Revelation - Notes Roman Catholic Church
Assembled by Dave Brown
On Twitter, click or search #RevBT for daily bible study on Revelation.
Revelation Supplement Documents
Commentary:
Go to Revelation Chapters 1-5
Go to Revelation Chapters 6-10
Go to Revelation Chapters 11-15
Go to Revelation Chapters 16-19
Go to Revelation Chapters 20-22
Revelation -- Notes on the Roman Catholic Church
Assembled by Dave Brown
Sources:
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Roman_history.
Wikipedia: Pax Romano.
Great Courses Plus: The Fall of Rome (YouTube).
Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database © 1998, 2003 by Biblesoft).
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database © 2003 by Biblesoft.
https://www.biblethought.net/rev---rome-history-timeline.html
Relevance of Revelation Contents to this Section
§ What Happened to Sound Churches 100-299 AD?
§ History of the Corruption of Sound Churches
§ Creation/Development of Roman Catholic Church
§ Evolution to the current religious establishment
§ From being the persecuted to being the persecutors
§ Practical Conclusions from Our Study
The RC Version of the RC beginning – Peter being the first pope.
Their “scriptural” proof:
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? 14 And they said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – said of all the apostles and all Christians Matthew 18:
Verse 18:
Petros (masculine) – Jesus name to Simon Barjona = a piece of a larger rock
Petra (feminine) -- a mass of rock (as a rock cliff)
Misuse of Verse 19: Not the function of the “Pope”
Matthew 18:15-18
15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he hear (thee) not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. 17 And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Further evidence:
Paul rebuked Peter …
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before (them) all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Comparison of Our World (2022) with 100-299 AD (2nd & 3rd centuries)
• Things That Are the Same Now as in 100-299 AD • Most all countries have …
• Corruption in religious, political and “power centers”
• Invisible power in the hands of a relatively few – most people ignorant
• Not only political: e.g., Eisenhower: mil-ind complex (1961)
• Not Changed: common view of religion by general populace:
• Must be organized (and big) to be recognized > Relig Estab
• Faithful churches of Christ are not understood > Marginalized
• “Bible-only” faith system must be seen as spiritual (1 Corinthians 2)
• Many/most “scholars” believe Bible-only concept to be impossible
• Same today: Ways that God cares for faithful Christians
• Things that are Different Now from 100-299 AD
• Few countries have a mandated state religion now
• So less persecution caused ONLY by religious differences
• But, considerable “ethnic cleansing” (euphemism for genocide) = power
• Contrast with the Roman goals of inclusion/integration
What Happened to Sound Churches 100-299 AD?
• Most All Were Sound in the First Century (NT, were some exceptions)
• Under Apostles and first century prophets (inspired)
• Informal canon was developing/recognized by the faithful
• Inspired writings largely completed in 1st century
• Second-Third Centuries 101-299 AD
• No recorded concept of “Bible-only” religion (few Bibles)
• But, writings of many church fathers exhibit sound faith
• Abandonment of 1st century organizations (churches) > Relig Estab
• Endless trivial controversies; actually, power struggles
• Were there some small groups who held to the Bible? YES!!!
• No formal historical evidence (for obvious reasons); but
• House & wilderness churches: NT pattern; e.g. Rom 16; No Relig Estab
• Biblical evidence as to sufficiency of the written word
https://www.biblethought.net/is-the-bible-sufficient.html
Corruption of Sound Churches in 2nd and 3rd Centuries (65-299 AD)
While enduring the early persecutions of the Roman government (65-300 AD), most of professing “Christianity” went through a gradual departure from New Testament doctrine concerning church government, worship and practice.
