It seems to be most Protestant denominations believe that right before the second coming, the antichrist will come, so he has not come yet. How is this different in Catholicism and Orthodoxy? Do they believe that he has already come and gone (e.g. perhaps he was Nero)?
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4You seem to be asking two different questions.– Steven DoggartFeb 21, 2015 at 19:46
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I think he is asking if Catholics and Orthodox believe the Antichrist came long ago unlike Protestants that believe he must still come. I have no idea, so I would like to see an answer.– gideon marxFeb 22, 2015 at 18:09
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That is exactly what I'm asking about. Thank you for clarifying my question more!– NanotwerpFeb 22, 2015 at 18:11
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1 Answer
Did Nero "sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself as though he were God" (1 Thessalonians 2:4)? Before Nero, was there "a revolt [αποστασια = apostasy] first," after which "the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" (ibid. 2:3)?
St. Jerome, with some others, interprets this revolt to be the rebellion of the nations or provinces against the Roman Empire. … They have revolted, and no manifestation has appeared.
Thus, the revolt that must precede Antichrist is spiritual, not temporal.
Yes, Catholics believe Antichrist's reign is one sign of the end of the world.
{The others are: a general preaching of the Christian religion, conversion of the the Jews, return of Enoch and Elijah, a great apostasy, perturbations of nature, universal conflagration, the Trumpet of Resurrection, and the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heavens (source).}
