The prediction was supposed by earlier Fathers to refer to a personal Antichrist whom they expected to come speedily.  See Justin M. (Tryph. § 110:  ὁ τῆς ἀποστασίας ἄνθρωπος; ib. § 32:  “He who is to speak blasphemous and daring things against the Most High is already at the doors.”  Iren. Hær. V. 25.  Cyril in this passage regards the heresies of his time as the apostasy in general, but looks also for a personal Antichrist:  (§§ 11, 12).