Paul assumes the Thessalonians recall that instruction. 2 Thess. This is particularly difficult, and one of the most avid debates among modern commentators concerns the question of who or what is restraining the lawless ones appearance. The church members were understandably distraught! 5:6; Col. 2:8). gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10, the "man of sin" is described as one who will be revealed before the Day of the Lord comes. Think about it this way: what miraculous sign would get your attention, Stay connected to God in Word and Spirit (Bible study and prayer), and we won't be deceived. ", 36 Now concerning that day and hour no one knowsneither the angels of heaven nor the Sonexcept the Father alone. (1 Thess 5), So, this topic was on their mind. and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of But because Satan doesn't know when Jesus is returning, he has a "candidate" man of lawlessness on the earth at all times (read verse 4 again -- you can think of a lot of people who have fit that description throughout history, right?). This week's passage is based on actual "fake news". Christians have lost a lot of sleep attempting to identify/predict this person, but all we need to know is that Jesus will defeat him. Consider Matthew 24:33. ], [You might remember the Peretti books. I'll give you more about Matthew 24 below, but for our purposes right now, know that Jesus used the word "deceive" a lot there. The time will come that whosoever will kill you (with false accusationslabeling them as devils)will think that he does God service (part of the original Lie of Satan in Genesis). For that day will not come, hunless the rebellion comes first, and ithe man of lawlessness2 is revealed, jthe son of destruction,3. When people study Matthew 24 next to 2 Thessalonians 2, there is often a confusion: "We're not supposed to know when Jesus is coming back, but isn't the appearance of the man of lawlessness a sure sign that Jesus is about to come back?" In 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Jesus will be revealed (apocalupto) from heaven, whereas in 2:3, 6, & 8, the lawless one will be revealed. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7 who is holding back the "secret power of lawlessness"? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. would, and casteth them out of the church. Bible: Quiz 8.29.4 Week Twenty-Nine Notes, Bible:8.28.5 - Week Twenty-Eight Bible Readin, Byron Almen, Dorothy Payne, Stefan Kostka, Eric Hinderaker, James A. Henretta, Rebecca Edwards, Robert O. Self. What beliefs have you held that turned out to be false? The way I create an outline is to outline the passage. ), "Flight by machines heavier than air is impractical and insignificant, if not utterly impossible" - Simon Newcomb, 1902, "I am apt to believe that [the Second Day of July] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival - John Adams, 1776, People in industrialized countries will only need to pop into the office for brief three-hour shifts or a fifteen-hour work week by the year 2030 - John Keynes, 1930, Theres no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. 4:1; 2 Tim. Paul is saying here that the man of lawlessness, whoever he is, was presently being restrained, in Paul's time. The biggest sign is the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple (which happens in 70 AD). (Hosea 1 & 3). 2:9). Chapter two refers to an unnamed 'man of lawlessness." There are several interpretations and theories about this person. Realize the difference between "antichrist" and "The Antichrist". So, you can imagine how discouraged they would be to hear that they missed it. CHAPTER 4 11:3637). What are 1099 and W9 Tax Forms? Here's an overview of the some of the predictions of the apocalypse. And they greater number of those who shall have been associated together in order to receive the Beloved, he will turn aside after him. David Berg (!) One, that doesn't match the grammar. Acts 17:23). 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. 2 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. The following are the words of Jesus found in 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Thessalonians 2: Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I Second, the fact still remains for Christians today that many antichrists exist 5,6, men of lawlessness 1,2,3 in their own right, looking to do the bidding of Satan 4,9. 17:5, 7), but elsewhere Paul speaks of God as the author of the mysteries of the gospel (e.g., Rom. apollymi ) refers to those whose destruction awaits them. In those book, angels have physical sword fights with demons, but if the Christians aren't praying, they can't win the fight. Paul encourages believers to be diligent in ministering to others because Jesus hasn't returned yet. And he shall bear sway three years and seven months and twenty-seven days. Here we note that until he is out of the way is an English idiom for the more particular Greek phrase until he comes from the middle. The restrainer interposes himself between the people of this age and the fullest expression of evil represented by the lawless one. Proper Noun: And happy rhymes bathed in the sacred brook Of Helicon whence she derived is, . 