The Sixteen Questions

The Sixteen Questions

continued

9. Who are the two witnesses, and who comes before him?

Malachi promises that Elijah will come before “the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal 4:5), and Revelation 11 has two witnesses who prophesy 1,260 days, are killed by the beast and rise after three and a half days. Almost every Father who treats Antichrist at length puts Elijah on the other side of the ledger: Antichrist is the counterfeit Christ, Elijah the true forerunner. The usual partner is Enoch, since both were taken up without dying. Others name Jeremiah, John the apostle, or no one. Gradually the conversion of the Jews through Elijah’s preaching becomes part of the pattern.

In this chapter

This question draws on 70 quotations from 31 voices. 61 of them are printed in full below, at the end of the chapter, because their main concern is this question; the other 9 belong chiefly to other questions and are listed here by number.

Enoch and Elijah (Tertullian, Hippolytus, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Cosmas, Bede, Gregory the Great)

Tertullian is the earliest to say that Enoch and Elijah, translated without dying, are reserved for death at Antichrist’s hands, and that their blood will extinguish him. Hippolytus builds it into his whole scheme: the two witnesses oppose Antichrist as Moses and Aaron opposed Pharaoh. Cosmas, Bede and Gregory the Great repeat it, and Neale and Littledale call it the Church’s constant tradition.

Other partners: Jeremiah, John, three prophets, four (Victorinus, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Theophylact, History of Joseph)

Not everyone agrees on the second witness. Victorinus reports that the ancients took Jeremiah to be Elijah’s companion. The Pseudo-Hippolytan sermon names three, Enoch, Elijah and John the Divine, and Theophylact reports a view that John still lives to be killed with Elijah. The History of Joseph the Carpenter gives four who are slain: Enoch, Elias, Schila and Tabitha.

Elijah turns the Jews to Christ (Chrysostom, Augustine, Bede, John of Damascus, Gregory the Great)

From Chrysostom and Augustine onward it becomes the usual expectation that Elijah himself, not only John the Baptist in his spirit, will return before the judgment, and that the Jews will believe through his preaching. Augustine calls this a familiar belief of the faithful and sets the order: Elias comes, the Jews believe, Antichrist persecutes, Christ judges. Bede and John of Damascus repeat it, and Gregory the Great adds that the converted Jews will themselves be persecuted.

What they do: preach, convict, strengthen (Hippolytus, Cosmas, Solomon of Basra, Timothy I of Baghdad, Chrysostom)

The witnesses preach repentance for 1,260 days in sackcloth (Hippolytus). Their work is to expose the deceiver: Cosmas says Elijah will convict Antichrist of deception and pride and lead men back; Solomon of Basra has Elijah come from Paradise to expose him; Timothy I of Baghdad told the Caliph al-Mahdi that Elijah will rebuke Antichrist and announce Christ’s second coming. Chrysostom says Elijah comes to strengthen the faithful.

Killed, and raised after three and a half days (Hippolytus, Coptic Daniel, Descent into Hell, Neale and Littledale)

The witnesses are killed by the beast from the abyss, which Hippolytus identifies with Antichrist, and then rise and are caught up to meet the Lord. The Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel has them lie dead in Jerusalem for three and a half days, and the Latin Descent into Hell says they rise after that time. Neale and Littledale foresee a final triumph of the world when they are slain, and say the end comes at once after their death.

Why Elijah and Enoch are still alive (Augustine, Cosmas)

The expectation rests on a belief that they never died. Augustine says Elias is expected before the Judge because there is good reason to believe he is now alive, taken up in a fiery chariot. Cosmas calls Elijah, still living, reserved as leader against Antichrist.

The Scripture behind it

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

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 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]

The two olive trees (Zech 4:11–14)

Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. [Zechariah 4:11-14]

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 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]

Also relevant: quotations printed under other questions

Hippolytus of Rome, Sixty-nine weeks done; final week (6.10); Hippolytus of Rome, Rebuilds Jerusalem; taken for Christ (6.11); Hippolytus of Rome, Last week: Enoch and Elijah preach (6.13); Lactantius, Syrian king, evil spirit's offspring (2.22); John Cassian, Abomination in the Church (6.47); Coptic Texts from St. Macarius’ Monastery, Enoch exposes the Son of Iniquity (2.40); Bede, The two witnesses as Enoch and Elijah (6.55); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Every sinner's heart rehearses it (13.55); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Daily sacrifice taken away (6.60).

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.

9.1. Justin Martyr: Elijah returns at Christ's glorious coming

“We know this will happen when our Lord Jesus Christ comes from heaven in glory. Before his first appearing, the Spirit of God who was in Elijah went ahead as a herald, in John” — Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho. Note: Elijah's coming is future, at Christ's glorious return; John came in Elijah's spirit before the first coming. [Matthew 17:11]

9.2. Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: The Lord's salvation wars against Beliar

“And there shall arise unto you from the tribe of [Judah and of] Levi the salvation of the Lord; And he shall make war against Beliar. And execute an everlasting vengeance on our enemies” — Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (Charles translation); scanned text. Note: Salvation arises from Judah and Levi, who wars against Beliar and executes vengeance. [Genesis 49:18]

9.3. Tertullian: Enoch and Elijah reserved to die

“Enoch no doubt was translated, and so was Elijah; nor did they experience death: it was postponed, (and only postponed, ) most certainly: they are reserved for the suffering of death, that by their blood they may extinguish Antichrist.” — Tertullian, A Treatise on the Soul. Note: Enoch and Elijah, translated without dying, are reserved for death at Antichrist's hands, and their blood will extinguish him. [Revelation 11:3-12; Hebrews 9:27]

9.4. Tertullian: Elijah, Antichrist, Babylon not yet

“No one has as yet fallen in with Elias; no one has as yet escaped from Antichrist; no one has as yet had to bewail the downfall of Babylon.” — Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh. Note: Tertullian lists unfulfilled end events, including meeting Elijah, escaping Antichrist and the fall of Babylon, to show the resurrection has not yet occurred. [Revelation 18]

9.5. Hippolytus of Rome: Enoch and Elias oppose him

“These two prophets will stand up against Antichrist, even as Moses and Aaron stood up against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. 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.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Revelation (quoted by reported by Dionysius bar Salibi). Note: Enoch and Elias oppose Antichrist as Moses and Aaron opposed Pharaoh, while he scatters believers so that they cannot assemble to worship. [Revelation 11:3-6; Malachi 4:5]

9.6. Hippolytus of Rome: Witnesses killed and raised

“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, Commentary on Revelation (quoted by reported by Dionysius bar Salibi). Note: The false Christ kills the two witnesses, who then rise before many and are caught up to meet the Lord. [Revelation 11:7-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:17]

9.7. Hippolytus of Rome: Preach 1260 days

“In the half of the week, said John, Enoch and Elias are to receive power [ib. 6], and are to preach a thousand two hundred and threescore days girt with sackcloth [ib. 3], and to teach repentance to the people and the Gentiles.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Revelation (quoted by reported by Dionysius bar Salibi). Note: The two witnesses preach repentance to Israel and the nations for 1260 days. [Revelation 11:3]

