The ‘last hour’ of history, as the New Testament mentions (18; cf. 2 Thes 2:5, 2 Pt 3:1-3), has emerged with the first ‘manifestation’ of Christ (1:2; 3:5, 8) and will conclude with the second ‘manifestation’ at the parousia (28). It is marked by the ‘manifestation’ of the antichrists (18f; 4:1,3; cf. 2 Jn 7). During this hour of decisive battle, Christ remains the central figure. On Christ’s side are the ‘faithful’ (cf. Rev 17:14), who openly declare with their hearts and mouths that Jesus is the Son of God (20-23). Their symbol of identity is the chrism or anointing—namely, the word of God embraced through faith.