The 70th week of Daniel is often called the tribulation period, and because each week in Daniel’s prophecy represents 7 years, we say that the tribulation period will last 7 years. However, Daniel never referred to the 70th week as the tribulation period. He simply said that in the middle of the week the antichrist would break his treaty with the Jews, destroy Jerusalem and prohibit the offering of sacrifices in the temple.

We refer to the 70th week of Daniel as the tribulation period because of the Lord’s description of the 70th week in Matthew 24. In that description, He referred to the time when the antichrist will prohibit the offering of sacrifices and called it the abomination of desolation.

Matt 24:15-16
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand),
16 "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (NKJ)

The book of the Revelation concentrates more on the last 3½ years of the 70th week of Daniel, and the Lord, Himself, indicates that the greatest tribulation will occur after the abomination of desolation.

Matt 24:21
21 "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (NKJ)

Daniel said the antichrist will rise to power through a promise of peace and prosperity.

Dan 8:23-25
23 "In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise.
24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people.
25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. (NIV)

Though the antichrist preaches peace and prosperity, his promises will all be lies. In the middle of this 7 year period, he will turn on his subjects and will try to destroy all who do not worship him.

Rev 13:5-8
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (KJV)

The antichrist will consolidate his power on earth to such an extent that no human power will be able to oppose him. He will rule unopposed until Jesus Christ returns with the clouds of heaven, followed by his army of immortal saints. When Christ returns at the end of the tribulation period, He will destroy the antichrist and cast him into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com

Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/