9.8. Hippolytus of Rome: Elijah precedes the Lord's return

“It is a matter of course that His forerunners must appear first, as He says by Malachi and the angel, "I will send to you Elias the Tishbite before the day of the Lord, the great and notable day, comes … These, then, shall come and proclaim the manifestation of Christ that is to be from heaven; and they shall also perform signs and wonders, in order that men may be put to shame and turned to repentance for their surpassing wickedness and impiety.” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: Elijah and his companion will precede Christ's heavenly appearing, preaching and working signs to bring men to repentance. [Malachi 4:5-6; Revelation 11]

9.9. Hippolytus of Rome: Beast kills the two witnesses

“"the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them," because they will not give glory to Antichrist. For this is meant by the little horn that grows up. He, being now elated in heart, begins to exalt himself, and to glorify himself as God, persecuting the saints and blaspheming Christ” — Hippolytus of Rome, On Christ and Antichrist. Note: The beast from the abyss kills the two witnesses for refusing to glorify Antichrist, the little horn, who then exalts himself as God and persecutes the saints. [Revelation 11:3-7; Daniel 7:8,20]

9.10. Hippolytus of Rome: Enoch and Elijah against Antichrist

“There come two prophets, Enoch and Elias, and these are the two olive trees he speaks of [ib. 4], even as Zacharias spoke of them [Zech. iv. 3, 11, 14]. … These two prophets will stand up against Antichrist, even as Moses and Aaron stood up against Pharaoh and the Egyptians.” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: The two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah, who oppose Antichrist as Moses and Aaron opposed Pharaoh. [Revelation 11:3-12; Zechariah 4:3; Mark 9:12]

9.11. Hippolytus of Rome: Antichrist kills Enoch and Elijah

“No other kingdom is to persecute the saints, save this alone from which the horn is to spring up at the last, which is Antichrist, who is to kill Enoch and Elias. And after these things that is to come to pass which Esaias said; Behold the Lord out of His sanctuary send-eth forth His sword, great and strong, against the dragon, the crooked serpent” — Hippolytus of Rome, Quotes on Revelation recorded by Dionysius Syrus. Note: The only kingdom to persecute the saints is the one from which the horn arises; Antichrist kills Enoch and Elijah and is then struck by the Lord's sword. [Daniel 7:3,8,21; Revelation 11:7; Isaiah 27:1]

9.12. Commodian: Nero raised; Elijah half, Nero half

“Then, doubtless, the world shall be finished when he shall appear. He himself shall divide the globe into three ruling powers, when, moreover, Nero shall be raised up from hell, Elias shall first come to seal the beloved ones; at which things the region of Africa and the northern nation, the whole earth on all sides, for seven years shall tremble. But Elias shall occupy the half of the time, Nero shall occupy half.” — Commodian, On Christian Discipline. Note: Commodian expects Nero raised from hell as the Antichrist figure, with Elijah first sealing the elect; a seven-year period split evenly between Elijah and Nero. [Revelation 11; Revelation 13:3,14-15]

9.13. Commodian: Hidden tribes return with Christ

“The Almighty Christ descends to His elect, who have been darkened from our view for so long a time-they have become so many thousands-that is the true heavenly people.” — Commodian, On Christian Discipline. Note: Commodian expects Christ to come to a hidden remnant of Israel's lost tribes who will return with Him against the wicked king. [Romans 11:26]

9.14. Commodian: Nero raised from hell, Elias first

“Then, doubtless, the world shall be finished when he shall appear. He himself shall divide the globe into three ruling powers, when, moreover, Nero shall be raised up from hell, Elias shall first come to seal the beloved ones” — Commodian, The Instructions of Commodianus in Favour of Christian Discipline. Note: Commodianus ties the end to Antichrist's appearance, with Nero raised from hell and Elias first sealing the beloved. [Revelation 11:3; Revelation 13:3]

9.15. Commodian: Seven years: Elias half, Nero half

“for seven years shall tremble. But Elias shall occupy the half of the time, Nero shall occupy half.” — Commodian, The Instructions of Commodianus in Favour of Christian Discipline. Note: The seven years are divided: Elias takes half, Nero the other half. [Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6]

9.16. Victorinus of Pettau: Elijah precursor; recalls Jews

“He speaks of Elias the prophet, who is the precursor of the times of Antichrist, for the restoration and establishment of the churches from the great and intolerable persecution. … to recall the Jews to the faith of the people that succeed them.” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: The angel from the east with the seal is Elijah, forerunner of Antichrist's times, who recalls the Jews to faith. [Revelation 7:2; Malachi 4:5-6]

9.17. Victorinus of Pettau: Elijah with Jeremiah, not Enoch

“Many think that there is Elisha, or Moses, with Elijah; but both of these died; while the death of Elijah is not heard of, with whom all our ancients have believed that it was Jeremiah. For even the very word spoken to him testifies to him, saying, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: Victorinus reports that the ancients held Jeremiah to be Elijah's companion among the two witnesses, since only deathless figures would qualify and Jeremiah was ordained a prophet to the nations. [Revelation 11:3-6; Jeremiah 1:5]

9.18. Victorinus of Pettau: 144,000 believe through Elijah

“the gift of prophets-was given to that Catholic Church, whence in the last times a hundred and forty-four thousands of men should believe on the preaching of Elias; … let them go to that place which they have ready, and let them be supported there for three years and six months from the presence of the devil.” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: The woman's wings are the gift of prophets: 144,000 will believe through Elijah's preaching, and believers in Judea flee for 3.5 years. [Revelation 12:6,14; Matthew 24:16]

9.19. Victorinus of Pettau: After Elijah, the devil cast down

“This is the beginning of Antichrist yet previously Elias must prophesy, and there must be times of peace. And afterwards, when the three years and six months are completed in the preaching of Elias, he also must be cast down from heaven, where up till that time he had had the power of ascending; and all the apostate angels, as well as Antichrist, must be roused up from hell.” — Victorinus of Pettau, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. Note: Satan is cast to earth after Elijah's 3.5 years, and Antichrist and the apostate angels are raised from hell; Paul's falling away is quoted for this. [Revelation 12:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:3]

9.20. Descent into Hell (Latin, first version): Enoch and Elias reserved to oppose him

“Here also even until now we have not tasted death, but have been reserved to the coming of Antichrist, by divine signs and wonders to do battle with him, and, being killed by him in Jerusalem, after three days and half a day to be taken up alive again in the clouds.” — Descent into Hell (Latin, first version), Christ's Descent into Hell: Latin. First Version. Note: Enoch and Elias, kept from death, are reserved to fight Antichrist, be killed in Jerusalem and rise after three and a half days. [Revelation 11:3-12]

9.21. History of Joseph the Carpenter: Antichrist slays four witnesses

“For Antichrist will slay four bodies, and will pour out their blood like water, because of the reproach to which they shall expose him, and the ignominy with which they, in their lifetime, shall brand him when they reveal his impiety.” — History of Joseph the Carpenter, The History of Joseph the Carpenter. Note: Antichrist will slay four who reveal his impiety, shedding their blood like water. [Revelation 11:7]

9.22. History of Joseph the Carpenter: Enoch, Elias, Schila and Tabitha

“They are Enoch, Elias, Schila, and Tabitha.” — History of Joseph the Carpenter, The History of Joseph the Carpenter. Note: The four slain by Antichrist are named as Enoch, Elias, Schila and Tabitha.

