I will comment on the subject of the definition of “anti” according to Holy Scripture, and yes, it does have two definitions:
– against
– in the place of
Both definitions fit perfectly well with “he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ”, in this way:
[1] as someone which is “against” Jesus Christ, thus denies that Jesus is the Christ in sheer afront, or opposition, and
[2] as someone which is “in the place of” Jesus Christ, thus denies that Jesus is the Christ, by seeking to usurp the position/place of Him.
Thus in both fashions, or both definitions, it fits fine. Now to the Holy Scriptures:
2Th 2:4 Who
opposeth and
exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[1] opposeth (meaning against)
[2] exalteth (meaning to the very place of)
The Catholic encyclopedia defines the word anti in both fashions also:
“… In composition anti has different meanings: …” [Catholic Online Encyclopedia; “A”; “Antichrist”]
"… anti … (in the place of …)…" [Catholic Online Encyclopedia; “S”; “Sacrifice”]
In this sense it is very much like the Latin word ‘vicarius’:
See the Roman Catholic uses of
"Vicarius Christi", "Vicarius Iesus Christi"; "Vicarius Filii Dei".
"The
pope's universal coercive jurisdiction... ... Moreover,
the powers conferred in these regards
are plenary. ...
nothing is withheld. ... Further, Peter's
authority is subordinated to no earthly superior. The sentences which he gives are to be forthwith ratified in heaven. They do not need the antecedent approval of any other tribunal. ...
This judicial authority will even include the power to pardon sin. ...
supreme power in this kingdom carries with it a
supreme magisterium — authority to declare that doctrine and to prescribe a rule of faith
obligatory on all. ... as subject to the authority of him who should be
Christ's vicegerent on earth. .." [Online Catholic Encyclopedia, The Pope] -
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Pope
"
Vicar of Christ (Latin
Vicarius Christi). ... thus, Innocent III appeals for his power to remove bishops to the fact that
he is Vicar of Christ (cap. "Inter corporalia", 2, "De trans. ep."). ... and states that it is
the Roman Pontiff who
is "the successor of Peter and
the Vicar of Jesus Christ" (cap. "Licet", 4, ibid.). The title
Vicar of God used for the pope by Nicholas III (c. "Fundamenta ejus", 17, "De elect.", in 6) is employed
as an equivalent for Vicar of Christ" [Online Catholic Encyclopedia, Vicar of Christ] -
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Vicar of Christ
"...2.
We, indeed,
to all men are the
Vicar of Christ, the Son of God ..." [Online Catholic Encyclopedia, In Plurimi; On the Abolition of Slavery; His Holiness Pope Leo XIII; May 5, 1888; To the Bishops of Brazil.] -
CATHOLIC LIBRARY: In Plurimis (1888) and
Leo XIII - In Plurimis
" …
Can. 391 §1.
It is for the diocesan bishop to govern the particular church entrusted to him with legislative, executive, and judicial power according to the norm of law.
§2.
The bishop exercises legislative power himself.
He exercises executive power either personally or through
vicars general or episcopal
vicars according to the norm of law.
He exercises judicial power either personally or through the judicial vicar and judges
according to the norm of law. …" [Roman Catholic Canon Law; BOOK II. THE PEOPLE OF GOD LIBER II. DE POPULO DEI; PART II. THE HIERARCHICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH; SECTION II. PARTICULAR CHURCHES AND THEIR GROUPINGS; TITLE I. PARTICULAR CHURCHES AND THE AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED IN THEM (Cann. 368 – 430); CHAPTER II. BISHOPS; Art. 2. DIOCESAN BISHOPS] -
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P1E.HTM
“
All names which in the scriptures are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that he is over the church,
all the same names are applied to the Pope.” [Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (Full Italian name: Roberto Francesco Romolo Bellarmino (Canonized-1930 and Doctor of the Church (Jesuit))), Disputationes de Controversiis (aka: Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei adversus hujus temporis Haereticos) [Lectures Concerning the Controversies of the Christian Faith Against the Heretics of This Time], Tom. 2, “Controversia Prima,” Book 2 (De Conciliorum Auctoritate)[“On Authority of the Councils”], Chapter 17, (1628 ed.) Vol. 1, pp. 266-translated]
In Latin: “Secundo probatur ratione, in Scripturis fundata; nam omnia nomina, quae in Scripturis tribuuntur Christo, unde constat eum esse supra Ecclesiam, eadem omnia tribuuntur Pontifici.” [
http://cdigital.dgb.uanl.mx/la/10800...0015573_21.pdf]
In the Apocalypse (Revelation) 2:13 the word “Antipas”, means “in the place of the father” or even “against the father”. Words like “Antioch”, and “Antipatris” are also found similar uses. Even in Septuaginta, Lev. 6:15 (6:22 English)
Lev_6:15 ὁ ἱερεὺς ὁ χριστὸς ἀντ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτοῦ ποιήσει αὐτήν· νόμος αἰώνιος, ἅπαν ἐπιτελεσθήσεται.
It literally says, “christos anti”.
Lev 6:22 And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: it is a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.
See also septaginta II Chron. 26:1, “anti” meaning “in the place/room/office of”, “anti tou patros” (in the place of the [his Uzziah’s] father [Amaziah]") Also see, I Ki 5:1 English for similar phrasing, though septuaginta changes the words and speaks of chariots and being lifted up, instead of being anointed in the place of, as English.
See also Matt. 2:22, “anti” meaning “in the place/room/office of”, “anti [H]erwdou tou patros” (in the place of Herod the [his Archelaus] father [Herod]").
Other places are Luke 1:20, 12:3, 19:44; Acts 12:23; II Thess 2:10, “anth wn”; and Eph 5:31, “anti toutou”.
So, in short, to be against, and/or in the place/room/office of, both fit “anti”, and both fit “deny” Jesus the Christ, but in differing ways. One is overt opposition, the other is covert opposition or usurpation (like False Smerdis; Ezr. 4:7-24).