Local churches ceased to be autonomous by giving way to the control of "bishops" ruling over hierarchies. The simple form of worship from the heart was replaced with the rituals and splendor of paganism. Ministers became "priests;" and pagans became "Christians" by simply being sprinkled with water. This tolerance of an unregenerate membership only made things worse. SPRINKLED PAGANISM was about the best definition for Roman Catholicism. . http://www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Catholic.html . > Was “legalized” by Constantine (306-337) in 313 AD > Mandated as only Roman State religion after 380 AD > 381: “Christians” persecute those of Roman religions
Evolution of the Roman Catholic Church
SUPPORTING Comments from Revelation
Practical Conclusions from Our Study • “Shortly Come to Pass”
• Rome did not fall until 476 (eastern) and 1453 (western)
• Much evil HAS fallen: individuals and nations have been judged
• Still remaining: wars, the disposition of the beasts, and the final judgment
• Inspired were writings completed in the 1st century Revelation 22:18-19
• But Sources of Corrupt Power and Religion Still Persist: Revelation 17:18:
• Critical to know: The ultimate solution is not in/of this world
• God WILL take care of faithful, dedicated Christians
• Sea & earth beasts & harlot are part of God’s plan TODAY
• Visualize (and glory in) their disintegration and fall
• IT WILL SHORTLY COME TO PASS; GLORIFY GOD!!!
Revelation 18:15-20
15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning; 16 saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl! 17 for in an hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any wither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off, 18 and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What (city) is like the great city? 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
These are not God’s people.
These ARE God’s people now – REJOICE!!!!
20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.
APPENDICIES
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -1 35 Stephen martyred; Paul converted42 Apostle James beheaded by Herod Agrippa I 49 Jews expelled from Rome 64 Nero launches persecution 65 Peter and Paul executed 80s Domitian develops emperor worship 95 Domitian executes/exiles family members 107 Simeon, Jesus cousin, bishop of Jerusalem 110 Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, killed in Rome 112 Pliny inquires of Trajan about Christians 155 (166?) Polycarp martyred
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -2 155, 160 Justin writes First and Second Apology 165 Justin martyred 177 Pogrom in Lyons and Vienne: 48 killed 178 Celsus’s True Discourse against Christians 180 12 from Scilli (N. Africa) killed 197 Tertullian writes his Apology 202 Septimius Severus forbids conversions C/J 203 Origen’s father, Perpetua, Felicitas + others 211–213 North African hostilities 235–36 Emp Maximin Thrax persecutes church 248 Origen writes Against Celsus; persecutions in Alexandria
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -3 250 Emperor Decius orders universal sacrifice; church leaders arrested; Origen jailed tortured; Pope Fabian martyred, bishops Antioch and Jerusalem; and many others 251 Decius dies; Cyprian returns to Carthage 252–53 Emperor Callus revives evils of Decius 254 Origen, weakened from torture, dies 257–60 Emperor Valerian hounds clergy; Cyprian, Pope Sixtus II, and others 261 Emperor Gallienus issues order of toleration 270s Emperor Aurelian > Cult of Unconquerable 284-305 Diocletian – most severe ever (D. Great P.=303-312) 313 – “Christianity” legalized by Constantine (306-337) 325 Nicaea
Persecution Under Nero and Domitian https://biblehub.com/library/pamphilius/church_history/chapter_xvii_the_persecution_under_domitian.htm The persecutions under Nero and Domitian were not undertaken by the state as such; they were simply personal matters, and established no precedent as to the conduct of the state toward Christianity. They were rather spasmodic outbursts of personal enmity, but were looked upon with great horror as the first to which the Church was subjected. There was no general persecution, which took in all parts of the empire, until the reign of Decius (249-251), but Domitian's cruelty and ferocity were extreme, and many persons of the highest rank fell under his condemnation and suffered banishment and even death, not especially on account of Christianity, though there were Christians among them, but on account of his jealousy, and for political reasons of various sorts. That Domitian's persecution of the Christians was not of long duration is testified by Tertullian, Apol. 5. . Note: the URL above has links to several early church history documents.
