antichristos

Antichristos is a Greek term translating to “antichrist” in English, used primarily in Christian theology to denote an individual or force that opposes Christ and his teachings. The word combines the Greek prefix anti‑ (“against”) with chrēstos (“Christ”), and is first attested in the New Testament letters of Paul. In 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, and 1 John 4:3, the term serves to warn believers about deception, identifying those who deny the incarnation of Jesus as not of Christ.

In the broader Christian tradition, antichristos is often associated with eschatological expectations, particularly within Protestant and Catholic eschatology. Theological interpretations vary: some view the antichrist as a future singular figure who will appear at the end of times, while others consider it a symbolic representation of any negative influence or deceptive doctrine that undermines the Christian faith. In Catholic teaching, the antichrist is not a specific person but a spirit of opposition that will culminate in the period of the Antichrist before the Second Coming of Christ. Protestant doctrines, especially within evangelical and fundamentalist circles, emphasize a personal antichrist who will emerge as a charismatic world ruler.

The concept of antichristos appears in apocalyptic literature and is linked to other figures such as the Beast and the False Prophet. Throughout the centuries it has influenced Christian art, literature, and political thought, shaping attitudes toward perceived heresy and moral corruption. While the term is rooted in Scripture, its application has often been politically charged, with leaders and movements sometimes labeled as antichristos in polemical discourse. As a result, antichristos remains a complex and debated concept within Christian studies and historical theology.