Daniel 11:35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He asserts that this trial was meant for the testing and choosing of the saints until the appointed time, as the ultimate victory is postponed until some future moment. It is believed by our theologians that this little support symbolizes the era of the Antichrist, during which the assembled saints will stand against him, though with scant assistance, leading many learned individuals to falter. This will occur so that they may be purified like gold in a furnace, receiving conviction and election until the destined moment arrives, since the true victory will coincide with the return of Christ. Some Jewish traditions associate this with emperors Severus and Antoninus, who were notably sympathetic towards the Jewish people, while others connect it to Emperor Julian, who would emerge following the oppression of the Jews by Gaius Caesar after they had endured significant trials of captivity, feigning affection for them and pledging to make sacrifices in their temple; in him, they would place little trust for true support, and many Gentiles would align with them, but not authentically, merely in pretense. Instead of genuine worship, they will convey deceptive goodwill towards him. This will serve as a means to reveal those who have endured the trial. The moment of their authentic salvation and assistance will arrive with Christ, who will be falsely recognized as coming at the time of their acceptance of the Antichrist.

The Archangel affirms that such occurrences affect individuals in this life, while a widespread trial awaits humanity in the future.

In discussing Antiochus Epiphanes, the transition from his representation to its ultimate form becomes clear. The initial figure of Antiochus is a precursor to Antichrist; conversely, the likeness of Antichrist echoes Antiochus. Just as Antiochus forced the Jews into disobedience and immoral practices, so too will “the man of lawlessness, the son of perdition, who exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshiped,” as noted by the Apostle Paul, “sitting in the house of God, showing himself as God” (2 Thess. 2:3, 4). This figure will engage in all manners of deception, performing false signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2:9) to mislead the faithful, exercising tyranny over the devout, subjecting them to various forms of persecution.

For those who might doubt the truth of this connection following the prophecy's sequence, let them reflect on the teachings of the Gospel. The Lord forewarns of both the final judgment and the fate of Jerusalem. He instructs: “Pray ye that your flight be not in winter, nor on the sabbath” (Matthew 24:20), specifically addressing the Jews, and then proclaims: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21), emphasizing that without divine intervention, no flesh would be saved, but for the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened (Matt. 24:22). To clarify that the Jews are not excluded from the perilous times, He warns again: “Then if anyone says to you, ‘This is the Christ,’ or ‘There he is,’ do not believe it” (Matt. 24:23), indicating a time when many would be deceived by false Christs. He concludes with the assurance that, “as the lightning comes from the east and shines to the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27). The principles contained therein are reflective of broader truths. In this context, we can discern Daniel's prophecy, which transitions from Antiochus to Antichrist, serving as a precursor that clearly addresses the coming of Antichrist.