As it is an error in hermeneutical methodology to interpret all of the details of parables, so too, the details of apocalyptic literature, for they both use imagery and symbols to communicate a central truth. Western literalism has mistakenly sought a historical reference in every detail instead of the overall truth or meaning.(Utley, “Daniel 9”)
2:1
The advent, a re-gathering, is in St. Paul’s view a prospect full of consolation. What is it that makes the world the wilderness it is? In a large part it is that of which the re-gathering is a direct reversal dispersion. (Nicoll)
2:3
It appears more probable from the context that a general abandonment of the basis of civil order is envisaged. This is not only rebellion against the law of Moses; it is a large-scale revolt against public order, and since public order is maintained by the ‘governing authorities’ who ‘have been instituted by God,’ any assault on it is an assault on a divine ordinance (Rom 13:1, 2). It is, in fact, the whole concept of divine authority over the world that is set at defiance in ‘the rebellion’ par excellence. (Bruce, 167)
2:5
Can we fix down the description of the man of sin to any one system or person? or ought we simply to say, with Augustine, that we must remain in total ignorance as to the Apostle’s meaning? Between these two extremes we may occupy a middle position. (Nicoll)
2:6-7
Whoever the restrainer is, He must be more powerful than Satan, who empowers the man of sin. Only a person of the Godhead would so qualify, and since each and all of the persons of the Godhead indwell the believer (Eph. 4:6; Gal. 2:20; I Cor. 6:19), the removal of the restrainer requires the removal of believers whom He indwells. Thus the rapture of the Church must precede this tribulation period when the man of sin holds sway." (Ryrie, 216, footnote 2)
Monte takes issue with Ryrie and Pache:
All attempts to equate the Man of Lawlessness with historical personages break down on the fact that Paul was speaking of someone who would appear only at the end of the age. (Morris, The First …, 221)
“Some interpreters who believe that the Holy Spirit’s ministry of restraining lawlessness through believers will cease at the Rapture believe that people who come to faith in Christ after the Rapture will not be indwelt by the Spirit. These interpreters use the absence of specific revelation about the Spirit’s indwelling during the Tribulation to argue for no indwelling during the Tribulation.” (Constable, 27; he cites Walvrood, p. 230, cf. Thomas, “2 Thessalonians,” p. 325, Ryrie, First and …, p. 113.)
2:8
The sanctuary or inmost shrine, in which he is to take his seat, is not to be explained with rigid literalness as referring to the temple of Jerusalem. We must regard it as representing the Church of Christ not any material structure, such as St. Peter’s at Rome, but the universal company of professed believers. “He sets himself forth as God.” It is the act of one who, while he is, as never man was before, the representative of evil, represents himself in his own person and deeds, as the individual manifestation of Divine power and grace. (Nicoll)
2:9-12
But it is equitable. They believed not the truth, received not the gospel in the simplicity of it, as revealed by Christ and His apostles, and recorded in the Scriptures, but wilfully and for their own interests’ sake, gave themselves up to these corruptions. (Excell)
NOTE: Please see the following web-page for most of the works cited: https://insidecrosspoint.org/sermons/2022/july/bibliography.html. Works cited on this web-page correspond to the verses they are are grouped or outlined with.
Scripture quotations [unless otherwise noted] are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Bruce, F. F. 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Word Biblical Commentary series, Word Books, 1982. As quoted in Thomas Constable. "Notes on 2 Thessalonians.” 2022 ed., https://planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/pdf/1thessalonians.pdf. Constable compared David A. Hubbard, The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, in The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 1363.