2 Thessalonians 2:7
Verse
Context
The Man of Lawlessness
6And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.7For 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.8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.
Sermons
Kathryn Kuhlman
Zac Poonen
Rolfe Barnard
Steve Gallagher
Chuck Smith
G. Campbell Morgan
St. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work - There is a system of corrupt doctrine, which will lead to the general apostasy, already in existence, but it is a mystery; it is as yet hidden; it dare not show itself, because of that which hindereth or withholdeth. But when that which now restraineth shall be taken out of the way, then shall that wicked one be revealed-it will then be manifest who he is, and what he is. See the observations at the end of this chapter (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the mystery of iniquity--the counterwork to "the mystery of godliness" (Ti1 3:16). Anti-Christianity latently working, as distinguished from its final open manifestation. "Mystery" in Scripture means, not what remains always a secret, but that which is for a while hidden, but in due time manifested (compare Eph 3:4-5). Satan will resort to a mode of opposition more conformed to the then imminent "appearing" and "presence" of the Saviour, and will anticipate Him with a last effort to maintain the dominion of the world [DE BURGH], just as at His first advent he rushed into open opposition, by taking possession of the bodies of men. "Iniquity," Greek, "lawlessness"; defiant rejection of God's law (compare Note, see on Zac 5:9, Zac 5:10). "Wickedness" (translated by the Septuagint by the same Greek, meaning "lawlessness," which Paul employs here), embodied there as a woman, answers to "the mystery of iniquity," here embodied finally in "the man of sin": as the former was ultimately banished for ever from the Holy Land to her own congenial soil, Babylon, so iniquity and the man of sin shall fall before Michael and the Lord Himself, who shall appear as the Deliverer of His people (Dan 12:1-3; Zac 14:3-9). Compare Mat 12:43. The Jewish nation dispossessed of the evil spirit, the demon of idolatry being cast out through the Babylonian captivity, receives ultimately a worse form of the evil spirit, Christ-opposing self-righteousness. Also, the Christian Church in course of time taken possession of by the demon of Romish idolatry, then dispossessed of it by the Reformation, then its house "garnished" by hypocrisy, secularity, and rationalism, but "swept empty" of living faith, then finally apostatizing and repossessed by "the man of sin," and outwardly destroyed for a brief time (though even then Christ shall have witnesses for Him among both the Jews, Zac 13:9, and Gentiles, Mat 28:20), when Christ shall suddenly come (Dan 11:32-45; Luk 18:7-8). already-- (Jo2 1:9-10; Col 2:18-23; Ti1 4:1); compare "even now already" (Jo1 2:18; Jo1 4:3) as distinguished from "in his own time" of being revealed hereafter. Antiquity, it appears from hence, is not a justification for unscriptural usages or dogmas, since these were "already," even in Paul's time, beginning to spring up: the written word is the only sure test. "Judaism infecting Christianity is the fuel; the mystery of iniquity is the spark." "It is one and the same impurity diffusing itself over many ages" [BENGEL]. only he who now letteth will let--The italicized words are not in the Greek. Therefore, translate rather, "only (that is, the continuance of the MYSTERY of iniquity-working will be only) until he who now withholdeth (the same Greek as in Th2 2:6) be taken out of the way." "Only (waiting, Heb 10:13) until he," &c. Then it will work no longer in mystery, but in open manifestation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work,.... Or "the mystery of that wicked one", as the Syriac; meaning either antichrist himself, and the spirit of antichrist, which were already in the world, Jo1 2:18, "mystery" being one of the names of antichrist, Rev 17:5 and anciently this word was engraven on the mitres of the popes of Rome: or the evil doctrines and practices of antichrist may be intended; for as the doctrine of the Gospel is called a mystery, and the mystery of godliness; so the doctrines and practices of antichrist may be called the mystery of iniquity, especially as they were now secretly spread, imbibed, and practised: the foundations of it were now laying in the church by false teachers; for errors and heresies of every sort, respecting the person and offices of Christ, and in opposition to them, were now broached; idolatry, and holding communion with idolaters, now obtained; worshipping of angels was used by some; and superstition and will worship, worship after the commandments of men, were practised; days, and months, and years, distinguished by Jews and Pagans, and difference of meats, were observed; celibacy and virginity began to be admired and commended; dominion and magistracy were despised, and church authority contemned, and many, as Diotrephes, loved to have the pre-eminence; and the doctrine of justification by the works of the law was industriously spread, and zealously preached and received; all which laid the