BBP: 12 Antichrist’s Revealing

Chapter 12

Antichrist’s Revealing

The first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

2 Thess 2

Contents

A) Paul’s topic in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Antichrist’s Revealing

B) Paul’s purpose in 2 Thessalonians 2-12 Teaching the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

C) The nature of Antichrist’s Revealing Miraculous signs including Resurrection

D) The sequence of events surrounding Antichrist’s Revealing

Primary Points

• In 2 Thessalonians 2 it seems Paul wanted to answer a very important question: What will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun? His answer is Antichrist’s miraculous Revealing.
• A central theme of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 is the emergence and revelation of the Antichrist.
• Both Revelation 6:1-2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 seem to be describing the same Endtime events.
• The fact that apokalyptō (vs. 3, 6, 8) means to make something or someone “fully known” should be noticed. It may imply that previous to the Antichrist’s full and certain revelation, there will be evidence of his emergence that could be recognized.
• When the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) is revealed [apakalyphthē] (v. 3) the entire world will know of his arrival.
• The Antichrist’s coming (“first stage of his presence”) when he is revealed (vs. 3, 6, 8) will occur with all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders.
• There is evidence that the powerful delusion that God sends to deceive the pagan world is referring to the Antichrist’s Resurrection.
• It seems there are three separate events being described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: 1) a religious rebellion; 2) Antichrist’s initial Revealing; 3) Antichrist’s eventual Claim to be God.
• It seems Antichrist’s initial Revealing will occur sometime before Antichrist’s Claim to be God.
• It is suggested the Antichrist’s Revealing will be the Antichrist’s Resurrection, prompting the Antichrist’s Religious Covenant, resulting in the formal implementation of Antichrist’s worldwide Religion, which will certainly qualify as a rebellion against God.

This chapter is rather complex and some may find it tedious. But it is an effort to better understand what the Apostle Paul wrote about Antichrist’s Revealing.

[Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12]

In this passage of Scripture, it seems Paul wanted to answer a very important question: What will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun? His answer is Antichrist’s miraculous Revealing. Accordingly, this is the theme of these verses. As a result, they provide some of the most detailed information about the Antichrist. More specifically, about his initial and certain Revealing to the world. In essence, the Apostle seems to be describing the same event that is portrayed in the opening of the First Seal in Revelation 6 discussed in the previous chapter. Accordingly, in describing Antichrist’s Revealing, there may be allusions to Antichrist’s Resurrection in this text.

A) Paul’s topic in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Antichrist’s Revealing

A central theme of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 is the emergence and revelation of the Antichrist. ^[1] Paul mentions this 3 times within 6 verses when he writes:

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day [of the Lord, v. 2] will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness [the Antichrist] is revealed [apakalyphthē]. (v. 3 NIV)

And now you know what is holding him [the Antichrist] back, so that he may be revealed [apakalyphthēnai] at the proper time. The secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed [apakalyphthēsetai] (vs. 6-8 NIV).

Therefore, what was Paul’s topic in these verses? The full revelation of the Antichrist to the whole world. The Greek word (apokalyptō) used here means: “to cause something to be fully known, reveal, disclose, bring to light, make fully known.” ^[2] Greene notes, “the term was used generally during that time to speak of the revelation of a deity.” ^[3]

Accordingly, it is the same word used in the NT to repeatedly describe Christ’s Return. For example, earlier in the same letter, Paul wrote of when the Lord Jesus is revealed [apokalypsei] from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels (2 Thess 1:7; cf. Luke 17:30; 1 Cor 1:7; 1 Pet 1:7, 13; 4:13). In imitation of the real Christ, the Antichrist will have his own revelation of his glory (1 Pet 4:13 NASB). Likewise, Paul writes of the coming [parousias] of the lawless one Antichrist (v. 9), using the same unique Greek word used in the NT to describe Christ’s coming. ^[4]

The revelation [apokalypsin] of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:7 NIV) will perhaps be the most God-glorifying event in human history. Likewise, the revelation (apokalyptō) of the Antichrist will perhaps be the most glorifying event for Satan.

The fact that apokalyptō means to make something or someone “fully known” should be noticed. It may imply that previous to the Antichrist’s full and certain revelation, there will be evidence of his emergence that could be recognized. In other words, as there will be signs of Christ’s coming before His worldwide revelation, there may be signs of the Antichrist’s coming before His full revelation to the world.

