Who is Paul discussing in 2 Thessalonians 2?

[Spiritual Israelite]

We can trust them in this matter because first, they lived only a few years after Paul spoke to the Thessalonians in person.

Who are you talking about exactly? It was more than just a few years. And there has been false doctrine from the beginning. So, no, we should not put too much trust in them. We should be like the Bereans and study these things for ourselves if what any ECF taught is true or not.

The Thessalonian Church would have still been there, and were able to testify to what Paul had spoken to them. And the ECF would have known. The whole church would have known. It was a tight community in this days, and they shared the truth between themselves and what differences they had over certain issues didn't affect this because in this they all agreed.

They were fallible. It's not wise to put them on a pedestal. They were not the authors of the Bible. Their writings were not inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Same with the reformers. They had differences of opinion on many things, except one. The identity of the man of sin.

That means nothing to me. I can't just ignore that many of them were wrong about a number of things (in my opinion). With that being the case, why should I trust their understanding of the identity of the man of sin? I don't. As is typical in Bible prophecy, people tend to look at it through the lense of what is going on in their lifetimes. People want to believe they are witnessing Bible prophecy being fulfilled before their eyes.

Today's church however is more deceived than the Thessalonians. And they refuse to see what is in front of their faces. It's right there in plain sight, with clues and markers and prophecies identifying the main characters in the narrative, and they still cannot see? Why? Paul explains a few verses later...

“9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. ”
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 KJV

Unfeigned Bible

Unfeigned Bible

www.unfeignedbible.app

So, you obviously think that the man of sin already came. When was that and who or what do you think the man of sin is? Since you're SDA, probably the Pope and/or the Catholic Church, right? As an amillennialist, I personally believe that passage relates to Satan's little season that occurs before Jesus returns. You can see in that passage that what was restrained is related to "the working of Satan..." which is no longer restrained when the man of sin/lawlessness comes. So, Satan's power being restrained and then later loosed fits with the binding and loosing of Satan that Revelation 20 talks about. I don't believe that Revelation 20 is the only scripture which makes reference to the time period many call "Satan's little season".

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

I don't know why some disagree that maybe Daniel 8 can be useful here? A lot of interpreters are convinced A4E is in view. But I'm, not convinced of that. And very few even want to explore it, likely based on Past Commentators brainwashing them into thinking A4E is meaning the little horn in Daniel 8. My view is that 2 Thessalonians 2:4 is involving the NT church spiritually and not a literal brick and mortar temple. And I basically see Daniel 8 in regard to the little horn, being applied in the same manner.

But a lot of interpreters insist Daniel 8 involving the little horn must be taken literal because it is pertaining to what A4E did in in 167 BC. Except in my case I'm not influenced by what past Commentators have concluded. That doesn't mean past Commentators can't be correct sometimes. But it also doesn't mean they are never wrong.

For example.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first(when the transgressors are come to the full Dan 8:23), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 (a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up Dan 8:23)Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming( he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand Dan 8:25)

Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Do you not know what kingdom Daniel 8:23 is referring to? It is referring to the ancient Greek empire which came to an end long ago, so the king referenced in that verse can't possibly refer to a future individual man of sin.

Daniel 8:20 The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. 22 As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power. 23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes.

Do you understand that the ancient Greek empire came into power after the Medo-Persian empire was no longer in power? The king referenced in Daniel 8:23 would arise from one of the four kingdoms that branched off from the Greek empire, which happened long ago. This is why many people conclude that the king referenced in that verse was Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Kingdom that was one of the four smaller kingdoms that succeeded the Greek world empire.

Do you have a different understanding of what kingdoms/empires that verses 20-22 are talking about?

 

[covenantee]

No, I didn't. I have explained my understanding of the man of sin many times.


What do you mean? Be more specific. What exactly is your understanding of Satan's binding and his little season? Do you think his little season has been going on for a long time already?


I'm not ignoring anything. Have you not seen where I have used verses 8-10 to show what was being restrained? Stop being a child and just discuss what was written instead of making false accusations.

Who and what is this describing?

1. “All the names which in the Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that He is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, De Conciliorum Auctoriatate (On the Authority of the Councils) Bk 2, chap. 17
2. “The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. He is the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings. Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as King of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.” Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, vol.6, art. “Papa II”
3. “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” Pope Leo XIII, in an encyclical letter dated June 20, 1894, The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, p. 304.

