Regarding the connection between APOSTASIA and ANQRWPOS THS ANOMIAS, TDNT makes these comments:
"In 2 Th. 2:3 APOSTASIA is used in the absol. sense as an event of the last days alongside or prior to (?) the appearance of the ANQRWPOS THS ANOMIAS. Here a Jewish tradition is adopted which speaks of complete apostasy from God and His Torah shortly before the appearance of the Messiah. This is applied to the apostasy of Christians from their faith to error and righteousness (v. 11f.) in the last days (Mt. 24:11f.)" (TDNT 1:513).
In the footnote (page 513), TDNT states that APOSTASIA is undoubtedly used of "Christians" in 2 Thessalonians because the word implies a prior turning to God. I might add that the word especially applies to apostate followers of Christ in this context, who are likely nominal disciples of the Lord.
This academic work reckons that the "apostasy" and the ANQRWPOS THS ANOMIAS "are to be differentiated, but only in such a way that the apostasy makes possible the power of the man of sin, and this in turn increases the apostasy" (1:513-514).
2 comments:
"an event of the last days..."
Doesn't the Watchtower teach that the APOSTASIA happened back in the 4th century?
From the 9/1/2003 WT:
The apostasy started in the apostle Paul's day. It accelerated once the apostles died and their restraining influence disappeared. It would be marked, said Paul, by "the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-12) How accurately that describes the activities of so many religious leaders throughout history!
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