The Restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2
In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul addresses concerns among the Thessalonian believers regarding the timing of the Lord's return, specifically mentioning a "restrainer" that must be removed before the "man of lawlessness" is revealed [3, 4]. The apostle urges them not to be shaken by claims that the day of the Lord has already come [1, 2]. He reminds them that two significant events must precede Christ's coming: a great apostasy and the unveiling of the man of lawlessness [3].
The passage states: "For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 ESV).
The identity of "what is restraining him" (τὸ κατέχον, to katechon) and "he who now restrains it" (ὁ κατέχων, ho katechōn) has been a subject of varied interpretation. Paul indicates that the Thessalonians already knew what he was referring to, having been taught these things during his previous visit [3]. The restrainer is presented as holding back the full manifestation of the "mystery of lawlessness" and the revelation of the man of lawlessness [3]. Once this restrainer is "out of the way," the lawless one will be revealed, only to be destroyed by Christ at his coming [3].
The context of 2 Thessalonians 2 is Paul's effort to correct a misunderstanding that the day of the Lord was imminent, which was causing disturbance among the believers [1, 2]. He clarifies that certain events, including a great apostasy and the appearance of the man of lawlessness, must occur first [3]. The restrainer plays a crucial role in this sequence, preventing the man of lawlessness from being revealed prematurely [3].
Sources
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 2 (introduction): CORRECTION OF THEIR ERROR AS TO CHRIST'S IMMEDIATE COMING. THE APOSTASY THAT MUST PRECEDE IT. EXHORTATION TO STEADFASTNESS, INTRODUCED WITH THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR ELECTION BY GOD. (2Th. 2:1-17) Now--rather, "But"; marking the transition from his prayers for them to entreaties to them. we beseech you--or "entreat you." He uses affectionate entreaty, rather than stern reproof, to win them over to the right view. by--rather, "with respect to"; as the Greek for "of" (Co2 1:8). our gathering together unto him--the consummating or”
- 2 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Thessalonians 2 (introduction): The apostle is very careful to hinder the spreading of an error into which some among them had fallen concerning the coming of Christ, as being very near (Th2 2:1-3). Then he proceeds to confute the error he cautioned them against, by telling them of two great events that were antecedent to the coming of Christ - a general apostasy, and the revelation of antichrist, concerning whom the apostle tells them many remarkable things, about his name, his character, his rise, his fall, his reign, and the sin and ruin of his subjects (Th2 2:4-12). He t”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 2:1: 2:1-12 False teaching about the day of the Lord had disturbed the Thessalonian church (2:1-2). Paul reminds them (2:5) that two events will precede that day: a great apostasy and the unveiling of the man of lawlessness (2:3-12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8), and those who have been deceived will also be judged (2:9-12). 2:1 At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:7-10; 1 Thes 2:19; 3:13; 4:15–5:2; 5:23), all of his people will be gathered to meet him. This will occur at the resurrection and rapture of the church (1 Thes 4:13-18).”
- 2 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Thessalonians 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 2 THESSALONIANS 2 In this chapter the apostle guards against a notion, as if the second coming of Christ was at hand; declares that, previous to it, there must be a great apostasy, and a revelation of antichrist; comforts the saints against fears of being included in this defection; exhorts them to stand fast in the faith, and closes this chapter with petitions for them. He entreats them in a most tender and solemn manner not to imagine that the day of Christ was at hand, and that they would not be disturbed and moved at it; and ”