 

[ewq1938]

Last chance to walk through Daniel… yes, just Daniel because that is the book where we are given God’s words / prophecies.

Focus on 7:6 ONLY - do you agree it speaks to the 3rd kingdom of Greece?

Focus on the words in 7:7 ONLY - “AFTER THIS…. And behold, A 4TH KINGDOM. …

Can thus 4th kingdom also be Greece?

How? That kingdom is destroyed by a coming of God and then an eternal kikngdom is set up so it's an endtimes scenario and I don;'t see Greece ruling the world ever.

 

[ewq1938]

Above in Daniel 7 you agreed that the 3rd kingdom was Greece (7:6). Then you agreed that 7:7-8 speaks to a 4th kingdom- WHICH CANNOT BE GREECE.

Further, you agree that 7:8 reveals the 10 horns AND THE LITTLE HORN COME OUT OF THE 4th kingdom.

The 4th kingdom is pagan Rome - the little horn comes out during the time pagan Rome is in power.

Nothing in the chp supports it being Rome or Greece. See my last post which really eliminates both. That kingdom is a new one not an existing kingdom/country. Rev makes that idea even clearer about it's ten horned kingdom.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Who and what is this describing?

1. “All the names which in the Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that He is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, De Conciliorum Auctoriatate (On the Authority of the Councils) Bk 2, chap. 17
2. “The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. He is the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings. Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as King of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.” Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, vol.6, art. “Papa II”
3. “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” Pope Leo XIII, in an encyclical letter dated June 20, 1894, The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, p. 304.

Answer the question I had asked first and then I'll answer yours.

You had vaguely referenced Satan's little season in your previous post by saying "A manifestation of Satan's little season" without explaining what you meant by that. So, I asked you: "What exactly is your understanding of Satan's binding and his little season? Do you think his little season has been going on for a long time already?".

I'm asking that because to me "the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish" (2 Thess 2:9-10) describes how things will be during Satan's little season. I believe the unrestrained working of Satan during Satan's little season after he is no longer bound/restrained and has been loosed results in mass deception, apostasy and wickedness throughout the world for a "little season" before Jesus returns.

 

[CTK]

How? That kingdom is destroyed by a coming of God and then an eternal kikngdom is set up so it's an endtimes scenario and I don;'t see Greece ruling the world ever.

Sorry, I do not follow what you are saying. Please explain, thanks.

 

[CTK]

Nothing in the chp supports it being Rome or Greece. See my last post which really eliminates both. That kingdom is a new one not an existing kingdom/country. Rev makes that idea even clearer about its ten horned kingdom.

I think you are mistaken. Please read chapters 2,7 and 8 and also, 11:1-4, thanks.

 

[PeterAndroz]

Thank you but can you please elaborate?

Rather than fumble through I found a link on this forum from another member
Have a read :)

Paul's "Mystery" - doctrine.org

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God (1 Corinthians 4.1). Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of…

doctrine.org

 

[covenantee]

Answer the question I had asked first and then I'll answer yours.

You had vaguely referenced Satan's little season in your previous post by saying "A manifestation of Satan's little season" without explaining what you meant by that. So, I asked you: "What exactly is your understanding of Satan's binding and his little season? Do you think his little season has been going on for a long time already?".

I'm asking that because to me "the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish" (2 Thess 2:9-10) describes how things will be during Satan's little season. I believe the unrestrained working of Satan during Satan's little season after he is no longer bound/restrained and has been loosed results in mass deception, apostasy and wickedness throughout the world for a "little season" before Jesus returns.

It has been going on since the apostate papacy.

Your turn.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

It has been going on since the apostate papacy.

So, when would you consider that to have begun exactly then?

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Who and what is this describing?

1. “All the names which in the Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that He is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, De Conciliorum Auctoriatate (On the Authority of the Councils) Bk 2, chap. 17
2. “The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. He is the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings. Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as King of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.” Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, vol.6, art. “Papa II”
3. “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” Pope Leo XIII, in an encyclical letter dated June 20, 1894, The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, p. 304.

Those are describing the pope or the papacy as if the pope was God/Christ or equal with God/Christ. So, do you relate the time of the papacy to Satan's little season then? I'm trying to figure out what your understanding is of Satan's little season and if you think it's referenced in 2 Thessalonians 2.

 

[CTK]

Who and what is this describing?

1. “All the names which in the Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that He is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, De Conciliorum Auctoriatate (On the Authority of the Councils) Bk 2, chap. 17
2. “The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. He is the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings. Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as King of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.” Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, vol.6, art. “Papa II”
3. “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” Pope Leo XIII, in an encyclical letter dated June 20, 1894, The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, p. 304.

