2 Thessalonians / Question
Paul says they know “what is restraining” the lawless one so that he may be revealed in his time (2 Thessalonians 2:6). He adds that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the restrainer remains “until he is out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
In 2 Thessalonians 2:5–7, Paul appeals to the Thessalonians’ memory: he already taught them these matters in person. He says they currently “know” what is holding back the figure he has been describing, so that this figure will only appear at the proper time. These lines continue Paul’s effort to steady the church after confusion about the timing of the Lord’s day. Just before this, he has described events that must precede that day, including the revealing of a defiant figure (verses 1–4).
Paul treats the Thessalonians’ confusion as a memory problem, not a lack of access. He says he already spoke about “these things” when he was with them (explicit claim). The letter assumes earlier face-to-face teaching is a reliable reference point (inference from verse 5).
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with 2 Thessalonians 2:6, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
6Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.