“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in the time.”
This verse is a part of a larger passage in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, where the Apostle Paul addresses the concerns of the Thessalonian church regarding the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this specific verse, Paul refers to a restraining force that is preventing the revelation of the “man of sin” or the “son of perdition,” who is often associated with the Antichrist.
To gain a better understanding of the verse, it is helpful to consider the context and the surrounding verses:
hessalonians 2:1-2 (KJV):
ow we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,: 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
In these verses, Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers’ concern that the day of Christ’s return has already come. He urges them not to be easily shaken or disturbed by any false teaching or misleading information that might suggest Christ’s imminent return.
hessalonians 2:3-5 (KJV):
et 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, the son of perdition;
ho opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.: 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
In these verses, Paul clarifies that before the day of Christ’s return, there will be a “falling away” or a great apostasy, and the “man of sin” will be revealed. This individual will oppose God, exalt himself, and even claim to be God. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he had previously shared these teachings with them.
hessalonians 2:6 (KJV):
“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”
Here, Paul suggests that the Thessalonians already have an understanding of what is currently restraining the revealing of the man of sin. The specific nature of this restraining force is not explicitly mentioned in this verse alone. However, the subsequent verses shed some light on the topic.
hessalonians 2:7-8 (KJV):
or the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way.
nd then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.: In these verses, Paul explains that the “mystery of iniquity” or the secret power of lawlessness was already at work, even during his time. However, the restraining force is described as “he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way.” This suggests that the restraining force will continue to hold back the revelation of the man of sin until it is removed or taken away.
The identity of the restraining force is a topic of interpretation and speculation among scholars and theologians. Some propose that the restraining force refers to the Holy Spirit working through the church, while others suggest it could be a reference to civil government or another divine agency. It is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly identify the specific nature of the restraining force in this passage.
Ultimately, the main emphasis of this passage is to assure the Thessalonian believers that the day of Christ’s return had not yet arrived and that certain events, including the revealing of the man of sin, must occur first. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by false teachings or erroneous claims about the timing of Christ’s return.
It is worth mentioning that interpreting prophetic passages like this requires careful study, consideration of other relevant Scriptures, and recognition of the diversity of theological opinions. Therefore, different scholars may offer varying interpretations regarding the specific details and symbols found in this passage.
Remember to consult various reliable Bible commentaries, study resources, and seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the verse and its significance within the broader biblical context.