9.23. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Enoch, Elijah and John the Divine

“and His second, in which He is to come in glory, will exhibit Enoch, and Elias, and John the Divine. … For He will not leave us even then without prophets, but will send them to us for our instruction and assurance” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Unlike Hippolytus's treatise, this work names three end-time prophets: Enoch, Elijah and John the Divine. [Revelation 11:3; Daniel 9:27]

9.24. Pseudo-Hippolytus: Week of seven years; prophets first

“For by one week he indicates the showing forth of the seven years which shall be in the last times. And the half of the week the two prophets, along with John, will take for the purpose of proclaiming to all the world the advent of Antichrist, that is to say, for a "thousand two hundred and sixty days clothed in sackcloth” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: Daniel's week is seven years at the end; the prophets preach in the first half, 1,260 days, announcing the advent of Antichrist. [Daniel 9:27; Revelation 11:3]

9.25. Pseudo-Hippolytus: The three prophets are killed

“And when they have proclaimed all these things they will fall on the sword, cut off by the accuser . … the beast that came up out of the abyss would make war with them, namely with Enoch, Elias, and John, and would overcome them, and kill them, because of their refusal to give glory to the accuser. that is the little horn that sprang up.” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: The prophets are killed by the accuser (Antichrist), the beast from the abyss, for refusing to give him glory. [Revelation 11:5-7; Daniel 7:8]

9.26. Pseudo-Hippolytus: The formula of denial

“I deny the Maker of heaven and earth, I deny the baptism, I deny my (former) service, and attach myself to thee, and I believe in thee. For this is what the prophets Enoch and Elias will preach: Believe not the enemy who is to come and be seen; for he is an adversary and corrupter and son of perdition” — Pseudo-Hippolytus, Dubious and Spurious Pieces Attributed to Hippolytus. Note: The seal requires a formal denial of Creator, baptism and prior service; Enoch and Elijah preach against believing the coming enemy. [Revelation 13:15]

9.27. Revelation of John (apocryphal): Three years; Enoch and Elias killed

“Three years shall those times be; and I will make the three years like three months … And then I shall send forth Enoch and Elias to convict him; and they shall show him to be a liar and a deceiver; and he shall kill them at the altar” — Revelation of John (apocryphal), Revelation of John. Note: His time lasts three years, shortened; Enoch and Elias convict him as a liar and he kills them at the altar. [Revelation 11:3-7]

9.28. Cyril of Jerusalem: Deliverance of the elect

“to the end that having toiled for a little while they may inherit the eternal kingdom of heaven … And at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book (manifestly, the book of life); and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and same to shame and everlasting contempt; and they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament” — Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures. Note: After the tribulation, those faithful in the time of Antichrist inherit the eternal kingdom; Cyril cites Daniel on the deliverance of those found written in the book and the resurrection. [Daniel 12:1-3]

9.29. John Chrysostom: Elias precedes second advent

“in which He shews that Elias will come before His second advent. For the Scriptures declare two advents of Christ, namely, one which has taken place, and another which is to come; but the Lord asserts that Elias is the forerunner of the second advent.” — John Chrysostom, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Mark (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Chrysostom says Christ's answer shows Elias will come before the second advent, being its forerunner, as John was of the first. [Mark 9:12; Malachi 4:5]

9.30. John Chrysostom: Elias himself corrects Jewish unbelief

“He speaks of Elias himself in his own proper person, who indeed shall restore all things, in that he shall correct the unbelief of the Jews, who shall then be to be found” — John Chrysostom, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 2 (chapters 11–21) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Chrysostom says Elias himself, not only John, will come before the second coming and correct the unbelief of the Jews of that time. [Matthew 17:11; Malachi 4:5]

9.31. John Chrysostom: Elijah comes against him

“For what will he not then work? He will change and confound all things, both by his commandments, and by the fear of him. He will be terrible in every way, from his power, from his cruelty, from his unlawful commandments … For Elijah too will then come to give confidence to the faithful, and this Christ says; "Elijah cometh, and shall restore all things." (Matt. xvii. 11.) Therefore it is said, "In the spirit and power of Elijah." (Luke i. 17.) For he neither wrought signs nor wonders, as Elijah did. For "John," it is said, "did no miracle, but alI things which John spake of this Man were true." How then was it "in the spirit and power of Elijah"? That is, he will take upon him the same ministry. As the one was the forerunner of His first Coming, so will the other be of His second and glorious Coming, and for this he is reserved” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians. Note: Chrysostom expects Antichrist to change and confound all things, terribly; he says Elijah will come to strengthen the faithful as forerunner of Christ's second coming. [Matthew 17:11; Luke 1:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:12]

9.32. John Chrysostom: Elias still to come

“Elias indeed cometh then, before my second advent; and now too is Elias come;" so calling John. In this sense Elias is come: but if thou wouldest seek the Tishbite, he is coming.” — John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew (part 2 of 3). Note: Chrysostom says John fulfilled Elias in one sense, but the Tishbite himself is still coming before the Lord's second advent. [Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:11]

9.33. Augustine of Hippo: Elijah restores those Antichrist overthrew

“Or; He shall restore all things, that is those whom the persecution of Antichrist shall have overthrown” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 2 (chapters 11–21) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine reads Elijah's restoring of all things as restoring those overthrown by Antichrist's persecution. [Matthew 17:11; Malachi 4:5]

9.34. Augustine of Hippo: Elias converts the Jews

“It is a familiar theme in the conversation and heart of the faithful, that in the last days before the judgment the Jews shall believe in the true Christ, that is, our Christ, by means of this great and admirable prophet Elias who shall expound the law to them.” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine says it is a familiar belief of the faithful that, before the judgment, the Jews will believe in Christ through the prophet Elias, who will expound the law to them. [Malachi 4:5-6]

9.35. Augustine of Hippo: Elias is alive now

“For not without reason do we hope that before the coming of our Judge and Saviour Elias shall come, because we have good reason to believe that he is now alive; for, as Scripture most distinctly informs us, he was taken up from this life in a chariot of fire.” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine says Elias is expected before the Judge because there is good reason to believe he is now alive, having been taken up in a chariot of fire. [Malachi 4:5; 2 Kings 2:11]

9.36. Augustine of Hippo: Order of last events: Elias, Jews, Antichrist

“And at or in connection with that judgment the following events shall come to pass, as we have learned: Elias the Tishbite shall come; the Jews shall believe; Antichrist shall persecute; Christ shall judge; the dead shall rise; the good and the wicked shall be separated; the world shall be burned and renewed. All these things, we believe, shall come to pass; but how, or in what order, human understanding cannot perfectly teach us” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine lists the events around the judgment: Elias comes, the Jews believe, Antichrist persecutes, Christ judges, the dead rise and the world is renewed, though only experience will teach their exact order. [Malachi 4:5; Revelation 20:11]

9.37. Cave of Treasures: Elijah from Paradise

“The time of the error of the Anti-christ will last two years and a half, but others say three years and six months. And when everyone is standing in despair, then will Elijah (Elias) come from Paradise, and convict the deceiver” — Cave of Treasures, The Book of the Cave of Treasures (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: Duration of Antichrist's error and Elijah's coming from Paradise to convict him. [Malachi 4:6]

