The Sixteen Questions

The Sixteen Questions

continued

15. What should Christians do?

Whatever the Fathers say about the man, they say remarkably little about forecasts and a great deal about conduct. The commands are the same across the centuries and across languages: hold the tradition, test every claim against Scripture and against Christ’s own lightning-like coming, refuse the mark and the sacrifice, do not be afraid, pray for the world’s peace and its delay, do not be curious about dates, and prepare by repentance, almsgiving and fasting. Often the question “is he coming now?” is answered by turning it into “what kind of person am I?”.

In this chapter

This question draws on 169 quotations from 51 voices. 68 of them are printed in full below, at the end of the chapter, because their main concern is this question; the other 101 belong chiefly to other questions and are listed here by number.

Hold the tradition (Chrysostom, Polycarp, Cyril of Jerusalem, Athanasius, Pseudo-Hippolytus)

Paul’s own answer in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 is “stand fast, and hold the traditions”. Chrysostom treats Church tradition, written and unwritten, as the believers’ response. Polycarp’s remedy is to return to the word delivered from the beginning, with watchful prayer and fasting. Cyril wants the signs taught to children and catechumens. Athanasius bids believers separate from the heretics. The Pseudo-Hippolytan sermon says those who know the Scriptures will see through the deception and flee to the mountains and caves.

Test every claim: Christ’s coming is like lightning (Chrysostom, Eusebius, Athanasius, Rufinus, Hilary)

The practical test is the character of Christ’s return. Chrysostom: it will be open and visible to all at once, like lightning, so believers must not go out to the desert or the inner room. Eusebius: if Antichrist’s fame spreads as though Christ had appeared, do not follow. Rufinus: the delusion is foretold so that no one mistakes Antichrist’s coming for Christ’s. Athanasius reads even the Son’s “not knowing the day” as protection against deceivers. Hilary says false prophets will point to Christ in the desert or in secret chambers.

Do not be afraid (Cyprian, Hermas, Neale and Littledale, Samuel of Kalamoun)

Cyprian tells his people that they need not be terrified of the coming Antichrist, since Christ follows to avenge and deliver, and consoles those who die in the plague that they escape his threats and corruptions. Hermas promises blessing to those who endure the great tribulation and says repentance in advance enables believers to escape it. Samuel of Kalamoun says those who resist and overcome the false Messiah will reign with Christ eternally. Neale and Littledale list his time among those in which God keeps his people.

Refuse the mark; endure (Hippolytus, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Theophylact, Didache, Cyprian)

Hippolytus describes a compulsory sacrifice, and the believer’s duty is to refuse it. The pseudo-Hippolytan sermon records a formula of denial required of the sealed, abjuring Creator and baptism, which the faithful must not give. Theophylact says believers must not submit to save their lives. The Didache already says that many fall away in the fiery trial but those who endure in faith are saved. Cyprian ties the Apocalypse’s warning about worshipping the beast and receiving the mark to the Antichrist who is coming.

Pray for the empire and for the delay (Tertullian, Lactantius)

Tertullian says Christians pray for the emperors and for a long peace because the Roman empire’s continuance holds back the shock that will end all things, and “we are lending our aid to Rome’s duration”. Lactantius says that God is to be entreated, if his arrangements can be delayed, lest the detestable tyrant come sooner than we think. Yet Tertullian elsewhere criticises praying for a protraction of the age and wants the kingdom hastened rather than delayed. The tension is not resolved.

Prepare by renunciation and repentance (Origen, Palladius, Samuel of Kalamoun, Coptic Martyrdoms, Theophylact)

Origen, as the compilers report him, exhorts believers in the sixth age of the world to store up spiritual manna against the famine. Palladius records Melania urging the Roman senatorial families to renounce wealth, since the last hour was announced four hundred years ago and Antichrist’s days may surprise them. Samuel of Kalamoun says repentance and keeping the church’s canons could spare Christians the Ishmaelite oppression. The Coptic monk’s exhortation warns that the day will come suddenly and leave no time to repent; Theophylact says the parable teaches prayer in the last days.

Prepare to die, if it comes to that (Cyprian, Cyril of Jerusalem, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Tertullian)

Cyprian writes his exhortation to martyrdom because the hateful time of Antichrist is beginning; he praises a restored confessor who urged the people toward martyrdom because Antichrist is near. Cyril says martyrs of that time will fight Satan in person. Pseudo-Hippolytus says those who overcome the tyrant will be more illustrious than the earlier martyrs. Tertullian sees the white-robed multitude of Revelation 7 as martyrs triumphant over Antichrist.

The Scripture behind it

The Scripture on which the Fathers drew for this question is set out here in the King James text.

The man of sin (2 Thess 2:1–17)

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth 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: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure … [2 Thessalonians 2:1-17]

Take heed that no man deceive you (Matt 24:4–14)

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [Matthew 24:4-14]

The abomination of desolation (Matt 24:15–28)

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. [Matthew 24:15-28]

The abomination where it ought not (Mark 13:5–23)

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth … [Mark 13:5-23]

Jerusalem compassed with armies (Luke 21:8–28)

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judæa flee to the mountains; and let them … [Luke 21:8-28]

The beast and his number (Rev 13:1–18)

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the … [Revelation 13:1-18]

Grievous wolves shall enter in (Acts 20:28–31)

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. [Acts 20:28-31]

Also relevant: quotations printed under other questions

Epistle of Barnabas, Stand firm so the Black One gets no entry (11.2); Shepherd of Hermas, Angel Thegri shuts the beast's mouth (4.1); Ascension of Isaiah, 1,332 days, then the Lord comes (14.2); Irenaeus of Lyons, Dividing Christ is antichrist (11.7); Irenaeus of Lyons, Sacrifice taken away in half-week (6.4); Irenaeus of Lyons, 666 attested by eyewitnesses (8.4); Irenaeus of Lyons, Warning against vain name-guessing (8.6); Irenaeus of Lyons, Wrong guess makes one easy prey (8.7); Irenaeus of Lyons, Wait for the ten kings first (8.8); Irenaeus of Lyons, Declines to name him (8.12); Irenaeus of Lyons, Number given, name withheld (8.13); Tertullian, Elijah, Antichrist, Babylon not yet (9.4); Tertullian, Martyrs triumph over Antichrist (14.11); Tertullian, Roman empire delays the end (4.5); Tertullian, Praying for the end's delay (4.6); Hippolytus of Rome, Sacrifice = prayers of the upright (6.8); Hippolytus of Rome, Enoch and Elias oppose him (9.5); Hippolytus of Rome, Proclaimed king; 1290 and 1335 days (2.8); Hippolytus of Rome, Time, times, half-time: 3.5 years (11.13); Hippolytus of Rome, Do not admit the falling away (11.14); Hippolytus of Rome, Do not anticipate; patience and prayer (5.14); Hippolytus of Rome, Mark = compulsory sacrifice (8.17); Hippolytus of Rome, Be prepared, not deceived (8.20); Hippolytus of Rome, Jews rally against the saints (16.4); Hippolytus of Rome, Church flees 1260 days (11.15); Hippolytus of Rome, Satan bound at the Lord's coming (14.18); Hippolytus of Rome, Sacrifice that ceases is prayer (6.17); Hippolytus of Rome, Enoch and Elijah against Antichrist (9.10); Hippolytus of Rome, Worship suppressed; witnesses killed and raised (6.21); Commodian, Six thousand years; Antichrist conquered (14.22); Cyprian of Carthage, Antichrist at hand, discipline must stand (11.18); Cyprian of Carthage, Antichrist threatens, Christ protects (14.26); Victorinus of Pettau, Angels extinguish his kingdom (14.28); Victorinus of Pettau, 144,000 believe through Elijah (9.18); Victorinus of Pettau, Ascetic reading of the millennium (13.10); Lactantius, Mark; burning; 42 months (8.25); Lactantius, Righteous besieged, rescued by heavenly king (14.34); Lactantius, While Rome stands, pray for delay (4.15); Eusebius of Caesarea, Do not follow the false appearing (3.25); Pseudo-Hippolytus, 666 read as 'I deny' (8.26); Pseudo-Hippolytus, The formula of denial (9.26); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Eucharist and public worship cease (6.33); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Cross-sign heralds the Judge (14.37); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Corruption of church before the end (11.32); Revelation of John (apocryphal), Holy things removed from the earth (11.33); Hilary of Poitiers, Church worn by his spirit (11.34); Hilary of Poitiers, Jews will believe a lie (16.13); Hilary of Poitiers, Draw the distracted into his service (3.32); Athanasius of Alexandria, Nearer to Antichrist than earlier heresies (11.36); Athanasius of Alexandria, Ignorance of the day protects (3.37); Athanasius of Alexandria, Meletians prepare Antichrist's way (11.41); Athanasius of Alexandria, Trials prove long-suffering (13.15); Basil of Caesarea, Is this the falling away? (11.44); Basil of Caesarea, Perhaps the approach of Antichrist (11.45); Apostolic Constitutions, The Lord comes to condemn the deceiver (14.40); Cyril of Jerusalem, Christ comes from heaven (3.38); Cyril of Jerusalem, Teach the signs (13.17); Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishops against bishops foretold (11.49); John Chrysostom, Christ's coming needs no herald (3.43); John Chrysostom, Antichrist removes every excuse (3.45); John Chrysostom, Antichrist is local; Christ like lightning (3.50); John Chrysostom, Revelry in the days of Antichrist (14.48); Rufinus of Aquileia, Foretold lest he be mistaken (14.50); Jerome, The one who strikes is Antichrist (13.20); Sulpicius Severus, Martin and the devil as 'Christ' (3.55); Augustine of Hippo, Faith on earth: perfect faith rare (11.64); Augustine of Hippo, Within or without, an antichrist (13.33); Augustine of Hippo, Fear more to be one than to be called one (13.34); Augustine of Hippo, Not 'before Christ' but 'against' (13.36); Augustine of Hippo, Christ slays him; no date-setting (14.54); Augustine of Hippo, Order of last events: Elias, Jews, Antichrist (9.36); Augustine of Hippo, Not sent, only permitted; seek not own glory (13.41); Testament of Our Lord, Shepherds deny Christ, trust a corruptible king (11.73); Theodoret of Cyrus, Paul predicts Antichrist's destruction (14.60); Leo the Great, Manichaeans' denial of the flesh is Antichrist (13.42); Joshua the Stylite, Disasters are chastisement, not the end (11.79); Cave of Treasures, Danite in Jerusalem temple (2.35); Gregory of Tours, Circumcision, then his statue in the Jerusalem temple (6.49); Gregory the Great, Signs fulfilled; the end near (11.81); Gregory the Great, His preachers are already at work (13.47); Gregory the Great, Title 'sole bishop' shows Antichrist near (13.48); Gregory the Great, 'Universal bishop' is Antichrist's precursor (13.49); Gregory the Great, Antichrist feigns death and resurrection (3.56); Coptic Martyrdoms and Lives, Roman Empire's end, then Antichrist (4.28); Coptic Martyrdoms and Lives, Day comes suddenly; be prepared (11.83); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, Oppression due to Christians' sins (11.84); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, Endure to the end; many deny (11.85); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, 40 years' peace, Ethiopian union (5.44); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, Blessed who overcomes him (14.66); Bede, Few elect at His coming (11.88); Bede, Elijah prepares men to resist Antichrist (9.46); Bede, Final persecution: stars fall, Church hides (11.92); John of Damascus, Gospel to all nations first (16.46); John of Damascus, Christ destroys the lawless one (14.72); Paulician Church of Armenia, Satan as 'son of perdition' (13.53); Anselm, Persecutor with miracles, martyr none (11.97); Solomon of Basra, Clergy dishonoured (11.99); Thomas Aquinas, Antichrist the last great winnowing (11.100); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Daily sacrifice taken away (6.60); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Every age thinks it near the end (11.103); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Great destroying of God's law (11.106).

