“The one who now restrains it”
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7 BSB)
What it sounds like today
An offhand mention of some vague restraining force.
The cultural key
This is one of the most debated phrases in the New Testament. Paul says something (neuter, 'what restrains') and someone (masculine, 'the one who restrains') is currently holding back the final outbreak of evil, and will do so until removed. Paul evidently told the Thessalonians in person what he meant, so he writes in shorthand, and we are left guessing. The main candidates through history: the Roman Empire and its rule of law, the ongoing preaching of the gospel to the nations, the Holy Spirit, or a restraining angel such as Michael. No view can claim certainty.
Recovered meaning
Some God-appointed brake is holding evil in check until the appointed time. What that restrainer is, Paul knew and his readers knew, but the secret was not written down, leaving one of Scripture's enduring puzzles.