. . . there is evidence that some
apostolic traditions aren’t identical to the sacred writings. Consider, for
example, Paul’s statements concerning the “man of lawlessness” or “son of
perdition” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-6. Paul writes:
Let no one deceive you in any way;
for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of
lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself
against every so-called go or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in
the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when
I was still with you I told you this? And you know what is restraining him now
so that he may be revealed in his time.
Notice the last line, “And you
know what is restraining him now.” This is listed among several things
concerning “the man of lawlessness” (v. 3) that Paul says he taught them when
he was still with them (v. 5). Yet it’s not identified in his writings. (Karlo
Broussard, Meeting the Protestant Response: How to Answer Common Comebacks
to Catholic Arguments [El Cajon, Calif.: Catholic Answers Press, 2022], 212-13)
