"unless the
apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed". Why is apostasy so closely coupled with the man of lawlessness in this verse?
MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE
TLDR: the apostasy may be a general atmosphere of rebellion in the whole world, but specifically the ultimate rebellion, that is Antichrist stopping the sacrifices, setting up his image in the temple, and making himself God.
The more I look at all the related verses (Matt, 2 Tim, 2 Thess, Rev, Dan) it seems that there is/will be a universal trend and atmosphere of rebellion and lawlessness that will culminate in Antichrist. Just like a tidal wave, reaching its peak trying to deceive and carry away anyone, either Nations, Christians or Jews. But since the verse and section in 2 Thess. is about the
apostasy and Antichrist, it might be good to try to understand "the apostasy" by seeing first the world situation and actions of the Antichrist
right before he is revealed as a man of lawlessness, when he is
"still good". He is probably going to be an outstanding politician and economist, accomplishing unprecedented things, very charismatic, garnering much political and military support and increasing in power and influence in the whole world, culminating as the leader of the restored Roman Empire. Eventually he brokers the 7 year peace treaty that allows Israel to resume the sacrifices and offerings in the rebuilt temple. That is probably the greatest political accomplishment of the modern age. There will have to be a huge world-wide support behind him to do this and one that had been going on for several years. Just the fact the the temple is rebuilt, indicates a nations-wide, long term support for Israel over several years. He and the whole system behind him will be in favor of Israel, they will be "Zionists", in favor of the Jews, Israel, Jerusalem, the temple, and then even the sacrifices.
Then suddenly he breaks the treaty 3.5 years into it, stops the sacrifices and 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.
That is the culmination of rebellion, a great apostasy, a great falling away. Not only by him and for him, but he drags all the world with him into that rebellion, all those people, countries and kings now rebel with him too. There is probably no greater old covenant sin against God as this, to proclaim to be God, force people to worship you or die, and place an idol of yourself in the temple of God. This may be "
the apostasy comes first" and then right after this he is revealed as the beast, the
man of lawlessness.
Daniel 9:27
And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.
"And
he will confirm a covenant with many for one week"
= still good.
"...
end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the
abomination that causes desolation" (Antichrist idol)
= apostasy
"until the decreed destruction is poured out upon
him"
= man of lawlessness