Who Is the Man of Sin?

Most commentators take cues of the man of sin from prophecies found in Daniel related to the “little horn”. (Daniel 7) What can be known of this little horn or man of sin is enshrouded in apocalyptic language and the symbolism of the Old Covenant prophets.

However, danstheman when compared to evidence in the New Testament and some common knowledge from history, the identity of the man of sin becomes less obscure.

Keys in Identifying the Little Horn of Daniel, Paul’s Man of Sin

The first historical clue is his rise among the fourth beast of Daniel, generally accepted to be the Roman Empire. This tells us that we should look for him in ancient history.

In addition, he likewise witnesses the fall of three ancient world powers, freshandbanginfood Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. These are the three horns which are plucked up in the presence of the little horn. (Dan. 7:8) From this we determine the little horn is not an individual but an entity capable of surviving three world empires. Our conclusion is that he, like they was also a national power.

Persecution of the Saints

His primary activity focuses on the saints and the kingdom of God. “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them.” (Dan. 7:22). This would place his activity against the Christians who lived in the days of Rome. He prevails in defeating Christians until he is stopped by the coming of the Ancient of Days who renders a judgment in favor of the saints.

Christ, the Ancient of Days

The reference to the Ancient of Days, fightingiron i.e. the judge who comes on the clouds is similar to the terms which describe Jesus in the New Testament.

He said all judgment had been committed to him, John 5:24. He comes in the glory of his Father, Matt. 16:27-28.

He told Caiaphas he would return on the clouds of heaven, clearly referring to the prophecy of Dan. 7:9-13. For this reason Caiaphas ordered him to be put to death for blasphemy. The high priest knew this was Christ’s claim to both Deity and the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy.

The man of sin in 2 Thessalonians is also said to be destroyed by the brightness of the Lords coming, 2 Thess. 2:8.

This means we have both the man of sin and the little horn of Daniel destroyed at the same time by the same One who comes on the clouds. In addition, officialmancave this confirms that our historical framework is correct for both the time of the Roman empire and the persecution of Christians which was well established during the time of the Thessalonians epistle, 1 Thess. 1:4-6; 2:14-16.

Christ Returned on the Clouds in 70 A.D.

Matthew 24 and parallel chapters Mark 13 and Luke 21, all speak of Christ coming on the clouds in connection with the fall of the temple and the overthrow of the Jewish state by the Romans, (Matt. 24:3, 30-34; Lk. 21:20-22). Ancient Israel had survived the Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Grecian empires fall. They were in subjection to Rome during the history of the New Testament and hated the Christians.

Their influence in the temple of God, pariswoman sitting with the authority of Moses is also evident, Matt. 23, and it is they who were the targets of Jesus’ scathing rebukes for murdering the prophets and the saints, (23:32-37). We contend the rulers of Jerusalem who crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:6-8), along with the nation who rejected him identify with Paul’s man of sin.