The Date and Theme of Revelation - #2 Question: Is Jerusalem Central to The Theme of This Book?
Two Theories Written BEFORE the Destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) at about 64-68AD Written AFTER the Destruction of Jerusalem and during the time of the reign of Domitian (AD 95-96)
A Major Avenging of Blood Would happen to this generation - Matthew 23,24 AD 70 was at the end of that generation All souls under the Jerusalem altar were crying out to be avenged Revelation is about the avenging of souls under the altar 6:9-11; 16:5-7; 18:20,24; 19:2 Jerusalem was ended in AD 70 All souls under the altar had been avenged
A Major Avenging of Blood Would happen to this generation - Matthew 23,24 Is Revelation about another avenging of blood? Are there souls under the altar after AD 70? Is it about blood shed between 70 and 95AD?
Jerusalem Would Be Punished For the blood of Prophets, and wise men For The Blood of Jesus, God s Son For the blood of Jesus apostles, prophets, and other disciples All this blood was avenged by AD 70 Did something happen AFTER AD 70 that was worse?
Jerusalem Would Be Punished John Writes of Worse things shortly to take place?
Evidence Favoring A Pre-AD 70 View of Revelation Seventy Weeks Would End With The Destruction of Jerusalem Dan.9:24,26 Special Revelations ( Vision and Prophecy ) would be sealed up Dan.9:24 with 1 Cor.13:8-10 Similar Language Between Revelation and Matthew 24
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:34 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place.
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:21-22 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Rev 1:9-10 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:21-22 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Rev 3:10-11 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:21 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Rev 7:14 14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me,"these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:1-2 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Matt 23:38-39 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; Rev 11:8 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Rev 18:10 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying,'alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
Revelation and Matthew 24 Comparisons Matt 24:7-8 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. Rev 18:7-8 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
The Temple Is Implied As Still Standing Rev 11:1-2 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying,"rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Rev 11:8 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Luke 21:24 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Early Date Summary Thus Far The Common Avenging of Blood Themes of Matthew 23-24 and Revelation Common Tribulation Themes of Matthew 24 and Revelation Temple is Implied As Still Standing Rev.11:1,2,8 The Major Thrust of Revelation Concerns The City Where Our Lord Was Crucified -11:8 The Major Thrust of Revelation Concerns The City That Spilled The Blood of God s Righteous People These Themes Do Not Work Well If Jerusalem Has Already Been Destroyed For 25 Years When John Writes
God Let His People Know If I am for you, who can win and be against you? Everything will work out fine if you will be a faithful overcomer