THE GREAT APOSTASY 2. Spirit] i.e. a pretended revelation uttered by a false prophet. LETTER AS FROM US] perhaps a forged letter (the probable meaning), cp. 2 Thessalonians 3:17, or a misunderstanding of the First Epistle. 3-10. It will be convenient to. treat this difficult passage as a whole. Lit... [ Continue Reading ]
FALLING AWAY] Gk. 'apostasy.'... [ Continue Reading ]
The reference is to the pretensions of a false Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
MYSTERY] This word in NT. always denotes something once hidden, but now revealed, or soon to be revealed (1 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19).... [ Continue Reading ]
BRIGHTNESS, etc.] rather, 'manifestation of His presence.'... [ Continue Reading ]
STRONG DELUSION] better, 'inner working of error.' Those who obstinately refuse the truth at last become incapable of receiving it.... [ Continue Reading ]
DAMNED] RV 'judged.'... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM THE BEGINNING] perhaps (with the oldest MS), 'as firstfruits.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THE TRADITIONS] i.e. the truths taught, whether orally or by writing.... [ Continue Reading ]