Many commentators support this view. ^[5] For example, MacArthur writes:

The aorist tense of the verb [apakalyphthē] translated revealed points to a definite time when this man will appear. It implies that he was previously present and known. ^[6]

Accordingly, this could reflect the activities of the Rising Antichrist before his certain revelation as the Revealed Antichrist.

However, when the man of lawlessness [the Antichrist] is revealed [apakalyphthē] (v. 3) the entire world will know of his arrival. Again, Greene comments: “The verb that describes his coming denotes that the veil will be taken off so that he will be revealed to everyone.” ^[7] This is also an aspect of him being “fully known” at this time.

Before this revelation, non-Christians will not have any idea of the Antichrist’s true identity. Knowledgeable Christians will have witnessed the predicted attributes of the Rising Antichrist in a man, and suspected his identity. But when the man of lawlessness is revealed, all Christians and unbelievers will know that he is not only a famous and extraordinarily successful man (as the Rising Antichrist), but that he is truly supernatural in a way never witnessed since Christ walked the Earth. As the first and foremost False Christ, the pagan world will believe he is Jesus Christ returned to Earth to save humanity (cf. Matt 24:5; BBP ch. 10, sec. B). Real Christians will know with certainty that he is the Antichrist and the Endtimes have begun. And again, all of this seems to rather require the Antichrist’s Resurrection.

B) Paul’s purpose in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Teaching the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

As demonstrated above, Antichrist’s Revealing is an important theme of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Therefore, we can ask why was the Apostle so focused on the emergence and revelation of the Antichrist in this passage of Scripture? Because as explained further elsewhere, the Thessalonian Christians were confused about the sequence of Endtime events. ^[8] More specifically, they had been deceived to think the day of the Lord and the Endtimes had already come (v. 2). Therefore, Paul wanted these Christians to know the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. He begins that answer in verse 3 when he writes: 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 (NIV).

Paul’s reference to the rebellion will be addressed below. But it seems that Paul wanted these Christians to understand that one of the first certain signs the Endtimes have begun will be when the man of lawlessness [the Antichrist] is revealed. This is perhaps more clear in the more literal translation of the NASB. It reads: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the  apostasy comes first [prōton], and the man of lawlessness is revealed. The Greek word here, prōton, means “being first in a sequence.” ^[9] Therefore, it seems Paul meant that the  apostasy and the connected event of the man of lawlessness being revealed, will actually come first in the sequence of events clearly marking the beginning of the Endtimes.

Likewise, when the Antichrist is revealed (apakalyphthē), it will be the first event that makes his identity certain. Again, the Greek word (apokalyptō) used here means: “to cause something to be fully known, reveal, disclose, bring to light, make fully known.” Accordingly, later in the passage, Paul referred to Antichrist’s revealing as the coming [parousias] of the lawless one Antichrist (v. 9). The Greek here means: “arrival as the first stage in presence, coming, advent.” ^[10] Again, Paul’s topic seemed to be the first (prōton) event that makes it fully known who the Antichrist is and that the Endtimes have begun.

In other words, Paul understood that the first and foremost False Christ will come before the Real Christ. Therefore, in order to know when the Real Christ is coming, we are first watching to see when the Antichrist comes.

C) The nature of Antichrist’s Revealing Signs & wonders

Again, the Apostle wanted these Christians to understand this question: How can we be certain the Endtimes have begun? He seemed to point specifically to Antichrist’s Revealing as the answer. Therefore, he described more details about Antichrist’s Revealing. In verse 9 we read:

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie. (NIV)

The Antichrist’s coming (“first stage of his presence”) when he is initially revealed (vs. 3, 6, 8) will occur with all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders. This probably refers to miracle working. But it may also refer to Antichrist’s greatest miracle and display of power through wonders: Antichrist’s Resurrection.

Unfortunately, some versions suggest the Antichrist’s miracles will be faked. For example, the NLT has counterfeit power and signs and miracles, and the NASB has false wonders (cf. ESV, NET). The literal Greek can read: whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and wonders that are a lie [pseudous]. The translation, that are a lie, reflects the fact that pseudous in the text is a noun, not an adjective as implied in the NLT (counterfeit) or the NASB (false). The Greek is actually quite awkward, but the NIV attempts to reflect the noun here when it has, The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie [pseudous, noun].

What did Paul mean by the lie [pseudous] in this text? Essentially all commentators agree it refers to the effect of the miracles rather than their nature. ^[11] For example, MacArthur writes, “Antichrist’s miracles, signs, and wonders are false, not in the sense that they are fakery, but that they lead to false conclusions about who he is.” ^[12] Thus, the NIV seems to best reflect the Greek text and Paul’s meaning. The miracles themselves will not be fake, but rather supernatural, and as a result, deceitful.

Where will the supernatural power for these displays of miraculous signs and wonders come from? In verse 9, Paul says they will be the work of Satan (NLT). But in verse 11 he explains that these miracles are ultimately a powerful delusion that God sends (NIV). Therefore, we are reminded of God’s complete sovereignty over all Endtime events as explained earlier (cf. ch. 3, sec. C). Accordingly, it becomes obvious that ultimately God Himself will be giving Satan and the Antichrist the supernatural power to perform real miracles so that the world will believe the lie. ^[13]

Paul makes it clear that the effect of these displays of power through signs and wonders is to deceive. In verse 10 he writes the Antichrist will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction (NLT). These displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie (v. 9) is the same powerful delusion that God sends unbelievers so that they will believe the lie (v. 11 NIV).

What will be the lie? In the Greek, the noun pseudous is in the singular tense. Therefore, the Apostle is referring to one lie in particular. That lie that will be promoted by all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie will probably be that the Antichrist is God. As Paul notes earlier in the text, the climax of Antichrist’s career will be when He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thess 2:4 NIV). Again, all unbelievers will believe this lie that the Antichrist is actually the true Creator God of the Universe living on Earth!

Why will they believe that? Because God sends them a powerful delusion. ^[14] This translates the Greek phrase energeian planēs which means “a supernatural working of deceit.” ^[15] A natural, merely human deception would never have the life-altering universal effect being described here. This will be a supernatural deception sent by God.

What will be this powerful delusion that will convince everyone to believe the lie that the Antichrist is God in a human body? Of course, Paul says the Antichrist will be performing all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie. But both energeian and planēs are in the singular tense, suggesting the powerful delusion will be one miraculous event in particular. What will that be? The best answer is Antichrist’s Resurrection.

How will the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist, elevate himself above the many False Christs (cf. Matt 24:5, 24) operating in the Endtimes and earn the world’s sole worship? Paul explains this will occur through one particular powerful delusion performed by the Antichrist. That would seem to at least include the Antichrist’s most powerful, convincing, and unique miracle: his Resurrection.

In addition, Antichrist’s Revealing described by the Apostle in 2 Thessalonians 2 seems to be the same event that is portrayed in the opening of the First Seal in Revelation 6 discussed in the previous chapter. It was argued there that the opening of the First Seal portrays: 1) The Antichrist bursting onto the world scene; 2) to conquer with deception.

It was also argued there that the opening of the First Seal depicts the very first certain event of the Endtimes. More specifically the Antichrist’s conquering the world through supernatural deception empowered by his Resurrection. Accordingly, it is suggested that the Apostle Paul gave another description of Antichrist’s Revealing portrayed in Revelation 6:1-2.

Surely, the Antichrist’s conquering through deception in Revelation 6 is being described by Paul as the Antichrist’s displays of supernatural power through signs and wonders and the use of every kind of evil deception, resulting in a powerful delusion. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-11 and Revelation 6:1-2 (and therefore in some sense Matthew 24:5) seem to describe the same Endtime event: The first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

Accordingly, in Paul’s description of Antichrist’s miraculous Revealing, there seems to be allusions to Antichrist’s Resurrection in this text. It is not claimed that Paul intended to describe this. It is probable that the Apostle may not have even known about Antichrist’s Resurrection. It was not clearly revealed until the 90’s A.D. when the book of Revelation was published. That would have been about 40 years after Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. This would be another example of “progressive revelation” in Scripture.

However, the apparent connection between 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Revelation 6:1-2 suggests that Paul’s description of Antichrist’s Revealing can be applied to the descriptions of Antichrist’s Revealing and Resurrection in the book of Revelation. For example, Paul predicted that God will send the pagan world a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie that he deserves their worship (2 Thess 2:11 NIV). Likewise, the First Seal seems to portray the Antichrist conquering the world with deception, specifically through his Resurrection. Even more clearly, Revelation 13 describes the effect of Antichrist’s Resurrection in this very same way. Antichrist’s Resurrection will certainly be a powerful delusion that supernaturally deceives the world into worshipping him. ^[16] This will be discussed further in the next chapter.

D) The sequence of events surrounding Antichrist’s Revealing

D.1) Distinction between the Antichrist’s Revealing & his Claim to be God

It was noted previously that we must be careful not to dogmatically derive too much detail from prophetic Scripture, like 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 (cf. ch. 1, sec. B). What seems clear is that Paul believed the Antichrist being revealed would be among the first certain signs the Endtimes have begun. Other details are more difficult to discern, but some suggestions can be made.

For example, it seems there are three separate events being described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4:

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until [One] the rebellion occurs and [Two] the man of lawlessness is [initially] revealed, the man doomed to destruction. [Three] He will [later] oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (NIV)

First, the clearest distinction may be between when the man of lawlessness is initially revealed and when He will eventually oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. It is suggested Antichrist’s initial Revealing will occur sometime before Antichrist’s Claim to be God.

First, we note that Paul’s purpose in this passage is to teach what the Thessalonians should be looking for to know with certainty the Endtimes have begun. Accordingly, Antichrist’s Claim to be God would not be such an event. It occurs at least 3.5 years after the beginning of the Endtimes and the implementation of Antichrist’s Religious Covenant (cf. Dan 9:27). This is one reason to suggest that Antichrist’s Revealing occurs a considerable time before Antichrist’s Claim to be God.

Second, when the Antichrist is initially revealed as the first and foremost False Christ, it seems he will be claiming to be Jesus Christ (cf. ch. 10, sec. B). In addition, all false religions will probably be accepted. This will be explained more in the next chapter (13). When the Antichrist is initially Revealed, he will be attempting to persuade the world that he is a peaceful, humble, and benevolent spiritual leader. But eventually sometime later, the Antichrist will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God and even Claim to be God. After Antichrist’s Claim to be God, he will become an intolerant political ruler and the Wrathful Antichrist.

Such a progression in how the Antichrist will take over the world will require time. For example, the Seals of Preparation in Revelation 6 suggest a significant period of time between Antichrist’s initial Revealing and his eventual Claim to be God. As argued in the previous chapter (11), the First Seal (cf. Rev 6:1-2) seems to clearly portray Antichrist’s Revealing to the world. But it is not until the Fifth Seal that The Greatest Persecution is portrayed (cf. Rev 6:9-11). Elsewhere, Scripture indicates The Greatest Persecution is immediately preceded by Antichrist’s Claim to be God (cf. Matt 24:15-21; Rev 12:7-17; 13:5-7; Dan 7:20-21, 25). Therefore, it seems Antichrist’s Claim to be God occurs a significant time after the Antichrist’s initial Revealing.

The above may correct the common understanding that when the Antichrist sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God will be the same thing, and occur at the same time, as when the man of lawlessness is initially revealed.

D.2) The Rebellion as Antichrist’s Religious Covenant

Two questions will be addressed here: 1) What did Paul mean by the rebellion?; and 2) When will this occur? Once again, the text reads:

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion [apostasia] occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thess 2:3-4 NIV)

The Greek word apostasia means: “Defiance of established system or authority, rebellion, abandonment, breach of faith.” ^[17] Another lexicon has, “a defection, revolt, apostasy, is used in the N.T. of religious apostasy.” ^[18] Erickson defines it as, “a moral, spiritual, or doctrinal abandonment of the faith.” ^[19]

Therefore, by apostasia the Apostle was referring to some kind of spiritual or religious “rebellion, abandonment, breach of faith.” This fits the definition of the English word “apostasy” as: “an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith.” ^[20] The Greek text reads hē apostasia (the rebellion). MacArthur notes: “Paul’s use of the definite article [the] reveals that he had in mind not a general flow or trend, but a specific, identifiable act of apostasy.” ^[21]

What was this “specific” and “identifiable act of apostasy”? It must be admitted it is not absolutely clear. Therefore, different interpretations have been offered.

Some Pre-tribulationists have interpreted this “religious departure” as the “rapture.” This of course fits nicely with their claim that the Church’s Rescue occurs before the Antichrist emerges on the Earth. However, the Greek word apostasia cannot carry such a meaning, as it refers to a defection from a religion, not a departure from the Earth! ^[22]

Most claim Paul was referring to the Great Apostasy described elsewhere in Scripture. ^[23] However, we must remember that virtually everything in the Endtimes will involve a process that requires some time. As described later in chapter 16, it seems the Great Apostasy of false Christians denying Christianity will occur in stages. Therefore, it is suggested the rebellion that comes first when the man of lawlessness is initially revealed (2 Thess 2:3) will be an event that begins the Great Apostasy of false Christians denying Christianity. If so, what would that event be?

First, note again the probable close relationship between the rebellion and the man of lawlessness being revealed. In fact, it seems likely that the Antichrist’s Revealing will cause the religious and spiritual rebellion Paul predicted. This can be obscured by the fact that Paul lists the rebellion before the man of lawlessness being revealed. However, F. F. Bruce comments on the relationship between these events:

[Some] argue curiously that the sense here is that first the falling away [rebellion] takes place and after this, the revealing of the Man of Sin follows. But proton, “first,” in reference to the coming of the “falling away,” means that it comes before the Day of the Lord; the coming of the [rebellion] and the revealing of the man of lawlessness are coincident [occur at the same time]. ^[24]

Likewise, Wanamaker notes after commenting on the Greek grammar of verse 3, “Paul probably taught that the apostasy was to come about through the activity of the person of rebellion.” ^[25] Finally, Stott states the obvious: “Only when the rebel [antichrist] is revealed (3b) will the rebellion break out.” ^[26]

Therefore, it seems the rebellion will actually be the result of the Antichrist’s Revealing. More specifically, this spiritual rebellion and “falling away” from God will result from the powerful delusion that Paul said would accompany Antichrist’s Revealing. As noted above, that powerful delusion will result in the world’s unbelievers worshipping the Antichrist. Accordingly, it has been argued that this is referring to Antichrist’s Resurrection.

But there will be another result of the supernatural deception that these Scriptures are describing and that fit the biblical idea of the rebellion and a “falling away” from God. It too is clearly a result of Antichrist’s initial Revealing and probably Resurrection. This will be the Antichrist’s Religious Covenant. The only clear reference to this important Endtime event is in Daniel 9:27:

The ruler [Antichrist] will arise to successfully persuade many people to make a religious covenant with him for a period of seven years. In the middle of the seven years [3.5 years later] he will stop the sacrifices and offerings at the Jewish Temple. And at the Temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation [and Claim to be God], until the end that is decreed is poured out on him [at the Battle of Armageddon].

This suggested translation of Daniel 9:27 will be supported in a future chapter (14, sec. A). It will be argued there that this covenant (berith) with many (NIV, NASB) will primarily be a religious covenant that will formally implement the Antichrist’s Religion and world-wide worship that will result from Antichrist’s Resurrection (Rev 13:3-4). Therefore, it is suggested the Antichrist’s Revealing will be the Antichrist’s Resurrection, prompting the Antichrist’s Religious Covenant, resulting in the formal implementation of Antichrist’s worldwide Religion, which will certainly qualify as a rebellion against God.

Evidence for interpreting Paul’s reference to the rebellion as pointing to Daniel’s covenant with many (9:27) is the fact that one important source for 2 Thessalonians 2 was the book of Daniel. For example, Paul’s language to describe Antichrist’s Claim to be God seemed to come from the Prophet. Accordingly, we note the similarity between 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and passages in Daniel:

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thess 2:4 NIV)

He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. (Dan 11:36)

He will confirm a [religious] covenant with many for one [period of] ‘seven’ [years]. In the middle of the ‘seven’ [years] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (Dan 9:27 NIV)

Accordingly, when the Apostle writes of the rebellion, it would seem he was referring to a particular spiritual apostasy that was a well-known prophetic event that he had taught them about (cf. v. 5) from the prophet Daniel. More specifically, if Paul derived some of his understanding of Antichrist’s Claim to be God from Daniel, then perhaps the sequence of events in Daniel 9:27 shed light on what he meant by the rebellion in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. In Daniel 9:27 the sequence of events is 1) Antichrist’s Religious covenant with many, then after 3.5 years, 2) Antichrist’s Claim to be God in the abomination that causes desolation at the temple.

