#14. To: jwpegler, A K A Stone, rowdee, GarySpFc, TooConservative (#6)
Press pronunciation. It does say BARAK.
I don't think we can decipher a name for the anti-christ from Scriptures. During the time of Irenaeus (2nd century AD), there was a lot of clamoring on the identity and name of the anti-christ. Irenaeus, in his work "Against Heresies", addressed this question quite well. The discussion addressed the book of Revelation (author and timeframe included in the discussion) and how some were trying to decipher the anti-christ by the 666 reference. Irenaeus expressed caution in trying to figure out an exact name. He made the point in Against Heresies (Book V, Chapter 30) the following:
"It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfilment of the prophecy, than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. For if there are many names found possessing this number, it will be asked which among them shall the coming man bear. It is not through a want of names containing the number of that name that I say this, but on account of the fear of God, and zeal for the truth..." (Irenaeus Against Heresies book V, chapter XXX).
I think the good Irenaeus is telling the flock to focus on Grace and Gospel and the matters only God knows will unfold as written in His Word.
If any are interested in reading the quote within context please go to this site: