The Sixteen Questions
The Sixteen Questions
continued
6. Which temple does he sit in?
Paul says the man of sin “sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Daniel adds an abomination of desolation and a sacrifice that is taken away; Jesus quotes Daniel in Matthew 24:15. The Fathers read all this three ways. Most of the earliest writers expect a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. A second line, which includes Augustine, Victorinus, Cassian and the Syrian Fathers, says the temple is the Church and the abomination something that enters her. A third says the abomination is already past, fulfilled by the Romans. A single writer sometimes gives more than one reading.
In this chapter
This question draws on 65 quotations from 32 voices. 60 of them are printed in full below, at the end of the chapter, because their main concern is this question; the other 5 belong chiefly to other questions and are listed here by number.
A rebuilt Jerusalem temple (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Cyril of Jerusalem, John of Damascus, Solomon of Basra)
Irenaeus takes the temple to be the real temple in Jerusalem, where the enemy sits as Christ and reigns three and a half years. Hippolytus has Antichrist rebuild Jerusalem and the sanctuary. Cyril says plainly that it is the Jewish temple and not the Church, and that he will pass himself off as the descendant of David who will rebuild Solomon’s temple, coming when not one stone of it remains. John of Damascus and Solomon of Basra repeat the view, as does the Pseudo-Hippolytan sermon, in which he builds the temple and hands it to the Jews.
The temple is the Church (Augustine, Chrysostom, Victorinus, Cassian, Ambrose)
The other line is at least as old as the Latin commentaries. Augustine says it is uncertain whether Antichrist sits in Solomon’s ruined temple or in the Church. Chrysostom says the temple means both Jerusalem and every church. Victorinus allows that the contempt standing in the holy place may mean the introduction of heretical teaching into the churches. Cassian gives a double fulfilment, with the abomination of desolation entering the Church. Ambrose says he defiles the heart and takes the seat there.
The sacrifice that ceases: the Church’s own worship (Hippolytus, Irenaeus, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Neale and Littledale)
Hippolytus says the sacrifice that Daniel says will cease is the prayer of the righteous, not animal offerings. Irenaeus says that in his half-week the sacrifice and libation are taken away and the saints who offer a pure sacrifice flee. The pseudo-Hippolytan sermon is explicit that the Christian oblation, the Eucharist, psalmody and Scripture reading cease and churches become like a field-hut. Neale and Littledale gather the older commentators: when the daily sacrifice ceases, the few remaining believers are left without priests.
Already past: Antiochus, Nero, Hadrian (Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius, Chrysostom, Jerome, Augustine, Bede)
A considerable number of the Fathers place the abomination of desolation in the past. Clement of Alexandria puts it under Nero, Chrysostom and Jerome in a Roman statue (Caesar’s, or Hadrian’s on horseback), Augustine in the siege of Jerusalem. Eusebius argues that Jerusalem’s desolation is final and its worship will not be restored, so no one should expect the temple to be rebuilt; he even dates the abomination from the Passion. Bede, collecting the readings, offers three: Antichrist, Pilate’s image of Caesar, or Hadrian’s statue. Hippolytus replies that Vespasian cannot be the man of sin because he did not claim divinity or sit in the temple.
A statue in the house of God (Victorinus, Apocalypse of Thomas, Gregory of Tours, Lactantius)
Another strand, close to Revelation 13, sees an image. Victorinus has a golden image of Antichrist set up in the temple, indwelt by an apostate angel that speaks oracles. The Apocalypse of Thomas has a crafty king command a golden image in God’s house; Gregory of Tours has Antichrist propose circumcision and then set up his statue in the Jerusalem temple. Lactantius adds that he will try to destroy God’s temple.
Pride that takes God’s seat (Gregory the Great, Neale and Littledale)
The Fathers who spiritualise the temple still keep the main idea of the verse: a man in God’s place. Gregory the Great says the pride of Antichrist is that of a sinful man who disdains to be counted a man and pretends to be God. The compilers Neale and Littledale add that every evil man rehearses in his heart what Antichrist will do in the final conflict.
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]
The seventy weeks (Dan 9:24–27)
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. [Daniel 9:24-27]
The wilful king (Dan 11:36–45)
And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the … [Daniel 11:36-45]
The time of trouble and the days (Dan 12:1–13)
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. And I heard, but I understood … [Daniel 12:1-13]
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 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]
Also relevant: quotations printed under other questions
Irenaeus of Lyons, Unjust judge; kingdom moved to Jerusalem (2.4); Victorinus of Pettau, Golden image in the Jerusalem temple (8.24); Sulpicius Severus, Nero destroyed by Antichrist (2.30); Cave of Treasures, Danite in Jerusalem temple (2.35); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Every sinner's heart rehearses it (13.55).
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.
6.1. Ascension of Isaiah: He speaks like the Beloved and claims deity
“he will do and speak like the Beloved and he will say: 'I am God and before me there has been none.' 7. And all the people in the world will believe in him. 8. And they will sacrifice to him and they will serve him saying: 'This is God and beside him there is no other.'” — Ascension of Isaiah, The Ascension of Isaiah (Charles translation); scanned text. Note: He imitates Christ in word and deed, claims to be God, and is worshipped and sacrificed to. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:14-15]
6.2. Tatian: Unclean sign of desolation in the pure place
“And when ye see the unclean sign of desolation, spoken of in Daniel the prophet, standing in the pure place, he that readeth shall understand” — Tatian, Diatessaron. Note: Tatian's harmony presents the Lord's warning about the abomination of desolation as a sign for flight. [Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27]
6.3. Irenaeus of Lyons: Sits in Jerusalem temple as Christ
“the temple in Jerusalem was made by the direction of the true God. For the apostle himself, speaking in his own person, distinctly called it the temple of God. … in which [temple] the enemy shall sit, endeavouring to show himself as Christ” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies. Note: Irenaeus takes the 'temple of God' of 2 Thessalonians to be the real Jerusalem temple built under the true God's direction, where the enemy sits posing as Christ. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15-21]
6.4. Irenaeus of Lyons: Sacrifice taken away in half-week
“during which the saints shall be put to flight, they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: "And in the midst of the week," he says, "the sacrifice and the libation shall be taken away, and the abomination of desolation [shall be brought] into the temple: even unto the consummation of the time shall the desolation be complete." Now three years and six months constitute the half-week.” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies. Note: In the half-week of his tyranny the sacrifice and libation are removed, the saints who offer a pure sacrifice flee, and the abomination of desolation enters the temple. [Daniel 9:27; Daniel 8:23-25]
6.5. Irenaeus of Lyons: Reign, then fire, then kingdom
“But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man and those who follow him into the lake of fire; but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom, that is, the rest, the hallowed seventh day” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies. Note: After Antichrist's three-and-a-half-year reign in the Jerusalem temple, Christ comes, casts him into the lake of fire and brings the kingdom, the seventh-day rest. [Revelation 19:20; Matthew 8:11]
6.6. Clement of Alexandria: Daniel's week fulfilled under Nero
“The half of the week Nero held sway, and in the holy city Jerusalem placed the abomination; and in the half of the week he was taken away, and Otho, and Galba, and Vitellius. And Vespasian rose to the supreme power, and destroyed Jerusalem, and desolated the holy place.” — Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata Book 1. Note: Clement reads Daniel's last week as fulfilled in Roman history: Nero set the abomination in Jerusalem, and Vespasian then destroyed the city. [Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15]
6.7. Tertullian: Man of sin is Antichrist
“Well, but who is the man of sin, the son of perdition," who must first be revealed before the Lord comes; "who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; who is to sit in the temple of God, and boast himself as being God? " According indeed to our view, he is Antichrist;” — Tertullian, The Five Books Against Marcion. Note: In reply to Marcion, Tertullian affirms that the man of sin in 2 Thessalonians is Antichrist. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4]
6.8. Hippolytus of Rome: Sacrifice = prayers of the upright
“The sacrifice he speaks of is not that of sheep, but the prayers of the upright. And the holy city he speaks of is the righteous, i. e. [those] who are oppressed and trodden under foot by the horn that sprang up in the midst [Dan. vii. 8, 20, 21, 25], which is Antichrist, as Daniel said.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Revelation (quoted by reported by Dionysius bar Salibi). Note: The 'sacrifice' that ceases is the prayer of the righteous, not animal offerings; the little horn is Antichrist. [Daniel 9:27; Daniel 7:8]
6.9. Hippolytus of Rome: 2 Thess 2 means Antichrist
“Also the Apostle has written that these things are concerning Antichrist, Except if there come first a falling away, and the Man of iniquity be revealed, so that he as God shall sit in the temple, whom our Lord Jesus shall consume” — Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Revelation (quoted by reported by Dionysius bar Salibi). Note: Paul's 2 Thessalonians 2 is applied to the future Antichrist. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-8]
6.10. Hippolytus of Rome: Sixty-nine weeks done; final week
“there will remain only one week, the last, in which Elias will appear, and Enoch, and in the midst of it the abomination of desolation will be manifested, viz., Antichrist, announcing desolation to the world. And when he comes, the sacrifice and oblation will be removed, which now are offered to God in every place by the nations.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Fragments - Exegetical. Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. Note: In Daniel's last week Elijah and Enoch appear, and mid-week Antichrist is the abomination of desolation; the sacrifice and oblation now offered everywhere by the nations will be removed. [Daniel 9:26-27]
