This is not to climb on the tired old "apostasia" bandwagon to create more arguments. This is a "what if?" post. Because I sure as heck don't have the superior knowledge to dramatically argue this point. According to the link (below) to Strong's Greek, the word apostasia means apostasy. A defection or revolt. A departure from one's previous belief or stand. Check it out for yourself. I then pondered on the scripture that caused all the recent ruckus....2 Thessalonians 2:3 (link below)  The congregants had been worried that the day of the Lord had come and they'd missed it. Paul was reassuring them. "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away (apostasia is the word in the original Greek) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition". Here's my "what if" thinking. Paul was addressing Christians so this scriptural message was aimed at Christians - not Jews. Paul was telling them that the Lord had not come yet because that wouldn't happen until the son of perdition falls away from his previous stand or belief - speaks apostasy (obviously against our LORD and His truth) and is revealed for who he truly is.

Assuming the translation of the word literally means apostasy - it stands to reason that this son of perdition must be a professing Christian (albeit in word only). He must also be famous and well known. If Joe Bloggs down the road leaves his faith, it isn't going to affect the Christian world. The son of perdition is famous and he's obviously male. Famous, influential, and is masquerading as a Christian. Until he reveals himself and declares to the world his true beliefs. Once that happens, the Day of the Lord happens.

My first thought was the famous face of the Pope. To Bible believing Christians, the man is a fraud. Claiming he is infallible (his word is law) and he is Christ's vicar on earth (Christ's stand in, so to speak) Then I thought of all the famous politicians who claim to be Christian when their very actions negate that. Obama, Donald Trump (lets face it - if Mr. Trump were a Bible believing Christian, he would not be trying to force a peace deal down Israel's throat). My leaning is towards the Pope. He is hardly ever out of the news and millions of Catholic's venerate him. It would be a HUGE deal to Catholic Christians (AND the unbelieving world too, quite frankly) if Pope Francis declares to the world that his belief had changed. To Bible believing Christians, what comes out of the man's mouth at this time, will be obvious. He is the son of perdition. A liar and a fraud.

What if that is the true meaning of this passage and word? If it is - the day is hurtling towards us when this is going to happen.

 

Strong's Greek: 646. ἀποστασία (apostasia) -- defection, revolt

Bible Gateway passage: 2 Thessalonians 2 - New International Version