For what it is worth:

In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul carefully distinguishes between the mystery of lawlessness, the man of lawlessness, and the satanic manner in which this lawless power operates.

First, Paul says, “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). This means lawlessness was already active in Paul’s day, but not yet fully revealed. It was present in seed form — hidden, developing, and restrained. This lawlessness was not merely ordinary sin in the world. It was a religious rebellion against God’s truth, already moving within the professed sphere of faith, but not yet matured into its final visible form.

The term “lawlessness” itself requires something to be violated. There can be no lawlessness unless there is a law, command, truth, or divine order being rejected. In Paul’s context, this lawlessness is not simply rebellion against civil law, but rebellion against the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth delivered through the apostles. This means that even in Paul’s day, there were already people teaching, receiving, or following a distorted form of the Gospel. They may have appeared to belong within the growing Christian movement, but their teaching and spirit were not in harmony with the true Gospel of Jesus.

As the Christian church grew over the next few centuries, this mystery of lawlessness would also grow within it. What began in seed form during the apostolic age would slowly develop through compromise, false teaching, and the increasing adoption of Roman and pagan patterns. By the time of Constantine, the church had moved from persecution to imperial acceptance, but with that acceptance came serious danger. Pagan practices, images, altered worship patterns, and Roman structures of hierarchy began to find a place within the visible church. The lawlessness that Paul said was already working did not disappear; it matured.

Second, Paul speaks of the man of lawlessness who would later be revealed. This shows that the hidden mystery would eventually take shape in an identifiable power. The man of lawlessness is the visible embodiment of the mystery that had already begun. He exalts himself, sits in the temple of God, and claims authority that belongs only to God. In this sense, the man of lawlessness corresponds closely with Daniel’s little horn — a religious-political power arising from the Roman world, corrupting truth, opposing God’s authority, and placing itself within the visible church.

This is why the papacy fits Paul’s description so strongly. After the demise of pagan Rome in 476 AD, the strongest bishop within the Christian church — the bishop of Rome — would rise into the vacuum left by the fallen Western Empire. In Daniel’s language, the little horn rises from within the fourth beast kingdom. In Paul’s language, the man of lawlessness takes his seat in the temple of God. These are not two unrelated ideas. They describe the same kind of power: a religious authority arising from within the Roman world, claiming a place within God’s church, and assuming authority that belongs only to Christ. The hidden lawlessness had now become exceedingly great in visible form.

Finally, Paul says the coming of this lawless one is “according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). This does not mean Satan himself is the man of lawlessness. Satan is the power behind the deception, but he is not the visible earthly office or system Paul is identifying. The lawless one follows Satan’s pattern by using counterfeit spiritual authority, religious deception, false signs, and a rejection of the love of the truth.

So the sequence is important: the mystery of lawlessness is the hidden principle already working; the man of lawlessness is the later revealed system; and the working of Satan describes the deceptive power behind that system. Satan is the source and energizing force, but the lawless one revealed in history is the papal system that rose within the church, claimed divine authority, and cast truth to the ground.

 

[CTK]

Rather than fumble through I found a link on this forum from another member
Have a read :)

Paul's "Mystery" - doctrine.org

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God (1 Corinthians 4.1). Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of…

doctrine.org

Thanks Peter, would you please consider this:


In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul carefully distinguishes between the mystery of lawlessness, the man of lawlessness, and the satanic manner in which this lawless power operates.

First, Paul says, “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). This means lawlessness was already active in Paul’s day, but not yet fully revealed. It was present in seed form — hidden, developing, and restrained. This lawlessness was not merely ordinary sin in the world. It was a religious rebellion against God’s truth, already moving within the professed sphere of faith, but not yet matured into its final visible form.

The term “lawlessness” itself requires something to be violated. There can be no lawlessness unless there is a law, command, truth, or divine order being rejected. In Paul’s context, this lawlessness is not simply rebellion against civil law, but rebellion against the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth delivered through the apostles. This means that even in Paul’s day, there were already people teaching, receiving, or following a distorted form of the Gospel. They may have appeared to belong within the growing Christian movement, but their teaching and spirit were not in harmony with the true Gospel of Jesus.