6.11. Hippolytus of Rome: Rebuilds Jerusalem; taken for Christ
“Thus, then, does the prophet set forth these things concerning the Antichrist, who shall be shameless, a war-maker, and despot, who, exalting himself above all kings and above every god, shall build the city of Jerusalem, and restore the sanctuary. Him the impious will worship as God, and will bend to him the knee, thinking him to be the Christ. He shall cut off the two witnesses and forerunners of Christ” — Hippolytus of Rome, Fragments - Exegetical. Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. Note: Antichrist is a shameless despot who rebuilds Jerusalem and the sanctuary; the impious worship him thinking he is the Christ, and he kills the two witnesses. [Daniel 11:36; Revelation 11:3]
6.12. Hippolytus of Rome: Two abominations: Antiochus and Antichrist
“Daniel has spoken, therefore, of two abominations; the one of destruction, and the other of desolation. What is that of destruction, but that which Antiochus established there at the time? And what is that of desolation, but that which shall be universal when Antichrist comes?” — Hippolytus of Rome, Fragments - Exegetical. Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. Note: Daniel speaks of two abominations: Antiochus's local one of destruction and a universal one of desolation under Antichrist. [Daniel 11:41; Daniel 12:11-12]
6.13. Hippolytus of Rome: Last week: Enoch and Elijah preach
“By one week, therefore, he meant the last week which is to be at the end of the whole world of which week the two prophets Enoch and Elias will take up the half. For they will preach 1, 260 days clothed in sackcloth, proclaiming repentance to the people and to all the nations.” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Daniel's final week is at the world's end; Enoch and Elijah occupy its first half preaching 1,260 days in sackcloth. [Daniel 9:27; Revelation 11:3; Malachi 4:5]
6.14. Hippolytus of Rome: Unjust judge and widow Jerusalem
“By the unrighteous judge, who fears not God, neither regards man, he means without doubt Antichrist, as he is a son of the devil and a vessel of Satan. … And in saying that there was a widow in the city, he refers to Jerusalem itself, which is a widow indeed, forsaken of her perfect, heavenly spouse, God.” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: The unjust judge of Luke 18 is Antichrist, son of the devil and vessel of Satan; the widow is Jerusalem forsaken by God. [Luke 18:2-5]
6.15. Hippolytus of Rome: 1290 days; blessed who waits
“And Daniel says, "And they shall place the abomination of desolation a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand two hundred and ninety-five days."” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Hippolytus quotes Daniel's 1,290 and 1,335 (given as 1,295) days for the abomination of desolation, with a blessing on those who wait. [Matthew 24:15-22; Daniel 12:11-12]
6.16. Hippolytus of Rome: Imitates Christ point by point
“The Saviour gathered together the sheep that were scattered abroad, and he in like manner will bring together a people that is scattered abroad. The Lord gave a seal to those who believed on Him, and he will give one in like manner. The Saviour appeared in the form of man, and he too will come in the form of a man. The Saviour raised up and showed His holy flesh like a temple, and he will raise a temple of stone in Jerusalem.” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Point by point he copies Christ: gathers the scattered people, gives a seal, appears as a man, and raises a stone temple in Jerusalem as Christ raised the temple of His flesh. [Revelation 13:16; John 2:19-21]
6.17. Hippolytus of Rome: Sacrifice that ceases is prayer
“The city is the Church ; and these months they are to persecute her and kill, when the false Christ [St. Matth. xxiv. 24] shall come, because she worships him not. … The half of the week: that is, three years and a-half; and these make the forty and two months which are mentioned. The sacrifice he speaks of is not that of sheep, but the prayers of the upright.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: The holy city trodden for 42 months is the Church, persecuted by the false Christ for three and a half years; the sacrifice that ceases is the righteous' prayers, not animal offerings. [Revelation 11:2; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 7:8]
6.18. Hippolytus of Rome: Matthew 24: Antichrist, not AD 70
“for he says that it is not concerning the Jews, and the laying waste of Jerusalem, that these things are said, but concerning the end of Antichrist. The elect [ib. 22] he speaks of are the Christians who are in this conflict.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: Hippolytus here reads Matthew 24's abomination of desolation as referring to the end-time Antichrist, not the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70; the elect are Christians. [Matthew 24:15-22]
6.19. Hippolytus of Rome: Siege of Vespasian does not fit
