◄ 2 Thessalonians 2:7 ►
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.
Study Bible
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work
The phrase "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work" introduces a profound concept that has intrigued theologians for centuries. The Greek word for "mystery" (μυστήριον, mystērion) implies something that was once hidden but is now revealed to the initiated. In the context of 2 Thessalonians, it refers to the hidden forces of evil that oppose God's order. "Lawlessness" (ἀνομία, anomia) signifies a state of rebellion against divine law, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, highlighting humanity's tendency to reject God's authority. Historically, this lawlessness was evident in the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians and continues to manifest in various forms of moral and spiritual rebellion today. The phrase "is already at work" suggests that these forces were active even in Paul's time, indicating an ongoing spiritual battle that believers must be aware of and resist through faith and obedience to Christ.

but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way
The phrase "but the one who now restrains it" introduces the concept of a restraining force or person. The identity of this "restrainer" has been the subject of much debate. Some conservative scholars suggest it could be the Holy Spirit, the Church, or a governing authority that God uses to hold back the full manifestation of evil. The Greek verb for "restrains" (κατέχω, katechō) means to hold back or suppress, indicating a deliberate action to prevent the full outbreak of lawlessness. "Will continue until he is taken out of the way" implies a future time when this restraint will be removed, allowing the "man of lawlessness" to be revealed. This aligns with eschatological teachings about the end times, where a period of great tribulation will precede Christ's return. The removal of the restrainer serves as a divine signal that God's redemptive plan is advancing towards its ultimate fulfillment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, addressing the church in Thessalonica to clarify misunderstandings about the end times.

2. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where the early Christian church was established. The believers there were facing persecution and confusion about the return of Christ.

3. The Restrainer
A figure or force that holds back the full manifestation of lawlessness until a designated time.

4. The Mystery of Lawlessness
A concept referring to the hidden or partially revealed nature of sin and rebellion against God, which is already active in the world.

5. The End Times
The period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by increased lawlessness and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness."
Teaching Points
Understanding the Mystery of Lawlessness
Recognize that sin and rebellion against God are not new but have been at work since the fall of man. This awareness helps believers remain vigilant and discerning.

The Role of the Restrainer
The restrainer's presence is a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over the unfolding of end-time events. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control.

Living in Anticipation
While the mystery of lawlessness is at work, Christians are called to live holy and blameless lives, anticipating Christ's return and resisting the influence of lawlessness.

The Importance of Discernment
In a world where lawlessness is increasing, believers must cultivate discernment through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Encouragement in Persecution
Just as the Thessalonians faced persecution, modern believers can find encouragement in knowing that trials are temporary and that God’s ultimate plan will prevail.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the "mystery of lawlessness" mean to you, and how do you see it at work in today's world?

2. Who or what do you think the "restrainer" might be, and how does this understanding impact your view of God's sovereignty?

3. How can you live a life that resists the influence of lawlessness while waiting for Christ's return?

4. In what ways can you cultivate discernment to recognize the spirit of lawlessness in your daily life?

5. How can the assurance of God's control over end-time events provide comfort and encouragement during times of personal or communal persecution?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 John 4:3
Discusses the spirit of the antichrist, which is already in the world, similar to the "mystery of lawlessness" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

Daniel 12:1
Refers to a time of great distress and the role of a restraining force, which can be connected to the "one who now restrains" in 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

Revelation 13:1-10
Describes the rise of the beast, which parallels the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" once the restrainer is removed.

Matthew 24:12
Jesus speaks of increased lawlessness in the end times, which aligns with the "mystery of lawlessness" already at work.
Sermons
Lawlessness and the Lawless OneDean Vaughan.2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Development of AntichristBp. Jewell.2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Mystery of Godliness and the Mystery of IniquityCanon Stowell.2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Mystery of IniquityW. G. Humphrey, B. D.2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Mystery of IniquityDean Close.2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Mystery of IniquityC. S. Robinson, D. D.2 Thessalonians 2:7
Wickedness a MysteryHeubner.2 Thessalonians 2:7
AntichristR. Finlayson 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
The Rise of the Apostasy and the Revelation of the Man of Sin Must Precede the Second AdventT. Croskery 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8
The Man of SinB.C. Caffin 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
Restraints RemovedProf. Ganot.2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
The Restraining Power and its WithdrawalCanon Body.2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
The Mystery of LawlessnessW.F. Adeney 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 8
People
Paul, Thessalonians
Places
Thessalonica
Topics
Already, Continue, Evil, Exercising, Hinder, Holds, Influence, Iniquity, Keeping, Lawlessness, Letteth, Mystery, Power, Removed, Restrain, Restraineth, Restraining, Restrains, Secret, Till, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Thessalonians 2:7