foundation, and are the life and soul of popery: only he who now letteth, will let, until he be taken out of the way; that is, the Roman empire and Roman emperors, and which were by degrees entirely removed, and so made way for the revelation of this wicked one: and which was done partly by Constantine the emperor receiving the Christian faith, whereby the Roman empire as Pagan ceased; and by increasing the riches of the church, and feeding the pride, ambition, and covetousness of the bishops, especially the bishop of Rome; and next by removing the seat of the empire from Rome to Byzantium, which he called Constantinople: here the Greek emperors continued in succession, and neither they themselves, nor even their exarchs, resided at Rome, but at Ravenna; so that way was made for antichrist to come to his seat, and there was nothing to rival and eclipse the grandeur, power, and glory of the Roman popes: and that which let was also taken out of the way, by the division of the empire, by Theodosius, giving to his elder son Arcadius, the eastern, and to the younger, Honorius, the western parts of it: the eastern empire was in process of time seized upon and possessed by Mahomet and the Saracens; and the western empire was overrun by the Goths, Vandals, and Huns, and became extinct about the year 476, in Augustulus, the last of the Roman emperors, who was obliged to abdicate the government by Odoacer king of the Heruli; when the kingdom of the Lombards took place in Italy, and afterwards that was translated to Charles the great, king of the French; so that there was nothing more of the Roman empire remaining than the bare name, as at this day; and by this means the popes of Rome got to the height of their power and glory, which is meant by the revelation of the man of sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 The power of the coming man of lawlessness (2:3-6) is already at work secretly, like the antichrists of 1 Jn 2:18. • secretly (Greek mustērion): A descriptor commonly used of rituals in the mystery religions (see 2 Thes 2:6). • at work: This connotes supernatural intervention, whether divine (1 Thes 2:13) or, as here, evil (2 Thes 2:9; Eph 2:2). • The one who is holding it back could refer to one who is in opposition to the man of lawlessness; to one who is possessed; or to Satan, the one who possesses (2 Thes 2:9; see study note on 2:6).
2 Thessalonians 2:7
The Man of Lawlessness
6And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.7For 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.8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
No Stopping the Holy Spirit
By Kathryn Kuhlman17K09:57Holy SpiritMAT 24:34ACT 1:81TH 4:162TH 2:72PE 1:201JN 4:4REV 13:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Holy Spirit is the only restraining force for good in the world today. The preacher warns against being left behind after the Holy Spirit is taken out and encourages the audience to seek the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. He also highlights that Jesus Christ came to earth as both man and God to save humanity from temptation and defeat, and that believers have the provision to not be defeated in any situation.
(Revelation) Revelation 10:7-11:15
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:01:34ROM 11:252CO 12:22TH 2:71TI 3:16REV 10:8REV 11:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly digesting and applying the word of God in our lives. He contrasts this with the idea of simply chewing on the word without allowing it to penetrate our hearts. The speaker also mentions the mystery of godliness, which is Christ manifest in the flesh and his bride, the church, and the mystery of iniquity, which is Satan manifest in the flesh and his false harlot church. The sermon also touches on the concept of grace and judgment, highlighting the need for believers to not only receive the grace of God but also to judge themselves and allow the word of God to convict and transform them.
Honest People Will Not Go to Hell
By Rolfe Barnard77648:25HonestyMAT 6:33LUK 2:2LUK 14:24LUK 19:412TH 2:72TH 2:9The sermon transcript discusses a man in Detroit, Michigan who had a near-death experience but was saved by God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not deceiving oneself and the need for God's mercy. He urges the congregation to turn to the light of truth before it's too late. The sermon also references a verse from the book of Luke, where Jesus speaks about those who make excuses and will not taste of his supper. The transcript also mentions the consequences of not seeking truth and the revelation of the mystery of iniquity.
The Great Lie (Clip)
By Steve Gallagher73909:07MAT 24:112TH 2:7
This sermon delves into the great lie of the great apostasy, focusing on the deception within the church that suggests one does not have to obey God. It explores the subtle yet powerful nature of this lie, rooted in a partial truth about salvation by grace but neglecting the call to live a holy life. The message emphasizes the importance of confronting sin and the resistance faced by pastors who seek to preach the truth, warning about the danger of turning away from sound doctrine and embracing myths.
