I recently encountered an interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that was neither the “falling away / apostasy” nor the “departure / rapture” possibilities you have discussed in past posts on GraceThruFaith. The interpretation given was Paul warning believers of a great “rebellion / revolt”. Apparently, the word used in this verse can be rendered this way, and is implied in some translations? The thrust of the passage then suggests a worldwide, satanically-inspired, revolution among people of the world, that would lead to mayhem, and the conditions needed for, everyone to accept a worldwide leader to return order to the world. Is this a valid interpretation?
The Greek word translated falling away in 2 Thes. 2:3 is apostasia. It’s only used twice in the New Testament and also means apostasy.
I’m aware that some modern translations use “rebellion” in this verse and current world conditions certainly point to the possibility of such, but that is not really the intent of the original language of 2 Thes.2:3.
I believe Paul was referring to the abandonment of traditional Christian beliefs in some parts of the Church, as can be seen in the emerging church movement. This is consistent with his warnings in 2 Timothy 4:3-4.