Ask Doc: What is the role of the archangel Michael as the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians? - Stephen
FIVE-POINT BUILDER
1) 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7 (KJV): "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed... For the mystery of iniquity doth already work... until he be taken out of the way." — Paul speaks of a present restraining power holding back the coming of the lawless one.
2) Jude 1:9 (KJV): "Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses..." — Reveals Michael as a chief angelic warrior opposing Satan.
3) Daniel 12:1 (KJV): "At that time shall Michael stand up... the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." — Identifies Michael as protector of God’s people in times of trial.
4) Revelation 12:7–9 (KJV): Michael and his angels fight against the dragon; the dragon is cast down — showing spiritual warfare.
5) Ephesians 6:12 (KJV): "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against... wicked spirits in high places." — The struggle involves angelic beings and spiritual powers.
WORD STUDY
**Katecho** (κατέχω, Greek) — to hold back, keep back, restrain. This verb describes the mysterious force Paul mentions as holding back the “man of sin.” It suggests a powerful, authoritative restraint preventing full evil from being unleashed.
INSIGHT
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians assures believers of God’s sovereign control even amid escalating evil before Christ’s return. The “restrainer” is understood by many as the archangel Michael acting by God’s authority to hold back the lawless one, the antichrist figure, until God’s appointed time. Michael’s role reflects the protective and militant presence of God over His Church as confessed in the Apostles’ Creed: Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. Michael’s heavenly intercession is a tangible demonstration of God’s care and power over spiritual evil. This reality invites us to trust God’s timing and sovereignty even when spiritual chaos seems near.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
- Embrace confidence that God’s heavenly armies, including Michael, protect His people.
- Pray for deliverance from evil influences, asking God to strengthen the spiritual restraints in your life.
- Hold fast to the hope of Christ’s return as the fulfillment of God’s justice.
- Stand firm in faith, knowing demonic forces are limited by God’s authority.
- Encourage fellow believers with the assurance that God's angels minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
CLOSING PRAYER
Father God, thank You for Your sovereign protection over us through the ministry of angelic beings like Michael. Help us to trust Your timing and stand firm in faith as we await Christ’s return. Strengthen us against the attacks of the enemy and fill our hearts with hope grounded in Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Twitter: https://x.com/docburkhart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/docburkhart
BitChute: https://old.bitchute.com/channel/f3sMaNuBwEAF/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart/
Faith & Values: https://members.faithandvalues.com/members/16975918
Substack:
