Of Paul.

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore
watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn
every one night and day with tears." Acts 20:29-31. Paul saw the awful
apostasy from the simple faith of Christ arising. The shadows of the dark
noonday were slowly and surely creeping on. He beholds it with tears. This
was not really some heathenish foreign power, but he says it should be men
of their own selves arising, speaking perverse things. He saw that the
leaders and overseers of the flock (see ver. 28) would become greedy of
worldly gain, contentious, followers after pride, filled with envy, loving
preeminence, speaking things contrary to the doctrine of Christ. It had
begun to work already in his day. "The mystery of iniquity doth already
work." 2 Thes. 2:7.

John says these false prophets "even now already are in the world." Even
before the apostles had closed their labors they saw this dark power
working. Year after year, decade after decade, it developed and grew. Star
after star had fallen until by the middle of the third century there was
"scarcely left a luminary of godliness in existence."

Paul seeing the great crisis coming, is in fear. "But I fear, lest by any
means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds
should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Jesus. For if he that
cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye
receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel,
which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with me.... For such are
false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the
apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into
an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be
according to their works." 2 Cor. 11:3, 4, 13-15. Thus Paul gives warning
to the Corinthians of false apostles and deceitful workers. All of this
certainly is not without meaning. He foresees great danger. He earnestly
exhorts the Thessalonian brethren to be not soon shaken, saying: "Let no
man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there
come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed,