Iniquitous one [< Wicked']. The coming of the Iniquitous one [' Wicked?] is according to the working of Satan in all power, and signs, and lying ivonders, etc. This coming has not yet taken place, although its preludes are for a long time not wanting ; therefore the check still exists. And it is evident from this most powerful argument, that the political power in the hands of the Romans is the check. For no other check, so powerful and so long-continued, will anywhere be found. This check, however, did not restrain the working of Satan, but the setting up of the dominion of the Iniquitous one [' Wicked'] ; and when it is removed, Satan lends his aid to the Iniquitous one [< Wicked'].
We shall now take the assistance of the Apocalypse.
XIV. That Iniquitous one [' Wicked*"] is the beast ascending out of the bottomless pit. — So long and so continuous is the evil described by Paul, § iv., that it cannot but fall in at some period with the times of the apocalyptic beast ; and the resem blance between the Iniquitous one [* Wicked'] and the beast is so great, the power so widely spread and so exalted, that they can only be one subject [they must be one and the same person or existence]. The Iniquitous one [* Wicked'] will not finally perish [his destruction will be deferred] until after the de struction of the beast ; for in that battle, which is described in Rev. xix., the Lord's enemies are so completely destroyed, that the calamity described by Paul cannot be extended to a period farther on. Moreover also the Iniquitous one [* Wicked'] will not perish previously [before the destruction of the beast, etc., in Rev. xix.] : for he remains even till the appearing of the coming of the Lord, [2 Thess. ii. 8.]
XV. Therefore the whole evil described by Paul is strictly and intimately connected with the Roman empire. — What tie of re lationship the apostasy and the Man of Sin himself had with the city Rome, could not be known by the Thessalonians, unless Paul taught them it face to face. The Apocalypse and the event teach us, and will teach posterity more and more fully. We then, according to our present ability, will institute a com parison.
XVI. That Iniquitous one [' Wicked^ is yet to come. — It is one and the same beast which ascends first from the sea, then