The idea of something equivalent is clearly seen in Rom. 12: 17, "Render no man evil

for (anti) evil." Matt. 2: 22 shows the force of the word, "Archelaus did reign. . . . in

the room of his father Herod."

The word anti enters into composition with other words forming some important

theological and doctrinal terms, e.g.:--

Antitype (antitupon).--I Pet. 3: 21 translates the word, "the like figure."  The

resurrection of the Lord and the typical ordinance of baptism were antitypical.  They

were to the Jewish believer what the ark and the flood were to Noah and his family when

they "saved themselves from that untoward generation."

The word occurs again in Heb. 9: 24, "for Christ is not entered into the Most Holy

Place (figure of speech--plural of majesty) made with hands, which is the antitype of the

true, but into heaven itself." Here we learn that the tabernacle which Moses built was but

a copy or a type of the real heavenly holiest of all. Incidentally we learn the meaning of

the word "true." "True" often means that which is shadowy, unreal, typical, as well as

the opposite of that which is false.

Antichrist (antichristos).--This word, rightly understood, throws light on the

character of the Man of Sin.  He is anti (instead of) Christ before he becomes openly

against Christ. The travesty of the resurrection in Rev. 13: 12 is of the same character.

The false christs throughout the age have always endeavoured to substitute themselves

and their doctrines for Christ and the truth. Perhaps the most precious usage of anti is

found in Matt. 20: 28 and I Tim. 2: 6. "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto,

but to minister, and to give His life (soul-psuche) a ransom for (anti) many." What a

Substitute!  Speaking of the man Christ Jesus as the One Mediator, I Tim. 2: 6 says,

"Who gave Himself a ransom on behalf of all (antilutron huper pantõn), to be testified in

due time." Without entering into a battle of words with those who do not like the term,

we cannot refrain from emphasizing the claim which the doctrine of "substitution" has

upon the believer, both as regards his own grateful acknowledgment, and its place in the

testimony of the gospel of the grace of God.

Let the reader search out the usages of this little word, always bearing in mind the

primary idea already noted. There are many other words with which anti is combined,

and we would suggest that a carefully tabulated index of these prepositions would form

an invaluable help to the fuller understanding of the "words which the Holy Ghost