“If the Holy Spirit is the restrainer, then your reading of v.3 contracts v.7.”
Verses 1-3 plainly state that the regathering can’t happen before the man of sin is revealed. So what you are saying amounts to: “If my reading of verse 7 is correct, then the Bible contradicts itself”, which can’t be true.
“2 Thess 2:1-3 is reassuring believers and warning them not to be deceived by recognizing that the end isn’t here yet and not to be afraid. Verse 3 explains that the first sign of the end is the falling away and the appearance of this man of sin.”
Indeed, that is correct, and those things are signs that they did not miss the return of Christ, because they both must happen before Christ returns, and before we are gathered to Him.
“That is consistent with the rest of the chapter and the rest of the applicable parts of the Bible, mainly Matt 24 and Revelation.”
Yes, but it’s not consistent with the notion of a pre-trib rapture.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” v.3
“For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” v.7-8
V.3 addresses how to tell when that day has arrived and v.7-8 further explains v.3 by detailing that those events will happen after we’re gone.
We’re focused on a relatively minor issue IMO, except for the running theme of knowing the times and the seasons, but looking to Jesus and not wasting our time trying to figure out who this man of sin is. Jesus wants to shine through us as we behold Him so others will come to Him.
Having said all that, I’m curious why you think the withholding of the revelation of this evil man until we’re gone is not consistent with the notion of a pre-trib rapture? As far as the rapture or the great catching up goes, what does it matter if the Bad Guy is revealed before or after we’re outta here?