Therefore, the rebellion in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 could refer to Antichrist’s Religious covenant with many, which will be followed by Antichrist’s Claim to be God in verse 4. Accordingly, Daniel refers to this rebellion three times in chapters 8-9 of his prophecy, which surely influenced the Apostle’s understanding of this event.

Daniel describes the rebellion [pesha’] that causes desolation and says, Because of rebellion [pesha’], the LORD’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it (8:12-13). It refers to the horn (v. 9), the one that will take away the daily sacrifice from the LORD (v. 11). This same rebellion is referred to in Daniel 9:24 where we read: A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people [the Jews] and your holy city to finish their rebellion [pesha’]. The Hebrew word used for rebellion (pesha’) in Daniel is a virtual synonym for the Greek apostasia in 2 Thessalonians. Accordingly we read regarding pesha’:

The fundamental idea of the root is a breach of relationships, civil or religious, between two parties… By analogy, but in a religious sense, Israel was accused of rebelling against her divine king and the established covenant between them (Isa 1:28; 48:8; Ezk 2:3; Hos 8:1)…

The Hebrew people were the ones who were guilty of pesha’ against the authority and covenant of their God… Predominantly pesha’ is rebellion against God’s law and covenant and the term is a collective which denotes the sum of misdeeds and a fractured relationship. ^[27]

Clearly, the rebellion (pesha’) predicted in Daniel and that causes desolation (8:12-13) is referring to the religious covenant the Antichrist will make with many people (9:27a) at the very start of Daniel’s Last 7 Years, and will result in the abomination that causes desolation (Dan 9:27c). This rebellion and covenant of the Jews with the Antichrist to enable them to resume sacrifices and offerings at a rebuilt Jewish Temple will probably be prompted by the supernatural delusion of Antichrist’s Resurrection.

But the rebellion will not affect only orthodox Jews in Israel. Antichrist’s Resurrection will result in the whole world being filled with wonder and following the beast (Rev 13:3 NIV). Therefore, because of Antichrist’s Resurrection, all false Christians on Earth will also commit the rebellion and apostasy from the faith at the very beginning of Endtime events, and participate in Antichrist’s religious covenant with many people. ^[28]

Accordingly, it seems the rebellion that Daniel said would lead to the desolation … of the sanctuary (8:13), is the same rebellion that comes first before the man of lawlessness … sets himself up in in God’s temple proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thess 2:3-4). And all of this will be prompted and empowered when the man of lawlessness is revealed in Antichrist’s Resurrection.

Based on the study of Revelation 6:1-2 in chapter 11 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 in this chapter, a suggested sequence of events regarding Antichrist’s Revealing can be summarized in the following table which also notes the topics discussed elsewhere.

Table: Suggested Endtime Events in Relation to Antichrist’s Revealing

#	Endtime Event	Description
➊	Antichrist’s Rising	Before the Antichrist is clearly revealed, he will be a very successful and famous leader of a minor country in Magog who causes 3 leaders in a 10-nation Coalition matching biblical attributes to fall (cf. Dan chs. 7-8; BBP chs. 8-9)
➋	Antichrist’s Revealing in his Resurrection	The first certain sign the Endtimes have begun (cf. Rev 6:1-2; 13:1-14; 2 Thess 2:3-12; BBP chs. 10-12).
➌	The Rebellion & Antichrist’s Religious Covenant	A religious covenant with many (Dan 9:27) that formally implements Antichrist’s Religion (cf. BBP chs. 13-17)
➍	Antichrist’s Claim to be God	The “abomination of desolation” when Antichrist enters a rebuilt Jewish temple and proclaims himself to be God, 3.5 years after implementing his Religious Covenant (cf. Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:3; Rev 13:5-6; Endtimes Essentials book #4, The Greatest Persecution)

 

1. For more on the correct interpretation of especially 2 Thess 2:1-4 see CET ch. 5, sec. C. ↑

2. BDAG. Underlining added. ↑

3. Greene, 2 Thess 2:8. ↑

4. Morris comments on Paul’s reference to the coming [parousia] of the lawless one, “Just as the Lord has his coming, so the lawless one has his. Many commentators from the earliest times have pointed out that ‘the man of lawlessness’ at many points counterfeits the Christ” (132-3). ↑

5. As noted many commentators suggest that Paul’s description of the coming of the Antichrist alludes to the fact that he will be active (and perhaps recognizable) before he is fully revealed.

   Morris writes that the use of apokalyptō in verse 3, “points to his [Antichrist’s] existence before his manifestation… his beginning does not coincide with his manifestation” (128).

   Likewise, Wanamaker writes: “The ‘revealing’ of the person of rebellion should not be thought of as the making known of some formerly unknown or unidentified figure” (245). Both scholars note the fact that this is what the apokalyptō (revelation) of Jesus Christ refers to, that Antichrist will imitate. Jesus has even ministered on Earth before He is revealed [apokalypsei] from heaven (2 Thess 1:7).

   Indeed, Paul hints at this perspective when he writes the secret power of lawlessness is already at work (v. 7). Accordingly, Greene writes:

   The verb at work (energeitai) … implies some kind of supernatural activity… Paul does not suggest that this secret power is divine but only that it is supernatural, and, according to the context, malignant and satanic (v. 9). For this reason, the apostle calls this power the secret power of lawlessness. This secret power aligns itself with “the man of lawlessness” (v. 3 [Antichrist]) and represents his power in the world before the time of his revelation. (2 Thess 2:7) ↑

6. MacArthur, Thess, 273. ↑

7. Greene, 2 Thess 2:8. ↑

8. For more on the purpose of 2 Thess 2 see CET ch. 16, sec. B. ↑

9. BDAG. ↑

10. BDAG. ↑

11. NT scholar Gordon Fee agrees with the majority of commentators when he writes regarding 2 Thess 2:9:

    Paul indicates here that “signs and wonders” can accompany both truth and falsehood. By describing those of the Lawless One as stemming from falsehood, he does not mean that they are “counterfeit” in the sense of not really occurring…

    Since this is the only real meaning of “counterfeit,” one wonders whether the NIV [and NLT] is not quite misleading to call them “counterfeit miracles, etc.” See also RSV, which is even worse: “with pretended signs and wonders”-now corrected in NRSV…

    To the contrary, miracles they are indeed; but they issue from falsehood and as such are intended to deceive, to lead people astray after satan. Indeed, in Paul’s view they are empowered by the “spirit” responsible for all falsehood, satan himself (cf. Eph 2:2). (Gordon Fee, God’s Empowering Presence [Hendrickson, 1994], 76)

    Commentators who agree include F. F. Bruce (WBC), Robert Thomas (EBC), John Stott (BST), Wanamaker (259), Morris (TNTC), and Greene who calls them “supernatural” (2 Thess 2:9).

    Likewise, Walvoord agrees but suggests: “The signs and wonders he [the Antichrist] will do by Satan’s power will not be on the same plane as the miracles Christ performed” (Thess, 133). Why not? God is giving Satan and the Antichrist the supernatural power to imitate Christ. For example, contrary to Walvoord, Satan will resurrect the Antichrist from the dead (cf. Rev 13:2-4). The difference between Christ’s miracles and the Antichrist’s will not be in their power, but in their purpose and morality. ↑

12. MacArthur, Thess, 282, underlining added. However, MacArthur is a little confusing when he writes earlier: “Antichrist’s power and signs and false wonders will … be deceptive tricks, like falsifying his own death and resurrection.” Yet as noted, a few sentences later he writes: “Antichrist’s miracles, signs, and wonders are false not in the sense that they are fakery, but that they lead to false conclusions about who he is.” (Ibid.). ↑

13. Many people have a problem with God granting Satan the supernatural power to perform real miracles and deceive people so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness (v. 12 NIV). But this reveals God’s sovereignty over all Endtime events and that all supernatural power is ultimately delegated by Him for his purposes. Again, the Bible clearly teaches that God can grant real miraculous powers to Satan and his servants. For arguments concerning this see the author’s books: God’s Miracles, ch. 10.6 and Human Miracle Working, chs. 11.11-13. ↑

14. None of the Thessalonian commentaries of Greene, Stott, Wanamaker, or Morris even comment on the meaning of the powerful delusion. The only one that tries to describe it is F. F. Bruce who obscurely writes it will be “a power set in motion within them which makes them prone to embrace error” (174). That may be an accurate description of the result of the deception, but there is no comment on the cause.

