Or, “son of destruction,” that is, a son destined to destruction. This is another title or description of the “man of sin.” There is only one other place in Scripture where this appellation is used. There it is applied by the Saviour to Judas (see on John 17:12), an apostle, once a companion and equal of the other disciples, but one who so allowed Satan to enter into his heart (John 13:2, 27) that he betrayed his Lord (Matt. 26:47-50).

 Gr. apokaluptō, “to uncover,” “to unveil,” “to disclose,” “to make known,” (cf. on Rev. 1:1). The same verb is repeated in 2 Thess. 2:6, 8, and is used elsewhere in the NT of supernatural revelations (cf. Matt. 16:17; Luke 10:22; etc.) and particularly of the appearing of Christ (cf. Luke 17:30. The noun form, apokalupsis, “revelation,” occurs in 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7, 13; 4:13). This would suggest that the revelation of the “man of sin” may involve supernatural elements, and that his area of operation may be distinctly religious in character. That the “man of sin” is going to be “revealed” implies that he will be hidden until a certain moment when he will be manifested to the world, from which he has hitherto been concealed, or he will lay aside his disguise and appear in his true colors, or the disguise will be torn from him and his true nature be made known to earth‘s inhabitants.

 That is, the man whose distinguishing characteristic is sin. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “the man of the lawlessness” (cf. on v. 8, where “that Wicked” is literally, “the lawless one”). The presence of the definite article (here translated “that”) indicates that Paul is referring to an enemy about whom he had already spoken to the Thessalonians, and that he expects them to know of whom he is writing. That he employs the Greek word for “man” (anthrōpos) further indicates a definite person or power. For comment on the identity of that person or power see on v. 4.

 Gr. hē apostasia, “the falling away,” or “the apostasy.” Apostasia occurs in the NT only here and in Acts 21:21. The article (hē) indicates that a definite apostasy is referred to, and implies that this falling away is something well known to the readers. Paul himself had doubtless given oral instruction to the Thessalonians concerning the coming apostasy. In his address to the elders of the Ephesian church some years later he predicted that the apostasy would be due to men within the church arising “to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). He warned Timothy of similar dangers, adding that a time was coming when men would turn to fables, closing their ears to the truth (1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4). Peter and Jude speak with searing words about those who have forsaken the right way (2 Peter 2:1, 12-22; Jude 4, 10-13). And John testifies that, at his time of writing, many antichrists have come (1 John 2:18). The Lord Himself urged His followers to beware of false prophets (Matt. 7:15; 24:24), and predicted that many would be offended (Matt. 24:10). The form of the apostasy is not specifically defined by Paul at this juncture, but can be inferred from the above-mentioned scriptures. This much, however, is clear:

 (1) The apostasy is a religious matter, a spiritual rebellion, having no prime connection with politics.

 (2) The falling away is still future at the time of Paul‘s writing.

 (3) The apostasy was not only to precede the second advent (2 Thess. 2:2), it would serve as a sign of the nearness of Christ‘s return; hence the Lord‘s coming should not be expected without the prior apostasy. The prophecy concerning the falling away was partially fulfilled in Paul‘s day, and much more so during the Dark Ages, but its complete fulfillment occurs in the days immediately prior to the return of Jesus (cf. Additional Note on Rom. 13). See Vol. VI, pp. 64-67.

 These words are validly supplied to complete the thought. What is not to come until Anti-christ‘s revealing is obviously Christ‘s gathering of His own, about which the Thessalonians were troubled (v. 1).

 The apostle recognizes that the danger of deception is real and grave (cf. Matt. 24:4). The anticipated methods of deceit are many, and Paul does not attempt to limit them to the three mentioned in 2 Thess. 2:2, but allows for “any means.” The enemy of the church will use signs and apparent miracles to lead the unwary into accepting the great delusion, or lie (vs. 9-11). Hence, God‘s people should beware of being led astray.

Their faith must stand upon the plain statements of God‘s Word.