Anti-christ's Unique Link to the Middle East

Q: Is it safe to try to spot the person of Anti-christ by searching our newspapers and Bible?

A: If the Antichrist is already here we will see him busy working on a very deceptive treaty with the nation of Irael Dan 9:17 that he will break and suddenly begin persecuting Israel Dan 7:25 even as Paul predicted will establish worship at their temple in Jerusalem 2 Thess 2:3-4.

A: Walvoor’s Notes: Mt 24:9-14 (Mk 13:9-13; Lk 21:12-19). Jesus began His words (Mt 24:9) with a time word, Then. At the middle point of the seven-year period preceding Christ's second coming, great distress will begin to be experienced by Israel. The Antichrist, who will have risen to power in the world and will have made a protective treaty with Israel, will break his agreement at that time (Da 9:27). He will bring great persecution on Israel (Da 7:25) and even establish his own center of worship in the temple in Jerusalem (2Th 2:3-4). This will result in the death of many Jews (Mt 24:9) and many people departing from the faith. Believing Jews will be betrayed by nonbelievers (v. 10), and many will be deceived by rising false prophets (cf. v. 5; Rv 13:11-15). Wickedness will increase, causing the love of most people (for the Lord) to grow cold.