    Greene does comment on the emotional but unbiblical reaction some may have to God sending unbelievers a powerful delusion that will lead to their punishment:

    Since they did not receive the truth of the gospel, God sends them confusion so that they cannot distinguish between the truth and the lie and, in the end, they believe the lie as if it were the truth. As strange as this kind of judgment may seem to us, it is in harmony with the biblical witness, which shows the way God gives sinners over to the very sin and error they have embraced (Ps. 80.12-13 [81.12-13]; Rom. 1.24, 26, 28; 11.8; 2 Tim. 4.4). The thought is similar to that in those texts in the OT that describe how God uses malignant spirits to execute his judgments and will even employ the inspiration of false prophets (2 Sam. 24.1/1 Chr. 21.1; 1 Kgs. 22.19-23; Ezek. 14.9). ↑

15. Derived from LGEINT and BDAG. ↑

16. Greene comments on the meaning of Paul’s reference to the coming [parousia] of the lawless one (2 Thess 2:9) and describes things that would also reflect Antichrist’s Resurrection:

    In the ancient world, a god’s epiphany was the manifestation of the deity by revealing himself or by some demonstration of his power. This event would be particularly associated with the coming (parousia) of the deity… The epiphany of a deity was frequently associated with the manifestation of his divine power to rescue or save a community or an individual, and it was an important component in the accreditation of the god and the establishment of worship in his honor. (2 Thess 2:8) ↑

17. BDAG. ↑

18. Vine’s, 253. ↑

19. Erickson, Guide, 137. ↑

20. Webster’s. ↑

21. MNTC, Thess, 271. ↑

22. Of course, the verb apistēmi does refer to a general “departing” in the NT, and if this was the word Paul used in 2 Thess 2:3 then perhaps the idea he was referring to the “rapture” would be worthy of discussion. But that is not the word Paul used, and the noun apostasia cannot carry the meaning that Pre-tribulationists want to give it. Erickson adds:

    In the context nothing seems to suggest a departure (or “rapture”) of believers… The context speaks of the man of sin and of the lawlessness and unrighteousness that will accompany his appearance. [Therefore] it seems most reasonable to render apostasia in the usual sense of “apostasy” or “departure from the faith” (142-3).

    The view is so unlikely that the Pre-tribulationist MacArthur does not even mention it in his commentary.

    For further arguments against the Pre-tribulational claim that the rebellion in 2 Thess 2:3 refers to the “rapture,” see Robert Gundry, Church and Tribulation, 125ff. ↑

23. As noted, most scholars suggest the rebellion (2 Thess 2:3) is referring in general to the Great Apostasy. For example, Walvoord writes: “Paul was declaring that the day of the Lord cannot come until there is first a pervasive, global departure from the faith” (Thess, 123; cf. Bruce, 166; Greene). Likewise, Osborne writes of the effect of the false saviors says: “This will be the ‘great apostasy’ predicted in [Matt 24:] 10–12, 23–24; 2 Thess 2:3” (Matt, 1261).

    MacArthur and Wiersbe claim the rebellion, man of lawlessness being revealed, and his proclaiming himself to be God are all essentially the same event (cf. MNTC, 271-2). In other words, the claim is that it is the Antichrist’s rebellion that Paul is referring to. It is admitted that all of these views are possible, and that the brevity of Paul’s reference does not make his meaning clear. ↑

24. Bruce, 167. ↑

25. Wanamaker, 242-243. ↑

26. Stott, Thess, 158. ↑

27. TWOT, 741. ↑

28. Wannamaker relates several things regarding the meaning of apostasia that would seem to fit very well with what happens in Antichrist’s religious covenant with many people (Dan 9:27):

    Although apostasia, signifying the state of apostasy or rebellion, was used in both a political and a religious sense, the latter dominates in the Greek Bible (cf. LXX Josh 22:22; 2 Chron 29:19; 33:19; Jer 2:19; 1 Macc 2:15; and in NT see Acts 21:21; see also the use of the cognate verb apistamai in Luke 8:13; 1 Tim 4:1; Heb 3:12). In the apocalyptic context of 2 Thessalonians 2, the rebellion referred to is a religious one directed against God…

    While Paul may have thought of certain Christians being involved, the reference to the temple in v. 4 suggests he is working with a traditional apocalyptic understanding in which it was maintained that many of the people of God, that is the Jews, would rebel against God and the Law at the time of the end [cf. Dan 8:12, 13; 9:27]. (244) ↑