The Holy Spirit: Restrainer of Evil
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual WarfareThe Role of the Holy SpiritGEN 1:26MAT 5:13MAT 16:18LUK 4:6ROM 6:162TH 2:7HEB 2:8REV 3:8REV 13:2REV 19:19Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the restrainer of evil in the world, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle against Satan's forces. He explains that while Satan is preparing for a final conflict, the Holy Spirit, through the church, is currently holding back the full manifestation of evil. Smith warns that once the church is removed, the antichrist will rise to power, leading to unprecedented darkness. He encourages believers to recognize their role as a purifying influence in a decaying world and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Ultimately, he calls for readiness for Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom.
The Events of the Missing Week
By G. Campbell Morgan0The AntichristThe Rapture2TH 2:7G. Campbell Morgan discusses the significant events that will occur during the 'missing week' between Christ's return for His Church and His second coming. He emphasizes the fear and wonder that will grip those left behind, as well as the profound impact of the Church's removal on society, which will lead to both a rise in evil and a turning of many towards God. Morgan highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in restraining lawlessness and the eventual revelation of the Antichrist, while also assuring that a great multitude will come to faith during the tribulation. He concludes with a hopeful vision of the Church's purification and eternal union with Christ, amidst the chaos of the world.
Homily 22 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0ROM 8:38ROM 16:202CO 2:112CO 11:14EPH 6:10EPH 6:122TH 2:7John Chrysostom preaches about the spiritual warfare believers face, emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. He highlights that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness, urging believers to be vigilant and to resist the temptations of the enemy. Chrysostom encourages believers to trample the power of the devil by living a life free from sin and to engage in a relentless war against evil, knowing that victory comes through faith in Christ and obedience to God's will.
Mystery of Godliness and Mystery of Iniquity
By Zac Poonen0EPH 5:312TH 2:71TI 3:161JN 2:6REV 10:7REV 17:5Zac Poonen delves into the 'mystery of God' as mentioned in Revelation 10:7, explaining that it will be revealed when the seventh trumpet is sounded. He breaks down the mysteries of godliness and iniquity found in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of understanding these secrets that only God can reveal. Poonen highlights the truth of Christ's manifestation in the flesh and the call for believers to walk in purity and holiness, contrasting it with the deception of Satan manifesting as the Antichrist and leading many astray with the lie that sin goes unpunished.
The Mystery of Iniquity
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 14:14MAT 24:21LUK 4:5ROM 11:25EPH 3:11TH 5:92TH 2:71TI 3:16REV 13:4Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the concept of the 'kingdom of heaven' and its various stages throughout history, from God ruling through patriarchs, judges, and kings of Israel to the rejection and crucifixion of the rightful King, leading to the new age of blessings. He emphasizes the foreknowledge and plan of God in the rejection and delay of the earthly kingdom, as well as the mysteries surrounding the present divine government and purposes on earth, including the church's role and the manifestation of the 'mystery of iniquity.' Chafer also discusses the tribulation period, the 'Man of Sin,' and the distinct divine purposes during that time, highlighting the importance of understanding these prophecies for a comprehensive view of the end times.
God the Holy Spirit: His Ministry
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 7:37JHN 16:7ROM 8:141CO 12:132CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 1:13EPH 5:182TH 2:71JN 1:9Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding the present ministries of the Spirit in the age of grace, distinct from the past dispensation of the law. The Spirit's work includes restraining the world, reproving the world, regenerating believers, indwelling them, baptizing them into Christ, sealing them for redemption, and filling them for Christian experience and service. The Spirit's filling results in Christ-like character, Christian service, teaching, praise, leading, actualizing the unseen, and interceding, manifesting a Spirit-filled life.
The Mystery of Iniquity
By Reggie Kelly0GEN 3:15ISA 28:15DAN 8:25DAN 9:25JHN 3:34COL 1:192TH 2:71TI 3:16REV 10:7REV 11:7Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mysteries of Genesis 3:15, connecting it to the comprehensive plan of God revealed in the Bible, particularly focusing on the two seeds representing the lines of men leading to redemption. He explores the nature of Satan in fallen man versus the nature of God in His saints, culminating in the personal incarnations of the two princes in Daniel. Reggie discusses the revelation of the Man of Sin and the Antichrist, emphasizing the intricate events leading to their manifestation and the ultimate battle between good and evil.
