Problem is, there is even discussion of a removal of the righteous before the final calamities that come upon the earth.... in the Book of Enoch, part of the Qumran scrolls, circa 150-100 BC. Many wonder why a pre-tribulation would happen, as if it is some hopeful escapism. Well Enoch addresses the reason why.....
"In those days a change will take place for the Holy and Elect, and the light of days will abide upon them and glory and honor will turn to the Holy. On that day of tribulation on which evil will gather against the sinners, the righteous will overcome in the name of the Lord of Spirits. He will cause the others to witness it that they may repent and cease the work of their hands. (Ancient Book of Enoch 50:1-2)
From Enoch, the main reason for the gathering of the righteous is to cause folks to realize that what was told them was true and that this disappearance of many would cause them to repent. Just like the Lord uses major signs to warn others, this will be one of them.
It is interesting that in the Book of Enoch, it states that it should not be part of the cannon of scripture, as it was reserved for those that go thru the tribulation period that covers the entire earth. However, it is the most oft quoted non canonical book in the scripture.
The Ezra Apocalypse was oft quoted by many church writers of the first 2 centuries.
"For behold the days to come, when the signs that I have foretold come to pass, the bride will be revealed, and what has now been withdrawn from the earth will be brought back. Whoever is delivered from these predicted evils, will see My wonders. For My Son the Messiah , will be revealed together with those who remain, and will rejoice with those who remain one thousand years." (Ancient Apocalypse of Ezra 7:26-28)
Irenaeus, student of Polycarp who was a student of the Apostle John, and occasionally saw and talked with John. In his treatise attacking the heresies and cults of his day.....
"When in the end that church will suddenly be caught up from this, then it is said, 'There will be tribulation such as not been since the beginning, nor will be'" (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5:29)
Hippolytus, a student of Irenaeus, uses the same text from Isaiah 26 that I have used that some say does not apply to the removal of the righteous. Well, let's see what he has to say....
"By the heat he means a conflagration. And Isaiah speaks thus: 'Come my people, enter thou into they chamber, and shut the door: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation of the Lord be overeats.' And Paul in like manner: 'For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and of men, who hold the truth of God in unrighteousness.'" (Hippolytus, On The Antichrist, 64b)
Victorinus wrote a commentary on Revelation around 240AD. He equates one who hinders and is taken out of the way of 2 Thessalonians 2:7 to the church....
"And I saw another great and wonderful sign, seven angles having the seven last plagues; for in them is completed the wrath of God. [Revelation 15:1] And these shall be the last time, when the Church shall have gone 'out of the midst'" (Commentary on the Apocalypse 15.1 - Victorinus AD 240)
"out of the midst" in the literal translation of the Greek of 2 Thessalonians 2:7 where "it (He) is taken out of the way". The literal translation would be "come out of the midst". This phrase is also shown in the Book of Enoch regarding the end of days. Ezekiel and Jeremiah use this phrase also...
Jeremiah 51:45 (KJV) My people, go ye out of the midst of her,
and deliver ye every man his soul
from the fierce anger of the Lord.