The Clock Is still Ticking

Who or What Is Antichrist(s)?

Concept originates in the OT

Remembering that Christ is the equivalent of Messiah

Greek word for Messiah of the OT, the anointed one, who had been promised since Genesis

It would be he who would “bruise the head” of the Serpent (Gen 3:15)

Daniel 8:24 ESV

His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.

Probably fulfilled first in Antiochus IV Ephiphanes (recorded in 1 Maccabees) 168 BC, destroyed temple

Likely declared himself a deity; Pompey (b 106 BC)

…and in Caligula (reigned from 37 to 41), not long after Jesus

2nd destruction of the temple by the Roman Army in 70 AD (probably what Jesus addressed in Mark 13.14.

One Antichrist?

Multiple antichrists?

Let’s first understand the term Christ—not the last name of Jesus

…and antichrist

Term can mean false christs or against Christ

Certainly appears to address a plurality of beings

They had been warned: words of Jesus himself

Mark 13:22 ESV

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Literally pseudo-Christs and pseudo-prophets (christoi & prophetai)

Jesus adds to the OT concept, includes signs and wonders in their actions

On the single Antichrist theme

Paul, writing between Jesus words and John’s writings seems to be focusing on one individual in 2Thess 2:

Man of Lawlessness

Son of Destruction

He will lead a rebellion, display signs and wonders

Proclaim himself to be God

Jesus will destroy him

John follows up on that in the Revelation

Best understanding is that there have been and will continue to be many of the type until THE ANTICHRIST is revealed

History is replete with suspects—many have been the pure embodiment of evil

The Benders of the Truth

These are the antichrists

We’ve discussed the early gnostics—those relying on “special knowledge” that only a few had

We’ve mentioned those who didn’t believe Jesus was the Christ

…that He was divine, truly God and yet truly man

Those who did not believe, and falsely taught concerning the Divine Son of the Living God

They departed from the body of believers…yet appear to have had attempted to retain some influence, thus the warning

The Keepers of the Truth

This is the body of believers John is here addressing

Wm. Tyndale said:

‘Ye are not anointed with oil in your bodies, but with the Spirit of Christ in your souls: which Spirit teacheth you all truth in Christ, and maketh you to judge what is a lie, and what truth, and to know Christ from antichrist. (Tyndale)

The Timeliness of the Truth