The Eschatology of the Holy Spirit
By John F. Walvoord0ISA 11:2JER 31:31EZK 36:24JOL 2:28ZEC 14:16MAT 24:14JHN 16:7ACT 2:162TH 2:7John F. Walvoord concludes a series on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the Holy Spirit's work in the tribulation and the millennium. He highlights the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit's ministries during these prophesied periods, emphasizing the significant role of the Spirit in salvation and empowerment of believers amidst unprecedented sin and divine judgment. The sermon delves into the unique aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in the tribulation, including the conviction of lost souls and the regeneration of believers, as well as the Spirit's ministry in the millennium, characterized by universal righteousness, peace, and spiritual fervor.
Pre-Eminence
By H.J. Vine0JHN 5:23JHN 13:3ROM 5:8EPH 4:9PHP 2:9COL 1:182TH 2:71TI 3:4HEB 2:10H.J. Vine preaches on the pre-eminence of Christ in all things, settled by God Himself, highlighting how pride and ambition have historically aimed at pre-eminence, leading to the fall of Satan. The sermon emphasizes that pre-eminence belongs to Jesus Christ universally, encompassing both earth and heavens, and the importance of accepting God's settlement. It delves into the significance of Christ's work on the cross, His rejection by man, and the future exaltation where He will be glorified and honored by all.
The Mystery of Iniquity
By John Wesley0Redemption through ChristThe Nature of SinGEN 6:5ISA 60:18MAT 6:24ACT 2:41ACT 5:11ROM 16:171CO 6:92TH 2:7HEB 11:42PE 2:1John Wesley explores the pervasive influence of the 'mystery of iniquity' that has infiltrated humanity since the fall of man, emphasizing that while God created man upright, sin has spread throughout the earth. He highlights the redemptive work of Christ as the antidote to this iniquity, yet notes that even within the early Church, sin manifested in various forms, including greed and partiality. Wesley warns that the love of money and worldly desires have historically led to the decay of true religion, urging believers to remain vigilant against these temptations. He concludes with a hopeful vision of a future where righteousness will prevail, and all creation will be restored to holiness and happiness.
God the Holy Spirit: His Advent
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 41:38EXO 31:3NUM 27:18JOB 33:4PSA 139:7HAG 2:4ZEC 4:6LUK 11:13JHN 14:161CO 6:19EPH 2:182TH 2:7HEB 9:14Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world before and after the first advent of Christ is explored, highlighting His continuous work in and through the people of God. The progressive ministry of the Spirit during Christ's earthly ministry and the present age of the Church is discussed, focusing on His abode in believers and the growth of the spiritual temple. The future departure of the Spirit from the world and His unique ministry during the Kingdom age are also examined.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work - There is a system of corrupt doctrine, which will lead to the general apostasy, already in existence, but it is a mystery; it is as yet hidden; it dare not show itself, because of that which hindereth or withholdeth. But when that which now restraineth shall be taken out of the way, then shall that wicked one be revealed-it will then be manifest who he is, and what he is. See the observations at the end of this chapter (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the mystery of iniquity--the counterwork to "the mystery of godliness" (Ti1 3:16). Anti-Christianity latently working, as distinguished from its final open manifestation. "Mystery" in Scripture means, not what remains always a secret, but that which is for a while hidden, but in due time manifested (compare Eph 3:4-5). Satan will resort to a mode of opposition more conformed to the then imminent "appearing" and "presence" of the Saviour, and will anticipate Him with a last effort to maintain the dominion of the world [DE BURGH], just as at His first advent he rushed into open opposition, by taking possession of the bodies of men. "Iniquity," Greek, "lawlessness"; defiant rejection of God's law (compare Note, see on Zac 5:9, Zac 5:10). "Wickedness" (translated by the Septuagint by the same Greek, meaning "lawlessness," which Paul employs here), embodied there as a woman, answers to "the mystery of iniquity," here embodied finally in "the man of sin": as the former was ultimately banished for ever from the Holy Land to her own congenial soil, Babylon, so iniquity and the man of sin shall fall before Michael and the Lord Himself, who shall appear as the Deliverer of His people (Dan 12:1-3; Zac 14:3-9). Compare Mat 12:43. The Jewish nation dispossessed of the evil spirit, the demon of idolatry being cast out through the Babylonian captivity, receives ultimately a worse form of the evil spirit, Christ-opposing self-righteousness. Also, the Christian Church in course of time taken possession of by the demon of Romish idolatry, then dispossessed of it by the Reformation, then its house "garnished" by hypocrisy, secularity, and rationalism, but "swept empty" of living faith, then finally apostatizing and repossessed by "the man of sin," and outwardly destroyed for a brief time (though even then Christ shall have witnesses for Him among both the Jews, Zac 13:9, and Gentiles, Mat 28:20), when Christ shall suddenly come (Dan 11:32-45; Luk 18:7-8). already-- (Jo2 1:9-10; Col 2:18-23; Ti1 4:1); compare "even now already" (Jo1 2:18; Jo1 4:3) as distinguished from "in his own time" of being revealed hereafter. Antiquity, it appears from hence, is not a justification for unscriptural usages or dogmas, since these were "already," even in Paul's time, beginning to spring up: the written word is the only sure test. "Judaism infecting Christianity is the fuel; the mystery of iniquity is the spark." "It is one and the same impurity diffusing itself over many ages" [BENGEL]. only he who now letteth will let--The italicized words are not in the Greek. Therefore, translate rather, "only (that is, the continuance of the MYSTERY of iniquity-working will be only) until he who now withholdeth (the same Greek as in Th2 2:6) be taken out of the way." "Only (waiting, Heb 10:13) until he," &c. Then it will work no longer in mystery, but in open manifestation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work,.... Or "the mystery of that wicked one", as the Syriac; meaning either antichrist himself, and the spirit of antichrist, which were already in the world, Jo1 2:18, "mystery" being one of the names of antichrist, Rev 17:5 and anciently this word was engraven on the mitres of the popes of Rome: or the evil doctrines and practices of antichrist may be intended; for as the doctrine of the Gospel is called a mystery, and the mystery of godliness; so the doctrines and practices of antichrist may be called the mystery of iniquity, especially as they were now secretly spread, imbibed, and practised: the foundations of it were now laying in the church by false teachers; for errors and heresies of every sort, respecting the person and offices of Christ, and in opposition to them, were now broached; idolatry, and holding communion with idolaters, now obtained; worshipping of angels was used by some; and superstition and will worship, worship after the commandments of men, were practised; days, and months, and years, distinguished by Jews and Pagans, and difference of meats, were observed; celibacy and virginity began to be admired and commended; dominion and magistracy were despised, and church authority contemned, and many, as Diotrephes, loved to have the pre-eminence; and the doctrine of justification by the works of the law was industriously spread, and zealously preached and received; all which laid the foundation, and are the life and soul of popery: only he who now letteth, will let, until he be taken out of the way; that is, the Roman empire and Roman emperors, and which were by degrees entirely removed, and so made way for the revelation of this wicked one: and which was done partly by Constantine the emperor receiving the Christian faith, whereby the Roman empire as Pagan ceased; and by increasing the riches of the church, and feeding the pride, ambition, and covetousness of the bishops, especially the bishop of Rome; and next by removing the seat of the empire from Rome to Byzantium, which he called Constantinople: here the Greek emperors continued in succession, and neither they themselves, nor even their exarchs, resided at Rome, but at Ravenna; so that way was made for antichrist to come to his seat, and there was nothing to rival and eclipse the grandeur, power, and glory of the Roman popes: and that which let was also taken out of the way, by the division of the empire, by Theodosius, giving to his elder son Arcadius, the eastern, and to the younger, Honorius, the western parts of it: the eastern empire was in process of time seized upon and possessed by Mahomet and the Saracens; and the western empire was overrun by the Goths, Vandals, and Huns, and became extinct about the year 476, in Augustulus, the last of the Roman emperors, who was obliged to abdicate the government by Odoacer king of the Heruli; when the kingdom of the Lombards took place in Italy, and afterwards that was translated to Charles the great, king of the French; so that there was nothing more of the Roman empire remaining than the bare name, as at this day; and by this means the popes of Rome got to the height of their power and glory, which is meant by the revelation of the man of sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 The power of the coming man of lawlessness (2:3-6) is already at work secretly, like the antichrists of 1 Jn 2:18. • secretly (Greek mustērion): A descriptor commonly used of rituals in the mystery religions (see 2 Thes 2:6). • at work: This connotes supernatural intervention, whether divine (1 Thes 2:13) or, as here, evil (2 Thes 2:9; Eph 2:2). • The one who is holding it back could refer to one who is in opposition to the man of lawlessness; to one who is possessed; or to Satan, the one who possesses (2 Thes 2:9; see study note on 2:6).