Fact Check: Tertullian (160-220 AD) https://biblehub.com/library/pamphilius/church_history/chapter_xvii_the_persecution_under_domitian.htm Validation of: “That Domitian's persecution of the Christians was not of long duration is testified by Tertullian, Apol. 5.” . From Tertullian Apol. Chapter 5: “Domitian, too, a man of Nero's type in cruelty, tried his hand at persecution; but as he had something of the human in him, he soon put an end to what he had begun, even restoring again those whom he had banished.” http://www.tertullian.org/anf/anf03/anf03-05.htm#P274_77178 . Tertullian (160-220 AD) “an early Christian apologist and a polemicist against heresy,” e.g., Gnosticism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertullian
Religious and Political Overview - 7 . 96 AD to 1453 AD 96-98 – Nerva repealed much of the savage penal laws § Christians still regarded as outlaws (local discretion) 115-120 – Empire reached its peak – from Britain to Syria 115, 135 – Sporadic Jewish Rebellion (30k R; 600k J killed) 165 – Antonine Plague killed some 5M thruout Empire 200+ Continuous losses to pagan attacks on eastern borders 250 – 313 Severe Empire-wide persecution; ISBE-Persecution 284-305 Diocletian – most severe ever (D. Great P.=303-312) 313 – “Christianity” legalized by Constantine (306-337) 325 Nicaea 380 – “Christianity” became mandatory state religion § Roman Catholic atrocities of “heretics” dwarfed those of Rome § Estimated deaths = from 10 million to 100 million § Rome fell but the satanic RC Church is very much with us today 395 – Division of empire into east and west 476 – Romulus Proclaimed king of Italy – ended eastern empire 634-640 – Muslim conquest of Syria and Egypt 1453 – Byzantine (western) empire fell to Ottomans
Causes of Rome’s Eventual Downfall
Time and Place of Writing
The timing of the writing of the book are critical to its interpretation. Many seem to want to place the timing before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, and thus make the interpretation largely apply to that event.
The book was written from the island of Patmos to which John was exiled as part of the persecution of Christians that took place at the time, although his being there had a more providential purpose: “I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience (which are) in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 1:9). This seems to connect his being exiled with the revelation he received.
According to Fausset’s: “John was exiled under Domitian (Iren. John 5:30; Clemens Alex.; Eusebius, H. E. iii. 20). Victorinus says he had to labor in the mines of PATMOS (which see). At Domitian's death (A.D. 95) he returned to Ephesus under Nerva. He probably wrote out the visions immediately after seeing them (Rev 1:2,9; 10:4). "Forbidden to go beyond certain bounds of earth, he was permitted [to see] heaven" (Bede on Rev 1). Irenaeus writes, "Revelation was seen no long time ago, almost in our own generation, at the close of Domitian's reign." Fausset also cites a large number of “coincidences” or similarities between John’s words and those of Peter and Paul, and indicates that such would be hardly practical at a time when these apostles were still alive.
The letters to the seven churches of Asia also attest to the later date of writing. Compare, for example Paul’s address to the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38) with that of John’s letter to them dictated by Jesus (Rev 2:1-7). Paul prophesied of their falling away; John confirms the fact that they “left their first love.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia contains the following review of some of the church fathers: “Eusebius, in summing up the tradition of the Church on this subject, assigns John's exile to Patmos, and consequently the composition of the Apocalypse, to the latter part of the reign of Domitian (81 AD - 96 AD). Irenaeus (circa 180 AD) says of the book, "For it was seen, not a long time ago, but almost in our own generation, at the end of the reign of Domitian" (Adv. Haer., v.30, 3). This testimony is confirmed by Clement of Alexandria (who speaks of "the tyrant"), Origen, and later writers.”
Our commentary and classes we teach on the Internet assume this latter date (approximately 95AD given below, as all the dates given are approximate). However, since our main concern is mainly with how the principles of Revelation apply to us today, it may not really matter at what point the snapshot of heavenly reality is taken. Since these principles are timeless and apply at all times and all ages, moving the timing of the writing and the particular events current at that time is quite irrelevant. Men have not changed in their willingness to listen to Satan’s lies in their quest for money and power. Satan has not changed in his quest to destroy all that is good and righteous with his deceit. And so, the principles apply. That said, it does help us to refer once in a while to what the saints at the time of the writing were going through to give us even better realistic examples of what we can expect to encounter in “that which must shortly come to pass” (Rev. 1:1).
Chronology Timeline
It is not the purpose of the chronology below to show where particular prophesies in Revelation were fulfilled. Quite to the contrary, it is to show that there was no specific event that could qualify as “the fall of the Roman empire” in a time frame that could be considered “shortly to come to pass.” Does this mean that the prophecies to that effect did not come to pass? No, what it does show is that the prophecies of defeat did not apply to the entire Roman Empire, at least not in the short term. Further, they probably did not apply to any one local defeat, as many false teachers want to conclude. They did apply, however, to the downfall of particular, albeit unknown, corrupt leaders. We can see so many of them going down along the way that this conclusion seems inevitable. But just as today, there is no way to tell specifically which ones of them fulfilled which prophecy. However, all will be included in the final judgment.
