The returns of the Jews

I think the present State of Israel in the land (of Judah) can be compared to the returning Jews from the Babylonian captivity (6th century BC).  Each return could serve to prepare the way for the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the two comings of Christ. 

With each return to the land of Judah, there was a significant number of Israelis still living among other nations as an identifiable people.

With each return, there was an opposition from those who did not want to see a self-governed presence in the land.

With each return, there was not a complete return to the land as prophesied in Ezekiel: 
“I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. ... Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.”
Ezekiel 36:24, 28    

The first coming of Christ was at the right time:  the “fullness of time” (see Ephesians 4.4) when Israel existed in the land of Judah under Roman rule. There was an expectation of Messiah. He would come when Israel was in the land as an identifiable people with a functioning Temple service. 

The rejection of Jesus as the Christ by the majority of leaders would lead to the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the leading of Jews into captivity again, with Jerusalem being “trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21.20-24) 

The slow return of Jews into the land, mostly starting in the late 1800s--though there was always a Jewish presence in the land--and their becoming a State in 1948, could serve to prepare the way for prophecy to be fulfilled again for the second coming of Christ. 

Though their present State is viewed as illegitimate by certain Jews—they anticipate the Messiah (Christ) to come and establish it-- and seen by many as unjust because of the many “Palestinians” who were expelled or left their homes in connection with the 1948 war between the Jews and Arab/ Muslim nations,  their presence in the land seems necessary for fulfilling those prophecies that lead up to the Second Coming of Christ.  But could these prophecies still have happened through a presence of Jews in the land without them having a homeland-State?  Maybe.

The prophecies of Daniel, Zechariah, and Jesus indicated a presence of Jews in the land and a functioning Temple or Holy Place where a significant event will transpire that will begin a time of "great tribulation" that will consummate with the coming of Christ to deliver the Jews and to fight the nations who have gathered together for battle at Jerusalem.

This future deliverance (and restoration) was spoken by Peter in the Book of Acts: 

"Men of Israel, ... The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.  But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,  and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.  And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

 Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.  But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.  Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,  and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, ²¹ whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:12-21

When Jesus comes again, Israel as a nation will be saved, as Paul said in Romans: 

"²⁵ For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 

²⁶ And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
²⁷ For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins."
²⁸ Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.

²⁹ For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 

³⁰ For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 

³¹ even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.   Romans 11:25-31

Concerning "all Israel will be saved," Charles Hodge wrote:

"Israel here must mean the Jewish people, and 'all Israel' the whole nation. The Jews, as a people, are now rejected; as a people they are to be restored. As their rejection, although national, did not include the rejection of every individual, so their restoration though national, need not include the salvation of every Jew. All Israel does not mean all the true people of God, as Augustin, Calvin, and others explain it; nor all the elect Jews -- i.e., all that part of the nation which constitute "the remnant according to the election of grace" --but the whole nation, as a nation."   (Commentary on Romans by Charles Hodge... Charles Hodge was a Reformed Presbyterian theologian and principal of Princeton Theological Seminary between 1851 and 1878.)    updated 12/28/24

impossible to renew to repentance

⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6

The text is saying it is impossible to renew to repentance those who have experienced all these things and fall away. The “repentance” is a change of mind or a resolve to think differently. It must be that after all they have experienced in their belief, and then having fallen away from that belief, what is going to change their minds back to their former belief? Once they go that far--falling away--it's going to be impossible to bring them back to their former belief.

I believe this is referring to a particular belief that one could fall away from, because of the subject matter of the book of Hebrews, but this situation probably can happen with reference to other kinds of beliefs. There are things I use to believe that I find it hard to imagine I could have a change of mind in which I revert to the former belief.

Some may want to apply this text to someone who was once a believer that became an atheist. I don't believe this is talking about that specifically. Though it could apply in principle. That is a most serious concern and difficult to address.  They have not only fallen away, but they have built such a case against their former beliefs that it seems impossible for them to ever have a change of mind.

I believe that the issue in Hebrews and what Chapter 6 is dealing with is the superiority of Christ for salvation. Christ is superior to everything, and he is superior to the Law of Moses. If a believer in Christ for salvation were to go back to the Mosaic Law for salvation, he would be falling away from the faith. He would be casting off his confidence in Christ for something inferior.

The author of Hebrews appeals to his audience concerning what they experienced when they first believed, and that they should not cast off their confidence but persevere.