9.38. Cosmas Indicopleustes: Enoch and Elias will withstand him

“This is he who along with Elias will in the last days withstand the Antichrist, and refute his error, according to the ecclesiastical tradition.” — Cosmas Indicopleustes, The Christian Topography. Note: Cosmas says Enoch, translated without death, will with Elias in the last days withstand Antichrist and refute his error, according to ecclesiastical tradition. [Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:24]

9.39. Cosmas Indicopleustes: Elijah leads against Antichrist

“who is reserved to be leader against Antichrist, standing up against him and convicting him of deception and overweening pride” — Cosmas Indicopleustes, The Christian Topography. Note: Cosmas calls Elijah, still living, reserved as leader against Antichrist, convicting him of deception and pride and leading men back to God at the consummation of the age. [Malachi 4:5; 2 Kings 2:11]

9.40. Gregory the Great: Converted Jews persecuted in his time

“Yet at the end of the world, when the Jews return to faith, the prophet is, as it were, led back to the house, so that preaching may again dwell among his people—preaching which now shines forth among diverse nations as if in a plain. For it is written: "Until the fullness of the Gentiles should enter in, and so all Israel should be saved. And through another prophet it is said: "If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved. Therefore let the prophet go out from the midst of the people to the plain, and let him return from the plain to the house, so that the preaching which was done in Judea may go forth to the Gentiles, and when the Gentiles have been filled with faith, let Judea receive back the gifts of spiritual teaching which she lost. Moreover, the prophet is commanded to be shut in the midst of his house, because in the time of Antichrist the converted people of the Jews will be constrained by harsh persecutions from those Gentiles who remain in unbelief.” — Gregory the Great, Homilies on Ezekiel. Note: Gregory says that at the world's end, when the Jews return to faith, they will in the time of Antichrist be constrained by harsh persecutions from Gentiles who remain unbelieving. [Romans 11:25-26]

9.41. Gregory the Great: Elijah and Enoch rebuke him

“For he saw that at the end of the world Satan entering into the man, whom Holy Scripture calls Antichrist, is lifted up with such exaltation, lords it with such power, is exalted with such wonderful signs and marvels in the exhibiting of holiness, that his deeds cannot be charged home to him by man, in that with the power of terribleness he likewise unites the signs of holiness which is exhibited, and he says, Who shall reprove his way to his face? 'Who,' that is to say, 'of mankind may dare to rebuke him? whose face does he dread to endure [or, 'the sight of whom he dreads']? Yet not only Elijah and Enoch who are brought forward for the rebuking of him, but even all the Elect 'reprove his way to his face” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 2 of 5). Note: Gregory says Satan will enter the man called Antichrist, wielding terror and signs of holiness, and that Elijah and Enoch are brought forward to rebuke him, as are all the elect by God's grace. [Job 21:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:9]

9.42. Gregory the Great: Elias strengthens faithful; Israel converts

“And although at these very times, at which Antichrist draws near, the conduct of the faithful seems to be to a certain extent less virtuous, although in the contest with that ruined man, mighty fear constrains the hearts even of the strong; yet not only do all the faithful, strengthened by the preaching of Elias, remain in the firmness of Holy Church, but, as we said before, many also of the unbelievers are converted to the knowledge of the faith. So that the remnants of the nation of Israel, which had before been utterly rejected, crowd together to the bosom of the Church their Mother with the most pious devotion.” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 5 of 5). Note: Gregory says that as Antichrist draws near the faithful are strengthened by Elias's preaching, many unbelievers are converted, and the remnant of Israel flocks to the Church. [Malachi 4:5; Romans 11:25-26]

9.43. Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel: Antichrist kills Enoch and Elias

“Then Antichrist will appear who will deceive many of them. When he is strengthened, he will seduce even the elect. He will kill the two prophets Enoch and Elias, so that for three and a half days they will be dead in the public places of the great town of Jerusalem.” — Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel, The Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel. Note: Antichrist deceives many, then even the elect, and kills Enoch and Elias, who lie dead in Jerusalem three and a half days. [Revelation 11:7-9; Matthew 24:24]

9.44. Bede: Enoch and Elijah convert many Jews

“This signifies the end times of the present Church when, due to the present universal blindness of that nation, which persecutes Christians to the utmost of its power, a fiercer persecution by the Antichrist will arise in some places. And indeed, many, through the preaching of Enoch and Elijah, will turn from perfidy, but others, under the influence of Antichrist, will fight against the faith with all their might.” — Bede, Bede's Genuine Homilies. Note: Bede in a homily reads Joseph's return to Nazareth as the end times when many Jews turn through Enoch and Elijah and others follow Antichrist. [Matthew 2:22-23]

9.45. Bede: Enoch returns with Elijah

“whom however the faith of the universal Church holds to return before the day of judgment, that is, at the imminent advent of the Antichrist, with Elijah for the conversion of this age, so that by the authority and doctrine of such great men, the hearts of men might be instructed and strengthened to endure and overcome the persecution of that son of perdition” — Bede, Commentary on Genesis. Note: Bede states that the universal Church believes Enoch will return with Elijah at Antichrist's imminent advent, to strengthen the faithful to endure that persecution and then to complete their martyrdom. [Genesis 5:24; Revelation 11:3]

9.46. Bede: Elijah prepares men to resist Antichrist

“Therefore, he will restore all things, first namely the hearts of men of that age, instructing them to believe in Christ, and to resist the perfidy of the Antichrist; then himself by putting down his own soul” — Bede, Commentary on Mark. Note: Bede says Elijah at his coming will restore the hearts of men, teaching them to believe in Christ and resist Antichrist's perfidy, and then die as a martyr. [Mark 9:12; Malachi 4:5]

9.47. Bede: Jews humbled; some convert through Elijah

“here the hour of temptation and the humiliation of the Jews under the time of Antichrist can be signified, so that as in the following in the sixth order often, so also here in the sixth angel the final persecution is designated. In which indeed the evil Jews, deceiving and being deceived, but others, by the teachings of the great prophet Elijah, understanding the law spiritually and incorporated into the members of the Church, are believed to be strongly victorious over the enemy.” — Bede, Commentary on Revelation. Note: Bede reads the 'hour of temptation' as the final persecution under Antichrist, when evil Jews deceive and are deceived while others, taught by Elijah, join the Church and conquer. [Revelation 3:10; Malachi 4:5]

9.48. Bede: Enoch and Elijah killed by Antichrist

“Nor is there anything preventing these two cows, which bearing the ark of the Lord were given as a burnt offering to the Israelites, from being interpreted as Enoch and Elijah, who will then reveal the grace of faith to the Jews and are believed to receive death from Antichrist without delay.” — Bede, Commentary on Samuel. Note: Bede suggests the two cows offered in 1 Samuel 6 may be Enoch and Elijah, who will show the Jews the faith and are believed to be killed by Antichrist at once. [1 Samuel 6:14; Revelation 11:3-7]