The quotations

The quotations that follow are in order of date, from the earliest writers to the latest. Each is word for word from the translation named after it. The short note is ours, and says only what the passage claims.

15.1. Didache: Endure the fiery trial

“Then all humanity will come to the fire of testing. Many will fall away and be lost, but those who endure in their faith will be saved by the curse itself.” — Didache, The Didache. Note: A universal fiery trial follows; many fall away, but those who endure in faith are saved. [Matthew 24:10; Matthew 24:13]

15.2. Epistle of Barnabas: The final stumbling block is near

“The final stumbling block is near. Scripture speaks about it, as Enoch says. For this is why the Master has cut short the times and the days” — Epistle of Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas. Note: Barnabas announces that the last stumbling block is near, citing Enoch that the times have been shortened. [Matthew 24:22]

15.3. Polycarp of Smyrna: Return to the word from the beginning

“So let us leave behind the emptiness of the crowd and their false teachings, and turn back to the word that was handed down to us from the beginning. Let us stay alert in prayer and persevere in fasting” — Polycarp of Smyrna, Polycarp to the Philippians. Note: His remedy is to return to the original handed-down word, with watchful prayer and fasting. [Matthew 26:41]

15.4. Shepherd of Hermas: Blessed who endure the great tribulation

““So stay firm, you who work righteousness, and do not be double-minded, so that your passage may be with the holy angels. Blessed are you who endure the great tribulation that is coming, and all who will not deny their life.”” — Shepherd of Hermas, The Shepherd of Hermas. Note: Blessing is promised to those who endure the coming great tribulation without denying their life.

15.5. Shepherd of Hermas: Prepare by repentance for the tribulation

“Tell them that this beast is a picture of the great tribulation to come. If you prepare yourselves beforehand and turn to the Lord in repentance with all your heart, you will be able to escape it.” — Shepherd of Hermas, The Shepherd of Hermas. Note: The beast pictures the coming great tribulation; repentance and a pure heart in advance enable believers to escape it.

15.6. Ascension of Isaiah: He persecutes the apostles' plant

“Will persecute the plant which the Twelve Apostles of the Beloved have planted. Of the Twelve one will be delivered into his hands.” — Ascension of Isaiah, The Ascension of Isaiah (Charles translation); scanned text. Note: This king persecutes the Church planted by the Twelve; one of the Twelve is delivered into his hands. [Matthew 24:9]

15.7. Irenaeus of Lyons: Church caught up; last contest

“And therefore, 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.” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies. Note: At the end the Church is suddenly caught up; the tribulation is the last contest, in which the victorious righteous are crowned with incorruption. [Matthew 24:21]

15.8. Tertullian: 'Antichrist now close at hand'

“with Antichrist now close at hand, and gaping for the blood, not for the money of Christians-how can it be pointed out to me that there is the command, "Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's? "” — Tertullian, On Flight in Persecution. Note: Tertullian says Antichrist is 'now close at hand' and hungry for Christians' blood, as grounds for refusing to buy off persecutors. [Matthew 22:21]

15.9. Tertullian: Children prepared for Antichrist's savagery

“Let them prepare for Antichrist (children) upon whom he may more passionately (than Pharaoh) spend his savagery.He will lead to them murderous midwives.” — Tertullian, On Monogamy. Note: Tertullian sarcastically tells those who reject continence to raise children for Antichrist's slaughter, as Pharaoh did. [Matthew 24:19]

15.10. Tertullian: Hasten the kingdom, not delay it

“how do some pray for some protraction of the age, when the kingdom of God, which we pray may arrive, tends unto the consummation of the age? Our wish is, that our reign be hastened, not our servitude protracted.” — Tertullian, On Prayer. Note: In On Prayer, Tertullian criticises praying for a protraction of the age and wants the kingdom hastened rather than servitude prolonged. [Matthew 6:10]

15.11. Hippolytus of Rome: End about 500 years after Christ

“From the birth of Christ, then, we must reckon the 500 years that remain to make up the 6000, and thus the end shall be. … in order that in the remaining half time the gospel might be preached to the whole world, and that when the sixth day was completed He might end the present life.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Fragments - Exegetical. Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. Note: Counting 500 years from Christ's birth to complete the 6,000, Hippolytus places the end about five centuries after Christ (roughly AD 500). [John 19:14]

15.12. Hippolytus of Rome: Keep faith, await the appearing

“maintaining in faith what is written, and anticipating the things that are to be, thou mayest keep thyself void of offence both toward God and toward men, "looking for that blessed hope and appearing of our God and Saviour,"” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Hippolytus's pastoral conclusion: hold fast what is written, anticipate coming events and remain blameless, looking for Christ's appearing. [Titus 2:13]

15.13. Origen of Alexandria: Store up manna before the famine

“Origen, mystically expounding the manna's ceasing to fall on the seventh day, and being gathered in a double portion on the sixth, exhorts us in this sixth age of the world to lay up in store for ourselves against the season of Antichrist, when spiritual manna will cease; when the elect must live, so to speak, on what they have already provided; when there will be a famine of God's Word throughout the earth” — Origen of Alexandria, A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 1 (Psalms 1–38) (part 2 of 2) (quoted by Neale and Littledale (Commentary on the Psalms)); scanned text. Note: Neale and Littledale report Origen's exhortation, in the sixth age of the world, to store up spiritual manna against the season of Antichrist, when God's Word will be scarce. [Psalm 37:19; Exodus 16:22]

15.14. Cyprian of Carthage: Antichrist cannot threaten his way in

“For even Antichrist, when he shall begin to come, shall not enter into the Church because he threatens; neither shall we yield to his arms and violence, because he declares that he will destroy us if we resist.” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Cyprian says even Antichrist will not enter the Church by threats, nor will bishops yield to schismatic bullying.

