“3 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. 4 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.
5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you, I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time”
section has been the object of endless speculation and discussions. Since Paul had taught the Thessalonians in his visit, there are things that he is assuming his first readers knew that we only speculate about. The man of lawlessness is closely associated with the rebellion but is not identical with it.
two phenomena are needed for the day of the Lord to be present. These are 1). the rebellion that must come first and 2). the revealing of the man of lawlessness that quickly follows.
When we talk about the rebellion, we understand that spiritual conflict is going on between God and Satan. It affects our world. The word literally is apostasy or a falling away or a turning away from Jesus. It implies a deflection from the faith. He shows himself and presents himself as God.
First the description is without law. He is in rebellion to God's law, purpose, and plan of righteousness. He is the very embodiment of evil. Secondly, he is doomed to destruction. Literally he is the son of destruction, or the son of perdition. This is the same term used of Judas Iscariot.
He is opposed to God. The word anti-Christ describes any anti-Christian system of thinking, but this is more than that. I believe here is an individual, under Satan's control and influence. There have been individuals in the past who this character resembles.
The text says the secret forces are now evident. Indeed, the spiritual delusion and the many anti-Christs, the religious cults, and the fervor we see of the present-day Muslims, reminds us of the various ways this world pervert true Christian faith and is antagonistic towards it.
Since Satan and this force must be resisted it can only be done though faith in Jesus Christ alone and the truth as it is revealed in the Scriptures as they are normally and usually read. Satan does a lot of Scripture twisting. God gives life through His truth. Satan gives death through His lies.
Application: Be watchful so that you are not too easily misled by impressive personalities and spectacular appeals.
Prayer: In all things, Father, I want to seek sound teaching according to Your Word. Surround me with your truth.