The chronology of the Roman Empire that follows was constructed out of selected events that might impact the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. There is no agreement as to the exact date that John wrote the book, but it is our opinion in considering the intent of the book that it was not prior to the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in 70 AD. In short, if the destruction of Jerusalem was all that the Book of Revelation was about, it would have little relevance to us today. We argue that there are principles revealed within the book that apply whenever unbridled political or military power exists. Thus the comforts being offered by the book have great application to those being persecuted and dying for the cause of Christ today. Things may appear to be getting worse, both from a natural and man-made catastrophic point of view; but, be patient: God is in control.
We have tried for the most part to omit the endless cycles of wars and rebellions that plagued these times. If interested, please see the Wikipedia references above. Wars at this time were an expected part of the cultures, apparently not just in Rome, but throughout the world. They were conducted to seize land and goods (spoils) as well as to increase the power of the kings, emperors, or other leaders to enable them to impose their wills on others. But perhaps more importantly, to enslave entire populations and bring them back to Rome and other areas of the Empire to become an integral part of the economic systems that existed at the time. There appears to be no alternative economic systems even being considered or imagined.
On this subject, it was/is not the goal of the New Testament to create better (fairer) economic systems. Fortunately, some better systems have evolved out of the principles of “love they neighbor” and “do unto others what you would have them do unto you” taught by Jesus. Unfortunately, slavery and human trafficking are still a major forces in all cultures today, often shielded by those at or near the top of the political power hierarchy. Similarly, it is not at all difficult to identify the same types of political and economic corruption today that were commonplace in Rome (see: Causes of Rome’s Eventual Downfall, above). These are good reasons that we are able to apply the principles of the book of Revelation to our societies today. The nature of man, Satan and sin have not changed.
The following is a listing of key selected dates and events (- indicates BC):
What Must I do to be Saved?
Revelation Supplement Documents
Go to Revelation Chapters 1-5
Return to the General Commentary Page
Assembled by Dave Brown
Sources:
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Roman_history.
Wikipedia: Pax Romano.
Great Courses Plus: The Fall of Rome (YouTube).
Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database © 1998, 2003 by Biblesoft).
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database © 2003 by Biblesoft.
https://www.biblethought.net/rev---rome-history-timeline.html
Relevance of Revelation Contents to this Section
- The RC version of how the RC church was established
§ What Happened to Sound Churches 100-299 AD?
§ History of the Corruption of Sound Churches
§ Creation/Development of Roman Catholic Church
§ Evolution to the current religious establishment
§ From being the persecuted to being the persecutors
§ Practical Conclusions from Our Study
The RC Version of the RC beginning – Peter being the first pope.
Their “scriptural” proof:
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? 14 And they said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – said of all the apostles and all Christians Matthew 18:
Verse 18:
Petros (masculine) – Jesus name to Simon Barjona = a piece of a larger rock
Petra (feminine) -- a mass of rock (as a rock cliff)
Misuse of Verse 19: Not the function of the “Pope”
Matthew 18:15-18
15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he hear (thee) not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. 17 And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Further evidence:
- Peter never referred to as Pope or even as a singular leader of “the church”
- The universal church is never described as being organized in the NT
- Organized churches on earth were all local
- Universal church is spiritually organized: Hebrews 12
Paul rebuked Peter …
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before (them) all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Comparison of Our World (2022) with 100-299 AD (2nd & 3rd centuries)
• Things That Are the Same Now as in 100-299 AD • Most all countries have …
• Corruption in religious, political and “power centers”
• Invisible power in the hands of a relatively few – most people ignorant
• Not only political: e.g., Eisenhower: mil-ind complex (1961)
• Not Changed: common view of religion by general populace:
• Must be organized (and big) to be recognized > Relig Estab
• Faithful churches of Christ are not understood > Marginalized
• “Bible-only” faith system must be seen as spiritual (1 Corinthians 2)
• Many/most “scholars” believe Bible-only concept to be impossible
• Same today: Ways that God cares for faithful Christians
• Things that are Different Now from 100-299 AD
• Few countries have a mandated state religion now
• So less persecution caused ONLY by religious differences
• But, considerable “ethnic cleansing” (euphemism for genocide) = power
• Contrast with the Roman goals of inclusion/integration
What Happened to Sound Churches 100-299 AD?
