1 John 2:18

[Catholictrain]

We commonly hear about “the Antichrist”. Always one antichrist. Yet in this letter of John (1 John 2:18) he talks about multiple Antichrists.

How are Catholics supposed to interpret this passage?

 

[dashso40]

In my study bible, it says that antichrists(false teachers who pretend to be Christians and who lure weak members away from Christ)will appear. Than, just before the world ends, one great antichrist will arise.

 

[Liraco]

2 John 7: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.”

This might be helpful: catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0304bt.asp

Put simply, there have been many who can be identified as antichrists because of their words and actions. Not to be confused with the one in Revelation though.

 

[Catholictrain]

Thanks. This all makes sense now. :thumbsup:

 

[tobinatorstark]

We commonly hear about “the Antichrist”. Always one antichrist. Yet in this letter of John (1 John 2:18) he talks about multiple Antichrists.

How are Catholics supposed to interpret this passage?

From the Haydock Bible Commentary

Ver. 18. It is the last hour. That is, according to the common interpretation, the last age of the world, from the coming of Christ to the day of judgment, and the end of the world, which St. Paul calls the end and consummation of ages. (Hebrews ix. 26.) — And as you have heard that antichrist (the great antichrist) cometh, or is to come in this last age: now there are already many antichrists; i.e. as the word signifies, many adversaries to Christ, who are forerunners of the great and last antichrist. (Witham) — Many antichrists; that is, many heretics, enemies of Christ and his Church, and forerunners of the great antichrist. (Challoner) — St. Cyprian says all are called antichrists that have divided themselves from the charity and unity of the Catholic Church. (Ep. lxxvii. ad Magnum.) — Whereby we know that it is the last hour, it being foretold that many false prophets should rise in the latter days. (Matthew xxiv. 11. &c.) (Witham)

Please pay close attention to words highlighted in red

 

[John7]

Put simply, there have been many who can be identified as antichrists because of their words and actions. Not to be confused with the one in Revelation though.

just for info.
There is no word ‘antichrist’ in Revelation. That doesn’t mean though that the person who is The antichrist isn’t figured in Rev. I’m still trying to understand if the antichrist is the ‘Beast’, the ‘False prophet’, or the ‘Dragon’ the evil-trio found in Rev 16.13:shrug: