. They lose their love for the Lord and forget Jesus Christ’s soon return. Like a sword, each movement’s lawlessness and unrighteousness further dashes the welfare of the righteous and society. We might consider this the Great Apostasy, but perhaps it’s not. Or perhaps we could add Islamic threats or the global anti-semitic attacks. All of this lawlessness is occurring in our midst; crime is incredibly being normalized.

Will we notice the apostasy occurring? We are unsure and might only be able to look back and observe the church’s lost footing when the Man of Lawlessness appears. Paul warns, “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” (3). The latter sign will confirm the first, the apostasy.

The second sign and description of the man of sin is extensive compared to the mere mention of apostasy, the first sign. The second sign will eclipse the first, the less alarming apostasy.

The Great Apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2:3

2. Second Sign—the Lawless One (2:3-4)

The other sign that must precede the Second Coming of Christ is the revealing of “the man of lawlessness …the son of destruction” (3). These signs are still considered future and associated with the last days before Christ’s Second Coming. We assume the time from the Lawless One’s revealing and Christ’s return will be brief, not an elongated period. Verse 8 does not indicate much of a time-lapse between the revelation of the man of lawlessness and the Day of the Lord. The Coming of the Lord will destroy the Lawless one.

These two signs must happen before the Day of the Lord; testing comes before deliverance, but Paul mainly describes this second sign. Some might conclude these two signs are one, but both have Greek articles indicating their distinction, though assuredly, they are related. The fullness of the apostasy, like a terrific wave, will flood the earth with the Lawless one’s horrific coming, also recorded in Revelation 13.

“⁷ It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. ⁸ All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” (Rev 13:7-8)

Three times, the word “revealed” is used for the Lawless one (2 Thess 2:3,6,8), and three times in chapter two, we find Christ’s coming (parousia: 2:1,8,9). This contest of power and purpose becomes more obvious as the text continues. However, we can be assured that it only takes the Lord’s coming to destroy the evil one. The battle happens in a flash, just as the manifestation of light instantly destroys the works of darkness.

This thorough description of the Antichrist effectively alerts God’s people. They must remain resolute and faithful despite the attacks that might come at his revealing. God’s people, however, will discern his evil ways and give their utmost devotion to Him, who gave His only Son for us.

“The man of lawlessness is revealed”

He is to be “revealed” (apokaluphe); a sudden and distinct personal manifestation is implied (8). Before the final embodiment, secret preparations, hidden operators, and outbursts are present. The repeated use of ‘reveal’ hints at a sudden or extraordinary arrival. I would not discount the use of unknown technology allowing extraordinary signs. It’s suggested that radar can now detect and cause devasting fires.

“He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men” (Rev 13:13).

Let’s first look at Antichrist’s distinct titles before observing his person.

“The man of lawlessness”: The man of sin is completely opposite of Jesus Christ. Lawlessness is the complete opposite of law-abiding and righteousness.

“The son of destruction”: The son of destruction contrasts Jesus, the Son of God and Man, our Savior. Jesus saves while antichrist destroys. This son of perdition is only used regarding Judas Iscariot in the New Testament (John 17:12). This Man of Sin exalts himself to a place where he does not belong, all the time posing for the evil one, Satan—who is not human. Christ, however, emptied himself, became a man and died for man as a man (Phil 2:3-11).

“Who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship”: His activities are all the more treacherous and diabolical as he opposes and exalts himself by being called god or an object of worship (2:4). The absence of the article with the second participle indicates that it is not one construction but that the “opposing and exalting” refer to the same person. Though Morris would call both participles the third description of the man. Either way, they are closely aligned.

“He takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2:4). The phrase indicates that this one stands or boasts to be above all gods, including the true God. There are several references from the Old Testament that smell of the same brute arrogance.

“Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36).

The Future Temple of God

This section on the temple of God should not distract from the main point. We don’t know which of the three leading suggestions is correct, but it highlights the son of perdition’s arrogance and not-so-subtle deceptive takeover of mankind. Some say the temple (naón) refers to the church, while others take temple to refer to the Jewish temple or a heathen one. Whichever temple it may be, the clue will help decipher the genuine identity of the man of lawlessness when he comes, whether he a politician, king, mega-CEO, religious leader, etc.

Each viewpoint has its pros and cons. Eadie gives eight reasons why the temple is not the church, even though Paul calls the church a temple (1 Cor.3:17, 6:19; Eph. 2:21, 22) in several places other than these four.

1) no context asserting believers are part of it

2) sitting usually refers to physical, not spiritual presence

3) the meaning of the Man of sin entering in and sitting only makes sense physically

4) the recipients of the epistle would think of the physical temple rather than the church

5) “showing that he is God” does not make sense if it refers to a church, but it does if it is a Jewish temple

6) if the man of sin did this in a church, it would no longer be a temple of God

7) the entire passage is plain, distinct, and literal

8) Irenaeus interprets it as a physical temple.

Hendriksen is convinced that the temple (naos, Gk: naóv) is the church. “The term naóv is here clearly used metaphorically.” Hendriksen interprets it as such.

He arrogates to himself authority over God’s true people. Of course, they will not recognize this violent usurper, and will refuse to render homage to him. The result will be great tribulation for them (Mt. 24:15, 21,22, 29).

It is unlikely that it refers to the Old Testament Jewish temple during Jesus’ time for it was destroyed in 70 A.D. Due to the term “God” (theos), the same God as in Daniel 11:36, some have suggested a “new” third temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Israel is miraculously back in the land, and it is stated that all the needed parts for the new temple are prepared, only waiting for its assembly.

Let’s not get confused with which temple but focus on the sheer arrogance of Antichrist to assert himself as God.

Summary

These two signs give the believers increasing caution. The signs do not alert the believers to their escape through a pre-tribulation rapture but prepare our souls to follow the Lord unreservedly as the book of Revelation teaches. This will be discussed further in verses 6-7.

Though Paul does not use the term Antichrist, the Antichrist is identified with this man of lawlessness (cf. 1 John 2:18-19). He is a particular man, not a series or succession of men. However, he might personify evil and identify with a global organization. Revelation 13:1 designates him, the beast from the sea, as “having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems” (Rev 13:1-5).

“Takes his seat in the temple of God” suggests that the Antichrist plans to occupy the throne for an extended period of time. His lawlessness is described as being worse than that of the worse pagans. Pharaohs and Roman emperors were deified and claimed divine honors, but they did not obliterate other pagan gods, temples, altars, etc. Two examples are Antiochus and Caligula. This Antichrist is against all other forms of worship and wants to be exalted above them all.

3. Reassuring Word (2 Thes 2:5)

Verse five brings a needed calmness by emphasizing: “Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?” If the Thessalonians knew who restrained the Lawless one, why are there so many interpretations today? They might have looked at the situation and the promises much differently from us. Paul emphasized that the truth does not change despite the many false letters and words that others taught. The facts remain, no matter how much falsehood has been spewed out. This verse cautions us when forming our interpretations.

Summary

There are two signs: the great apostasy and the revealing of the lawless one. They will occur before Jesus returns, providing a challenging time for the living believers, but on the Day of the Lord, without effort, Jesus Christ will ultimately judge the evil one and his appointee.

Endnotes

the Great Contrast: antichrist versus Jesus Christ

Bible Study Questions on 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5

Why would Paul say in verse 3, “Let no one in any way deceive you?”
What are the two signs Paul gives in verse 3 that must happen before the day of the Lord?
What does the Day of the Lord stand for (see verses 1-2)?
What are at least three descriptions of the Antichrist in verses 3-4?
How is the “son of destruction” different from the “Son of Man?”
What does 2 Thess 2:4 add to our knowledge of this lawless one?
Read Daniel 11:36 and needed context. Is this related to what Paul says here? Explain.
What is Paul’s point about him sitting in the temple of God?
How do we know these truths are essential to the Christian’s welfare? (see verse 5)
Do you see this apostasy happening around you now, like a noose tightening its chokehold on believers? Explain.
Pray for each other.