The Antichrist The term antichrist appears only in John’s letters (1 Jn 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7). John expected many antichrists to appear in history (1 Jn 2:18), all of whom would deny that Jesus is both divine and human (1 Jn 2:22; 4:2-3; 2 Jn 1:7). Paul speaks of a “man of lawlessness,” who will come in the last days to stir up rebellion against God (2 Thes 2:1-12). This figure will “come to do the work of Satan,” chiefly by means of deception. Though not specifically labeled as “antichrist,” this “man of lawlessness,” like the “antichrists” described in John’s letters, will stand in opposition to the truth. In Revelation 13, the hostile spirit opposed to Christ is personified by “another beast” who serves the dragon (Satan) and the first beast. The number of this antichrist, 666, probably stood for Nero and perhaps for the emperor Domitian (see study note on 17:8). Emperor worship—which proclaimed “Caesar is Lord!”—was a pseudo-religion that stood in opposition to proclaiming Christ as Lord. Whether John expected a final antichrist even greater than a political figure like Nero or Domitian is uncertain. Either way, Christians must take seriously the presence of evil...