For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.
The word "iniquity" (anomia) means "the condition of one without law, whether because ignorant of it, or because violating it" (Thayer 48-2-458). The words "doth... work" (energeo) mean "to display ones activity, show ones self operative (Thayer 215-2-1754). The word "already" in the New Testament "is used everywhere of time, now, already" (Thayer 276-2-2235). This phrase "doth already work" clearly shows the thirst for power is already manifesting itself in those days as is still seen today.