When Does The Anti-Christ Appear?

Q

I read your answer on the revealing of the Antichrist at the start of the Great Tribulation. I’m confused. I thought the AC comes on scene when the first seal is opened (rider on the white horse). What am I missing?

A

Both are correct. The anti-Christ first appears on the world scene as a great peacemaker, probably in the wake of Ezekiel 38. In that role he’s the rider on the white horse from the 1st seal of Rev. 6:2. This happens at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week.

But he won’t be officially revealed as such until he stands in the Temple and proclaims himself to be God in the Middle of Daniel’s 70th week (2 Thes. 2:4). This will take place shortly after he’s physically indwelt by Satan (Rev. 13:2,4,5) and is what kicks off the Great Tribulation according to Matt. 24:15.