All during the time the saints are serving God on the earth the Lord is with them continually and is comforting them, keeping them safe and supplying their every need. He is their Shepherd. If God should permit Antichrist to harm one of the disciples physically it is because the Lord is bringing that one to greater glory, authority, and power—a higher position in the Kingdom of God.

Antichrist cannot possibly harm one of God's saints in a spiritual, lasting manner unless he can deceive the believer into following one of Satan's lies.

God's true saints will be persecuted bitterly throughout the three and one-half years in which Christ allows Antichrist to draw the poison in earth's boil to a head.

Some of the Lord's greatest heroes of faith will be brought forth during the reign of Antichrist over the earth. Many who are born in the last days will be first in the Kingdom of God. Surely "the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former" (Haggai 2:9).

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. (Daniel 11:33)

There will be saints who will teach many people and lead them into righteousness—even during the darkest hours of the tribulation. The terrors of the last days will bring some to the Lord who otherwise would not turn to God, just as the worldwide famine brought many to Joseph for food.

In Mount Zion there will continue to be deliverance through to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven. The remnant will be serving the Lord on the earth, and upon all the glory there will be a defense so the elect cannot be harmed (Isaiah 4:5,6).

There will be persecution against the saints, and some will be killed by wicked people—increasing enormously the glory of these righteous martyrs when the Lord returns to earth.

Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. (Daniel 11:34)

During the reign of Antichrist there will be people who will mingle with the saints who are not of the elect.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (I John 2:18,19)

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; (II Peter 2:13)

To be continued.