Post by MoGrace2U on Aug 5, 2009 9:52:05 GMT -5
Of the evidence within Revelation that can help set the timing of when John received it, stands this passage in Rev 2:13 which appears to prevent it being before 70AD.
Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Problem here in this translation is the timing is not given as past in the aortist, only the fact of this event is being stated. And the Lord is addressing the saints in the here and now as to what they are doing at this time in which the Lord is now coming to them. What remains future is the fight that will ensue when He arrives.
Now they are holding fast to faith and not denying His name and they will still do that even when Antipas is slain in their city. Therefore not holding to faith is not their problem, rather they are commended for that. This is actually a prophecy about Antipas' martyrdom.
The current problem they have is not from the idol temples that fill the city, nor from Satan who will kill their Bishop, or from the Jews; rather it is from their toleration of false prophets and their own leaders who are subverted. This will bring a battle with Christ upon them for the word of God.
If you look at the messages to the other churches it is in the same vein. The real danger these churches are imminently facing is from Christ Himself - not the Jews who are persecuting them, or the devil who is imprisoning them and killing them - because those who can kill only the body are not to be feared.
But Christ is the one who can bring them to face the 2nd death, lose their crown, their light from Him, etc. - and their fear needs to be of Him.
Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Problem here in this translation is the timing is not given as past in the aortist, only the fact of this event is being stated. And the Lord is addressing the saints in the here and now as to what they are doing at this time in which the Lord is now coming to them. What remains future is the fight that will ensue when He arrives.
Now they are holding fast to faith and not denying His name and they will still do that even when Antipas is slain in their city. Therefore not holding to faith is not their problem, rather they are commended for that. This is actually a prophecy about Antipas' martyrdom.
The current problem they have is not from the idol temples that fill the city, nor from Satan who will kill their Bishop, or from the Jews; rather it is from their toleration of false prophets and their own leaders who are subverted. This will bring a battle with Christ upon them for the word of God.
If you look at the messages to the other churches it is in the same vein. The real danger these churches are imminently facing is from Christ Himself - not the Jews who are persecuting them, or the devil who is imprisoning them and killing them - because those who can kill only the body are not to be feared.
But Christ is the one who can bring them to face the 2nd death, lose their crown, their light from Him, etc. - and their fear needs to be of Him.