15.15. Cyprian of Carthage: The time of Antichrist draws near

“you ought to know and to believe, and hold it for certain, that the day of affliction has begun to hang over our heads, and the end of the world and the time of Antichrist to draw near, so that we must all stand prepared for the battle” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Cyprian warns the people of Thibaris that affliction, the world's end and the time of Antichrist are drawing near. [Matthew 24:6-14]

15.16. Cyprian of Carthage: Antichrist is coming, but Christ above him

“Antichrist is coming, but above him comes Christ also. The enemy goeth about and rageth, but immediately the Lord follows to avenge our sufferings and our wounds. The adversary is enraged and threatens, but there is One who can deliver us from his hands.” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Believers need not be terrified of the coming Antichrist, since Christ follows to avenge and deliver. [Revelation 14:9-11; Matthew 10:28]

15.17. Cyprian of Carthage: Beast, image and mark in the Apocalypse

“And in the Apocalypse He instructs and forewarns, saying, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Cyprian ties the coming Antichrist to the Apocalypse's warning about worshipping the beast and receiving its mark. [Revelation 13:16-17; Revelation 14:9-10]

15.18. Cyprian of Carthage: A fiercer fight is threatening

“A severer and a fiercer fight is now threatening, for which the soldiers of Christ ought to prepare themselves with uncorrupted faith and robust courage” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Cyprian says a severer, fiercer fight threatens and soldiers of Christ must prepare with uncorrupted faith.

15.19. Cyprian of Carthage: Antichrist is near: prepare for martyrdom

“a priest is assisting at the altar of God, who exhorts the people to take up the arms of confession, and to submit to martyrdom, that Antichrist is near, prepares the soldiers for the battle” — Cyprian of Carthage, Letters. Note: Cyprian praises a restored confessor-priest who exhorts the people to martyrdom because Antichrist is near.

15.20. Cyprian of Carthage: Hateful time of Antichrist beginning

“since the burden of persecutions and afflictions is lying heavy upon us, and in the ending and completion of the world the hateful time of Antichrist is already beginning to draw near, I would collect from the sacred Scriptures some exhortations for preparing and strengthening the minds of the brethren” — Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise 11. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus. Note: Cyprian writes his martyrdom exhortation because in the world's completion the hateful time of Antichrist is beginning to draw near. [Matthew 24:9-13]

15.21. Cyprian of Carthage: Spared from Antichrist's corruptions

“Lo, virgins depart in peace, safe with their glory, not fearing the threats of the coming Antichrist, and his corruptions and his brothels.” — Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise 7. On the Mortality. Note: Cyprian consoles that those who die in the plague escape the coming Antichrist's threats, corruptions and brothels.

15.22. Methodius of Olympus: Midnight is the kingdom of Antichrist

“Now the slumbering and sleeping of the virgins signifies the departure from life; and the midnight is the kingdom of Antichrist, during which the destroying angel passes over the houses.” — Methodius of Olympus, Discourse 6.-Agathe. Note: In reading the parable of the ten virgins, Methodius calls the midnight the kingdom of Antichrist. [Matthew 25:6]

15.23. Lactantius: The end is drawing near

“I have already shown above, that when six thousand years shall be completed this change must take place, and that the last day of the extreme conclusion is now drawing near.” — Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Book 7. Note: Lactantius repeats that the change comes when six thousand years are completed and the end is drawing near.

15.24. Alexander of Alexandria: Nearer to Antichrist than earlier heresies

“But these by all their words have attempted to do away with the Godhead of Christ, have made those seem righteous, since they have come nearer to Antichrist … Moreover, concerning these very men, warnings are not wanting to us, for the Lord foretold: "Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My flame, saying, I am Christ; and the tithe draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." Paul, too, having learnt these things from the Saviour, wrote, "In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils which turn away from the truth” — Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy. Note: Alexander says the Arians have come nearer to Antichrist than earlier heresies and cites the Lord's warning that many come saying 'I am Christ', and Paul on departing from the faith. [Matthew 24:4-5; 1 Timothy 4:1]

15.25. Eusebius of Caesarea: Persecution by the son of perdition

“He hereby implies that a persecution will come from the son of perdition upon Christ's faithful.” — Eusebius of Caesarea, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Eusebius takes Christ's warning as implying a persecution of the faithful by the son of perdition before the end. [Luke 17:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3]

15.26. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Famine drives people to his mark

“Then that abominable one will send his commands throughout every government by the hand at once of demons and of visible men, who shall say, "A mighty king has arisen upon the earth; come ye all to worship him … for, behold, he will give you corn; and he will bestow upon you wine, and great riches, and lofty honours. … And by reason of the scarcity of food, all will go to him and worship him” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: In a famine Antichrist offers bread, wine and honours, and the hungry go to worship him and take his mark. [Revelation 13:17]

15.27. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Overcomers greater than earlier martyrs

“Blessed shall they be who overcome the tyrant then. For they shall be set forth as more illustrious and loftier than the first witnesses; for the former witnesses overcame his minions only, but these overthrow and conquer the accuser himself, the son of perdition.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Those who overcome the tyrant himself will be more illustrious than the former martyrs who overcame only his servants. [Revelation 12:11]

15.28. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Scripture-readers see through him

“But many who are hearers of the divine Scriptures, and have them in their hand, and keep them in mind with understanding, will escape his imposture. For they will see clearly through his insidious appearance and his deceitful imposture, and will flee from his hands, and betake themselves to the mountains” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Those who know the Scriptures will see through the deception and flee to the mountains and caves. [Matthew 24:15-16]

15.29. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Meditate daily on the judgment

“Let us therefore ponder this every day; let us meditate on this both day and night, both in the house, and by the way, and in the churches, that we may not stand forth at that dread and impartial judgment condemned, abased, and sad, but with purity of action, life, conversation, and confession” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: The homily's moral conclusion: meditate daily on the judgment and live in purity of action and confession.

15.30. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Take heed: end not yet

“Take heed that ye be not deceived; for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not yet by and by.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Quoting the Lord, the author warns against being deceived by many claiming to be Christ and against fear at wars: the end is not yet. [Matthew 24:4-6,12]

15.31. Athanasius of Alexandria: Come out from among them

“One might say much more against this detestable and antichristian heresy, and might demonstrate by many arguments that the practices of Constantius are a prelude to the coming of Antichrist. But seeing that, as the Prophet has said, from the feet even to the head there is no reasonableness in it, but it is full of all filthiness and all impiety, so that the very name of it ought to be avoided as a dog's vomit or the poison of serpents; and seeing that Costyllius openly exhibits the image of the adversary” — Athanasius of Alexandria, History of the Arians. Note: Athanasius says more could be said that Constantius's practices prelude Antichrist's coming, and bids believers separate from heretics as Scripture commands. [Isaiah 52:11]

15.32. Athanasius of Alexandria: Whoever brings Arianism is Antichrist

“it becomes us to watch and be sober, brethren, as the Lord has said, lest any deception arise from subtlety of speech and craftiness; lest any one come and pretend to say, `I preach Christ,' and after a little while he be found to be Antichrist. These indeed are Antichrists, whosoever come to you in the cause of the Arian madness.” — Athanasius of Alexandria, To the Bishops of Egypt. Note: Athanasius warns that someone may preach Christ and later prove to be Antichrist; he calls those who come in the Arian cause Antichrists. [Matthew 24:4; 1 John 2:18]

15.33. Ambrosiaster: Final persecution from Antichrist

“Since, then, the Savior was speaking of the final persecution, which is to come from the Antichrist” — Ambrosiaster, Questions on the Old and New Testaments (part 2 of 2). Note: Ambrosiaster reads the Lord's warning about flight in winter or on the Sabbath as about the final persecution from Antichrist, when afflictions will be so grievous that scarcely anyone escapes. [Matthew 24:20]

15.34. Cyril of Jerusalem: Three and a half years

“For this cause the Lord knowing the greatness of the adversary grants indulgence to the godly, saying, Then let them which be in Judaea flee to the mountains . But if any man is conscious that he is very stout-hearted, to encounter Satan, let him stand … But thanks be to God who hath confined the greatness of that tribulation to a few days; for He says, But for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened ; and Antichrist shall reign for three years and a half only. We speak not from apocryphal books, but from Daniel; for he says, And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time . A time is the one year in which his coming shall for a while have increase; and the times are the remaining two years of iniquity, making up the sum of the three years; and the half a time is the six months” — Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures. Note: The Lord permits the fearful to flee; the tribulation is shortened and Antichrist reigns three and a half years, read as a time, times and half a time. [Matthew 24:16-22; Daniel 7:25]

15.35. Cyril of Jerusalem: Martyrs of that time

“I say that the Martyrs of that time excel all martyrs. For the Martyrs hitherto have wrestled with men only; but in the time of Antichrist they shall do battle with Satan in his own person . And former persecuting kings only put to death; they did not pretend to raise the dead, nor did they make false shows of signs and wonders. But in his time there shall be the evil inducement both of fear and of deceit, so that if it be possible the very elect shall be deceived … But as in the persecutions which happen from time to time, so also then God will permit these things, not because He wants power to hinder them, but because according to His wont He will through patience crown His own champions like as He did His Prophets and Apostles” — Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures. Note: Martyrs under Antichrist will fight Satan in person against false signs and pretended resurrections; God permits it, as in other persecutions, to crown His champions. [Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:11]

15.36. Cyril of Jerusalem: No curiosity about the time

“as to the time let no one be curious. For it is not far you, He says, to know times or seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power . And venture not thou to declare when these things shall be, nor on the other hand supinely slumber … that we may not die deceived and be led astray by that false Antichrist” — Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures. Note: Believers are forbidden to be curious about the time yet told not to slumber; the signs are given so none die deceived by the false Antichrist. [Acts 1:7; Matthew 24:3-4]

15.37. John Chrysostom: Antichrist is the sign

“not indeed revealing the time itself, but showing the sign of the time, namely, Antichrist” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians. Note: Paul comforts the Thessalonians by pointing not to the time of the end but to its sign, namely Antichrist. [2 Thessalonians 2:1-3]

15.38. John Chrysostom: Rejects nursery tales about him

“And have you not often heard, when you were children, persons talking much even about the name of Antichrist, and about his bending the knee? For the devil scatters these things in our minds, whilst yet tender, that the doctrine may grow up with us, and that he may be able to deceive us. Paul therefore, in speaking of Antichrist, would not have passed over these things if they had been profitable. Let us not therefore enquire into these things. For he will not come so bending his knees, but "exalting himself against all that is called God, or that is worshiped” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians. Note: Chrysostom dismisses childhood tales about Antichrist bending his knee as fables the devil scatters; Paul says rather that he will exalt himself against all that is called God. [2 Thessalonians 2:4]

15.39. John Chrysostom: Hold the traditions

“So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by Epistle of ours." Hence it is manifest, that they did not deliver all things by Epistle, but many things also unwritten, and in like manner both the one and the other are worthy of credit. Therefore let us think the tradition of the Church also worthy of credit” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians. Note: Paul's command to hold the traditions, written and unwritten, is the believers' response; Chrysostom treats Church tradition as trustworthy. [2 Thessalonians 2:15]

15.40. Jerome: Descendants may fall to Antichrist

“who will perhaps fall into the clutches of Antichrist” — Jerome, Against Jovinianus. Note: Jerome argues against desiring children and descendants, who may perhaps fall into the clutches of Antichrist.

15.41. Jerome: Judas's date-setting convicted of error

“He is convicted of error in respect of this work in that he prophesied that the advent of Anti-Christ would be about his period” — Jerome, Lives of Illustrious Men. Note: Jerome records that the chronographer Judas wrongly predicted Antichrist's advent about his own time (c. AD 202), because the persecutions seemed to forebode the end. [Daniel 9:24-27]

15.42. Palladius of Galatia: Antichrist's day overtakes

“Take ye heed lest the day of Antichrist overtake you, and keep not fast hold upon your own riches” — Palladius of Galatia, The Lausiac History of Palladius, first book (Syriac version, Budge translation); scanned text. Note: In the Syriac Lausiac History, Melania warns that the last time was announced four hundred years before and the day of Antichrist might overtake those clinging to riches. [1 John 2:18]

15.43. Palladius of Galatia: Antichrist's days may surprise

“it was written 400 years ago, It is the last hour. Why do you love to linger in life's vanities? Perchance the days of antichrist will surprise you” — Palladius of Galatia, The Lausiac History. Note: The elder Melania urged Roman senatorial families to renounce wealth, saying the 'last hour' had been written 400 years before and the days of antichrist might surprise them. [1 John 2:18]

15.44. Augustine of Hippo: Rebukes date-setting

“The Gospel then says, Of that day and hour knoweth no man; but you say, That neither the month nor the year of His coming can be known. This exactness of yours up to this point seems as if you meant that the year could not be known, but that the week or the decade of years might be known” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine rebukes a correspondent who allows that the year of Christ's coming cannot be known but supposes the decade might be, since the Gospel allows no one to fix it. [Matthew 24:36]

15.45. Augustine of Hippo: Six-thousand-year computations rebuked

“A man makes as it were a calculation with himself: "Lo, so many years have passed since Adam, and the six thousand years are being completed, and then immediately according to the computation of certain expositors, the Day of Judgment will come;" … Hear the Lord Himself, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Lord hath put in His own power."” — Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament (part 1 of 2). Note: Augustine mentions the calculation that six thousand years since Adam are being completed and the Judgment is near, and answers that Christ will come unexpectedly and the times are not for us to know. [Matthew 25:6; Acts 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:2]

15.46. Augustine of Hippo: The 'last hour' is long

“This same last hour is long; yet it is the last. For he has put "hour" for "the last time;" because it is in the last times that our Lord Jesus Christ is to come. But some will say, How the last times? how the last hour? Certainly antichrist will first come, and then will come the day of judgment. … Could it have many antichrists, except it were "the last hour"?” — Augustine of Hippo, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John. Note: Augustine says John's 'last hour' is a long one, and that the presence of many antichrists is what proves it is the last hour, even though the Antichrist is still to come. [1 John 2:18]

15.47. Augustine of Hippo: Unparalleled tribulation under Antichrist

“In the end of the world there shall be in the time of Antichrist tribulation such as has never before been.” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine states that in the time of Antichrist there will be tribulation such as has never been before, testing the works built on Christ the foundation. [Matthew 24:21; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15]

15.48. Augustine of Hippo: Wonders seduce those who deserve it

“Why they are called signs and lying wonders, we shall then be more likely to know when the time itself arrives. But whatever be the reason of the name, they shall be such signs and wonders as shall seduce those who shall deserve to be seduced” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine says the reason for the name can be known only when the time comes, but the wonders will seduce those who did not receive the love of the truth. [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12]

15.49. Testament of Our Lord: Son of Perdition boasts and works signs

“Then shall come the Son of Perdition, the Adversary, who boasteth and exalteth himself, working many signs and miracles, that he may deceive the whole earth, and overcome the innocent, My holy ones. Blessed are they who endure in those days. But woe to those who are deceived.” — Testament of Our Lord, The Testament of Our Lord (Cooper and Maclean translation); scanned text. Note: The Son of Perdition boasts, works signs to deceive the whole earth, and attacks the holy; blessing is on those who endure. [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10]

15.50. Gennadius of Massilia: Chronicle silences guesses about Antichrist's advent

“It shuts the mouths of those who, on some daring guess, idly philosophize concerning the advent of Antichrist, or of our Lord.” — Gennadius of Massilia, Lives of Illustrious Men. Note: Gennadius says the Chronicle of James, bishop of Nisibis, built only on Scripture, silences those who guess idly about the coming of Antichrist or of the Lord.

15.51. Joshua the Stylite: End not before the false Christ

“we remembered too the words of S. Paul, wherewith he warned the Thessalonians concerning the coming of our Lord, saying that they should not be astonished either by word, or by spirit, or by beguiling epistle, as if it were from him, declaring the day of the Lord to be now come; and (how) he showed that it is not possible that the end should be until the false Christ is revealed.” — Joshua the Stylite, Chronicle composed in Syriac in A.D.507. Note: Joshua the Stylite, amid wars, plague and Persian invasion in AD 502-3, argues from 2 Thessalonians that the end cannot come before the false Christ appears. [Matthew 24:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3]

15.52. Gregory the Great: Elect tempted by his signs

“those who are chosen to remain firm are to be tempted to fall by the signs of the preachers of Antichrist.” — Gregory the Great, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Mark (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Gregory says the Lord's 'if it were possible' expresses the elect's trembling: they will be tempted to fall by the signs of Antichrist's preachers. [Mark 13:22]

15.53. Gregory the Great: Wonders draw the carnal

“When then Antichrist shall have wrought wonderful prodigies before the eyes of the carnal, he shall draw men after him, all such as delight in present goods, surrendering themselves irrevocably to his sway” — Gregory the Great, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Gregory says Antichrist's prodigies will draw the carnal, those who delight in present goods, irrevocably under his rule. [Matthew 24:24]

15.54. Gregory the Great: Preachers of Antichrist give great signs

“And Truth itself says in the Gospel concerning the preachers of Antichrist: "They will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead into error, if it be possible, even the elect.” — Gregory the Great, Homilies on Ezekiel. Note: Gregory refers Christ's warning of false prophets giving signs and wonders to the preachers of Antichrist. [Matthew 24:24]

15.55. Gregory the Great: The elect will be tempted but not fall

“Therefore this doubt in the Lord's speech was a designation of temptation from the hearts of the elect, because those who are elect unto persisting will be tempted unto falling through the signs of Antichrist's preachers.” — Gregory the Great, Homilies on Ezekiel. Note: Gregory explains 'if it were possible' to mean that the elect will be tempted and tremble through the signs of Antichrist's preachers, yet will not fall. [Matthew 24:24]

15.56. Gregory the Great: Antichrist near: let him find nothing of his in titles

“And because Antichrist, the enemy of God, is near at hand, I studiously desire the he may not find anything belonging. to himself, not only in the manners, but even in the titles of priests.” — Gregory the Great, Register of Epistles (part 1 of 2). Note: Gregory writes that because Antichrist is near, he wants him to find nothing of his own among priests, in manners or titles. [1 Thessalonians 5:2]

15.57. Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun: Dates unknown; repentance spares

“nobody knows the disposition of dates nor their vicissitudes, except the Creator alone, but if the Christians repent and give up their ill deeds, fulfil the canons of the church and maintain them with vigilance and uprightness before God, then God will spare them these sorrows” — Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, The Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun. Note: Samuel says no one knows the dates; repentance and keeping the church's canons could spare the Christians the Ishmaelite affliction. [Acts 1:7]

15.58. Bede: Date-setters and false Christs rejected

“there arose some who, calculating the courses of ages, would say they had found the certain year, day, and hour of the end of the world, against the authority of the Lord saying: It is not for you to know the times or the moments (Acts I). As for the person, because many heretics came against the Church, and many will come, who assert themselves to be Christs, the first of whom is Simon Magus, and the last, greater than others, is the Antichrist.” — Bede, Commentary on Luke (part 2 of 2). Note: Bede says some calculate the year, day and hour of the end against the Lord's word, and that many heretics claim to be Christ, the first being Simon Magus and the last, greatest, Antichrist. [Luke 17:23; Acts 1:7]

15.59. Bede: Early heresiarchs said the day was at hand

“Many in the Church, even in the times of the apostles, arose as heresiarchs who, among numerous other things contrary to the truth, preached that the day of the Lord was at hand. Whom the Apostle condemns in the letter to the Thessalonians. Many in the name of Christ came as Antichrists, the first of whom was Simon the Magician” — Bede, Commentary on Luke (part 2 of 2). Note: Bede says even in the apostles' day heresiarchs preached that the day of the Lord was at hand, and many came as antichrists, the first being Simon the Magician. [Luke 21:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:2]

15.60. Bede: Signs at the end: whose side is unclear

“When at the end of the world there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning (Matt. 24), very great signs will also clearly appear. But whether from the side of the good, or from the side of the wicked, or from both sides converging towards each other, it is not made sufficiently clear here.” — Bede, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Bede says that in the final tribulation great signs will appear, but Revelation does not make clear whether they come from the good, the wicked or both, as with Moses and Pharaoh's magicians. [Revelation 16:18; Exodus 7:11]

15.61. Severus of al-Ashmunein: Judas computes Antichrist's date

“Then a Jewish scribe, named Judas , who had read in the book of the Visions of Daniel, in the tenth year of the reign of Severus, explained the years and dates mystically up to the epoch of Antichrist, on a system of his own, and declared that the time was at hand, on account of the deeds of Severus, the hostile prince.” — Severus of al-Ashmunein, History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church of Alexandria (part 1 of 2). Note: A Judas computed Daniel's years in AD 202 and declared Antichrist's time at hand, on account of the emperor Severus. [Daniel 9:24-27]

15.62. Theophylact: Do not submit to save your life

“Let no man in the persecutions of Antichrist seek to secure his life, for he shall lose it, but whoso shall expose himself to trials and death shall be safe, never submitting himself to the tyrant from his love of life.” — Theophylact, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Theophylact applies 'whoever seeks to save his life shall lose it' to Antichrist's persecution: believers must not submit to the tyrant to save their lives. [Luke 17:33]

15.63. Theophylact: Pray in the last days

“After having taught us that we must in the last days resort to prayer because of the dangers that are coming, our Lord adds, Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” — Theophylact, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Theophylact says the parable teaches prayer in the last days because of coming dangers, followed by the question of faith at Christ's return. [Luke 18:7-8]

15.64. Dionysius bar Salibi: Editor: public prayer suppressed

“in the latter days of the world the Church shall suffer persecution for three years and a half, which period he identifies with the 'half-week' foretold by Daniel (ix. 27); and the 'sacrifice caused to cease in the midst of the week,' signifies accordingly the suppression of the public prayers of the Church by the tyranny of Antichrist” — Dionysius bar Salibi, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Editor Gwynn summarises Bar Salibi: three and a half years of persecution, the cessation of public prayer under Antichrist, who is the little horn. [Revelation 11:2; Daniel 9:27]

15.65. Solomon of Basra: Ends prayers and offerings

“He will put an end to prayers and offerings, as if at his appearance prayers are to be abolished and men will not need sacrifices and offerings along with him.” — Solomon of Basra, The Book of the Bee (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: He abolishes prayers and offerings on the pretext that his presence makes them unnecessary. [Daniel 9:27]

15.66. Kebra Nagast: Ethiopia holds faith against False Christ

“And one answered and said unto the Worker of Wonders (i.e. Gregory), "Now when Samályál cometh, who is the False Christ (Antichrist), will the faith of the people of Ethiopia be destroyed by his attack?" And Gregory answered and said, "Assuredly not. Hath not David prophesied saying, 'Ethiopia shall make her hands come to God?'” — Kebra Nagast, The Queen of Sheba and her only son Menyelek: the Kebra Nagast (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: In the Kebra Nagast Gregory says the faith of Ethiopia will survive the False Christ, named Samályál, on the strength of Psalm 68:31. [Psalm 68:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3]

15.67. Kebra Nagast: Ethiopia orthodox till the end

“[Ethiopia] shall continue in the orthodox faith until the coming of our Lord, and she shall in no way turn aside from the word of the Apostles, and it shall be so even as we have ordered until the end of the world.” — Kebra Nagast, The Queen of Sheba and her only son Menyelek: the Kebra Nagast (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: Gregory predicts Ethiopia will remain orthodox until Christ's coming.

15.68. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Elect kept in Antichrist's time

“and finally, in the time of Antichrist, when, if it were possible, the very elect should perish; but because they are elect they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of His hand.” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 1 (Psalms 1–38) (part 1 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers list Antichrist's time among God's keeping His people as the apple of His eye: even then the elect cannot perish. [Psalm 17:8; Matthew 24:24]

16. What did the Fathers say about the Jews and Antichrist?

This chapter records one of the most uncomfortable parts of the tradition and does not soften it. The Fathers expect Antichrist to win the Jews by presenting himself as the Messiah, to rebuild the temple, to be received by them, and in several texts to persecute the Church with their help. They also expect Elijah to bring Israel to faith before the end. Both ideas became part of the stock of later Christian anti-Jewish teaching, and the first was used to justify centuries of hatred and violence. The Fathers wrote about a figure in the future; they did not write a verdict on the Jews of any age, and Paul says plainly that “all Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:26). Jewish readers and many Christian scholars reject the picture in these sources.

In this chapter

This question draws on 91 quotations from 30 voices. 52 of them are printed in full below, at the end of the chapter, because their main concern is this question; the other 39 belong chiefly to other questions and are listed here by number.

A Messiah-figure for Israel: David’s heir, circumcision, the temple (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Cyril of Jerusalem, Victorinus, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Gregory of Tours)

The setting of the Fathers’ Antichrist is Jewish by design. Irenaeus has him move his kingdom to Jerusalem and sit in the temple as if he were Christ. Hippolytus says he will gather the dispersion of Israel, promising to restore their land and kingdom, so as to be worshipped as God. Cyril says he comes as the descendant of David who will rebuild Solomon’s temple. Victorinus and Gregory of Tours have him call people to circumcision. The pseudo-Hippolytan sermon has him begin gentle and favour the Jews and hand the temple to them.

“Another shall come in his own name”: the Jews will receive him (Hilary, Chrysostom, Augustine, Cyril of Alexandria, Jerome, Gregory the Great, Bede, John of Damascus, Alcuin)

The texts behind this are John 5:43 (“if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive”) and 2 Thessalonians 2:11. From Hilary onward the Fathers read the first as a prophecy that the Jews will accept Antichrist. Augustine connects it to the carnal people of Israel, expecting a visible kingdom. Cyril of Alexandria cites Paul’s “son of transgression”. Jerome says they are being made ready for his advent. Gregory the Great and Bede describe them as looking for Antichrist instead of Christ. John of Damascus and Alcuin repeat it, Alcuin calling it a fitting punishment that those who refused the Truth should believe a lie.

Elijah brings Israel to faith first (Augustine, Chrysostom, Gregory the Great, John of Damascus, Bede, Durandus)

The opposite expectation is equally old. Augustine calls it a familiar belief that before the judgment the Jews will believe through Elias. Chrysostom says Elias himself will come and correct the unbelief of the Jews of that time. Gregory the Great says that as Antichrist draws near, many unbelievers are converted and a remnant of Israel is saved. John of Damascus has Enoch and Elijah sent to turn the synagogue to Christ. Durandus says believing Gentiles and repentant Jews will be one in faith before Antichrist’s tribulation.

