In a secular sense, apostasy is abandoning one's political party, principles, or cause. Ancient papyri documents show that the word was used politically regarding rebels. Biblically, apostasy is rebellion against God or the abandonment of faith in God by those once enlightened by the truth. The Greek word *apostasia* (G646) occurs in only two places in the New Testament: Acts 21:21 as forsake, and II Thessalonians 2:3 as falling away. In classical Greek, *apostasia* is a technical term for political revolt, defection, or rebellion. Paul warns in II Thessalonians 2:1-3 that the apostasy must come before the return of Christ, indicating it as a significant event in the latter times.

In II Thessalonians 2, Paul addresses a significant event preceding the return of Jesus Christ, described as the "falling away," derived from the Greek word *apostasia* (G646), which Strong's Greek Dictionary defines as a defection from truth. This term, used only once elsewhere in the New Testament in Acts 21:21, relates to forsaking the truth revealed through Moses, highlighting how Paul's teachings could be misunderstood. A related form, *apostasion*, meaning separation, appears in contexts of divorce, reinforcing the idea of falling away or defecting. In the Septuagint, *apostasia* appears in passages where kings or the nation of Israel rebel against God, turning to alien belief systems, suggesting that the truth forsaken in the end times pertains specifically to God. Paul's prophecy in II Thessalonians 2 indicates that this falling away is not merely a localized event within a small group but a unique, worldwide occurrence, setting the stage for the man of sin, who will wield tremendous influence over mankind through the power of satan. This universal scope implies a defection from truth on a grand scale, creating an environment for this figure to rise to power. Currently, a steady defection from basic biblical principles and the Judeo-Christian ethic is observable, though whether it constitutes the prophesied falling away remains to be seen. This ongoing rebellion against God and His way, often gradual and subtle, mirrors historical accounts in the Old Testament where kings and Israel turned from God to serve opposing beliefs. Paul warns the church not to be concerned about missing the end time, as the events leading to the Day of the Lord will be unmistakable to those with eyes to see, affecting the whole world despite its lack of spiritual understanding.

In II Thessalonians 2:1-3, the apostle Paul introduces two significant signs preceding the day of the Lord, one of which is the "falling away," translated from the Greek term *apostasia* (G646). This word, transliterated as apostasy, carries the meaning of defection or revolt. While many Greeks might interpret *apostasia* as a political revolt, modern translators often render it as rebellion due to the broader context of related prophecies, suggesting a pronounced worldwide breakdown of political systems. However, if this revolt equates to the tribulation itself, the sign would lose its value as a warning, since by the time it is recognized, the tribulation would already be underway. If it indicates a breakdown of law and order leading to the tribulation, it could serve as a meaningful sign to those in the church who are watchful. Alternatively, the King James and New King James versions translate *apostasia* as "falling away," implying a departure from true faith. This departure does not necessarily mean leaving the church but rather forsaking truth while remaining within it. Such a sign would likely be noticed only by true church members, occurring on a small scale compared to other worldwide events at the time. Paul's mention of this falling away, alongside the rise of the man of sin, serves as a critical indicator for God's people to prepare and potentially escape the coming turmoil, pointing toward a gathering together that may relate to a place of safety before the tribulation begins.