Study-Grow-Know Ministries

Here Paul expressly speaks of a "man of sin/son of perdition" who would rise to power, oppose everything that is God and exalt himself instead (as Antiochus IV did). He will even do what Antiochus previously did by going into the Jewish Temple, sit inside the Holy of Holies (possibly on the Mercy Seat on top of reconstructed Ark of the Covenant), and declare to the world that he is God. Obviously, in order for this to occur, the Jewish Temple must be rebuilt during the coming Tribulation period. Antichrist will then confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. Neither Antiochus in 167-168 BC or Roman Emperor Vespasian in AD 70 fulfilled all aspects of this prophecy. This will be fulfilled in the future.