he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
The second sin of the antichrist is found in a person who "exalteth himself above all that is called God." This person presents himself as though he is as great as God. As the greatness of the Apostle Paul’s ability to preach the gospel and the honors God entrusted to him increased, it seems he was made so humble that he would not look upon himself a some great man. He says, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul realizes the dangers of exalting himself above others, and he now speaks of it to the Thessalonians concerning the antichrist.