Who is "he who now letteth" in Paul's epistle to the church at Thessaloniki?
The Restrainer Is Removed
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The Apostle Paul is a bit cryptic in this verse in 2 Thessalonians regarding the restrainer has sparked diverse interpretations among biblical scholars and theologians. Thereby leading to a variety of differing interpretations among Bible students, scholars, and theologians. The verse in question is part of a larger passage discussing the coming of the "man of lawlessness" which I have identified as the "Antichrist."
The passage discusses the anticipated arrival of the 'man of lawlessness,' commonly associated with the 'Antichrist.' The phrase 'he who now letteth,' as rendered in the King James Version, can be perplexing in modern English, where 'let' is typically understood as 'allow.' However, the term 'letteth' means 'holds down,' 'restrains,' or 'holds back,' indicating a force currently impeding the unveiling of the man of lawlessness.
The mystery surrounding the identity of the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians has long captivated scholars. The text fluctuates between neuter and masculine forms, hinting at a restraining influence preventing the man of lawlessness from full manifestation, but the exact nature of this force remains elusive. While some suggest a governmental entity like the Romans or a future government, an alternative view proposes that the restrainer could be the Holy Spirit working through the church.
In this alternative perspective, the Holy Spirit's guidance serves as a barrier against the emergence of the man of lawlessness, with the notion of 'until he is out of the way' potentially signifying the removal of this influence through the rapture of the church before the day of the Lord. Paul's concept of mystery underscores the hidden aspects of evil, with the man of lawlessness eventually revealed as the Antichrist.
The ongoing debate surrounding the identity of the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians underscores the perennial spiritual conflict between good and evil in the world, offering rich material for contemplation and discussion among believers.
So this was one last point I forgot to specify, I understand our church tradition has generally identified the Holy Spirit as the restrainer (especially in the last few centuries), however I would be remiss if it was not pointed out in the scriptures that Satan will be restrained by another after our Lord's return.
Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
We need to address the shortcomings in church traditions (as the Messiah warned his followers to do while he was walking on the earth) because the alternative is very destructive to what we have been commanded to do (spread the gospel and obey his commandments).
If we propagate that only the Holy Spirit can restrain Satan, than we have a major problem.
Either Yeshua lied, the apostle John misunderstood him or our church tradition is incorrect.
If Yeshua lied, then all Christianity is a sham.
If John misunderstood, then all his writings come into question.
however if only our church tradition is incorrect, we simply change it to reflect the totality of the scriptures.