As the Christian church grew over the next few centuries, this mystery of lawlessness would also grow within it. What began in seed form during the apostolic age would slowly develop through compromise, false teaching, and the increasing adoption of Roman and pagan patterns. By the time of Constantine, the church had moved from persecution to imperial acceptance, but with that acceptance came serious danger. Pagan practices, images, altered worship patterns, and Roman structures of hierarchy began to find a place within the visible church. The lawlessness that Paul said was already working did not disappear; it matured.

Second, Paul speaks of the man of lawlessness who would later be revealed. This shows that the hidden mystery would eventually take shape in an identifiable power. The man of lawlessness is the visible embodiment of the mystery that had already begun. He exalts himself, sits in the temple of God, and claims authority that belongs only to God. In this sense, the man of lawlessness corresponds closely with Daniel’s little horn — a religious-political power arising from the Roman world, corrupting truth, opposing God’s authority, and placing itself within the visible church.

This is why the papacy fits Paul’s description so strongly. After the demise of pagan Rome in 476 AD, the strongest bishop within the Christian church — the bishop of Rome — would rise into the vacuum left by the fallen Western Empire. In Daniel’s language, the little horn rises from within the fourth beast kingdom. In Paul’s language, the man of lawlessness takes his seat in the temple of God. These are not two unrelated ideas. They describe the same kind of power: a religious authority arising from within the Roman world, claiming a place within God’s church, and assuming authority that belongs only to Christ. The hidden lawlessness had now become exceedingly great in visible form.

Finally, Paul says the coming of this lawless one is “according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). This does not mean Satan himself is the man of lawlessness. Satan is the power behind the deception, but he is not the visible earthly office or system Paul is identifying. The lawless one follows Satan’s pattern by using counterfeit spiritual authority, religious deception, false signs, and a rejection of the love of the truth.

So the sequence is important: the mystery of lawlessness is the hidden principle already working; the man of lawlessness is the later revealed system; and the working of Satan describes the deceptive power behind that system. Satan is the source and energizing force, but the lawless one revealed in history is the papal system that rose within the church, claimed divine authority, and cast truth to the ground.

 

[covenantee]

Those are describing the pope or the papacy as if the pope was God/Christ or equal with God/Christ. So, do you relate the time of the papacy to Satan's little season then? I'm trying to figure out what your understanding is of Satan's little season and if you think it's referenced in 2 Thessalonians 2.

So we have a claim of deification of a man. That's sin.

And we have the ascriptions of divine attributes belonging exclusively to the Father and the Son; to a man. The ascriptions are sins.

The man is responsible for what are described in verses 8 and 9. They are sins.

To me, these identify a man of sin.

My turn for the question.

What do they identify to you?

 

[PeterAndroz]

Thanks Peter, would you please consider this:


In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul carefully distinguishes between the mystery of lawlessness, the man of lawlessness, and the satanic manner in which this lawless power operates.

First, Paul says, “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). This means lawlessness was already active in Paul’s day, but not yet fully revealed. It was present in seed form — hidden, developing, and restrained. This lawlessness was not merely ordinary sin in the world. It was a religious rebellion against God’s truth, already moving within the professed sphere of faith, but not yet matured into its final visible form.

The term “lawlessness” itself requires something to be violated. There can be no lawlessness unless there is a law, command, truth, or divine order being rejected. In Paul’s context, this lawlessness is not simply rebellion against civil law, but rebellion against the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth delivered through the apostles. This means that even in Paul’s day, there were already people teaching, receiving, or following a distorted form of the Gospel. They may have appeared to belong within the growing Christian movement, but their teaching and spirit were not in harmony with the true Gospel of Jesus.

As the Christian church grew over the next few centuries, this mystery of lawlessness would also grow within it. What began in seed form during the apostolic age would slowly develop through compromise, false teaching, and the increasing adoption of Roman and pagan patterns. By the time of Constantine, the church had moved from persecution to imperial acceptance, but with that acceptance came serious danger. Pagan practices, images, altered worship patterns, and Roman structures of hierarchy began to find a place within the visible church. The lawlessness that Paul said was already working did not disappear; it matured.

Second, Paul speaks of the man of lawlessness who would later be revealed. This shows that the hidden mystery would eventually take shape in an identifiable power. The man of lawlessness is the visible embodiment of the mystery that had already begun. He exalts himself, sits in the temple of God, and claims authority that belongs only to God. In this sense, the man of lawlessness corresponds closely with Daniel’s little horn — a religious-political power arising from the Roman world, corrupting truth, opposing God’s authority, and placing itself within the visible church.

