Since I told you many times, and now am writing this letter, YOU KNOW. "That which restraineth" implies that something was a restraining force. This could refer to the Jewish state, the Roman state, Paul himself, or some other strong influence on the church (James, for example). Some have suggested that the restrainer was the Holy Spirit, preaching of the gospel, or God's providence in the world.

He will be revealed in his own season. When it is the proper time. We do not know who chooses the proper time - the man of sin, God, church, world affairs. If you take the view that the restraint is God's providence, then the proper time would be when it fit in God's scheme for this revelation.

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Old Testament