• Most All Were Sound in the First Century (NT, were some exceptions)
• Under Apostles and first century prophets (inspired)
• Informal canon was developing/recognized by the faithful
• Inspired writings largely completed in 1st century
• Second-Third Centuries 101-299 AD
• No recorded concept of “Bible-only” religion (few Bibles)
• But, writings of many church fathers exhibit sound faith
• Abandonment of 1st century organizations (churches) > Relig Estab
• Endless trivial controversies; actually, power struggles
• Were there some small groups who held to the Bible? YES!!!
• No formal historical evidence (for obvious reasons); but
• House & wilderness churches: NT pattern; e.g. Rom 16; No Relig Estab
• Biblical evidence as to sufficiency of the written word
https://www.biblethought.net/is-the-bible-sufficient.html
Corruption of Sound Churches in 2nd and 3rd Centuries (65-299 AD)
While enduring the early persecutions of the Roman government (65-300 AD), most of professing “Christianity” went through a gradual departure from New Testament doctrine concerning church government, worship and practice.
Local churches ceased to be autonomous by giving way to the control of "bishops" ruling over hierarchies. The simple form of worship from the heart was replaced with the rituals and splendor of paganism. Ministers became "priests;" and pagans became "Christians" by simply being sprinkled with water. This tolerance of an unregenerate membership only made things worse. SPRINKLED PAGANISM was about the best definition for Roman Catholicism. . http://www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Catholic.html . > Was “legalized” by Constantine (306-337) in 313 AD > Mandated as only Roman State religion after 380 AD > 381: “Christians” persecute those of Roman religions
Evolution of the Roman Catholic Church
- For the first 280 years of Christian history (from 33 AD until 313 AD),
- Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire,
- Christians were terribly persecuted.
- Why? Blamed for bad events Nero > Fire; or bad crops (not worshiping gods)
- This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine,
- Provided religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD 313
- Effectively lifting the ban on Christianity.
- Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicea
- Attempt to unify Christianity.
- Constantine envisioned Christianity religion to unite Roman Empire,
- Which was beginning to fragment and divide.
- THIS COULD NEVER WORK =
- Very bad for the true church [Matthew 16:18].
- WHY? (1) Constantine refused to fully embrace the gospel,
- (2) He continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices,
- (3) Result: the church that Constantine and successors promoted became less Bible doctrine and more Roman paganism.
- Later history of the wars of the Roman Catholic church
- Do research on Inquisition; Spain and Germany (1618-1648)
- Crusades to recover Jerusalem and Holy Land (1095-1291)
- These were terrible wars with atrocities as bad as any we know.
SUPPORTING Comments from Revelation
Practical Conclusions from Our Study • “Shortly Come to Pass”
• Rome did not fall until 476 (eastern) and 1453 (western)
• Much evil HAS fallen: individuals and nations have been judged
• Still remaining: wars, the disposition of the beasts, and the final judgment
• Inspired were writings completed in the 1st century Revelation 22:18-19
• But Sources of Corrupt Power and Religion Still Persist: Revelation 17:18:
- As in John’s time, so in ours: “the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
- They know going public will be their downfall
• Critical to know: The ultimate solution is not in/of this world
• God WILL take care of faithful, dedicated Christians
• Sea & earth beasts & harlot are part of God’s plan TODAY
• Visualize (and glory in) their disintegration and fall
• IT WILL SHORTLY COME TO PASS; GLORIFY GOD!!!
Revelation 18:15-20
15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning; 16 saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl! 17 for in an hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any wither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off, 18 and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What (city) is like the great city? 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
These are not God’s people.
These ARE God’s people now – REJOICE!!!!
20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.