³² But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: ³³ partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; ³⁴ for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. ³⁵ Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ³⁶ For you have need of endurance... Hebrews 10:32-36

If they “cast away” their “confidence,” they will no longer be walking in grace; they will lose their reward. This situation and issue to similar to the one addressed in the book of Galatians, in which the Gentile believers were being tempted by the same error to seek justification by the Law of Moses, probably by certain Jewish believers who claimed that unless the Gentiles are circumcised, they can't be saved. In Acts Chapter 15, this issue was addressed: ​¹ And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." ² Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them... Acts 15:1-2

In Galatians, we see this issue addressed: I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. ³ And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. ⁴ You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:2-4

The Galatians had believed in Christ for justification, but certain men came along and said they needed to keep the Law to be justified. If they have a change of mind and go this route, they have become estranged from Christ and fallen from grace. They will be then operating from legalism, and Christ will profit them nothing. The focus will shift from Christ and the cross to keeping the Law. Their confidence will shift from Christ to the Law. They will not be able to walk in the Spirit, because their confidence will be in the flesh.

Paul recalled in his letter to the Galatians how certain men wanted Titus, a Gentile, to be circumcised: not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. ⁴ And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), ⁵ to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Galatians 2:3-5

Paul writes in Galatians concerning justification by faith: knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Galatians 2:16

The concern in Hebrews chapter 6 is the consequence of falling away, yet the author is giving this as a warning, for he goes on to state that he had reason to believe they hadn't gone that far: ⁹ But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. ¹⁰ For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ¹¹ And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:9-12

They hadn't gone that far, and more than that, they had born fruit that accompanies salvation. They needed to stay the course and continue in the faith. They did not need to fulfill the rituals of the Law to complete their salvation—they already had it by faith in Christ, and they were bearing the fruit that is consistent with it. They needed to persevere and be patient for the completion of salvation and the promises that they would receive at the coming of Christ: For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ³⁷ "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. ³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." ³⁹ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:36-39

But if one draws back, then they can only expect Divine judgment: ²⁶ For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ²⁸ Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31

This judgment comes because the believer has devalued the blood of Christ for salvation for that which cannot save.

Yet the author of Hebrews will proceed to remind his readers of those who lived their lives consistent with faith in anticipation of the promises they did not see in their lifetime. Jesus is the supreme example of one who lived by faith; he is the captain/ pioneer and perfecter of what living by faith looks like: let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

Salvation now and at the coming of Christ is through faith alone in Christ. Let no one talk you out of it through an inferior method. Continue in the faith, steadfast. Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and His grace—by which you are saved.

³⁷ "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. ³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." ³⁹ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:37-39         updated 12/20/24

Christ's Ambiguity

Jesus said things that were difficult to understand.

Jesus did say that “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” John 9:39

There is irony in this statement.  Jesus said this in the hearing of the Pharisees, the religious leaders. They perceived that he spoke about them. Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?" ⁴¹ Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore, your sin remains.” John 9:40-41

The Pharisees believed that they did “see,” and so, Jesus through what he said, as a form of judgment, was making them blind. He spoke in an ambiguous manner, so that they would not receive the benefit of the teaching. The “blind” were those who saw their spiritual need, while the Pharisees believed that they did not have a spiritual need, and so they claimed to “see,” while in reality they were blind to their spiritual need.  The irony of it all! Their sin was in their rejection of their spiritual need and who Jesus was.

Jesus spoke from the perspective that some believed they were righteous, and righteousness was necessary to enter the kingdom. If one believed this about themselves, then they must do what is necessary to qualify from that belief.

⁹ Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ¹⁰ "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' ¹³ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14

This parable is pretty clear that the Pharisees trusted in their own righteousness. If one is trusting in their own righteousness to stand “justified” before God, then they better make sure they do not sin.

²⁷ "You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not commit adultery.' ²⁸ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30

These words of Jesus are extreme. Is he saying one needs to mutilate his body, if it causes him to sin, so as to escape the judgment of hell? In appears to be the case. But it is what one must do, if they trust in their own righteousness to get into the kingdom of God. But one must consider that sin is more than just physical action, for if one even lusts in his heart, he has sinned. And if your eye causes you to sin, and you are trusting in your own righteousness, then you better pluck it out, because it's better to go through life without that eye than to end up in hell.

The pharisee needed to know what that tax collector knew: he came short of God's righteousness, and he needed the mercy of God to be “justified” before God.

