3 But don't be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
4 He will boast and oppose everything that is holy or sacred. He will even sit in God's temple and claim to be God.
5 Don't you remember that I told you this while I was still with you?
6 You already know what is holding this wicked one back until it is time for him to come.
7 His mysterious power is already at work, but someone is holding him back. And the wicked one won't appear until that someone is out of the way.
8 Then he will appear, but the Lord Jesus will kill him simply by breathing on him. He will be completely destroyed by the Lord's glorious return.
9 When the wicked one appears, Satan will pretend to perform all kinds of miracles, wonders, and signs.