A divided Israel, and a persecuted remnant (Hippolytus, Gregory the Great, Bede, Hilary, Commodian)

Several writers expect Israel to split. Gregory the Great says Jews who come to faith will suffer grievous persecution in Antichrist’s time, partly from unbelieving Jews. Bede says that in the final persecution evil Jews will deceive and be deceived while others, taught by Elijah, convert. Hippolytus predicts that the Jews will turn to Antichrist for vengeance against Christians. Commodian expects Christ to come to a hidden remnant of Israel’s lost tribes who will return with him against the wicked king.

A different expectation: no restored Jewish worship (Eusebius, Chrysostom, Augustine)

Not all the Fathers expect a rebuilt temple or a Jewish Antichrist. Eusebius reads the desolation of Jerusalem as final: it will not be set up again nor its legal rites restored, so no one should expect a restoration. Chrysostom and Augustine place the abomination of desolation in Roman history. Augustine also rejects Ambrose’s reading of the kid in the parable of the prodigal as Antichrist.

The Scripture behind it

The Scripture on which the Fathers drew for this question is set out here in the King James text.

Another shall come in his own name (John 5:43–44)

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? [John 5:43-44]

The man of sin (2 Thess 2:1–17)

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth 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: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure … [2 Thessalonians 2:1-17]

Elijah the prophet (Mal 4:5–6)

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. [Malachi 4:5-6]

The sealed tribes (Rev 7:4–8)

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. [Revelation 7:4-8]

The two witnesses and the beast from the pit (Rev 11:1–13)

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in … [Revelation 11:1-13]

Dan, a serpent by the way (Gen 49:16–18)

Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. [Genesis 49:16-18]

Also relevant: quotations printed under other questions

Irenaeus of Lyons, Unjust judge; kingdom moved to Jerusalem (2.4); Irenaeus of Lyons, From the tribe of Dan (2.5); Hippolytus of Rome, Rebuilds Jerusalem; taken for Christ (6.11); Hippolytus of Rome, Two abominations: Antiochus and Antichrist (6.12); Hippolytus of Rome, Proclaimed king; 1290 and 1335 days (2.8); Hippolytus of Rome, Dan, the lion's whelp (2.9); Hippolytus of Rome, Samson partial, Antichrist full (2.11); Hippolytus of Rome, Rome's beast; Jewish kingdom raised (2.12); Hippolytus of Rome, Gathers the dispersion of Israel (2.13); Hippolytus of Rome, Unjust judge and widow Jerusalem (6.14); Hippolytus of Rome, Imitates Christ point by point (6.16); Hippolytus of Rome, Matthew 24: Antichrist, not AD 70 (6.18); Hippolytus of Rome, Siege of Vespasian does not fit (6.19); Hippolytus of Rome, Devil works in him; Jerusalem (6.22); Commodian, Hidden tribes return with Christ (9.13); Victorinus of Pettau, Nero raised up, received as Christ (2.20); Eusebius of Caesarea, No restoration of the temple (6.28); Eusebius of Caesarea, Abomination remains until the end (6.30); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Born of Dan, not Judah (2.24); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Longer list of imitations (6.31); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Builds the temple, then blasphemes (6.32); Hilary of Poitiers, Abomination = Antichrist in the holy place (6.34); Cyril of Jerusalem, Jewish temple, not the Church (6.36); John Chrysostom, Elias himself corrects Jewish unbelief (9.30); Sulpicius Severus, Nero destroyed by Antichrist (2.30); Augustine of Hippo, Antichrist honours his own name (13.29); Augustine of Hippo, Elias converts the Jews (9.34); Gregory the Great, Converted Jews persecuted in his time (9.40); Gregory the Great, Elias strengthens faithful; Israel converts (9.42); Bede, Enoch and Elijah convert many Jews (9.44); Bede, Jews humbled; some convert through Elijah (9.47); Bede, Jews await Antichrist as their savior (2.49); John of Damascus, Temple is the Jewish temple (6.57); John of Damascus, Enoch and Elijah turn synagogue (9.49); Rabanus, Enoch and Elijah versus Antichrist's spirit (9.51); Remigius, Enoch and Elias preach to Israel (9.52); Thomas Aquinas, Jews believe at Enoch and Elijah (9.55); Durandus, Gentiles and Jews one before him (9.56); Kebra Nagast, Enoch and Elias come to testify (9.57).

The quotations

The quotations that follow are in order of date, from the earliest writers to the latest. Each is word for word from the translation named after it. The short note is ours, and says only what the passage claims.

16.1. Sibylline Oracles: He leads many astray but perfects nothing

“But nothing to perfection will he bring, / But many mortals he will lead astray, / Elect and faithful Hebrews; also men / Without law, such as never heard God's word.” — Sibylline Oracles, The Sibylline Oracles (Terry translation); scanned text. Note: His wonders are never perfected, yet he leads many astray, both Hebrews and Gentiles.

16.2. Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: Beliar cast into fire for ever

“And there shall be there no spirit of deceit of 'Beliar', For he shall be cast into the fire for ever.” — Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (Charles translation); scanned text. Note: In the final restoration the spirit of Beliar's deceit is gone, he being cast into the fire for ever. [Revelation 20:10]

16.3. Hippolytus of Rome: Little horn restores Judah's kingdom

“by which none other is meant than the antichrist that is to rise; and he shall set up the kingdom of Judah. And in saying that "three horns" were "plucked up by the roots" by this one, he indicates the three kings of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia, whom this one will slay in the array of war.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Fragments - Exegetical. Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. Note: In the Daniel commentary too, the little horn is Antichrist, who sets up the kingdom of Judah and slays the kings of Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia. [Daniel 7:8,24]

16.4. Hippolytus of Rome: Jews rally against the saints

“At all times they showed themselves enemies and betrayers of the truth, and were found to be haters of God, and not lovers of Him; and such they shall be then when they find opportunity: for, rousing themselves against the servants of God, they will seek to obtain vengeance by the hand of a mortal man. And he, being puffed up with pride by their subserviency, will begin to despatch missives against the saints” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Hippolytus predicts that the Jews, rejecting the true Saviour, will turn to Antichrist for vengeance against Christians, and he will then send out edicts against the saints. [Isaiah 18:1-2; Deuteronomy 32:34-35]

16.5. Commodian: Latin conqueror says 'I am Christ'

“Then the whore Babylon, being reduced to ashes, its embers shall thence advance to Jerusalem; and the Latin conqueror shall then say, I am Christ, whom ye always pray to; and, indeed, the original ones who were deceived combine to praise him. He does many wonders, since his is the false prophet. Especially that they may believe him, his image shall speak.” — Commodian, On Christian Discipline. Note: After Babylon (Rome) is burned, a Latin conqueror in Jerusalem claims to be Christ, works wonders with a false prophet and a speaking image, and is praised by those deceived. [Revelation 13:13-15; Revelation 18]

16.6. Commodian: The Jews cry out they were deceived

“The Jews, recapitulating Scriptures from him, exclaim at the same time to the Highest that they have been deceived.” — Commodian, The Instructions of Commodianus in Favour of Christian Discipline. Note: Commodianus says the Jews, recalling Scripture, cry out that they were deceived.

16.7. Victorinus of Pettau: 'Synagogue of Satan' gathered by Antichrist

“they deny the blasphemy of the Jews, who say that they are Jews and are not; but they are the synagogue of Satan, since they are gathered together by Antichrist” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: The 'synagogue of Satan' in Smyrna is described as those gathered together by Antichrist. [Revelation 2:9]

16.8. Victorinus of Pettau: Calls to circumcision; rises from hell

“Finally, also, he will recall the saints, not to the worship of idols, but to undertake circumcision, and, if he is able, to seduce any; for he shall so conduct himself as to be called Christ by them. But that he rises again from hell, we have said above in the word of Isaiah” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: Antichrist (Nero redivivus) will call believers not to idols but to circumcision, so as to be called Christ, and rises again from hell. [Daniel 11:37; Revelation 17:8]

16.9. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Roman fourth beast; Antichrist restores Judah

“the kingdom of the Romans, which also is meant by the iron, by which it will crush all the seats of empire that were before it, and will lord it over the whole earth? … And by this offshoot horn none other is signified than the Antichrist that is to restore the kingdom of the Jews. And the three horns which are to be rooted out by it signify three kings, namely those of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: The fourth beast is Rome with ten kings; the little horn is Antichrist who restores the Jewish kingdom after uprooting the kings of Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia. [Daniel 7:7-8,24]

16.10. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Begins gentle, pious, loves the Jews

“Above all, moreover, he will love the nation of the Jews. … But in his first steps he will be gentle, loveable, quiet, pious, pacific, hating injustice, detesting gifts, not allowing idolatry; loving, says he, the Scriptures, reverencing priests, honouring his elders, repudiating fornication” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Antichrist will begin as a gentle, pious, apparently righteous ruler, especially favouring the Jewish nation. [Matthew 24:24; Daniel 11]

16.11. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Virtue as route to throne

“And all this he will do corruptly and deceitfully, and with the purpose of deluding all to make him king. For when the peoples and tribes see so great virtues and so great powers in him, they will all with one mind meet together to make him king.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: His apparent virtues are a deception aimed at winning kingship, and peoples will unite to enthrone him, the Jews especially.

16.12. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Son of perdition judged and condemned

“Then shall the son of perdition be brought forward, to wit, the accuser, with his demons and with his servants, by angels stern and inexorable. And they shall be given over to the fire that is never quenched, and to the worm that never sleepeth, and to the outer darkness.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: At the judgment Antichrist, the accuser, is handed with his demons and servants to unquenchable fire. [Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 25:41]

16.13. Hilary of Poitiers: Jews will believe a lie

“And because this error will be peculiar to the Jews, that having rejected the truth they should adopt a lie, He warns them to leave Judæa, and flee to the mountains, that no pollution or infection might be gathered by admixture with a people who should believe on Antichrist.” — Hilary of Poitiers, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Hilary says the Lord tells the faithful to flee Judaea lest they be contaminated by a people who will believe in Antichrist. [Matthew 24:16]

16.14. Hilary of Poitiers: Antichrist the Synagogue's branch

“The Synagogue is likened to the fig tree; its branch is Antichrist, the son of the Devil, the portion of sin, the maintainer of the law; when this shall begin to swell and to put forth leaves, then summer is nigh, i. e. the approach of the day of judgment shall be perceived.” — Hilary of Poitiers, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Hilary reads the fig tree as the Synagogue and its branch as Antichrist, son of the Devil, whose budding signals the nearness of judgment. [Matthew 24:32]

16.15. Hilary of Poitiers: Barabbas prefigures Antichrist

“At the desire of the Priests the populace chose Barabbas, which is interpreted 'the son of a Father,' thus shadowing forth the unbelief to come when Antichrist the son of sin should be preferred to Christ.” — Hilary of Poitiers, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Hilary sees in the choice of Barabbas, 'son of a Father', a foreshadowing of the future unbelief in which Antichrist, son of sin, is preferred to Christ. [Matthew 27:16-17]

16.16. Hilary of Poitiers: They receive Antichrist, not Christ

“they receive Antichrist, and Himself they will not receive” — Hilary of Poitiers, On the Trinity (part 2 of 2). Note: Hilary notes that Christ's reproach to those who reject Him while accepting another coming in the same name concerns receiving Antichrist. [John 5:43]

16.17. Ambrose of Milan: Man of sin as synagogue's leaves

“Or, when the man of sin shall clothe himself in his light and fickle boasting as it were the leaves of the synagogue, we must then suppose the judgment to be drawing near.” — Ambrose of Milan, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Ambrose says the leafing of the fig tree may signify the man of sin clothing himself in boasting like synagogue leaves, a sign of nearing judgment. [Luke 21:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3]

16.18. John Chrysostom: Proclaims himself God

“If it was the love of God that made you persecute me, you would persecute Antichrist much more: for he does not profess to be sent by the Father, or to come according to His will; but, on the contrary, usurping what does not belong to him, will proclaim himself to be God over all.” — John Chrysostom, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. John, part 1 (chapters 1–10) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Chrysostom says Antichrist will not claim a sending by the Father but will usurp divine honour and proclaim himself God over all. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]

16.19. John Chrysostom: Jews will fall to Antichrist

“For even now the Jews say, that another will come; and having deprived themselves of Him that is will fall into the hands of Antichrist.” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews. Note: Chrysostom says the Jews, awaiting another Messiah, will fall into the hands of Antichrist. [Hebrews 13:8]

16.20. John Chrysostom: He comes in his own name

“He alludeth here to Antichrist, andputteth an incontrovertible proof of their unfairness … For he will neither say that he is sent by the Father, nor that he cometh according to his will, but in everything contrariwise, seizing like a tyrant what belongeth not to him, and asserting that he is the very God over all, as Paul saith, `Exalting himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, showing himself that he is God.' (2 Thess. ii. 4. This is to `come in his own name.'” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on John (part 1 of 2). Note: Christ's 'another shall come in his own name' refers to Antichrist, who will claim to be God over all and seize what is not his, unlike Christ who came in the Father's name. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]

16.21. John Chrysostom: Rejecters of Christ will receive him

“For when they received not One who asserteth that He was sent by God, and are about to worship one who knoweth Him not, and who saith that he is God over all, it is clear that their persecution proceeded from malice and from hating God … Now Paul speaking concerning Antichrist said prophetically, that "God shall send them strong delusion,-that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on John (part 1 of 2). Note: Chrysostom argues that those who rejected Christ and will worship one who knows not God show hatred of God; Paul says God sends strong delusion on those who believed not the truth. [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12]

16.22. Jerome: Jews will support Antichrist

“the next, which will support the Antichrist in place of Christ” — Jerome, Commentary on Ecclesiastes. Note: In his Ecclesiastes commentary, Jerome reads two nations of Israel: the first before Christ, and the latter which will support Antichrist in place of Christ and in the end not rejoice in Christ. [Ecclesiastes 4:13-16]

16.23. Jerome: Jews made ready for antichrist

“as they do not believe in the Lord's resurrection they are being made ready for the advent of antichrist” — Jerome, Letters (part 1 of 3). Note: Jerome says the Jews, because they do not believe in the Lord's resurrection, are being made ready for the advent of antichrist.

16.24. Augustine of Hippo: Jews expect an Antichrist

“And now even at the present time Christ saith by the Gospel, I am He, and an Antichrist is expected by the Jews: to the end that they may go backward, and fall to the ground; because that forsaking heavenly, they desire earthly things.” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. John, part 2 (chapters 11–21) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine says that when Christ says 'I am He', the Jews, who expect an Antichrist, go backward and fall, because they prefer earthly things. [John 18:6]

16.25. Augustine of Hippo: Augustine doubts that reading

“But I do not see the object of this interpretation, for it is very absurd for him to whom it is afterwards said, Thou art ever with me, to have wished for this from his father, i. e. to believe in Antichrist.” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine rejects Ambrose's reading that the kid stands for Antichrist: the elder son, always with the father, cannot be one who longs to believe in him. [Luke 15:29]

16.26. Augustine of Hippo: Jews first to receive him

“For if they are the first and foremost to receive Antichrist, that same people may rather be said to cause than to suffer tribulation.” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Mark (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine holds that the unrepeatable tribulation spoken of fits Jerusalem's siege, since the Jews, who will first receive Antichrist, will inflict rather than suffer it in his day. [Mark 13:19; Matthew 24:21]

16.27. Augustine of Hippo: The Jews will receive 'another' in his own name

“But when the Jews suppose that that prophecy belongeth to their visible kingdom, because they know not how to rejoice in the hope of good things unseen, they are about to rush into the snares of him, of whom the Lord saith, "I am come in My Father's Name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. Of whom the Apostle Paul saith: "that Man of Sin shall be revealed, the son of perdition," etc. … Thus they will believe a lie, because they have not received the love of truth” — Augustine of Hippo, On the Psalms (part 3 of 4). Note: Augustine connects John 5:43 and 2 Thessalonians 2: the carnal people of Israel, expecting a visible kingdom, will take the man of sin to fulfil Psalm 106, believing a lie. [Psalm 106:47; John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-11]

16.28. Augustine of Hippo: Seeks his own glory; the Jews receive him

“This will be he who is called Antichrist,'exalting himself," as the apostle says, "above all that is called God, and that is worshipped. … He intimated that they would receive Antichrist, who will seek the glory of his own name, puffed up, not solid” — Augustine of Hippo, Tractates on John (part 1 of 3). Note: Augustine identifies the one who comes 'in his own name' with Antichrist, who exalts himself and seeks his own glory, and whom the Jews will receive. [John 7:18; John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]

16.29. Cyril of Alexandria: Another in his own name: the son of transgression

“but ye will surely receive (for as God, I know things to come) the falsely-called, who does not offer the glory to God the Father, and demands credence from you, yet works in his own name. Whence I suppose the blessed Paul too, having understanding, says something true concerning the Jews and the son of transgression” — Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John (part 1 of 4). Note: Cyril takes Christ's 'another who shall come in his own name' as a prediction of the falsely-called one whom the Jews will receive, citing Paul's 'son of transgression' and the working of error. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11]

16.30. Cyril of Alexandria: Jews attach themselves to Antichrist

“God will send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe the lie; and he says that the antichrist is the working of error, to whom the Jews, having attached themselves, will be condemned.” — Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Twelve Minor Prophets (part 3 of 3). Note: Cyril, on Zechariah 11, says Paul teaches that Antichrist is the working of error, to whom the unbelieving Jews will attach themselves and be condemned. [Zechariah 11:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:11]

16.31. Cyril of Alexandria: The worthless shepherd is Antichrist

“Having made a very sufficient narrative concerning, I say, the good shepherd, that is Christ, and moreover concerning the worthless and most cruel shepherd who devours the sheep; and this we say is the antichrist” — Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Twelve Minor Prophets (part 3 of 3). Note: Cyril identifies the worthless, cruel shepherd of Zechariah 11 who devours the sheep as Antichrist, set against Christ the good shepherd. [Zechariah 11:15-17]

