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For the mystery of lawlessness does already work. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.
Verse Takeaways
1
Evil Was Already at Work
Commentators explain that the "mystery of lawlessness" was not a distant, future evil but a corrupting influence already present in the early church. Scholars like Barnes and Gill identify early signs like pride, false teachings, legalism, and the pursuit of power as the "seeds" or "foundations" of the great apostasy that Paul predicted would later be fully revealed. This serves as a warning that major spiritual decline often begins with subtle compromises within the church.
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Book Overview
2 Thessalonians
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12
18th Century
Presbyterian
For the mystery of iniquity. On the meaning of the word mystery, see Barnes on Romans 11:25.
Compare [Reference 1 Corinthi…
For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work (το γαρ μυστηριον ηδη ενεργειτα της ανομιας). See [Reference 1 Thessalonians 2:13…
19th Century
Anglican
For — Logically, the word "for" connects to the clause "he that withholds." The meaning is: "For, although the mystery is already …
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Baptist
Do you not remember that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withholds, that he might be revealed in his t…
Further clarification (“for”) is in order. The “secret power [lit., “mystery”; GK 3696] of lawlessness” was already evident in such things as their…
16th Century
Protestant
The mystery of iniquity. This is opposed to revelation. For since Satan had not yet gathered enough strength for Antichrist to op…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For the mystery of iniquity does already work Or "the mystery of that wicked one", as the Syriac; meaning either ant…
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman Empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly a…
13th Century
Catholic
Above, the Apostle foretold the coming and the wrongdoing of the Antichrist; here he explains the reason for its delay.