9.49. John of Damascus: Enoch and Elijah turn synagogue

“But Enoch and Elias the Thesbite shall be sent and shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children , that is, the synagogue to our Lord Jesus Christ and the preaching of the apostles: and they will be destroyed by him.” — John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Note: Enoch and Elijah are sent to turn the synagogue to Christ, and Antichrist will kill them. [Malachi 4:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8]

9.50. Timothy I of Baghdad: Elijah rebukes Antichrist

“It is this prophet Elijah who, as we have learned, will come into the world after the ascension of Jesus to heaven. He will come to rebuke the Antichrist, and to teach and preach to everybody concerning the second apparition of Jesus from heaven.” — Timothy I of Baghdad, Apology for Christianity, to the Caliph Al-Mahdi. Note: Patriarch Timothy tells the Caliph al-Mahdi that Elijah will come to rebuke Antichrist and announce Christ's second coming. [Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:11]

9.51. Rabanus: Enoch and Elijah versus Antichrist's spirit

“Or, we may apply it to the last times of the Jewish Church, when many Jews having turned to the preaching of Enoch and Elijah, the rest filled with the spirit of Antichrist shall fight against the faith.” — Rabanus, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 1 (chapters 1–10) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Rabanus applies the account to the last times of the Jewish Church: many Jews turn to Enoch and Elijah, while the rest, filled with Antichrist's spirit, fight the faith. [Matthew 2:22-23; Malachi 4:5]

9.52. Remigius: Enoch and Elias preach to Israel

“Or, when this fig shall again bud, that is, when the synagogue shall receive the word of holy preaching, as the preaching of Enoch and Elias, then we ought to understand that the day of the consummation is at hand.” — Remigius, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Remigius says that when the synagogue receives the preaching of Enoch and Elias, the end is at hand. [Matthew 24:32; Malachi 4:5]

9.53. Theophylact: John with Elias, killed by him

“And therefore they confess that he still lives, but will be killed by Antichrist, and will preach Christ's name with Elias.” — Theophylact, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. John, part 2 (chapters 11–21) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Theophylact reports a view that John still lives, to be killed by Antichrist after preaching Christ's name with Elias. [John 21:22; Revelation 11:3-7]

9.54. Solomon of Basra: Elijah convicts the deceiver

“And when every one is standing in despair, then will Elijah (Elias) come from Paradise, and convict the deceiver, and turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers; and he will encourage and strengthen the hearts of the believers.” — Solomon of Basra, The Book of the Bee (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: Elijah comes from Paradise to expose Antichrist and strengthen believers. [Malachi 4:5-6]

9.55. Thomas Aquinas: Jews believe at Enoch and Elijah

“Or the return of Jesus to the land of Israel on the death of Herod shews, that, at the preaching of Enoch and Elijah, the Jews, when the fire of modern jealousy shall be extinguished, shall receive the true faith.” — Thomas Aquinas, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 1 (chapters 1–10); scanned text. Note: An untagged comment reading Jesus's return to Israel as the Jews receiving the faith at Enoch and Elijah's preaching. [Matthew 2:19-21; Malachi 4:5]

9.56. Durandus: Gentiles and Jews one before him

“Secondly, to note that, before the persecution of Antichrist, the people of believing Gentiles, referred to by the Psalm, O God, Thou art my God, and the repentant people of the Jews, referred to by the Psalm, God be merciful, shall be one in faith; and after they are united, the tribulation of Antichrist will come.” — Durandus, A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 2 (Psalms 39–80) (part 1 of 2) (quoted by Neale and Littledale (Commentary on the Psalms)); scanned text. Note: Durandus explains that two psalms are sung together to signal that believing Gentiles and repentant Jews will be one in faith before Antichrist's tribulation. [Psalm 63:1; Psalm 67:1]

9.57. Kebra Nagast: Enoch and Elias come to testify

“And Enoch and Elias shall come, being alive, so that they may testify, and Moses and Aaron from the dead shall live with everyone.” — Kebra Nagast, The Queen of Sheba and her only son Menyelek: the Kebra Nagast (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: At the resurrection Enoch and Elijah come alive, with Moses and Aaron risen, to testify against the Jews. [Revelation 11:3; Malachi 4:5]

9.58. Neale and Littledale (compilers): World rejoices over two witnesses

“And it shall be so yet once more, a triumph for the time most perfect of all, when, the Two Witnesses having been now slain, "they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts to one another.” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 1 (Psalms 1–38) (part 2 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers foresee a final triumph of the world when the two witnesses are slain and earth-dwellers make merry. [Psalm 35:19; Revelation 11:10]

9.59. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Slaughter of two witnesses, then end

“They shall have enough till the time comes when the last spark of goodness will be crushed out of the earth by the slaughter of the two witnesses, and then immediately shall the end be.” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 1 (Psalms 1–38) (part 2 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers say the faithful will have enough until the slaughter of the two witnesses, after which the end comes at once. [Psalm 37:19; Revelation 11:7]

9.60. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Two witnesses slain and raised

“For when His acknowledged worshippers on earth will be reduced to the two witnesses, and they shall have been slain, then it follows with respect to Him Whom the Church calls The God of my life: "After three days and a half, the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet” — 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 describe a stage when God's acknowledged worshippers are reduced to the two witnesses, who are slain and then raised after three and a half days. [Psalm 42:8; Revelation 11:3-11]

9.61. Neale and Littledale (compilers): Enoch and Elijah die in his days

“the constant tradition of the Church is that Enoch and Elijah, still believed to live, will reappear and die in the days of Antichrist.” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 3 (Psalms 81–118) (part 1 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers state the Church's constant tradition that Enoch and Elijah, believed still alive, will reappear and die in Antichrist's days. [Psalm 89:48; Revelation 11:7]

10. What will he do, and how will people be taken in?

“With all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The Fathers ask what those wonders are, whether they are real, why people believe them, and what the faithful should do. They say he will flatter before he persecutes, that the persecution is the worst yet, and that it will test the Church more by seduction than by torture. They also tell the story of the people who were taken in before him: false Christs, false Elijahs, and an emperor mistaken for him. The same writers say that miracles prove nothing, since the wicked will work them.

In this chapter

This question draws on 233 quotations from 50 voices. 9 of them are printed in full below, at the end of the chapter, because their main concern is this question; the other 224 belong chiefly to other questions and are listed here by number.

Real wonders or illusions? (Augustine, John of Damascus, Cyril of Jerusalem, Solomon of Basra, Neale and Littledale)

Augustine puts the question and leaves it open: are the wonders “lying” because they deceive the senses, or because true prodigies will deceive men into thinking the devil’s power is divine? John of Damascus says they are fictitious, and Cyril that they are illusions, such as seeming resurrections. Solomon of Basra says he cannot really raise the dead. Neale and Littledale, like Pharaoh’s magicians, say they are partly illusion and partly explicable.

A pious beginning (Pseudo-Hippolytus, Cyril, Gregory the Great, John of Damascus, Bede)

The Fathers do not expect him to arrive as a villain. The pseudo-Hippolytan sermon has him begin gentle, pious and apparently righteous, especially favouring the Jews. Cyril says he will feign mildness first. Gregory the Great calls him the chief of hypocrites and a flatterer first; John of Damascus has him raised in secret and at first feigning holiness. Bede describes two phases, hidden then open, in the first of which he is accepted as Christ’s imitator.

