2 Thessalonians 2.1-12

It is interesting to consult the fathers on end times matters (eschatology). The church has historically always considered that Jesus' second coming could happen at any time. Only in the last couple of centuries, with the rise of Dispensationalism (think Schofield bible), have Christians really considered the need to check the newspaper against the bible to try and predict when Christ might return. Such end times shenanigans is really without precedent in the first 1800 years of the church--that such an approach is so novel ought to give us pause to consider its legitimacy as a paradigm for understanding the bible.

Regarding the falling away or great apostasy mentioned in verse 3, St. Cyril's view that such a falling away had already happened is consistent among the early church:

We have reached the “falling away.” Men, that is, have fallen away from the true faith. Some proclaim the identity of Father and Son. Others dare to assert that one should believe Christ has come into existence out of nonexistence. Formerly heretics were quite evident, but now the church is full of masked heretics. For men have deserted the truth and want to have their ears tickled. Make a plausible case, and everyone is ready to listen to you. Talk of changing one’s life, and everyone deserts you. The majority have fallen away from the sound doctrines and are readier to choose what is bad than to prefer what is good. So there you have the “falling away,” and the coming of the enemy is to be expected next. Meanwhile, he has begun to send out his forerunners here and there, so that the spoil may be prepared for him when he comes. Therefore, brothers, look to yourselves. Watch over your souls carefully. (Cyril, Catechetical Lectures)

...keep in mind that he wrote this in the 4th century!

My take away is this: don't worry about trying to understand the specifics of the end times. The church has always believed--and tried to live in light of believing--that Christ's return could be any day. As St. Peter wrote, "Dear friends, don't overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day" (2 Peter 3.8, CSB).