16.32. Philoxenus of Mabbug: Jews await the lying Christ

“Now the Jews say, 'This Christ Who came, and Whom the Christians worship, was a deceiver and a liar, and being a man He made Himself out to be God, that is to say, the true Christ; and while looking for the lying Christ, that is Antichrist, they will say that He is about to come.” — Philoxenus of Mabbug, 13 Ascetic Discourses (part 2 of 2). Note: Philoxenus reports the Jewish view that Jesus was a deceiver, and that they await the 'lying Christ', Antichrist. [John 5:43]

16.33. Gregory the Great: Antichrist proven not to be God

“the Jews are struck by these individual words, who, while they despise the Redeemer, await the Antichrist, who is clearly proven not to be God. Hence it is also said through blessed Job: "Let the companions of him who is not dwell in his tent" (Job 18:15). The tent of the Antichrist is the love of faithlessness, by which he contradicts the faith of the Redeemer.” — Gregory the Great, Commentary on 1 Kings (part 1 of 2). Note: Gregory says the Jews who despise the Redeemer await Antichrist, who is clearly not God, and that his 'tent' is the love of unbelief contradicting faith in the Redeemer. [Job 18:15]

16.34. Gregory the Great: Jewish believers persecuted by unbelieving Jews

“because in the last days, when Judea shall have believed, she will experience the most grievous persecutions in the time of Antichrist, so that the ministers of iniquity will not receive his preaching, but by resisting will press it down with the bonds of sorrows. And he does not go out into their midst, because preaching does not reach the hearts of the wicked, while the tongue of the good, bound by tribulations, is silent. For there will be at that time many of the unbelieving Jews who will persecute those very ones from among the Jews who shall have believed.” — Gregory the Great, Homilies on Ezekiel. Note: Gregory expects that the Jews who come to faith will suffer grievous persecution in Antichrist's time, partly from the unbelieving Jews who persecute them. [Revelation 11:2; Ezekiel 3:25-26]

16.35. Gregory the Great: Chief of all hypocrites

“In that, then, which is said, Who maketh a man that is a hypocrite to reign for the sins of the people, may be designated Antichrist, the very chief of all hypocrites. For that seducer then pretends to sanctity, that he may draw men away to iniquity.” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 3 of 5). Note: Gregory takes the hypocrite made to reign in Job 34 to mean Antichrist, the chief of hypocrites, who feigns holiness to draw men to iniquity and reigns because of the people's sins. [Job 34:30; John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11]

16.36. Gregory the Great: Permitted to rule unbelieving Jews

“the Lord makes the evening star to rise over the sons of earth, because He permits Antichrist to hold sway over the unbelieving hearts of the Jews, as their desert demands.” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory says the Lord permits Antichrist to hold sway over the unbelieving hearts of the Jews as their desert demands, because they chose earthly things. [Job 38:32]

16.37. Gregory the Great: Synagogue prepares for Antichrist

“But the wounds, which it inflicted on the faithful at the coming of the Redeemer, are much less than those with which it still aims to smite the Church, by the coming of Antichrist.” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory says the synagogue's wounds to the Church at Christ's coming are far less than those it plans to inflict by the coming of Antichrist. [Job 39:17]

16.38. Gregory the Great: Jews believe the man of lies to be God

“For being changed into the limbs of the devil, and believing the man of lies to be God, it exalts itself the higher against the faithful” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory says the synagogue, becoming limbs of the devil and believing the man of lies to be God, will exalt itself against the faithful. [Job 39:18]

16.39. Gregory the Great: Judaea awaits Antichrist instead of Christ

“And because Judaea, entangled with the snares of its own error, is looking for Antichrist, instead of Christ, Jacob, in the same passage, rightly turned round suddenly in the language of the Elect” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory says Judaea, entangled in error, looks for Antichrist instead of Christ, and that Jacob's 'I will wait for Thy salvation' is the elect refusing to believe in him. [Genesis 49:18]

16.40. Miscellaneous Coptic Texts: Antichrist = denier of the incarnation

“And is it not written, "He who doth not confess that Jesus the Christ hath come in the flesh is a deceiver and an Antichrist, like thyself"? And again, "Whosoever shall come unto thee, and bring a doctrine that is different from thine, receive him not into thy house, neither say unto him, Hail!” — Miscellaneous Coptic Texts, Miscellaneous Coptic Texts in the Dialect of Upper Egypt (Budge translation) (part 1 of 2); scanned text. Note: Cyril's Theotokos discourse applies John's 'deceiver and antichrist' to a heretical opponent and forbids receiving those with different doctrine. [1 John 4:3; 2 John 7; 1 John 2:19]

16.41. Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel: Gathers Jews to Jerusalem

“Being a child, he will reign in order to do much evil. He will order all the Jews which are in all places to gather in Jerusalem.” — Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel, The Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel. Note: This final king commands all Jews everywhere to assemble in Jerusalem.

16.42. Bede: Jews wait for Antichrist

“But the Jews prefer not to receive Christ, but to wait for Antichrist; for they desire to be delivered not from the dominion of sin within, but from the yoke of man's bondage without.” — Bede, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 1 (chapters 1–10) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Bede says the Jews prefer waiting for Antichrist, because they seek deliverance from outward bondage and not from sin. [Luke 1:77]

16.43. Bede: Three kinds of denial

“This denial is proper to the Jews, that they say Jesus is not the Christ. But even heretics who wrongly believe about Christ deny Jesus is the Christ, because they do not think rightly about Christ; nor do they confess him as such as divine truth teaches, but as their vanity invents. Wicked Catholics also who despise obeying the commands of Christ deny Jesus is the Christ” — Bede, Bede's Commentary on the Catholic Epistles. Note: Bede says three groups deny that Jesus is the Christ: the Jews, heretics who think wrongly of Christ, and wicked Catholics who disobey His commands. [1 John 2:22]

16.44. Bede: Comes in his own name, calls himself Son of God

“The Antichrist will come in his own name, who, although the most wicked of all men and full of the devil as his companion, will not disdain to call himself the Son of God” — Bede, Bede's Genuine Homilies. Note: Bede says Antichrist will come in his own name and, though the worst of men, will call himself the Son of God, exalting himself above all that is called God. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]

16.45. Bede: Witch's calf as Antichrist's birth and reign

“express the birth and reign of the Antichrist, and the breaking of the hearts of those who serve him with foolish humility” — Bede, Commentary on Samuel. Note: Bede takes the calf and bread the medium of Endor served to Saul as an image of the birth and reign of Antichrist, offered by the synagogue of Satan to its hearers. [1 Samuel 28:24]

16.46. John of Damascus: Gospel to all nations first

“First, then, it is requisite that the Gospel should be preached among all nations, as the Lord said , and then he will come to refute the impious Jews.” — John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Note: The Gospel must first reach all nations; then Antichrist comes to confront the unbelieving Jews. [Matthew 24:14; John 5:43]

16.47. John of Damascus: Jews receive the impostor

“The Jews accordingly did not receive the Lord Jesus Christ who was the Son of God and God, but receive the impostor who calls himself God .” — John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Note: John says the Jews who rejected Christ will receive the impostor who names himself God. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12]

16.48. Alcuin: Comes in his own name

“But Antichrist will come not in the Father's name, but in his own, to seek, not the Father's glory, but his own.” — Alcuin, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. John, part 1 (chapters 1–10) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Alcuin takes 'another shall come in his own name' as Antichrist, who seeks his own glory rather than the Father's. [John 5:43]

16.49. Alcuin: Rejected Truth, receive a lie

“was a fit punishment on them, that they should receive Antichrist, and believe a lie, as they would not believe the Truth.” — Alcuin, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. John, part 1 (chapters 1–10) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Alcuin says it was a fitting punishment that the Jews, who refused the Truth, should receive Antichrist and believe a lie. [John 5:43; 2 Thessalonians 2:11]

16.50. Solomon of Basra: Jews and Indians accept him

“before all the Indians and before all men will the mad Jewish nation believe in him, saying, 'This is the Christ, the expectation of the world.” — Solomon of Basra, The Book of the Bee (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: The Jews, with 'the Indians' and devils gathered to him, acclaim Antichrist as the Messiah. [John 5:43]

16.51. Kebra Nagast: Kingdom of Christ until False Messiah

“Then the kingdom of the Jews shall be made an end of and the Kingdom of Christ shall be constituted until the advent of the False Messiah.” — Kebra Nagast, The Queen of Sheba and her only son Menyelek: the Kebra Nagast (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: After the defeat of the Jews, the Kingdom of Christ is established until the False Messiah comes. [Daniel 9:27]

16.52. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Awaiting 'another Messiah' = Antichrist

“by praying for another Messiah than Him Who hath come, it is in fact asking for the manifestation of Anti-Christ.” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 3 (Psalms 81–118) (part 2 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers say that the Jewish prayer for another Messiah is in fact asking for the manifestation of Antichrist. [Psalm 109:7]