“Accordingly it is not concerning Jerusalem that the Lord said this; for when He willed to speak concerning her, He said, When ye shall see the army compassing the city, know that the desolation thereof is nigh [St. Luke, xxi. 20]. Hence the pollution of devastations He speaks of is Antichrist.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: Since Jerusalem's destruction is described separately in Luke, Matthew's 'pollution of desolation' is Antichrist; Vespasian's siege did not match. [Matthew 24:21; Luke 21:20; Daniel 9:27]
6.20. Hippolytus of Rome: Vespasian not the Man of Sin
“From these [words] it is evident that Vespasian did not call himself God, nor did he sit in the temple, nor was he killed by the Spirit of the Lord. Accordingly it is manifest that in the end tribulation arises against the Church, such as was none like it.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: Vespasian cannot be the Man of Sin because he did not claim divinity, sit in the temple, or die by the Spirit; the tribulation is still at the end. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-8]
6.21. Hippolytus of Rome: Worship suppressed; witnesses killed and raised
“These things then are to be in the half of the week, when Antichrist will scatter all men, so that there shall not be found two or three together to assemble, to offer sacrifice to God. This then is to be fulfilled, that the sacrifice shall cease. When then these are killed there [ib. 7] by the false Christ, afterwards they are to stand up, in presence of many, and are to be caught upon the clouds to meet our Lord” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: In the half-week Antichrist scatters believers so no two or three can assemble to offer sacrifice; the two witnesses are killed, then rise and are caught up in the clouds. [Revelation 11:7-12; Daniel 12:11]
6.22. Hippolytus of Rome: Devil works in him; Jerusalem
“The body he speaks of is the devil, he who worketh [2 Thess. ii. 7, 9] in the false Christ : and the city he speaks of is Jerusalem, where these things are to come to pass. For Paul said concerning him who is Antichrist, He sitteth in the temple of God as God” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: The Devil works in the false Christ; the great city of the witnesses' death is Jerusalem, where Antichrist sits in the temple as God. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 11:8]
6.23. Commodian: The 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, The Instructions of Commodianus in Favour of Christian Discipline. Note: After Babylon falls, a Latin conqueror claims to be Christ, working wonders with a false prophet whose image speaks. [Revelation 13:14-15; Revelation 17:16]
6.24. Origen of Alexandria: Paul's temple-sitting is Daniel's abomination
“What is stated by Paul in the words quoted from him, where he says, "so that he sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God," is in Daniel referred to in the following fashion:” — Origen of Alexandria, Against Celsus (part 2 of 2). Note: Origen identifies Paul's sitting in God's temple with Daniel's abomination of desolation. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Daniel 9:27]
6.25. Victorinus of Pettau: Preaching 3.5 years, his reign 3.5
“"They shall tread the holy city down for forty and two months; and I will give to my two witnesses, and they shall predict a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth." That is, three years and six months: these make forty-two months. Therefore their preaching is three years and six months, and the kingdom of Antichrist as much again.” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: The witnesses preach 3.5 years, and Antichrist's kingdom lasts another 3.5 years, so the whole span is seven years. [Revelation 11:2-3]
6.26. Victorinus of Pettau: Abomination may be church heresy
“It is called a contempt when God is provoked, because idols are worshipped instead of God, or when the dogma of heretics is introduced in the churches. But it is a turning away because stedfast men, seduced by false signs and portents, are turned away from their salvation.” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: The 'contempt' standing in the holy place can mean idol-worship or the introduction of heretical dogma into the churches. [Matthew 24:15]
6.27. Lactantius: Attacks the temple of God
“He will command fire to come down from heaven, and the sun to stand and leave his course, and an image to speak; and these things shall be done at his word,-by which miracles many even of the wise shall be enticed by him. Then he will attempt to destroy the temple of God, and persecute the righteous people” — Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Book 7. Note: His wonders (fire from heaven, the sun's halting, a speaking image) entice even the wise; he then tries to destroy God's temple and persecutes the righteous. [Revelation 13:13-15; Matthew 24:21]
6.28. Eusebius of Caesarea: No restoration of the temple
“By the desolation of Jerusalem, He means that it was never again to be set up, or its legal rites to be reestablished, so that no one should expect, after the coming siege and desolation, any restoration to take place” — Eusebius of Caesarea, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: 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. [Luke 21:20-21]
6.29. Eusebius of Caesarea: Abomination of desolation began at the Passion
“at the time when He suffered, the Veil of the Temple was torn asunder from the top to the bottom, so that in effect from that time sacrifice and libation were taken away, and the abomination of desolation stood in the holy place, inasmuch as the Being had left them desolate” — Eusebius of Caesarea, The Proof of the Gospel (part 2 of 2). Note: Eusebius reads Daniel's abomination of desolation as already begun at the Passion, when the Temple veil was torn and God's protection departed. [Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15]