This is why the papacy fits Paul’s description so strongly. After the demise of pagan Rome in 476 AD, the strongest bishop within the Christian church — the bishop of Rome — would rise into the vacuum left by the fallen Western Empire. In Daniel’s language, the little horn rises from within the fourth beast kingdom. In Paul’s language, the man of lawlessness takes his seat in the temple of God. These are not two unrelated ideas. They describe the same kind of power: a religious authority arising from within the Roman world, claiming a place within God’s church, and assuming authority that belongs only to Christ. The hidden lawlessness had now become exceedingly great in visible form.

Finally, Paul says the coming of this lawless one is “according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). This does not mean Satan himself is the man of lawlessness. Satan is the power behind the deception, but he is not the visible earthly office or system Paul is identifying. The lawless one follows Satan’s pattern by using counterfeit spiritual authority, religious deception, false signs, and a rejection of the love of the truth.

So the sequence is important: the mystery of lawlessness is the hidden principle already working; the man of lawlessness is the later revealed system; and the working of Satan describes the deceptive power behind that system. Satan is the source and energizing force, but the lawless one revealed in history is the papal system that rose within the church, claimed divine authority, and cast truth to the ground.

I'm glad you went to that link and read and understood it all.
Doctrine.org
Thanks to another user here I found that link and have seen many accurate articles that confirm the teachings from many other Pastors worldwide.

Here is another great teaching :)

 

[ewq1938]

Sorry, I do not follow what you are saying. Please explain, thanks.

Not sure what to explain. This is found in Daniel 7. Unless Greece rises to global power in the future, Daniel's ten horned beast kingdom simply could not be Greece.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

So we have a claim of deification of a man. That's sin.

And we have the ascriptions of divine attributes belonging exclusively to the Father and the Son; to a man. The ascriptions are sins.

The man is responsible for what are described in verses 8 and 9. They are sins.

To me, these identify a man of sin.

My turn for the question.

What do they identify to you?

Can you answer my question first? I asked you previously when do you think Satan's little season began when you said: "It has been going on since the apostate papacy.". So, when did the apostate papacy (and Satan's little season) begin?

 

[covenantee]

Can you answer my question first? I asked you previously when do you think Satan's little season began when you said: "It has been going on since the apostate papacy.". So, when did the apostate papacy (and Satan's little season) begin?

It was my turn for the question. Answer mine, then I'll answer yours.

 

[Davy]

In 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul gives us enough markers for identifying the term, "lawlessness," the "timing"of when this "lawlessness begins and ends," and the ability to identify the man of lawlessness. If one can identify each of his marker's in Scripture and history, then the field of possible candidates becomes very narrow. Further, if one were to bring in the Book of Daniel, we will find we will find Daniel and Paul are identifying the same indiividual and time in history.

A. The chronological sequence Paul gives - (These are the time-order elements):​

1. The Thessalonians are being deceived about the day of the Lord
   Paul begins with: “Let no one deceive you.” The whole issue is whether Christ’s return had already come or was immediately present.
2. The falling away must come first
   Before the day of the Lord, there must be an apostasy — a departure from truth within the professed people of God.
3. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work
   The principle is already operating in Paul’s day, but not yet fully visible.
4. Something is restraining it
   The lawlessness is active, but prevented from reaching its full revealed form.
5. The restraint must be removed
   Paul says the restrainer continues “until he is taken out of the way.”
6. Then the lawless one is revealed
   The hidden principle becomes an identifiable power.
7. This power continues until Christ destroys it at His coming
   That means it cannot be merely a first-century figure who came and went. It continues until the final return of Christ.

So, before we go on to discuss the characteristics of the "man of lawlessness," can we use the above 7 markers to begin to discover this fellow?

Already you have OMITTED an important part of Paul's warning right after your No.2.

2 Thess 2:3-4
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
KJV

Paul gave those two verse's events together... in that prophecy. Those two verses are not to be separated like you are doing.

It will be that coming "man of sin" playing God in a stone temple in Jerusalem that will be the cause of that "falling away", which Paul later in 2 Thess.2:11 called a "strong delusion". That prophecy is not manifest yet today, as it requires the new 3rd temple and that "man of sin" coming to sit in it playing God, in JERUSALEM.


Those stuck on the old Reformer's 16th century doctrine against the Catholic Church and a pope often omit that 2 Thessalonians 2:4 verse in connection with verse 3.