One of the key figures in Bible prophecy is a man known as the Antichrist—a one world ruler who will be the opposite of Christ. Many have tried to guess the identity of the Antichrist. Early Christians thought it was Emperor Nero, others Adolph Hitler, and Martin Luther reportedly believed it was the pope. While we cannot guess his exact identity, the Bible does describe him in detail. Here are some of his characteristics.

The Antichrist will be “out of the sea” (Revelation 13:1). This represents hybrid characteristics from the Mediterranean region and a Gentile background. Daniel 9:27 supports a Gentile Antichrist because he will make a covenant with Israel that promises Gentile protection.

The Antichrist will be an expert in diplomacy. Daniel 7:24 says of him, “…he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.” He will be able to negotiate a peace treaty with Israel—something no leader has been able to fully achieve since the birth of modern Israel.

The Antichrist will have an appetite for conquest. The fourth beast in Daniel 7:6–7 represents both the ancient Roman empire and the coming world power which the Antichrist will rule. As leader of this renewed empire, he will quickly seek to bring the entire world under his power.

The Antichrist will be propelled into power. Revelation 13 says that Satan (the dragon) will give him authority and the false prophet will act as the spiritual and political promoter of the Antichrist. Sometime in the middle of the tribulation, the Antichrist will be fatally wounded and then rise from the dead.