6.30. Eusebius of Caesarea: Abomination remains until the end
“then, too, the abomination of desolation stood in the Temple, and it has remained there even till to-day, while they have daily reached deeper depths of desolation. And perhaps this will be so until the end of the world, according to the limit set by the prophet” — Eusebius of Caesarea, The Proof of the Gospel (part 2 of 2). Note: He says the abomination stood in the Temple at the final war and has remained, perhaps until the world's end. [Daniel 9:27]
6.31. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Longer list of imitations
“Christ gave to those who believed on Him the honourable and life-giving cross, and he in like manner will give his own sign. Christ appeared in the form of man, and he in like manner will come forth in the form of man. Christ arose from among the Hebrews, and he will spring from among the Jews. Christ displayed His flesh like a temple, and raised it up on the third day; and he too will raise up again the temple of stone in Jerusalem.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: A lengthened version of the point-by-point imitation: sign for cross, man's form, Jewish origin, and a rebuilt stone temple. [Revelation 13; John 2:19]
6.32. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Builds the temple, then blasphemes
“Then, when he is elevated to his kingdom, he will marshal war; and in his wrath he will smite three mighty kings,-those, namely, of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia. And after that he will build the temple in Jerusalem, and will restore it again speedily, and give it over to the Jews. And then he will be lifted up in heart against every man; yea, he will speak blasphemy also against God” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: After defeating three kings he builds the Jerusalem temple and hands it to the Jews, then turns blasphemous and proud. [Daniel 11:40-45; Daniel 9:27]
6.33. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Eucharist and public worship cease
“because neither "oblation nor incense "is attended to, nor a service acceptable to God; but the sanctuaries of the churches will become like a garden-watcher's hut, and the holy body and blood of Christ will not be shown in those days. The public service of God shall be extinguished, psalmody shall cease, the reading of the Scriptures shall not be heard” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: In Antichrist's days the Christian oblation, the Eucharist, psalmody and Scripture reading cease and churches become like a field-hut. [Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11]
6.34. Hilary of Poitiers: Abomination = Antichrist in the holy place
“For the Prophet spoke this of the times of Antichrist; and he calls abomination that which coming against God claims to itself the honour of God. It is the abomination of desolation, because it will desolate the earth with wars and slaughter; and it is admitted by the Jews, and set up in the holy place, that where God had been invoked by the prayers of the saints, into that same place admitted by the unbelievers it might be adored with the worship of God.” — Hilary of Poitiers, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Hilary reads Daniel's abomination as Antichrist: one who claims God's honour, desolates the earth, and is received by the Jews to be worshipped in the holy place. [Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.35. Athanasius of Alexandria: Constantius, forerunner of the lawless one
“Who that beheld him taking the lead of his pretended Bishops, and presiding in Ecclesiastical causes, would not justly exclaim that this was `the abomination of desolation ' spoken of by Daniel? For having put on the profession of Christianity, and entering into the holy places, and standing therein, he lays waste the Churches, transgressing their Canons, and enforcing the observance of his own decrees … A persecution indeed, such as never arose before, and such as no one perhaps will again stir up, except `the son of lawlessness ,' do these enemies of Christ exhibit, who already present a picture of him in their own persons. Wherefore it especially behoves us to be sober, lest this heresy which has reached such a height of impudence, and has diffused itself abroad like the `poison of an adder ,' as it is written in the Proverbs, and which teaches doctrines contrary to the Saviour; lest, I say, this be that `falling away ,' after which He shall be revealed, of whom Constantius is surely the forerunner” — Athanasius of Alexandria, History of the Arians. Note: Constantius leading bishops and entering holy places is called the abomination of desolation; Athanasius fears this heresy is the falling away after which the son of lawlessness is revealed, of whom Constantius is forerunner. [Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8]
6.36. Cyril of Jerusalem: Jewish temple, not the Church
“What temple then? He means, the Temple of the Jews which has been destroyed. For God forbid that it should be the one in which we are! … For if he comes to the Jews as Christ, and desires to be worshipped by the Jews, he will make great account of the Temple, that he may more completely beguile them; making it supposed that he is the man of the race of David, who shall build up the Temple which was erected by Solomon … And Antichrist will come at the time when there shall not be left one stone upon another in the Temple of the Jews, according to the doom pronounced by our Saviour ; for when, either decay of time, or demolition ensuing on pretence of new buildings, or from any other causes, shall have overthrown all the stones, I mean not merely of the outer circuit, but of the inner shrine also, where the Cherubim were, then shall he come With all signs and lying wonders, exalting himself against all idols” — Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures. Note: The temple is the destroyed Jewish Temple, not the Church; posing as David's heir who will rebuild it, he comes when no stone of it remains, and abhors idols. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:2]
6.37. Ambrose of Milan: Abomination: Antichrist in the temple
“Now mystically, the abomination of desolation is the coming of Antichrist, for with ill-omened sacrilege he pollutes the innermost recesses of the heart, sitting as it is literally in the temple, that he may claim to himself the throne of divine power.” — Ambrose of Milan, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Ambrose reads the abomination of desolation as Antichrist, who defiles the heart and sits in the temple to claim divine power. [Luke 21:20; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.38. Apocalypse of Thomas: A golden image in the house of God
“Again another king shall arise, a crafty man (?), and shall command a golden image of Caesar (?) to be made (al. to be worshipped in the house of God), wherefore (?) martyrdoms shall abound.” — Apocalypse of Thomas, The Apocalypse of Thomas, the Apocalypse of the Virgin and the Revelation of Stephen (James translation); scanned text. Note: A crafty king commands a golden image to be worshipped in God's house, and martyrdoms multiply. [Revelation 13:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.39. John Chrysostom: Abomination as a Roman statue
“This was his reason for saying: "When you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place … The Jews called every image and statue made by man an abomination. So by his veiled reference to that statue, Daniel showed both when and under whom the captivity would take place. As I showed before, Josephus also assured us that these words were spoken about the Romans.” — John Chrysostom, Against the Jews. Note: In arguing against the Jews, Chrysostom takes Christ's 'abomination of desolation' as a Roman statue marking the captivity, citing Josephus; here he does not mention a future Antichrist. [Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27]
6.40. John Chrysostom: A man, not Satan
“Here he discourses concerning the Antichrist, and reveals great mysteries … But who is he? Is it then Satan? By no means; but some man, that admits his fully working in him. For he is a man. … For he will not introduce idolatry, but will be a kind of opponent to God; he will abolish all the gods, and will order men to worship him instead of God, and he will be seated in the temple of God, not that in Jerusalem only, but also in every Church … For he will perform great works, and will show wonderful signs” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians. Note: Chrysostom says the man of sin is a man, not Satan; he will oppose God, abolish the gods, demand worship, sit in God's temple (in Jerusalem and in every Church) and work signs. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Matthew 24:24]
6.41. John Chrysostom: Abomination as Roman statue
“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, let him that readeth understand." He referred them to Daniel … And by" abomination" He meaneth the statue of him who then took the city, which he who desolated the city and the temple placed within the temple, wherefore Christ calleth it, "of desolation."” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew (part 3 of 3). Note: On Matthew 24:15 Chrysostom reads the abomination of desolation as the statue set up in the temple by the conqueror of Jerusalem, a first-century event. [Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27]
6.42. Rufinus of Aquileia: The enemy counterfeits the second advent
“Yet it behoves us to know that the enemy is wont to counterfeit this salutary advent of Christ with cunningfraud in order to deceive the faithful, and in the place of the Son of Man, Who is looked for as coming in the majesty of His Father, to prepare the Son of Perdition with prodigies and lying signs, that instead of Christ he may introduce Antichrist into the world … The Apostle also himself says, "Let no than 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 everything that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself as though himself were God.” — Rufinus of Aquileia, A Commentary on the Apostles' Creed. Note: Rufinus says the enemy counterfeits Christ's second advent with prodigies and lying signs to bring in Antichrist, and cites Christ, Daniel and Paul's man of sin who sits in the temple. [John 5:43; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4]
6.43. Jerome: Abomination: Hadrian's statue
