20
From the forgoing discussion, it is clear that some of the fathers understood the
reign of antichrist to immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ to earth.
31
Less clear is the whether they expected an earthly kingdom to be established by Christ at
his coming. Though some of the fathers previously mentioned have been shown to hold
this, with others the emphasis is on judgment of the wicked. In light of literal
interpretation of Revelation and Daniel as it relates to antichrist, the two witnesses, etc., it
seems that their tendency is toward literal fulfillment of the kingdom. Further study on
this subject is needed.
The End of Chiliasm
As is implied by the definition of Chiliasm stated earlier, the fathers understood
that chiliasm had an end in time. Justin wrote that "Those who believe in our Christ will
dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem. After that the general (and in short, the eternal)
resurrection and judgement of all men will likely take place."
32
Justin strongly implies a
two phase resurrection. The first was for the righteous, in order that they may enjoy the
31
Much more evidence for this could be cited. For example:
Lactantius, Vol.7, 215 Describes the exploits of the antichrist as performing
signs and wonders (which lead to his worship), persecution of the righteous, the greatest
of tribulation (such as has never been), decreeing the identifying mark, etc. for 42 months.
"The righteous and followers of the truth...will call upon God and God will hear them
and send from heaven a great king to rescue and free them. And he will destroy the
wicked..."
Cyprian, Vol.5, 349 "The antichrist is coming. Yet above him, comes Christ
also." No mention by Cyprian of millennium here, as the context deals with believers
enduring suffering for Christ's sake.
32
David W. Bercott, Ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs. (Peabody:
Hendrickson Publishers, 1998), 560.