READ: Revelation 1.1-3.
These introductory verses to the Book of Revelation tell us that something was about to happen.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The rest of the Book tells us, by many symbolic references, of the destruction of the nation of Israel, along with its capitol city, Jerusalem in 70 AD. Historically, the survivors of this war were sold into slavery and assimilated racially. Jesus Christ was left as the only legitimate Heir of the Promises, the Covenant, the Kingdom and the Throne. His Bride, the Church, the New Jerusalem flourished and conquered the Roman Empire for Christ.
The surviving Rabbis of the Pharisees joined together to preserve their religion, Rabbinic Judaism. They appropriated to themselves the title "Jews" and "Israel." They worked for the next centuries to try to gather up and preserve their "oral law" and put it into writing. Their work is still extant in the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud which they recognize as their authoritative scriptures.
WHY DID IT HAPPEN?
Because it had been promised in the Covenant, prophesied by the Prophets, and confirmed by Jesus. The Covenant promised that this would happen if they rebelled against God, forsook the Covenant and worshiped idols. God was fulfilling His Covenant promises.
WHEN DID IT HAPPEN?
It happened at an appointed time as foretold by the Prophets, as in Daniel 9:25-27. It came to pass as promised "shortly," "quickly," "soon" after the Book of Revelation was written in 68 AD.
WHERE DID IT HAPPEN?
It happened primarily in Judea and the Jewish colonies throughout the Roman world.
WHO WAS THE MESSAGE TO?
It came through Jesus Christ to His Angel, to John, then to "His Servants," the Jewish Christians of the first century and their converts.
HOW WAS THE MESSAGE COMMUNICATED?
By revelation through visions and voices.
The book Revelation in Context describes, discusses and documents these events in their Biblical, historical, linguistic and cultural context.
Revelation in Context can be ordered from Amazon.com and XulonPress.com. It is also available locally at the Living Word Bookstore in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Free downloads are also available at www.revelationincontext.sermon.net
The book Revelation in Context describes, discusses and documents these events in their Biblical, historical, linguistic and cultural context.
Revelation in Context can be ordered from Amazon.com and XulonPress.com. It is also available locally at the Living Word Bookstore in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Free downloads are also available at www.revelationincontext.sermon.net
Many authorities date the Book of Revelation between 81-96 AD. On what basis do you use to date it 68 AD?
ReplyDeleteI date the book on the basis of Revelation 17:9-10: "This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated, (10)they are also seven kings, five of whom are fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he comes he must remain only a little while."
ReplyDeleteThe seven-headed beast of Revelation chapters 13 and 17 represents the Roman Empire. The seven heads are seven Roman Emperors. The following table shows these Emperors. "Five are fallen": 1.Augustus: Emperor 27 BC - AD 14
2.Tiberius: AD 14-37
3.Caligula: AD 37-41
4.Claudius: AD 41-54
5.Nero: AD 54-68.
"One Is." This is the present tense and therefore indicates the time of the writing of the Book of Revelation.
6.Galba: Became Emperor for a few months in AD 68.
"One is not yet come, and when he comes he must remain only a little while."
7.Otho: Was declared Emperor on January 1, AD 69. But the General, Vitellius, was declared Emperor by his troops on January 3, AD 69. His reign therefore was "only a little while," that is, about three days. Vitellius was then confirmed by the Senate after defeating Otho in battle.
This clearly fulfills the prophecy in Revelation 17:9-10, indicating the time of the writing of the Book of Revelation as being during the reign of Galba.
Thank you for your question. Whenever you have comments or questions, please feel free to enter them.
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