What Withholds 2 Thessalonians 2:6

Paul the apostle reminded the Thessalonian church members concerning “the day of Christ” and the revelation of “the man of sin and son of perdition” that was to come beforehand. He told them about these things when he was with them in person, and in chapter two and verse six of his second letter to them, he brought back the memory of “what withholds” “the day of Christ” from coming. We read:

And now you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time.

The verse begins, “And now you know what withholds...” Paul began with the words, “And now you know” which means “see, perceive, notice, discern and discover” “what withholds” which is the Greek word “katechō” and means “to hold back, detain, retain, restrain and hinder”. The Thessalonians were aware at that time what was restraining and detaining “the day of Christ”.

The verse goes on to say, “...that he might be revealed in his time.” Paul went on to add, “and he” which refers to “the man of sin and son of perdition” “might be revealed” which is the Greek word “apokalyptō” and means “to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up, disclose, made bare, known and manifest” “in his time” or “due measure, fixed, definite opportune or seasonable time”. There is a certain, definite and fixed time when the “man of sin, son of perdition or antichrist” will be exposed.

When we think through these words of Paul, we certainly perceive his desire for the Thessalonians to know about this “man of sin and son of perdition” and the timing of “the day of Christ”. Some people were saying “the day of Christ” had already arrived, and Paul made certain the church members knew this was not so. This “antichrist” has a specific time when he will be revealed, and until then, “the day of Christ” will not come. “The day of Christ” had not come for the Thessalonians nor has it come for us, yet, as well. However, there is a certain period of time when “Christ Jesus” shall rule and reign on the earth, and before that “day” comes, the “antichrist” will be revealed. Until then, we should repeatedly think and pray as John the apostle who wrote in the book of Revelation, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians about “the mystery of iniquity”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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