2 Thessalonians 2:5-10 KJV (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet 3 "Man of Lawlessness" also called the "Son of Destruction" sets up the "Abomination of Desolation" starting the Great Tribulation! These statementsthat the day of the Lord could begin soon, but it could not begin immediatelymay seem contradictory, but they are not. Their understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2 was that the Roman Empire was "that which was restrains" the revealing of the man of lawlessness. and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, But God doesn't allow Satan to "empower" a currently existing man of lawlessness; God has a restraint on Satan. In his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul gives the troubled believers assurance with regard to the end of the age. 2 Thess. Can you imagine someone with the power of Satan prowling about the earth? Many of them recycle the same entries, and here are some of the favorites: "There's no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home" - Ken Olson, 1977, "Television won't last because people will get tired of staring at a plywood box every night" - Darryl Zanuck, 1946 (technically right? The man of lawlessness will be a master deceiver, just as Satan is. 2:8). He is also the author ofAncient Jewish and Christian Perceptions of Crucifixion. He later revised it to 1658, or 7000 years after its creation in 5343 BC. The online RSVCE identifies him as the Antichrist, but The Navarre Bible New Testament Compact Edition note on 2 Thess 2:1-12 has in part: We do not know what the Apostle means by the "man of lawlessness" - maybe all the forces of evil taken together as a tool at the service of Satan, although the description of this adversary of God is very like that of the "Antichrist" of St. John. 9. yet with you, I told you these things? 20. Satan doesn't know when Jesus will return; he's just constantly pushing against God's restraints (that Paul will talk about). Sometimes historians associate these passages with Nero who supposedly murdered his mother, but it appears to be taking about Judas (4:3) which has nothing to do with Nero. Interpreters have considered multiple options for this restrainer. Many suggest that God himself restrains such evil, perhaps especially in the person of the Holy Spirit. God's promise to keep us from the wrath, or tribulation, is in 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10. Things are bad enough as it is. Those miracles are going to fool a lot of people. They will claim that they are doing these things in the name of Godin His authority. Welcome, from another fairly new site user! 2:910), it is helpful to remember that Jesus predicted that many false messiahs and prophets would arise over time but that the church will nevertheless endure and give witness (Matt. "Okay, but that doesn't help us understand what this man of lawlessness has to do with everything. In the second example, Sidney capitalizes moon, ordinarily an uncapitalized common noun, because he is addressing the moon as if it were a person. And these things I said not 51 AD This became known as "The Great Disappointment", and his followers later retconned it to mean that Christ had begun his atoning work in heaven on that day. 3:37; Jude 1719). apokalypt; also 2 Thess. also comment on 2 Thess. Both Jesus and Paul warn us about this. The "signs" before the end cannot be used in that way. The Man of Lawlessness -- Paul's Reminder in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 In scolding his readers for falling for an obviously fake letter that Jesus had already returned, Paul focuses on the "sign" of the man of lawlessness, an enemy of Christ who will deceive many at the Second Coming. .. Of those fierce darts Despair at me doth throw: .. . 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. predicted one in 1969. Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. 22:22; 2 Chron. Scofield and led to a futuristic understanding of end time events. The man of lawlessness cannot be Satan, for he is distinguished from the devil in verse 9. I believe that "these things" refers to the signs Jesus talked about in Matthew 24. 19. He will deceive people to gain power, then he will use that power to persecute those he could not deceive. Since there's only one person who's above law namely, God, who writes it the man of lawlessness claims to be God. Isaiah prophesied that the messianic shoot from the stump of Jesse would kill the wicked with the breath of his lips (Isa. said 2000. That's not as much "fun" as predicting the end of the world. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth they will not return evil for their evil. But the dramatic interpretation was problematic. Paul tells us that this secret power is "already at work." (v. 7). | Track1099. A Form W-2 is given to an employee to report their income and payroll taxes withheld. Well, all of the major apocalypse prophecies mention some person who will oppose Christ when Christ returns: The "abomination of desolation" (Matt 24:15), (Jesus also mentions other false prophets and false messiahs; Matt 24:24). 2:19; Acts 21:21). You watch his pen "draw out" meaning. Lawlessness in the present age (now) is not yet as bad as it could be. Jesus called him "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31), and Paul called him "the god of this world" (2 Cor 4:4). This could be metaphorical for a group of people, but it seems likely Paul has a single individual in mind. Who in the Judaism of Jesus day, having studied OT prophecy thoroughly, would have predicted that the Messiah would be God incarnate? Jesus teaching has set the pattern for apostolic discussions of eschatology. But those of God will not sin. 2). This reminds us of another related debate, namely, is a specific physical temple required in order for the prophetic expectation to be satisfied? Anyway, Paul had talked about this at length with the church members. Paul has experienced such evil, as has the persecuted church in Thessalonica. Various views on this restrainers identity were discussed in the preceding verse. More importantly the Ascension of Isaiah establishes a connection with the Belial/Beliar tradition, which means something like lawless or worthless one. Some have even suggested that Satan is the one restraining his own lawless agent until the proper moment (cf. Matthew 7:21-23 KJV (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, But it should not surprise us. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is nearat the door. But here's the really interesting consequence of verse 11: it takes more effort not to believe in God than to believe in God. In any case, the OT messianic resonances are clear: the Messiahs judgment prevails against all lawlessness. Jesus will destroy the lawless one by the breath of his mouth. In the OT, God kills with his fiery breath (Job 4:9; cf. An intriguing recent monograph argues that Paul believed the restrainer to be an angel of God, noting that, in Daniel, the lawless ruler who establishes the abomination of desolation (Dan. Paul draws on Jesus eschatological instruction by similarly applying this Danielic imagery to events yet to occur. Isa. 5. They will do these things supposedly in His name or authority. Briefly explain the significance of Thirteenth Amendment. Paul does not appear to know the precise circumstances that have brought about the Thessalonians erroneous beliefs about the day of the Lord, but in verse 3 he does suspect nefarious activity. Does any of this increasing lawlessness frighten you? The extent of our "power" over Satan is to resist him. 17. 1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, . It's pretty hard not to see this as a reminder of what Jesus taught there. comment on 2 Thess. 72), Why are people so interested in doomsday prophecies, Why are we supposed to NOT get involved in doomsday predictions, 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? 7 He said to them, . Selected Answer: True Question 12 1 out of 1 points www.thenarrowpath.com/audio/verse-by-verse/2nd-thessalonians/01_0000_2nd_Thessalonians_1-2.mp3**. all that God is for you in Christ explodes with faith, and joy, and love. Paul used that truth to, But that leaves a big window for deception "in between". 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. And the descent of the Beloved into Sheol, behold, it is written in the section, where the Lord says: "Behold my Son will understand." 7:2427; 8:2326; 11:2045; esp. They will be revealed that they do not know God nor the Son by their evil deeds. apokalypt; 2:3, 8), just as Paul elsewhere speaks of the revelation of Jesus and his gospel (cf. And after (one thousand) three hundred and thirty-two days the Lord will come with his angels and with the armies of the holy ones from the seventh heaven with the glory of the seventh heaven, and He will drag Beliar into Gehenna and also his armies. Satan and Satan's demons only have the power that God has allowed. The region and polygon don't match. Remember Satan likes to mimic God and the antichrist will mimic everything Jesus did. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 clearly tell us that the man of lawlessness is the under the control of the Satan. Whoever the restrainer is . Remarkably, a major Jewish literary source from the period appeals to Danielic language by labeling the pagan altar Antiochus set up in the temple as the abomination of desolation (1 Macc. The resulting Maccabean revolt eventually led to Jewish priests and kings again being in control in Jerusalem. Sadly, the people who fall for Satan's deception about the man of lawlessness will perish with him. The IRS taxes 1099 contractors as self-employed. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?. The lawless ones efforts to receive worship result in his taking his seat in the temple of God. Commentators debate which temple is envisioned here, with most opting for the Jerusalem temple, though others suggest the Thessalonians would imagine an important temple in their city, and still others argue the temple is a reference to the church as the temple of God (e.g., 1 Cor. He is lawless in considering himself subject to no law and no lawgiver and no authority. Yes, but that's not as restrictive as you think. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. But lawlessness -- rejecting God's law -- has existed since Adam and Eve. Consider, for example, the Branch Davidians. And afterwards they will turn themselves upward in their garments, and their body will be left in the world. Remember when Moses performed God's wonders in Egypt and the magicians were able to replicate-ish those miracles? John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. The man of lawlessness (let's call him the capital-A Antichrist) will be able to perform mighty signs and miracles, and many people will be deceived into thinking that he is the Second Coming of Christ. What is the and who is the at 2 Thess 2:6-7? The word "antichrist" simply means "against Christ" or "in the place of Christ", so that's the name that has caught on. Hal Lindsay said 1988 (40 years after the founding of Israel). God will punish the man of lawlessness by consigning him to eternal punishment in the lake of . ", 14 "This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 2:45; 1 Thess. The Septuagint Greek translation of Isaiah 57:34 similarly speaks of the sons of lawlessness who are children of destruction (cf. Matthew 24:36-51. We don't know how the man of lawlessness fits into the Second Coming because it hasn't happened yet. The Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus have the reading "man of lawlessness" and Bruce M. This antichrist is described in Daniel 7:8, 21-27 and Revelation 13. In fact, I take Matthew 24:24 (which I cited above) to mean that Christians cannot be deceived into believing the Antichrist is Christ. The Man of Lawlessness. Er, well, this is what Nostradamus might have said. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. 13:8). This week's is particularly unhelpful. AND now Hezekiah and Josab my son, these are the days of the completion of the world. Satan's power on earth is real. God is faithful to his prophetic promises, yet the actual fulfillment of these promises often surprises. Finally, the word mystery is here applied to lawlessness (for similar evil mysteries, cf. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way . The second event Paul mentions in verse 3 is the appearance of "the man of lawlessness," "the son of destruction." Based on the description of this man's activities, it seems probable that he is the false prophet described in Revelation 13:11-17. itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is 3 Dont let anyone deceive you in any way. This article is adapted from ESV Expository Commentary: EphesiansPhilemon (Volume 11) edited Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar. The Thessalonians need not worry that they may be numbered among those who will be deceived by the man of lawlessness, since they already know and love the truth. ERROR: CREATE MATERIALIZED VIEW WITH DATA cannot be executed from a function, About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality. He says so explicitly. Rom. Paul lists two sets of means through which Satan deceives the masses. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,4who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.5Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?6And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Why do Bible versions use both 'seat' and 'sit' in 2 Thess 2, since they quite differ in meaning? As a result, people are without excuse. This lesson examines the various theories put forth to explain the identity of the "Man of Lawlessness" Paul refers to in this epistle. 3 gLet no one deceive you in any way. What predictions have you made that were completely wrong? Ricky Never said "Lucy, you have some 'splaining to do!". They should have been able to see through the fake letter. And God will enable their determination. Note that when Paul speaks of the "temple of God"(2 Thess 2:4) elsewhere (1 Co 3:16-17, 1 Co 6:19, 2 Co 6:16) he is talking about the body of believers, the church. 2:3 ), also referred to as the "son of destruction" (2:3) or "the lawless one" (2:8, 9). The word breath here ( pneuma) is the same word used for the Holy Spirit, so there may be some indication of the Spirits involvement. Where does this (supposedly) Gibson quote come from? That power is entirely controlled by God (see Job 1), but when the Day of the Lord approaches, God will allow some of the restraints to be removed. (22) Many will say to me in A simple outline of this week's passage makes things pretty easy: Verses 1-5: You should have remembered that Jesus comes back after the man of lawlessness is revealed. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? He presents research and lectures worldwide. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.9The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,10and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but. [It was either this or "the man of lawlessness" (don't worry - I'll talk about him later).]. It was only in the 1600's, in an attempt to divert attention away from the Papacy, that Francisco Ribera wrote a commentary on Revelation that pointed to a future Antichrist. We will talk about this more in verses 9-11. What does the Bible say about a strong delusion in the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)? said 1974 with Comet Kohoutek and then revised it to 1993. the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing The man of lawlessness (let's call him the capital-A Antichrist) will be able to perform mighty signs and miracles, and many people will be deceived into thinking that, I recommend waiting to talk in depth about the man of lawlessness, How many times have you said that you one of your children, Aside: Matthew 24 and Jesus' Message about the Day of the Lord, There will be no mistaking when Jesus returns. Still, Pauls argument works only if the man of lawlessness has not yet appeared, since the absence of the lawless ones arrival proves that the day of the Lord is yet to come. that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10, the "man of sin" is described as one who will be revealed before the Day of the Lord comes. This role includes tempting, deceiving, and ruining. In this paper I will consider one of the very difficult eschatological passages of Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2. And Koresh wasn't even the fully-empowered Antichrist! 14. 14:1215; Ezek. Only in hindsight will we understand the full intent of the prophetic word. Or employees? God is the One with the power over the "powers and authorities". But make sure to emphasize the real reason Paul mentions the man of lawnessness in the first place: Do catch the "mystery of lawlessness" comment. Of the Twelve one will be delivered into his hands. But that leaves a big window for deception "in between". (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, So, what is being revealed? Um, no. predicted a nuclear holocaust in 1967. Pat Robertson (700 Club) said 1982. David Chapman (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament and Archaeology at Covenant Theological Seminary. Redoing the align environment with a specific formatting. Who is the Man of Lawlessness? With that background, we can briefly list various specific interpretations that have been suggested over the years concerning this man of lawlessness. I've certainly wondered about both things. 