ISB ~ 1 John 2 v18

the last hour:The final phase of salvation history set in motion by Christ. Paul refers to this last epoch as “the end of the ages” (1 Cor 10:11), just as Peter calls it “the end of the times” (1 Pet 1:20). These and s

imilar expressions underscore the need for Christians to remain vigilant as they wait in joyful hope for the Lord’s return in glory (CCC 670). antichrist: Or, “anti-messiah”. Here the title applies to anyone who denies that Jesus is the anointed “Christ” or “Messiah” of Jewish expectation (1 Jn 2:22; 4:3; 2 Jn 7). In a restricted sense, the “Antichrist” is a blasphemous figure expected to appear at the end of days. His coming will thrust the Church into a time of persecution and set off an explosion of evil and deception in the world at large (CCC 675-77). For a description of this eschatological villain, see 2 Thess 2:3-11.