Gifts, honours and hunger (Gregory the Great, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Theophylact)

He wins people with benefits more than with threats. Gregory says the son of perdition will bestow gifts, honours and marvels on the wicked, so that drifting souls follow. Pseudo-Hippolytus describes a famine in which Antichrist offers bread, wine and honours and the hungry go to worship him and take his mark. Theophylact applies Christ’s words about losing one’s life to saving it: believers must not submit to save their lives.

Persecution by word and by sword (Hippolytus, Lactantius, Augustine, Gregory the Great)

Hippolytus has him scatter believers so that not two or three can assemble, and suppress worship. Lactantius describes refusers who flee to the mountains or are burned wrapped in the books of the prophets. Augustine distinguishes three persecutions, by pagan rulers, by heretics and false brethren, and a third by Antichrist. Gregory says some will seduce by words while others, backed by worldly power, compel; and that the persecutors will think they serve Christ.

Who falls (Augustine, Gregory the Great, Hilary, Bede, Remigius, Solomon of Basra)

The Fathers expect real losses. Augustine reads the falling stars as many apparently graced believers giving way under persecution. Gregory reads the dragon’s tail drawing a third of the stars as some who seemed to shine falling away, but also says the elect will be tempted and tremble yet not fall. Hilary says Christ will find the Church wearied by Antichrist’s spirit. Bede has the Church hide; Remigius says many will leave the faith. Solomon of Basra expects mass apostasy under Ishmaelite oppression, some without compulsion.

The martyrs of that time (Cyril, Tertullian, Pseudo-Hippolytus, Cyprian, Origen)

The tribulation is also glorious. Cyril says martyrs under Antichrist will fight Satan in person against false signs and pretended resurrections. Tertullian sees the white-robed multitude of Revelation 7 as martyrs triumphant over Antichrist. The pseudo-Hippolytan sermon says those who overcome the tyrant himself will be more illustrious than the earlier martyrs who overcame only his servants. Cyprian tells his flock not to be terrified, since Christ follows to avenge. Origen says that in his season infidels and persecutors will work wonders and the saints none.

He has been mistaken for before (Eusebius, Sulpicius Severus, John of Nikiu, Gregory of Tours, Palladius)

The sources are frank about the false alarms. Eusebius lists Dositheus, Simon Magus and Montanus as claimants whom followers took for the Christ. Sulpicius tells of a Spanish youth who claimed to be Elias and then Christ. John of Nikiu says that in Diocletian’s persecution everyone thought the emperor was Antichrist; Gregory of Tours reports a man who gave himself out as Christ in Gaul and deceived thousands. In Palladius a demon plays Christ to a monk with phantom angels.

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]

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]

Satan transformed into an angel of light (2 Cor 11:13–15)

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. [2 Corinthians 11:13-15]

Wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15–23)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [Matthew 7:15-23]