     5941   secrecy
     6694   mystery

2 Thessalonians 2:3-8

     8729   enemies, of Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:3-10

     4125   Satan, agents of
     8703   antinomianism

2 Thessalonians 2:4-7

     5786   ambition, negative

2 Thessalonians 2:6-7

     5934   restraint

2 Thessalonians 2:6-10

     9115   antichrist, the

Library
Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope
'Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace. 17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.'--2 THESS. ii. 16, 17. This is the second of the four brief prayers which, as I pointed out in my last sermon, break the current of Paul's teaching in this letter, and witness to the depth of his affection to his Thessalonian converts. We do not know the special circumstances …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Election
Now, first, I shall speak a little concerning the truthfulness of this doctrine: "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation." Secondly, I shall try to prove that this election is absolute: "He hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation," not for sanctification, but "through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." Thirdly, this election is eternal, because the text says, "God hath from the beginning chosen you." Fourthly, it is personal: "He hath chosen you." Then we …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Grace and Holiness.
"Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints."--1 THESS. iii. 11-13. There are few more precious subjects for meditation and imitation than the prayers and intercessions of the great Apostle. …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth.
Make them holy in the Truth: Thy word is Truth.'--John xvii. 17. 'God chose you unto salvation in sanctification and belief of the Truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 12. The chief means of sanctification that God uses is His word. And yet how much there is of reading and studying, of teaching and preaching the word, that has almost no effect in making men holy. It is not the word that sanctifies; it is God Himself who alone can sanctify. Nor is it simply through the word that God does it, but through …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such …
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Approbation and Blessing.
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."--2 THESS. i. ii, 12. Two words sum up the Christian life--Grace and Glory; and both are associated with the two Comings of the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace particularly with the first Coming, …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736.
But Zinzendorf was not long allowed to tread the primrose path of peace. As the news of his proceedings spread in Germany, many orthodox Lutherans began to regard him as a nuisance, a heretic, and a disturber of the peace; and one critic made the elegant remark: "When Count Zinzendorf flies up into the air, anyone who pulls him down by the legs will do him a great service." He was accused of many crimes, and had many charges to answer. He was accused of founding a new sect, a society for laziness; …
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet: because Jesus was not yet glorified.'--John vii. 39. 'The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.'--John xiv. 26. 'God chose you to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 13. (See 1 Pet. i. 2.) It has sometimes been said, that while the Holiness of God stands out more prominently …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Calling of the Regenerate:
"Whom He did predestinate, them He also called."--Rom. viii. 30. In order to hear, the sinner, deaf by nature, must receive hearing ears. "He that hath ears let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev. ii. 7, 11, 17, 29; iii. 6, 13, 22). But by nature the sinner does not belong to these favored ones. This is a daily experience. Of two clerks in the same office, one obeys the call and the other rejects it; not because he despises it, but because he does not hear God's call in it. Hence …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
Like as He which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy, for I am holy.'--1 Pet. i. 15, 16. The call of God is the manifestation in time of the purpose of eternity: 'Whom He predestinated, them He also called.' Believers are 'the called according to His purpose.' In His call He reveals to us what His thoughts and His will concerning us are, and what the life to which He invites us. In His call He makes clear to …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Third Wall.
The third wall falls of itself, as soon as the first two have fallen; for if the Pope acts contrary to the Scriptures, we are bound to stand by the Scriptures, to punish and to constrain him, according to Christ's commandment; "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
The following considerations, taken together, seem to me to establish the truth of the doctrine in question beyond reasonable doubt. 1. God has from eternity resolved upon the salvation of all the elect. This we have seen. No one of this number will ever be lost. These are given to Christ from eternity, as a seed to serve him. The conversion, perseverance, and final salvation of the elect, we have seen to be secured. Their conversion, perseverance, and salvation, are secured by means of the grace …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in General.
Having shown how a poor soul, lying under the burden of sin and wrath, is to make use of Jesus Christ for righteousness and justification, and so to make use of him, go out to him, and apply him, as "he is made of God to us righteousness," 1 Cor. i. 30, and that but briefly. This whole great business being more fully and satisfactorily handled, in that forementioned great, though small treatise, viz. "The Christian's Great Interest," we shall now come and show, how a believer or a justified soul …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces of Character.
There is a singular charm, a charm that one can scarcely explain, in the words of Paul in Gal. v. 22, 23, R. V., "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance." What a catalogue we have here of lovely moral characteristics. Paul tells us that they are the fruit of the Spirit, that is, if the Holy Spirit is given control of our lives, this is the fruit that He will bear. All real beauty of character, all real Christlikeness in us, …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles …
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

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