A Note on Matthew 24:10-12

Abstract

Matt 24:10-12 is a non-Marcan, chiastic, unit of tradition, received (not created) by Matthew. It seems possible that Dan 12:4 LXX lies behind the verses, and that the "lawlessness" referred to is idolatrous apostasy. If this is correct, a) Matt 24:10-12 is describing much the same sort of upsurge of apostasy as the following "desolating sacrilege" passage in 24:15-22; b) the surrounding verses (24:9,13,14) may have belonged together in pre-Matthean tradition; c) there are interesting links with the "rebellion" and "man of lawlessness" in 2 Thess 2.