Perhaps someone in particular will characterize this great apostasy, such as a chief antichrist. Exactly which apostasy is here addressed, whether it has transpired yet and who in particular may be this great wicked or lawless one is not precisely known and is a matter of varying application depending on which commentator one consults. Figurative references are attributed to Jesus Christ in the final victory. By Louis Rushmore Brother Rushmore, We were studying this chapter in class last Wednesday night. Would appreciate your help in understanding verse 19.
Most translations read about the same as the quotation above.
Many commentators have presumed that following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, our Lord descended into Hades and particularly to the chamber reserved for the unrighteous until the great Judgment. While there, they think, Jesus Christ preached to those incarcerated souls, either to offer them a second chance at redemption or to magnify their condemnation. However, nowhere in the Bible is there the least hint that a second chance following death is possible for any soul. This view, then, would be unique and contradictory to all else taught regarding the unalterable state of the dead respecting eternity. Other commentators suppose that the verse under consideration amounts to a flashback to the 120 years while Noah was preparing the ark and during which time he had opportunity to preach to his wayward fellows.