3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasyE comes first and the man of lawlessnessF is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called godad or object of worship,ae so that he sitsG in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.

5 Don’t you remember that when I was still with you I used to tell you about this? 6 And you know what currently restrains him, so that he will be revealed in his time.af 7 For the mystery of lawlessnessag is already at work, but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, 8 and then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his mouthah and will bring him to nothing at the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie,ai