Those who trusted in themselves and continued in their self-righteousness and rejected who Jesus was would not receive further revelation about the kingdom of God.

¹⁰ And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" ¹¹ He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. ¹² For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ¹³ Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. ¹⁴ And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; ¹⁵ For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.' ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; ¹⁷ for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matthew 13:10-17

update 12/20/24

Counted worthy of the Kingdom

Tribulation (Affliction) is the righteous judgment of God towards believers, so they may be “counted worthy” of the Kingdom:

...we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, ⁵ which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; .  2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

What does it mean to be counted worthy? Wouldn't this deny that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone?

The Greek word translated “worthy” is translated "fitting" in verse 3:  ³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, ⁴ so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith... 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

The word “fitting” in vs 3, or “right” or “rightly so,” depending on translation, is the same Greek word in a different form, one is an adverb and the other a verb. We see it again in verse 11: that our God would count you worthy of this calling. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Both verse 5 and 11 have axioo, but verse 5 has “kata” added (kataxioo) to make it “count worthy,” while verse 11 is just axioo, with “count” added but it's not really there. Verse 3 is axios.

Also consider...

​¹ I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Ephesians 4:1 Worthy here is the Greek axios, same as 2 Thes1.3

Jesus used “kataxioo”: ³⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. ³⁵ But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; ³⁶ nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36

Maybe the issue and aim in the "counted worthy" passages is having a character that aligns with what will be inherited, being the kingdom of God.   We are qualified for the kingdom through what Christ did and us believing in Him, but we are counted worthy by that approved character through affliction.

The word “worthy” speaks of “deserving” or “fitting” or “right.” “Calling” can mean several things, such as  “vocation” or  special status (sons of the kingdom) Both words are seen in ...  that our God would count you worthy of this calling. 2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Tribulation is for the purpose of being counted fit for the kingdom: God wants us to be worthy of what we will inherit. An analogy:  a father has a business that he has built, and his children will inherit it. Though they will inherit it, he would like them to be worthy of it. “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

In Luke 20:34-36,  Jesus could just be saying that if one qualifies for the kingdom and the resurrection, this is how it will be for them (to be like angels) in the age to come. The qualification is not one's own righteousness, but the righteousness that comes through believing in Him as Son of God and Savior.

Possess your Vessel

 ⁴ that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 NKJ

This passage is difficult to interpret with certainty. However, it is about God's moral will. And it is about sexual morality.

What's difficult is Paul's words "possess" and "vessel" and the flow of thought from verse 4 to 5.

Translations like the NIV give you an interpretation, and I think it is probably correct, but I prefer a translation of the Greek, and then let me interpret it.

that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 NIV

At the end of Chapter 3, Paul expresses desire that they increase in love toward one another. 3.13 seems to continue by connecting that love to being "blameless in holiness" for the coming of Christ. Through holiness, believers do love one another, because holiness fulfills those moral laws that are contained in those of the 10 commandments that have to do with human relationships.

Holiness and sanctification translate the same root Greek word. "Holy one" and "Saint" mean the same thing. It means to be "set apart" unto God. Believers are all "saints" in a positional sense, but it is to be their practice in life. God's will is the believer's "sanctification," and in this context, it is with regard to sexual morality.

Paul must be addressing this issue because of the background and tendency of these newish believers of former pagan practices.

Leon Morris writes: The Thessalonian Christians lived in a world where people did not see fornication as a sin but as part of normal life. It [was] featured in the worship of more than one deity.

Some see the words "possess" and "vessel" as referring to acquiring a wife and not to take advantage of another's wife or someone to be another's wife. Others take this to mean to control your body.

Why doesn't Paul use the words "wife" or "body?" A "vessel" is something that serves a purpose. Why use that word here?

I tend to think he is speaking to both men and women, and he is using the word "possess" to mean something like "control," and he is using "vessel" instead of "body" because of the reference to "sanctification." The believer belongs to the Lord, and he/ she is to be set apart as a "vessel" fit for service.

Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:13

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

The reference to a "brother" could mean a fellow believer and not just the men, and to involve them in sexual immorality would be to take advantage of (pressure or seduce them) them. They come under the same consequence.

4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4

We love others by being holy, defined by God's moral will towards others as stated in his commandments. We are blameless in that holiness. To not commit sexual immorality with another is the love and holiness one is called too. One must possess their body to not fulfill lusts. The body is a vessel in it has a purpose for God.  We are not for sexual immorality. One should not take advantage of another sexually. You don't want to rob another of their approval before God and man.