APPENDICIES
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -1 35 Stephen martyred; Paul converted42 Apostle James beheaded by Herod Agrippa I 49 Jews expelled from Rome 64 Nero launches persecution 65 Peter and Paul executed 80s Domitian develops emperor worship 95 Domitian executes/exiles family members 107 Simeon, Jesus cousin, bishop of Jerusalem 110 Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, killed in Rome 112 Pliny inquires of Trajan about Christians 155 (166?) Polycarp martyred
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -2 155, 160 Justin writes First and Second Apology 165 Justin martyred 177 Pogrom in Lyons and Vienne: 48 killed 178 Celsus’s True Discourse against Christians 180 12 from Scilli (N. Africa) killed 197 Tertullian writes his Apology 202 Septimius Severus forbids conversions C/J 203 Origen’s father, Perpetua, Felicitas + others 211–213 North African hostilities 235–36 Emp Maximin Thrax persecutes church 248 Origen writes Against Celsus; persecutions in Alexandria
Timeline of Persecution in the Early Church -3 250 Emperor Decius orders universal sacrifice; church leaders arrested; Origen jailed tortured; Pope Fabian martyred, bishops Antioch and Jerusalem; and many others 251 Decius dies; Cyprian returns to Carthage 252–53 Emperor Callus revives evils of Decius 254 Origen, weakened from torture, dies 257–60 Emperor Valerian hounds clergy; Cyprian, Pope Sixtus II, and others 261 Emperor Gallienus issues order of toleration 270s Emperor Aurelian > Cult of Unconquerable 284-305 Diocletian – most severe ever (D. Great P.=303-312) 313 – “Christianity” legalized by Constantine (306-337) 325 Nicaea
Persecution Under Nero and Domitian https://biblehub.com/library/pamphilius/church_history/chapter_xvii_the_persecution_under_domitian.htm The persecutions under Nero and Domitian were not undertaken by the state as such; they were simply personal matters, and established no precedent as to the conduct of the state toward Christianity. They were rather spasmodic outbursts of personal enmity, but were looked upon with great horror as the first to which the Church was subjected. There was no general persecution, which took in all parts of the empire, until the reign of Decius (249-251), but Domitian's cruelty and ferocity were extreme, and many persons of the highest rank fell under his condemnation and suffered banishment and even death, not especially on account of Christianity, though there were Christians among them, but on account of his jealousy, and for political reasons of various sorts. That Domitian's persecution of the Christians was not of long duration is testified by Tertullian, Apol. 5. . Note: the URL above has links to several early church history documents.
Fact Check: Tertullian (160-220 AD) https://biblehub.com/library/pamphilius/church_history/chapter_xvii_the_persecution_under_domitian.htm Validation of: “That Domitian's persecution of the Christians was not of long duration is testified by Tertullian, Apol. 5.” . From Tertullian Apol. Chapter 5: “Domitian, too, a man of Nero's type in cruelty, tried his hand at persecution; but as he had something of the human in him, he soon put an end to what he had begun, even restoring again those whom he had banished.” http://www.tertullian.org/anf/anf03/anf03-05.htm#P274_77178 . Tertullian (160-220 AD) “an early Christian apologist and a polemicist against heresy,” e.g., Gnosticism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertullian
Religious and Political Overview - 7 . 96 AD to 1453 AD 96-98 – Nerva repealed much of the savage penal laws § Christians still regarded as outlaws (local discretion) 115-120 – Empire reached its peak – from Britain to Syria 115, 135 – Sporadic Jewish Rebellion (30k R; 600k J killed) 165 – Antonine Plague killed some 5M thruout Empire 200+ Continuous losses to pagan attacks on eastern borders 250 – 313 Severe Empire-wide persecution; ISBE-Persecution 284-305 Diocletian – most severe ever (D. Great P.=303-312) 313 – “Christianity” legalized by Constantine (306-337) 325 Nicaea 380 – “Christianity” became mandatory state religion § Roman Catholic atrocities of “heretics” dwarfed those of Rome § Estimated deaths = from 10 million to 100 million § Rome fell but the satanic RC Church is very much with us today 395 – Division of empire into east and west 476 – Romulus Proclaimed king of Italy – ended eastern empire 634-640 – Muslim conquest of Syria and Egypt 1453 – Byzantine (western) empire fell to Ottomans
Causes of Rome’s Eventual Downfall
- Monetary policy and “welfare” costs
- Clipped gold coins and eventually did away with gold based coins
- Attempt to purchase general support of citizenry via welfare
- Inflation to pay for wars and welfare
- Barbarian invasions and offensive wars
- Impossible to communicate/manage wars in distant areas
- Slavery: lack of expansion led to lack of new slaves < economic fall
- Rome’s army relaxed recruiting quality < enlisted foederati = mercenaries/refugees
- Leadership corruption and incompetence:
- Financial control by the Aristocracy
- Aristocracy became exceedingly wealthy – manipulated weaker emperors
- Succession by family relationships (e.g., of children in some cases)
- Personal greed; disregard for the common people
- Murder and war as a political tactic
- Christianity 313 legalized > 380 state religion
- One God and one only
- Prevented integration of new people from conquered lands
- Prevented emperor worship (required multiple gods)
Time and Place of Writing
The timing of the writing of the book are critical to its interpretation. Many seem to want to place the timing before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, and thus make the interpretation largely apply to that event.
The book was written from the island of Patmos to which John was exiled as part of the persecution of Christians that took place at the time, although his being there had a more providential purpose: “I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience (which are) in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 1:9). This seems to connect his being exiled with the revelation he received.
According to Fausset’s: “John was exiled under Domitian (Iren. John 5:30; Clemens Alex.; Eusebius, H. E. iii. 20). Victorinus says he had to labor in the mines of PATMOS (which see). At Domitian's death (A.D. 95) he returned to Ephesus under Nerva. He probably wrote out the visions immediately after seeing them (Rev 1:2,9; 10:4). "Forbidden to go beyond certain bounds of earth, he was permitted [to see] heaven" (Bede on Rev 1). Irenaeus writes, "Revelation was seen no long time ago, almost in our own generation, at the close of Domitian's reign." Fausset also cites a large number of “coincidences” or similarities between John’s words and those of Peter and Paul, and indicates that such would be hardly practical at a time when these apostles were still alive.
The letters to the seven churches of Asia also attest to the later date of writing. Compare, for example Paul’s address to the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38) with that of John’s letter to them dictated by Jesus (Rev 2:1-7). Paul prophesied of their falling away; John confirms the fact that they “left their first love.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia contains the following review of some of the church fathers: “Eusebius, in summing up the tradition of the Church on this subject, assigns John's exile to Patmos, and consequently the composition of the Apocalypse, to the latter part of the reign of Domitian (81 AD - 96 AD). Irenaeus (circa 180 AD) says of the book, "For it was seen, not a long time ago, but almost in our own generation, at the end of the reign of Domitian" (Adv. Haer., v.30, 3). This testimony is confirmed by Clement of Alexandria (who speaks of "the tyrant"), Origen, and later writers.”
Our commentary and classes we teach on the Internet assume this latter date (approximately 95AD given below, as all the dates given are approximate). However, since our main concern is mainly with how the principles of Revelation apply to us today, it may not really matter at what point the snapshot of heavenly reality is taken. Since these principles are timeless and apply at all times and all ages, moving the timing of the writing and the particular events current at that time is quite irrelevant. Men have not changed in their willingness to listen to Satan’s lies in their quest for money and power. Satan has not changed in his quest to destroy all that is good and righteous with his deceit. And so, the principles apply. That said, it does help us to refer once in a while to what the saints at the time of the writing were going through to give us even better realistic examples of what we can expect to encounter in “that which must shortly come to pass” (Rev. 1:1).
Chronology Timeline
It is not the purpose of the chronology below to show where particular prophesies in Revelation were fulfilled. Quite to the contrary, it is to show that there was no specific event that could qualify as “the fall of the Roman empire” in a time frame that could be considered “shortly to come to pass.” Does this mean that the prophecies to that effect did not come to pass? No, what it does show is that the prophecies of defeat did not apply to the entire Roman Empire, at least not in the short term. Further, they probably did not apply to any one local defeat, as many false teachers want to conclude. They did apply, however, to the downfall of particular, albeit unknown, corrupt leaders. We can see so many of them going down along the way that this conclusion seems inevitable. But just as today, there is no way to tell specifically which ones of them fulfilled which prophecy. However, all will be included in the final judgment.
