Naked Bible Podcast 224 — The Falling Away and the Restrainer

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 contains two enigmatic features. In the first four verses Paul takes on the false teaching, circulating in the Thessalonian church, that the Day of the Lord had already come to pass. In the process Paul tells the believers “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the apostasia comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” It’s clear that the man of lawlessness is the antichrist, but what is the apostasia? Some translations render the Greek term “falling away,” but others have “rebellion”? Just what event is Paul talking that must occur before the revealing of the antichrist? Later in the chapter Paul mentions an impersonal “restraint” and a mysterious figure who is the “restrainer” that are holding back the events leading to the second coming. What or who could do that? This episode tackles both these difficulties.

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[KingdomIsNow]

He is one of the finest and most meticulous exegete of our generation. We were blessed to have him for a while.

[matthewjames]

Yet again. Brilliant. It’s taking me a third time listening to take it in. Dr Heiser is just gifted. See you in the kingdom brother. We miss you

[rebekahallen]

Wow!!! This was awesome and a huge eye opener for me. Well done Dr Heiser. You are missed!!!!

[Dwitwitty]

I just recently discovered Dr. Mike. Gone too soon but everlasting impact. A dent on Christian world view! Mike is already experiencing the unseen realm first hand!!!!

[autumn]

Wow! What a teaching this is! Knowledge is increasing as stated in Daniel 12:4.

[daddyb]

I am soooo thankful for Dr. Mike and his crew. I discovered him just prior to his passing. R.I.P man of God. Thank you your wisdom moves us forward.

[markcrumb]

The way mike was so straight forward in this presentation was awesome. I really appreciate the unbiased approach to scripture too.

[warrenrodgers]

We all must do out part and spread the good news..

[duffysullivan]

Was going through the Naked Bible Podcast list, read the title and thought, how interesting can this episode be? Man, I was floored by it!

[justjosie]

Last night it hit me that all these demonic pop musicians & commercials stressing "rise up" are trying to raise the beast and demons in plain sight.

[timm]

I’m reading Unseen Realm. It’s not a easy read. Makes me stop n think over each sentence. I make notes in the margins— always did this in my college books. I have not read anything that stands out on prayer n healing so far, but it’s early yet I’m only on page 56. I go over stuff many times.

[davidhill]

Thank you Dr. for your scripture insights. I’m always blessed by your insights.

[pearlyq]

RIGHT on!!! The Old Testament must be checked with New Testament. Well done! Brilliant!

[ivanturinski]

I feel blessed listening to your podcast, great work Michael, I love the way you communicate the subject with your audience.

[Jamie-Russell-CME]

god bless you Dr Heiser.
We wait for King Jesus!

[rodenranch]

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[taylorking]

I absolutely agree with you, Dr. Hesiser! AMEN!

[pearlyq]

Wow! I have waited 40 years to hear who/what is the restrainer -- no answers ever sat right for some reason. All answers seemed awkward and forced. This may very well be the most coherent and sensical explanation I have ever heard. The only stretch is to assume Paul is thinking about Isaiah 66, but it is definitely the most valid argument I have ever heard. It has bothered me to YEARS! Thank you Dr. Heiser.

[notsure]

This is one of the few times, you can hear the excitement in Mike's voice as he explains the return of Christ. And the correlation between the jews in prophecy and Paul's current jews he contends with.

[savedbygrace]

"OT concealed is the NT revealed"- Chuck Missler
Amazing Mike Heiser 👏