1 Cor. Although Paul and his colleagues were compelled to leave Thessalonica sooner than they wished (Acts 17:10), they were able to begin instructing the Thessalonians concerning the events of Jesus return. If so, then many contend this would require a future rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple prior to the advent of the lawless one. 2:910). In a similar way, Jesus taught that one of the signs prior to his return would be the advent of the abomination of desolation in the holy place of the temple (Matt. Chuck Smith (Calvary Chapel) said 1981. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, What signs and wonders are performed by whom? But Paul tells them that they should have known better. In 2:3, Paul introduces us to a "man of lawlessness". Death-penalty states as a group do not have lower rates of criminal homicide than non-death-penalty states. (But, we must not fear that power. (Ephesians 5). Two key historical events are known. God, neither he that loveth not his brother. And the man of lawlessness will emerge from the "human sea of lawlessness" to oppose God and deceive the nations. 37 related questions found. So, when Paul says that this man of lawlessness will be able to perform every kind of miracle, I think he's serious. So Paul explained to them that this future time of tribulation had not yet come because a certain "man of lawlessness" had not yet been revealed ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ). For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. .as He said these very words to the disciples in John 16. and he delighted in Jerusalem because of Manasseh, and he made him strong in apostatizing (Israel) and in the lawlessness which were spread abroad in Jerusalem. What predictions have you made that were completely wrong, What beliefs have you held that turned out to be false, This Week's Big Idea: False Predictions of the Apocalypse, But there are so many predictions to consider. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2:1112). Objects having three dimensions. He is further identified as the man that will set up the _____of desolation (Dan 9, 11, 12; Matt 24) Paul had already taught them these things that are in _____prophecies about . 2:34), which will occur subsequent (then) to the restrainers ceasing his action of holding back such evil. It seems that Paul is continuing his remarks about what will take place at the end, just as he did in his previous letter to the Thessalonians in chapter 4. I know that some of you have many questions, so I'll try to answer them here. 2:1112). He then reasons that the day of the Lord has not yet begun, since the world has not yet experienced the rebellion and the man of lawlessness, both of which must precede the day of the Lord. "Mystery" means "something hidden that has been revealed". 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, 8 and then the lawless one will be revealed. They believed that David Koresh (real name Vernon Wayne Howell) was the Messiah, and they died badly. Verses 6-8: Jesus will destroy this man of lawlessness. 2 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Matthew 24 was brought about by this very sorrow: Our job is to shine the light of Jesus -- hold forth the Word of truth -- into a dark world and pray that some of those people will see their delusion and repent and come to salvation in Jesus before it's too late. (Incidentally, there was an Amazon show called Good Omens that took an extremely sacrilegious slant on this exact scenario.). As we've said multiple times in Thessalonians, we're not supposed to put any energy into predicting the future. Read Matt. 2:5), but we are left to infer as much as we can to the best of our abilities. The Identification of the Man of Lawlessness - 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5. Paul insists that his teaching remains consistent with the message they knew from the beginning. Domitian demanded to be addressed as "My Lord God, Domitian." (in the 90s AD) This fits 2 Thessalonians 2:4 quite well. He will be revealed (Gk. And two, that doesn't match theology. Biblical narrative [ edit] Similarly, if in 2 Thess. The man of lawlessness is the ultimate man of evil. And at his word the sun will rise at night and he will make the moon to appear at the sixth hour. And in any event, isn't the point of Matthew 24/25 and 1 Thessalonians 4/5 that we're supposed to live every day as if Christ is returning that night? comment on 2 Thess. Jesus cites the teaching of Daniel, who prophesied that this abomination would profane the Jerusalem temple (Dan. 22. mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will Cotton Mather (a Boston Puritan) predicted the end of the world in 1697, then revised it to 1716, then finally to 1736. They all have the same characteristics and one is that they love to be first. I'd like to point out that if your answer doesn't receive as much attention as you thought it might, it's probably because the question is an older one, first posted five years ago. Were on a mission to change that. I was taught to the contrary for each of these: Nero wasn't fiddling while Rome burned. 13:1118; 16:1314; 19:1920). Then why did you listen to those false messengers/prophets?