“Or it may be understood of the statue of Cæsar, which Pilate set up in the temple; or of the equestrian statue of Adrian, which stood to the present time in the very Holy of Holies. For, according to the Old Scripture, an idol is called 'abomination;' of desolation is added, because the idol was set up in the desolated and deserted temple.” — Jerome, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Jerome reads the abomination of desolation as an idol: Caesar's statue under Pilate or Hadrian's equestrian statue in the temple precinct, not Antichrist. [Matthew 24:15]
6.44. Augustine of Hippo: Abomination fulfilled at Jerusalem
“These words of our Lord, Luke has here related to shew, that the abomination of desolation which was prophesied by Daniel, and of which Matthew and Mark had spoken, was fulfilled at the siege of Jerusalem.” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Luke, part 2 (chapters 11–24) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine says Luke's wording shows the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel was fulfilled at the siege of Jerusalem. [Luke 21:20; Daniel 9:27]
6.45. Augustine of Hippo: Apostate, the day of the Lord
“No one can doubt that he wrote this of Antichrist and of the day of judgment, which he here calls the day of the Lord, nor that he declared that this day should not come unless he first came who is called the apostate -apostate, to wit, from the Lord God. And if this may justly be said of all the ungodly, how much more of him?” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine says it is beyond doubt that Paul writes of Antichrist and the day of judgment, and that the 'apostate' is one who falls away from God. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4]
6.46. Augustine of Hippo: Which temple? Uncertain
“But it is uncertain in what temple he shall sit, whether in that ruin of the temple which was built by Solomon, or in the Church; for the apostle would not call the temple of any idol or demon the temple of God. And on this account some think that in this passage Antichrist means not the prince himself alone, but his whole body, that is, the mass of men who adhere to him, along with him their prince; and they also think that we should render the Greek more exactly were we to read, not "in the temple of God," but "for" or "as the temple of God," as if he himself were the temple of God, the Church.” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine says it is uncertain whether Antichrist sits in Solomon's ruined temple or in the Church, and reports a view that Antichrist means the prince together with his whole body of adherents. [2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.47. John Cassian: Abomination in the Church
“where Elias came in the person of John, and is again to be the precursor of the Lord's Advent: and in the matter of the "Abomination of desolation" which "stood in the holy place," by means of that idol of Jupiter which, as we read, was placed in the temple in Jerusalem, and which is again to stand in the Church through the coming of Antichrist” — John Cassian, Conferences of John Cassian - Part I. Note: Cassian gives a double fulfilment: Elias came in John and will again precede the Advent; the abomination of desolation was Jupiter's idol in Jerusalem and will again stand in the Church through Antichrist. [Matthew 24:15; Malachi 4:5; Daniel 9:27]
6.48. Testament of Our Lord: The abomination of desolation gathered
“Then shall she gather together the abomination of desolation. The East shall be opened by him; also the ways shall be opened by him. Sword and flame [are] in his hands: he burneth with anger and fiery indignation.” — Testament of Our Lord, The Testament of Our Lord (Cooper and Maclean translation); scanned text. Note: Judaea gathers the abomination of desolation; he opens the East and brings sword and fire. [Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15]
6.49. Gregory of Tours: Circumcision, then his statue in the Jerusalem temple
“But as to the end of the world I hold beliefs which I learned from our forefathers, that Antichrist will come first. And Antichrist will first propose circumcision, asserting that he is Christ; next he will place his statue in the temple at Jerusalem to be worshiped” — Gregory of Tours, History of the Franks (Brehaut translation). Note: In his creed Gregory of Tours says Antichrist will come first, claiming to be Christ and proposing circumcision, then set up his statue in the Jerusalem temple; the day itself is hidden from all. [Matthew 24:15; Matthew 24:36]
6.50. Gregory the Great: Pretends to be God above men
“For, for what else is the high arm taken, but the proud loftiness of Antichrist, who is so exalted over the reprobate minds of men with the pride of worldly glory, that though a sinful man, and yet scorning to be counted a man, he pretends falsely that he is God above men? … But because Antichrist sets himself up over all holy men, and over the power of the Godhead Itself” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory identifies the 'high arm' with Antichrist's pride: a sinful man who disdains to be counted a man and falsely pretends to be God, exalting himself above all that is worshipped. [2 Thessalonians 2:4; Job 38:15]
6.51. Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun: Greek king ends; false Messiah
“The king of the Greeks will dominate over the land one year and six months: he will make Jerusalem his residence. After that, God will put an end to his reign over the land and then the hideous one will appear, who is the false Messiah, doing many signs and wonders with vain ostentation.” — Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, The Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun. Note: The Greek king rules eighteen months from Jerusalem; when God ends his reign the false Messiah appears with vain signs. [Daniel 2:44]
6.52. Bede: Abomination: Antichrist or a statue
“it may either be said simply of Antichrist, or of the statue of Cæsar, which Pilate put into the temple, or of the equestrian statue of Adrian, which for a long time stood in the holy of holies itself” — Bede, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Mark (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Bede offers three readings of the abomination of desolation: Antichrist himself, Pilate's image of Caesar, or Hadrian's equestrian statue. [Mark 13:14; Daniel 9:27]
6.53. Bede: Abomination: Antichrist, Caesar's image or Hadrian's statue
“However, it can be simply understood either concerning the Antichrist, or the image of Caesar which Pilate placed in the temple, or the equestrian statue of Hadrian, which stood for a long time in the very holy of holies place.” — Bede, Commentary on Mark. Note: Bede says the abomination of desolation may be read of Antichrist, of Caesar's image brought into the temple, or of Hadrian's equestrian statue in the holy of holies. [Mark 13:14; Matthew 24:15]
6.54. Bede: Court outside the temple; body of the wicked already at work
“Not only are they expelled from the Church, but they also, together with their Gentile allies, attack the same Church for three and a half years. It is not that they will trample it only during that time, that is, the time of the Antichrist, but because the entire body of the wicked, as if belonging to its own head, is already now working in the ministry of iniquity.” — Bede, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Bede explains the outer court as nominal Christians cast out who trample the Church for three and a half years, though the whole body of the wicked already works under its head. [Revelation 11:2-3; Daniel 12:11]
6.55. Bede: The two witnesses as Enoch and Elijah
“Some interpret the two prophets as Enoch and Elijah, who, preaching for three and a half years, will strengthen the hearts of the faithful against the soon-following perfidy of the Antichrist.” — Bede, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Bede reports the interpretation that the two prophets are Enoch and Elijah, who will preach for three and a half years to strengthen the faithful against Antichrist's perfidy. [Revelation 11:3; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11]
6.56. Bede: Daniel: abomination in the temple, 1290 days
“Daniel says: He will confirm a covenant with many for one week, and in the midst of the week he will cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and in the temple will be the abomination of desolation (Daniel IX). … This number covers approximately three years and six months.” — Bede, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Bede quotes Daniel on the covenant for one week, the sacrifice ceasing, the abomination in the temple, and 1290 days, which he reckons at about three years and six months. [Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11]
6.57. John of Damascus: Temple is the Jewish temple
“in the temple of God he said; not our temple, but the old Jewish temple . For he will come not to us but to the Jews: not for Christ or the things of Christ: wherefore he is called Antichrist .” — John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Note: The 'temple of God' in 2 Thessalonians is the old Jewish temple, not the Church; Antichrist comes to the Jews, not for Christ. [2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.58. Solomon of Basra: Sits in temple as Christ
“He will go into Jerusalem and will sit upon a throne in the temple saying, 'I am the Christ;' and he will be borne aloft by legions of devils like a king and a lawgiver, naming himself God, and saying, 'I am the fulfilment of the types and the parables.'” — Solomon of Basra, The Book of the Bee (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: He enthrones himself in the Jerusalem temple, claims to be Christ and God, and to fulfil the Old Testament types. [2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.59. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Boasting ungodly: Antichrist in the temple
“the frightful persecution of Antichrist, which will precede the end of all things. Hath made boast of his own heart's desire: so that "he as God sitteth in the temple of GOD, showing himself that he is God.” — 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 read Psalm 10's boasting of the ungodly as the frightful persecution of Antichrist before the end, who as God sits in God's temple. [Psalm 10:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:4]
6.60. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Daily sacrifice taken away
“That is, they look forward to that time of Antichrist when the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and so the great oblation of the Church's thanksgiving will come to an end: when from those few scattered servants of God who remain without a priest and without a temple, what can there be but earnest prayer, that, for the elect's sake, those days may be shortened?” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 2 (Psalms 39–80) (part 1 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers say the Fathers look to Antichrist's time, when the daily sacrifice ceases and the few remaining believers, without priest or temple, can only pray for the days to be shortened. [Psalm 42:8; Daniel 12:11; Revelation 11:11]