Note 12 at 2 Th. 2:6: It is interesting that Paul said the Thessalonians knew what this restraining force was. It's interesting because there is no consensus among scholars today as to what this is. What was so clear to them seems to be a mystery to us today (see note 13 at this verse).

Note 13 at 2 Th. 2:6: Paul is saying that there is something holding back this "man of sin." The word "withholdeth" is the Greek verb KATECHO, and means "to hold back, detain, retain, to restrain, and hinder the course or progress of" (Thayer).

Probably the most commonly held interpretation of what is withholding "the man of sin" from being revealed is the working of the Holy Spirit through the church. Many believe that the church will be "raptured" out of the earth before a seven year tribulation which this "man of sin" will dominate (Rev. 13). However, this cannot be the restraining influence since verse 3 says the coming of Christ will not happen until this "man of sin" is revealed (see note 15 at 1 Th. 4:17, p. 1240). And if the "man of sin" cannot be revealed till what withholdeth is removed, then the Holy Spirit in the church cannot be that restraining influence.