Early Church was Posttribulational

 “Posttrib” believes that the Church will be “caught up” (the “rapture”) at the end of the “tribulation,” or more specifically the “great tribulation.” The “pretrib” view is that the rapture happens before what is commonly called the “tribulation,” or more accurately called the “70^th Week of Daniel”--which is the last 7 years before Christ's return or the “Second Coming.”

"One of its (the early Church) distinctive features is that it places the Rapture of the Church at the end of the Tribulation, combining it with the Second Coming as one event."

--David Reagan, Wrath and Glory: Unveiling the Majestic Book of Revelation (Green Forest, AR: New Leaf, 2001), p. 112

“The preponderance of evidence seems to support the concept that the early church did not clearly hold to a rapture as preceding the endtime tribulation period.... the early church fathers ... should be classified as posttribulational. “

--John F. Walvoord, The Blessed Hope and The Tribulation (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1976)

Irenaeus:

"When in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, 'There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.' For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption." (Against Heresies, V, 29, 1)

This should be understood to mean that the “tribulation” is “the last contest of the righteous” and “in the end” of “this” the “Church shall be suddenly caught up.” – JS

“When taken within the context of all of Irenaeus’ writings, it appears that

he was not teaching pretribulationism.”

— Tommy Ice [Executive Director of The Pre-Trib Research Center]

Irenaeus (c.120-—202)

“For all these and other words were

unquestionably spoken in reference to the

resurrection of the just, which takes place after

the coming of Antichrist, and the destruction of

all nations under his rule; in which the righteous

shall reign in the earth, waxing stronger by the

sight of the Lord”

(Against Heresies, V, 35, 1)

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten

kings, who have received no kingdom as yet, but

shall receive power as if kings one hour with the

beast”... And they shall lay Babylon waste, and

burn her with fire, and shall give their kingdom to

the beast, and put the Church to flight. After that

they shall be destroyed by the coming of our Lord.

(Against Heresies, V, 26, 1)

lrenaeus (c.130-202)

It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the

fulfillment of the prophecy [concerning the revealing of the

Antichrist], than to be making surmises, and casting about for

any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many

names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and

the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. ... But he

indicates the number of the name now, so that when this

man comes we may avoid him, being aware who he Is.

(Against Heresies, V, 30, 3, 4)

“...the early fathers largely held to a period of

persecution that would be ongoing when the return

of the Lord takes place and most would see the

church suffering through some portion of the

tribulation period.”

—James Stitzinger, (Associate Professor of

Historical Theology, Master’s Seminary), The

Rapture in Twenty Centuries of Biblical

Interpretation

“The Church Fathers believed that the Church

would be on earth during the tribulation period.

This is seen in the earliest writers and there is

nothing in the other writers to contradict this. They

speak of the persecution of the Church by the

Antichrist and of the Church being on earth at the

second advent of Christ.”

— Charles August Hauser, Jr., The Eschatology of

the Early Church Fathers

Hippolytus (c.185—-235)

“For when the times advance, he too, [the Antichrist]

of whom these things are said, will be manifested ...

Now, concerning the tribulation of the persecution

which is to fall upon the Church from the

adversary ... [That refers to the one thousand two

hundred and threescore days during which the

tyrant is to reign and persecute the Church.

(Hippolytus, Treatise on Christ and Antichrist, 50, 60,

61, cf. 60-67)

Justin Martyr (AD 100-165)

“...two advents of Christ have been announced: The

one, in which He is set forth as suffering, inglorious,

dishonored, and crucified; but the other, in which He

shall come from heaven with glory, when the man of

apostasy, who speaks strange things against the

Most High, shall venture to do unlawful deeds on

the earth against us the Christians... ”

— Dialogue with Trypho, Ch. 110

The Shepherd of Hermas (c.95-c.150)

“[Blessed are] you who endure the great tribulation

that is coming on, and they who shall not deny their

own life.”

(Vision 2:2)

“Those, therefore, who continue steadfast, and are put

through the fire, will be purified by means of it.”

(Vision 4:3)

Epistle of Barnabas (c.80-—c.100)

“The final stumbling-block approaches ... That the Black

One [Antichrist] may find no means of entrance, let us

flee from every vanity, let us utterly hate the works of

the way of wickedness... Take heed, lest resting at our

ease, as those who are the called [of God], we should fall

asleep in our sins, and the wicked prince, acquiring

power over us, should thrust us away from the kingdom

of the Lord.”

(Epistle of Barnabas, 4)

The Didache (c.70-c.120)

“[T]hen shall appear the deceiver of the world ...

and he shall commit iniquities which have never

been since the world began. Then shall the creation

of mankind come to the fiery trial and many shall

be offended and be lost, but they who endure in

their faith shall be saved ... Then shall the world

see the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven.”

(Didache 16:4-8)

AntiChrist

 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18 NAS

… it [ the Day of the Lord] will not come unless the  apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [“the Antichrist”], who opposes and exalts himself above  every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 NAS

Lutheran Scholar Dr. R. C. H. Lenski: The fact that this apostasy will occur in the Christian Church is beyond question; it would otherwise not be an “apostasy.” This man does not merely “come” as does the apostasy. While he at first remains hidden, he at last gets “to be revealed” as what he really is. ... This Antichrist reveals himself as the Antichrist by this pagan act of seating himself in the true God's own sanctuary.

Both Daniel and Jesus make reference to this person who is commonly identified as the “Antichrist.”

He is most often identified by his particular character and activity that is associated with the time of “Great Tribulation” and his persecution of the “saints.”

Jesus quotes Daniel concerning the event that Apostle Paul references in 2 Thessalonians 2.3-5.

Jesus references Daniel concerning the same event that Paul referenced:

Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ... For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Matthew 24:15-22 NKJ

Several places in Daniel speak of the future “abomination of desolation” in the “holy place,” and the period that follows is the specific time of “great tribulation.”

He [the antichrist] will confirm [strengthen] a covenant with many for one week [7 years]. But in the middle of that week [7 years] he [antichrist] will bring sacrifices and offerings to a halt. On the wing of abominations [in the temple] will come one who destroys, until the decreed end is poured out on the one who destroys. Daniel 9:27 NKJ

And one week [ 7 years] shall establish the covenant with many: and in the midsts of the week [7 years] my sacrifice and drink offering shall be taken away:

and on the temple shall be the abomination of desolations; and at the end of the time an end shall be put to the desolation. Daniel 9:27 Septuagint

At that time [the time of the end] Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people [Israel]; and there shall be a time of trouble [tribulation], such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people [Israel] shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. ... And one said ... "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?"   Then I heard ... it shall be for a time, times, and half a time [ 3 ½ years]; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. Daniel 12:4-7

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days [beyond the 3 ½ years]. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. Daniel 12:11-12

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn [the Antichrist], a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words. Daniel 7:7-8

I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn [the Antichrist] was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. Daniel 7:11-12

Then I [Daniel] wished to know the truth about the fourth beast … and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn [the Antichrist] which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days [God the Father] came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. Daniel 7:19-22

The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another [the Antichrist] shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time [3 ½ years, the great tribulation] But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion [the Antichrist], to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His [Christ] kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him [Christ]. Daniel 7:23-27

Daniel prophesied of a “little horn” that could be the future Antichrist or one named “Antiochus IV Epiphanes,” who rose up from one of the 4 ruling families after the death of Alexander the Great of the Grecian Empire. Antiochus was certainly a foreshadowing of the future Antichrist, and if Antiochus is in view, the prophecy seems to transition from him to Antichrist.

as I [Daniel] was considering, suddenly a male goat [Greece] came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn [Alexander the Great] between his eyes. Then he came to the ram [Persia] that had two horns [Medo-Persian Empire], which I had seen standing beside the river, and ran at him with furious power. And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. Therefore the male goat [Greece, Alexander the Great] grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken [Alexander the Great died], and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came a little horn [Antiochus IV Epiphanes / the Antichrist] which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, "How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?" And he said to me, "For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed" [Hanukkah, the cleansing of the second temple, or the Millennial Temple consecrated]. Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision." So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, "Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end." Daniel 8:5-17

And in his place shall arise a vile person [Antiochus IV], to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. ... forces shall be mustered by him [Antiochus IV], and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.

