Apostasy

Introduction How does one define “apostasy”? Derived from the Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis [desertion], from apostanai [to stand apart from, desert], it refers to the “abandonment of one’s religious faith, party, a cause, etc.” [Collins English Dictionary].

Definition The Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary defines it as “renunciation or abandonment of one’s religious faith or of an object of one’s previous loyalty.”

Synonyms Synonyms of apostasy include “desertion, defection, treachery, heresy, disloyalty, backsliding, perfidy, unfaithfulness, falseness, faithlessness, etc.” [Collins Thesaurus of the English Language].

Biblical Usage In the New American Standard Bible [NASB], the word “apostasy” occurs three times (Jer. 8:5; Hos. 14:4; 2 Thess. 2:3).

Greek Meaning The Greek word that appears in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, when Paul affirms that apostasy will precede the Lord’s second coming, he uses the Greek word apostasia, derived from aphistēmi [to lead away, to depart from], which refers to “defection” or “revolt” [Thomas 646].

Greek Meaning BDAG define it as a “defiance of established system or authority, rebellion, abandonment, breach of faith.” This Greek word occurs 2x in the NT (Acts 21:20-21; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; cf. 2 Chron. 29:18-19).

Biblical Warning Sadly, apostasy is a reoccurring failure of God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments.

Trend Toward Centralization: Give Us A King! During the Mosaic age, apostasy was manifest in Israel’s trend toward centralization, their repudiation of God’s system of governance, and their demand, “Give us a king!” (1 Sam. 8:4-22).

Trend Toward Culture: Bowing Before Baal Apostasy was also evident in their desire to be like the surrounding nations, bowing before Baal, and worshipping on every high place, and under every green tree (Lev. 17:1-7; 26:27-33; Deut. 12:1-2; 12:13-14; Ezek. 20:27-32).

Trend Toward Accommodation: Judaizing & Gnostic Heresies In the first century, the spirit of apostasy was seen in the popularity of the Judaizing heresy (Acts 15:1-2; Gal. 2:1-5). Among Greek converts, it was witnessed in the gnostic heresy (Col. 2:6-12, 16-19).

Continued Compromises & Future Departures Through the gift of divine prophecy, Paul warned of future departures that would threaten the church, and serve as a stumbling-block to many (Acts 20:28- 32; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; 1 Tim. 4:1-5).

Conclusion In future lessons, we will consider the history of the Christian church, noting the falling away that occurred, efforts at reform and restoration, and the repetition of this sad cycle. This will serve as a broad overview, helping us understand how Christendom evolved to its present state, and how we should respond to the religious environment of the present day.