Also relevant: quotations printed under other questions

Didache, False prophets multiply, love turns to hate (11.1); Didache, The world-deceiver as a 'son of God' (3.1); Didache, Endure the fiery trial (15.1); Shepherd of Hermas, Blessed who endure the great tribulation (15.4); Shepherd of Hermas, Vision of the coming tribulation (5.2); Shepherd of Hermas, The sea-monster with fiery locusts (1.1); Shepherd of Hermas, Prepare by repentance for the tribulation (15.5); Ascension of Isaiah, Sun rises at night at his word (3.2); Ascension of Isaiah, He speaks like the Beloved and claims deity (6.1); Ascension of Isaiah, His image set up in every city (3.3); Sibylline Oracles, Beliar will come working signs (3.4); Sibylline Oracles, He leads many astray but perfects nothing (16.1); Justin Martyr, The man of apostasy persecutes Christians (11.4); Justin Martyr, False christs are the heretics now (11.5); Irenaeus of Lyons, Marcus the magician as precursor (12.1); Irenaeus of Lyons, 'Wicked one' is Antichrist (1.2); Irenaeus of Lyons, Reigns three years six months (7.4); Irenaeus of Lyons, Slain by the Lord's coming (14.7); Irenaeus of Lyons, Wonders by magic and demons (1.3); Irenaeus of Lyons, Church caught up; last contest (15.7); Irenaeus of Lyons, Nebuchadnezzar's image foreshadows him (8.3); Tertullian, Order of the last times (5.9); Tertullian, Martyrs triumph over Antichrist (14.11); Tertullian, False prophets are forerunners (12.5); Tertullian, Creator sends the delusion (14.12); Tertullian, Heresy as present antichrist (11.12); Hippolytus of Rome, 42 months: Church persecuted (7.6); Hippolytus of Rome, Conquers all ten, seeks worship (3.9); Hippolytus of Rome, Three horns: Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia (5.16); Hippolytus of Rome, Beast kills the two witnesses (9.9); Hippolytus of Rome, Lamb-horns: imitates the Son of God (3.10); Hippolytus of Rome, Mark = compulsory sacrifice (8.17); Hippolytus of Rome, Antiochus as a type (12.8); Hippolytus of Rome, Conquers three, attacks Tyre first (5.20); Hippolytus of Rome, Partridge luring others' young (3.11); Hippolytus of Rome, Jews rally against the saints (16.4); Hippolytus of Rome, 2 Thess 2 quoted; restrainer unnamed (4.8); Hippolytus of Rome, Lamb outside, wolf within (3.13); Hippolytus of Rome, Sacrifice that ceases is prayer (6.17); Hippolytus of Rome, Worship suppressed; witnesses killed and raised (6.21); Origen of Alexandria, Not every sign proves God (3.14); Commodian, Latin conqueror says 'I am Christ' (16.5); Commodian, Martyrs reign in a fleshly millennium (14.21); Commodian, The Latin conqueror says 'I am Christ' (6.23); Commodian, Martyrs under Antichrist share the thousand years (14.24); Origen of Alexandria, Store up manna before the famine (15.13); Origen of Alexandria, Warned against those claiming to be Christ (12.9); Origen of Alexandria, The man of sin permitted by God's judgment (4.9); Origen of Alexandria, Antichrist's wonders like Egypt's magicians (3.15); Origen of Alexandria, Evil peaks by simulating the good (2.16); Origen of Alexandria, A bold king who destroys the saints (1.4); Origen of Alexandria, The man of sin imitates true wonders (3.16); Cyprian of Carthage, The serpent as Antichrist's pioneer (1.5); Cyprian of Carthage, Antichrist cannot threaten his way in (15.14); Cyprian of Carthage, The time of Antichrist draws near (15.15); Cyprian of Carthage, Antichrist is coming, but Christ above him (15.16); Cyprian of Carthage, Beast, image and mark in the Apocalypse (15.17); Cyprian of Carthage, A fiercer fight is threatening (15.18); Cyprian of Carthage, Antichrist under the name of Christ (3.17); Cyprian of Carthage, Spared from Antichrist's corruptions (15.21); Victorinus of Pettau, Raised up by God's command (1.7); Victorinus of Pettau, False prophet; counterfeit resurrections (3.20); Victorinus of Pettau, Golden image in the Jerusalem temple (8.24); Victorinus of Pettau, Calls to circumcision; rises from hell (16.8); Victorinus of Pettau, Little season = 3.5 years (14.31); Eusebius of Caesarea, Simon Magus brought to Rome (12.12); Lactantius, Decline before the end (11.29); Lactantius, Claims to be God's Son (3.23); Lactantius, Attacks the temple of God (6.27); Lactantius, Mark; burning; 42 months (8.25); Eusebius of Caesarea, Do not follow the false appearing (3.25); Eusebius of Caesarea, Persecution by the son of perdition (15.25); Eusebius of Caesarea, Warning against the lying Antichrist (12.14); Eusebius of Caesarea, Other deceivers came before the final one (12.15); Eusebius of Caesarea, Simon Magus, Dositheus, Montanus as false christs (12.16); History of Joseph the Carpenter, Antichrist slays four witnesses (9.21); Pseudo-Hippolytus, False Christs, Simon Magus onward (12.17); Pseudo-Hippolytus, The three prophets are killed (9.25); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Begins gentle, pious, loves the Jews (16.10); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Counterfeits Christ's miracles (3.27); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Virtue as route to throne (16.11); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Builds the temple, then blasphemes (6.32); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Wonders over the elements (1.9); Pseudo-Hippolytus, 'What god is there but I?' (1.10); Pseudo-Hippolytus, 666 read as 'I deny' (8.26); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Famine drives people to his mark (15.26); Pseudo-Hippolytus, The formula of denial (9.26); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Counterfeit ascension (3.28); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Overcomers greater than earlier martyrs (15.27); Pseudo-Hippolytus, Take heed: end not yet (15.30); Hilary of Poitiers, Church worn by his spirit (11.34); Hilary of Poitiers, Draw the distracted into his service (3.32); Hilary of Poitiers, Desert and chambers: under his rule (3.33); Athanasius of Alexandria, Devil hides behind a desirable name (3.35); Athanasius of Alexandria, Devil counterfeits Christ in heresy (3.36); Athanasius of Alexandria, Last heresy, harbinger of Antichrist (11.37); Athanasius of Alexandria, Ignorance of the day protects (3.37); Athanasius of Alexandria, What more could Antichrist do? (14.38); Athanasius of Alexandria, Whoever brings Arianism is Antichrist (15.32); Apostolic Constitutions, The deceiver of the world, prince of lies (14.39); Ambrosiaster, Final persecution from Antichrist (15.33); Cyril of Jerusalem, Eleventh king, three-and-a-half years (5.31); Cyril of Jerusalem, Satan's instrument; illusory miracles (1.11); Cyril of Jerusalem, The horn wars on the saints (14.41); Cyril of Jerusalem, Martyrs of that time (15.35); Cyril of Jerusalem, No curiosity about the time (15.36); Ambrose of Milan, Argues from Scripture he is Christ (3.40); Apocalypse of Thomas, Great signs when Antichrist draws near (7.17); Apocalypse of Thomas, A golden image in the house of God (6.38); Shenoute of Atripe, Antichrist among false teachers (12.38); John Chrysostom, Antichrist and his ministers (12.39); John Chrysostom, Christ's mere appearing ends him (14.46); John Chrysostom, Antichrist removes every excuse (3.45); John Chrysostom, Compare the signs: Christ and Antichrist (3.46); John Chrysostom, Elijah comes against him (9.31); John Chrysostom, Rejecters of Christ will receive him (16.21); John Chrysostom, Matt 24 deceivers include him (3.49); John Chrysostom, Antichrist is local; Christ like lightning (3.50); John Chrysostom, Antichrist's tribulation is short (14.47); John Chrysostom, Revelry in the days of Antichrist (14.48); Rufinus of Aquileia, The enemy counterfeits the second advent (6.42); Rufinus of Aquileia, Foretold lest he be mistaken (14.50); Jerome, Heretics hide Antichrist behind Christ (3.51); Palladius of Galatia, Valens worships a false Christ (3.53); Palladius of Galatia, Demon plays Christ (3.54); Sulpicius Severus, False Elias; Antichrist at hand (13.22); Sulpicius Severus, Martin and the devil as 'Christ' (3.55); Sulpicius Severus, Last persecution: Antichrist's (14.51); Augustine of Hippo, Jews expect an Antichrist (16.24); Augustine of Hippo, Satan unchained works through him (14.52); Augustine of Hippo, Stars fall: believers give way (11.65); Augustine of Hippo, Prosperous, thought to be God (1.13); Augustine of Hippo, Man of sin completes all false prophets (2.32); Augustine of Hippo, Three persecutions; the third by Antichrist (12.44); Augustine of Hippo, Only the unwritten consent to him (14.53); Augustine of Hippo, The Jews will receive 'another' in his own name (16.27); Augustine of Hippo, Abraham's darkness: affliction under Antichrist (7.21); Augustine of Hippo, Antichrist's persecution as the eleventh (12.45); Augustine of Hippo, Satan loosed three years six months (7.22); Augustine of Hippo, Fire from heaven: the saints' firmness (14.55); Augustine of Hippo, Unparalleled tribulation under Antichrist (15.47); Augustine of Hippo, Certain only: Antichrist comes first (14.57); Augustine of Hippo, Wonders seduce those who deserve it (15.48); Augustine of Hippo, Seduced, then judged (14.58); Augustine of Hippo, Seeks his own glory; the Jews receive him (16.28); Cyril of Alexandria, Another in his own name: the son of transgression (16.29); Cyril of Alexandria, Jews attach themselves to Antichrist (16.30); Testament of Our Lord, Son of Perdition boasts and works signs (15.49); Testament of Our Lord, The abomination of desolation gathered (6.48); Testament of Our Lord, His power is to blaspheme (1.14); Leo the Great, Rebel monks as 'soldiers of Antichrist' (12.48); Cave of Treasures, Gog and Magog break out (7.26); Cosmas Indicopleustes, Elijah leads against Antichrist (9.39); Gregory of Tours, A Gaulish false Christ killed (12.50); Gregory the Great, Elect tempted by his signs (15.52); Gregory the Great, Wonders draw the carnal (15.53); Gregory the Great, Preachers of Antichrist give great signs (15.54); Gregory the Great, The elect will be tempted but not fall (15.55); Gregory the Great, Jewish believers persecuted by unbelieving Jews (16.34); Gregory the Great, Antichrist passes himself off as 'day' (14.61); Gregory the Great, Some who seem to shine fall away (11.82); Gregory the Great, The devil enters a man called Antichrist (2.36); Gregory the Great, Elijah and Enoch rebuke him (9.41); Gregory the Great, Gifts, honours and marvels draw followers (1.15); Gregory the Great, Chief of all hypocrites (16.35); Gregory the Great, Antichrist: the devil's vessel (13.45); Gregory the Great, Permitted to rule unbelieving Jews (16.36); Gregory the Great, Pretends to be God above men (6.50); Gregory the Great, Lifted up, then undone by the true Judge (14.63); Gregory the Great, Prosperous for a short time (Daniel 8) (7.27); Gregory the Great, Synagogue prepares for Antichrist (16.37); Gregory the Great, Flatterer first, then persecutor (2.39); Gregory the Great, Honour of the world and power of miracles (1.16); Gregory the Great, Words and swords together (7.28); Gregory the Great, First beast = Antichrist; second = his preachers (1.17); Gregory the Great, Persecutors will think they serve Christ (7.29); Gregory the Great, Antichrist feigns death and resurrection (3.56); Coptic Texts from St. Macarius’ Monastery, Sinners numbered with Antichrist (14.65); Coptic Texts from St. Macarius’ Monastery, Antichrist bound; Devil claims God (3.57); Coptic Texts from St. Macarius’ Monastery, Enoch exposes the Son of Iniquity (2.40); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, Signs before Gog and Magog (7.30); Apocalypse of Samuel of Kalamoun, Ten Greek kings serve him (5.45); John of Nikiu, Diocletian taken for Antichrist (5.46); Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel, Gathers Jews to Jerusalem (16.41); Coptic Apocalypse of Daniel, Antichrist kills Enoch and Elias (9.43); Bede, Torments joined to miracles (7.33); Bede, Two great persecutions: Rome, then Antichrist (5.50); Bede, Torments accompanied by miracles (7.35); Bede, Days shortened to about 3.5 years (7.36); Bede, Restrained until released at the end (4.29); Bede, Mimics Christ's death and resurrection (3.58); Bede, Two phases: hidden, then open (3.59); Bede, False mediator between God and followers (3.60); Bede, Armageddon: the devil in a man with usurped divinity (1.18); Bede, Signs at the end: whose side is unclear (15.60); Bede, Sixth seal: final persecution (7.37); Bede, Final persecution: stars fall, Church hides (11.92); Bede, Heretics precede open war of Antichrist (11.93); Bede, Jews await Antichrist as their savior (2.49); John of Damascus, Jews receive the impostor (16.47); John of Damascus, Hidden upbringing, feigned sanctity (2.51); Paulician Church of Armenia, Satan's twelve disguises (3.61); Alcuin, Rejected Truth, receive a lie (16.49); Remigius, Many depart; he sends false prophets (11.95); Theophylact, Deceives for a time; followers lost (1.19); Theophylact, Dwelling-place of every sin (11.96); Theophylact, Do not submit to save your life (15.62); Theophylact, 'Then' means Antichrist's time (7.38); Anselm, Persecutor with miracles, martyr none (11.97); Solomon of Basra, Mass apostasy under Ishmael (11.98); Solomon of Basra, Gog and Magog burst out (2.52); Solomon of Basra, Of Dan; deluding phantasms (2.55); Solomon of Basra, Mimics Christ's healings (3.62); Solomon of Basra, Jews and Indians accept him (16.50); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Boasting ungodly: Antichrist in the temple (6.59); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Five marks: guile, opposition (3.63); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Appearance of goodness; flattery (3.64); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Elect kept in Antichrist's time (15.68); Neale and Littledale (compilers), World rejoices over two witnesses (9.58); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Proud = the Lawless One (3.66); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Only the unwritten worship him (1.20); Neale and Littledale (compilers), He uses learning and literal Scripture (11.102); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Slain by the breath of His lips (14.83); Neale and Littledale (compilers), Four persecutions; Antichrist worst (5.59).

