“a
revolt first”: η αποστασια πρωτον, the word αποστασια is used only 2x in
the NT, the other in Ac 21:21 (“to turn away from Moses”). Lexicons define it
as: “a condition resulting from changing loyalties, revolt, desertion, as a
religious technical term; apostasy, rebellion” (FRB); “a falling away,
defection, apostasy from true religion” (THR). All in all it refers to a
falling away from the faith by those who are presently identified with the
faith. A close cognate is αποστασιον, used 3x in the NT for “divorce” (Mt 5:31;
19:7; Mk 10:4). Paul includes the article η to make the apostasy definitive,
that is, a future event that will occur within the Christian Church, not
outside the Church, otherwise it would not be an “apostasy.” Paul is not
speaking of a Jewish rejection of Christ, since Judaism is not Christian. Also
implied is that the apostasy is a worldwide phenomenon that is not confined to
a few Christian churches but includes them all. (Robert A. Sungenis, The
Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians [Catholic
Apologetics Study Bible 9; State Line, Pa.: Catholic Apologetics International
Publishing, Inc., 2009], 92 n. 16)