Then the king [the Antichrist] shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him [the Antichrist]; and the king of the North[the Antichrist] shall come against him [the king of the South] like a whirlwind... He [the Antichrist] shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown... He [the Antichrist] shall stretch out his hand against the countries... But news from the east and the north shall trouble him [the Antichrist]; therefore he [the Antichrist] shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. And he [the Antichrist] shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he [the Antichrist] shall come to his end, and no one will help him. Daniel 11:21, 31-45

The end of the Antichrist will be at the end of “the time of the end,” being the end of the 3 ½ years of the 7 year period known as the “70^th Week of Daniel.” The Scriptures also speak of that 3 ½ years as “42 months,” 1260 days, and “time, times, and half a time.” Daniel chapter 12:11-12 gives some extra days beyond 1260, being 1290 and 1335 days; these extra days are not explained, but could have to do with the time of Israel's restoration in the land and judgment of the nations.

The end of the Antichrist at the end of the time will be by the coming of Christ. Apostle Paul says that after the Antichrist is revealed, by his acts in the holy place, he will be destroyed by the coming of Christ.

He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one [the Antichrist] is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

The Antichrist is the “beast” of Revelation chapter 13 who will have a mortal wound that is healed. He is part of the larger 7-headed beast that has 10 horns, being one of its heads. There is a connection between this 7-headed beast and the beast of Daniel chapter 7 where we read about a fourth beast that had 10 horns and a little horn, being the Antichrist. The beast of Revelation 13 has the same character and role mentioned concerning the “little horn” of Daniel who persecutes the saints of God.

I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast [the Antichrist]. So they worshiped the dragon [Satan] who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he [the Antichrist] was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:1-10

The “strong delusion” and the “working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” that Apostle Paul wrote about that causes the non-believers to be deceived and follow the Antichrist will be through another “beast” called the “false prophet.” This false prophet will work signs in the presence of the Antichrist to cause the world to follow the Antichrist.

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast [the Antichrist] in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast [the Antichrist], telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast [the Antichrist] who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast [the Antichrist], or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. Revelation 13:11-18

The Antichrist is the 7^th head of the 7-headed, 10-horned beast of Revelation 13. The Apostle John wrote that 5 of the kings represented by 5 of the heads had fallen, and the 6^th head was in power. These heads represent Mediterranean-world authorities kingdoms and kings. The 7^th head would be a future kingdom/ king. John writes that the 7^th head would also be the 8^th head. I understand this as 2 phases to the 7^th head of the beast. The first phase is for a short time, probably the first half of the 70^th Week of Daniel. After the mortal head wound is healed, the transition to phase 2 takes place. The 8^th head would be phase 2 beginning with the abomination of desolation in the Temple that starts the “Great Tribulation” and persecution of the saints.

John also writes about the “great harlot” or “woman” that rides on the 7-headed beast. The woman is “Babylon the Great.” The “woman” rides on the 7-headed beast and benefits from and reigns over the 7-headed beast. Her identity is not certain, but she is identified as a great city from which the merchants and kings of the earth have benefit. John writes about the 7 heads of the beast plus an eighth head:

Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other [the Antichrist] has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. The beast [the Antichrist] that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth [phase 2, the mortal wound healed], and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. The ten horns [The same 10 horns of the fourth beast of Daniel 7] which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast [the Antichrist]. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast [the Antichrist].

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." Then he said to me, “the waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast [the Antichrist], until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:9-18

(I have written more about the 7 heads of the beast and the 8th head on my 2020, December date.   See jsonb: The 8th Head of the 7-headed beast  )

The Antichrist will come to his end, along with the false prophet, at the coming of Christ at the end of the “time of the end” or “the great tribulation” period, being the end of the 3 ½ year period, the second half of the “70^th Week of Daniel.”

Christ comes back with his angelic army to make war against the nations that have gathered for battle for Jerusalem, and he defeats those nations and the Antichrist and his false prophet. The 6^th bowl of Revelation prepares the way for this great battle at the Second Coming of Christ--which is the “Day of the Lord” judgment, being God's wrath and judgment on the nations of the earth. The Antichrist and the false prophet are cast into the Lake of fire, while the rest will be judged after the 1000 year reign of Christ.

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Revelation 16:12-16

9 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'" 11 Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD. 12 "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow— For their wickedness is great." 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and moon will grow dark, And the stars will diminish their brightness. 16 The LORD also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the LORD will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel. Joel 3:9-16

"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. 4 In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.' 6 In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem. Zechariah 12:2-6

1 Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You. Zechariah 14:1-5

¹¹ Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16

¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, ¹⁸ that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." ¹⁹ And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. ²⁰ Then the beast [the Antichrist] was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. ²¹ And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. Revelation 19:17-21