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.

10.1. Irenaeus of Lyons: God sends working of error

“Speaking of antichrist, too, he says clearly in the Second to the Thessalonians: "And for this cause God shall send them the working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but consented to iniquity."” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies. Note: God permits the working of error to come on those who refused the truth, as Paul says of Antichrist. [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12]

10.2. Origen of Alexandria: Persecutors work wonders; saints none

“when, so far from signs and miracles being testimonies to the true faith, infidels and persecutors will perform great and mighty wonders, and they that are persecuted for CHRIST's sake will be able to perform none” — 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: In the same account, Origen says that in Antichrist's season infidels and persecutors will work wonders while the persecuted faithful will work none. [Psalm 37:19; Matthew 24:24]

10.3. Augustine of Hippo: Phantoms or real wonders?

“But a doubt is often raised whether the Apostle said Signs and lying wonders, because he is to deceive mortal senses, by phantoms, so as to appear to do what he does not, or because those wonders themselves, even though true, are to turn men aside to lies” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Mark (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine records the open question whether Antichrist's wonders are phantoms deceiving the senses or real marvels that lead men into falsehood. [2 Thessalonians 2:9; Mark 13:22]

10.4. Augustine of Hippo: Wicked men's miracles prove nothing

“Here the Lord forewarns us that even wicked men shall do some miracles which the saints cannot do, yet are they not therefore to be thought to have a higher place in the sight of God.” — Augustine of Hippo, Catena Aurea: Commentary on St. Matthew, part 3 (chapters 22–28) (quoted by Thomas Aquinas); scanned text. Note: Augustine says the Lord warns that wicked men will work miracles beyond the saints' ability, which gives them no higher standing before God. [Matthew 24:24; Exodus 7:11]

10.5. Augustine of Hippo: Are the lying wonders false or true?

“It is commonly questioned whether these works are called "signs and lying wonders" because he is to deceive men's senses by false appearances, or because the things he does, though they be true prodigies, shall be a lie to those who shall believe that such things could be done only by God, being ignorant of the devil's power” — Augustine of Hippo, The City of God (part 3 of 3). Note: Augustine asks whether the wonders are 'lying' because they deceive the senses or because true prodigies will deceive those who think only God could do them. [2 Thessalonians 2:9]

10.6. Gregory the Great: Counsellors who say Antichrist is the dawn

“The prudent then of this world, who adhere to the perverse counsels of the malice of Antichrist, are, as it were, the eyelids of the morning, because they declare that the faith in Christ which they meet with is, as it were, the night of error, and profess that veneration for Antichrist is the true morning.” — Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job (part 4 of 5). Note: Gregory says the worldly-wise who follow Antichrist will call faith in Christ the night of error and veneration of Antichrist the true morning, promising light by brilliant miracles. [Job 41:9]

10.7. John of Damascus: Fictitious, not real, wonders

“But he will come with signs and lying wonders , fictitious and not real, and he will deceive and lead away from the living God those whose mind rests on an unsound and unstable foundation, so that even the elect shall, if it be possible, be made to stumble .” — John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Note: His miracles are fictitious rather than real, and he misleads those with unstable minds. [2 Thessalonians 2:9; Matthew 24:24]

10.8. Solomon of Basra: Cannot raise the dead

“He will shew deluding phantasms (of this kind), but he will not be able to raise the dead.” — Solomon of Basra, The Book of the Bee (Budge translation); scanned text. Note: Antichrist cannot actually raise the dead. [Matthew 24:24]

10.9. Neale and Littledale (compilers): His wonders: illusion or explicable

“And in this sense men may be said to do wonderful things, as the magicians of Pharaoh did, and as it is prophesied that Antichrist will do in the last days. But these are partly mere illusions and jugglery, having no real existence, and partly would be explicable by complete knowledge on our part” — Neale and Littledale (compilers), A Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Mediaeval Writers, volume 4 (Psalms 119–150) (part 2 of 2); scanned text. Note: The compilers say that Antichrist's prophesied wonders, like those of Pharaoh's magicians, are partly illusion and partly explicable by fuller knowledge, unlike God's abiding works. [Psalm 136:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9]