The chronology of the Roman Empire that follows was constructed out of selected events that might impact the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. There is no agreement as to the exact date that John wrote the book, but it is our opinion in considering the intent of the book that it was not prior to the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in 70 AD. In short, if the destruction of Jerusalem was all that the Book of Revelation was about, it would have little relevance to us today. We argue that there are principles revealed within the book that apply whenever unbridled political or military power exists. Thus the comforts being offered by the book have great application to those being persecuted and dying for the cause of Christ today. Things may appear to be getting worse, both from a natural and man-made catastrophic point of view; but, be patient: God is in control.
We have tried for the most part to omit the endless cycles of wars and rebellions that plagued these times. If interested, please see the Wikipedia references above. Wars at this time were an expected part of the cultures, apparently not just in Rome, but throughout the world. They were conducted to seize land and goods (spoils) as well as to increase the power of the kings, emperors, or other leaders to enable them to impose their wills on others. But perhaps more importantly, to enslave entire populations and bring them back to Rome and other areas of the Empire to become an integral part of the economic systems that existed at the time. There appears to be no alternative economic systems even being considered or imagined.
On this subject, it was/is not the goal of the New Testament to create better (fairer) economic systems. Fortunately, some better systems have evolved out of the principles of “love they neighbor” and “do unto others what you would have them do unto you” taught by Jesus. Unfortunately, slavery and human trafficking are still a major forces in all cultures today, often shielded by those at or near the top of the political power hierarchy. Similarly, it is not at all difficult to identify the same types of political and economic corruption today that were commonplace in Rome (see: Causes of Rome’s Eventual Downfall, above). These are good reasons that we are able to apply the principles of the book of Revelation to our societies today. The nature of man, Satan and sin have not changed.
The following is a listing of key selected dates and events (- indicates BC):
- -753 – Rome founded: first king: Romulus
- -509 – Overthrow of monarchy; establishment of two consuls
- -293 – Census counted about 270,000 residents of Rome
- -279 – A Greek force defeated a Roman army despite suffering heavy losses
- This was part of a number of local on-going battles until Pax Romana
- Pax Romana generally claimed duration = 31 BC until 250 AD
- -146 – Seems to be pivotal year, although wars were largely ongoing; but in this year:
- 3rd Punic War – captured Carthage and enslaved its surviving inhabitants
- Battle of Corinth – Roman forces defeat the Achaean League at Corinth
- Province of Macedonia was organized
- Province of Africa was organized on captured Carthaginian territory
- -105 – Battle of Arausio was major setback; 100,000 Roman soldiers killed
- -105 to 63 – wars localized to specific regions averaged about one every 2-3 years.
- -66 – Cilician pirates wiped out by Pompey
- -63 – Siege of Jerusalem: Pompey conquered the city and defiled the temple
- -59 – First Triumvirate = Pompey, Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus
- -50 – Gallic Wars – the last Gaulish rebels were defeated.
- -44 – Assassination of Julius Caesar by conspiracy of senators.
- -43 – Second Triumvarate =Augustusm Mark Antony, Marcus Lepidus
- Augustus = first emperor???; Son of God; declared Julius Caesar = God
- -31 – Forces loyal to Augustus defeat Antony and Cleopatra, queen of Egypt
- -30 – Final War of the Roman Republic
- Last of the civil wars of the Roman Republic
- Antony’s forces defected to Augustus and Antony committed suicide
- Cleopatra committed suicide probably by snakebite while in Roman custody
- -27 – Initiation of Pax Romano, a period of general peace said to last until 250 AD
- Would seem to be by divine provided to allow the gospel to be preached
- Notable exceptions not listed in the general time line (Wikipedia: Pax Romano):
- 9- continuing: various battles with Germanic tribes, e.g., Teutoburg Forest,
- 58-63 the Roman–Parthian War of 58–63
- 60-61 Boudica's war in Britain
- 66-73 the First Jewish–Roman War
- 101-106 the Dacian Wars
- 113 Trajan's Roman–Parthian War of 113
- 132-136 the Bar Kokhba Revolt (also known as the 3rd Jewish–Roman War)
- These were probably ignored (as is true by many in the U.S. today) since these were relatively small regional wars. The above does not cover all military action during this period.
- -6 – Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1) and Augustus taxes Roman Empire Luke 2)
- -5 – Birth of Jesus and His escape to Egypt (Matthew 1-2)
- 2 – Augustus was acclaimed father of the country by the Senate
- 6 – Augustus deposed Herod Archelau and organized the province of Judea
- 8 – Young Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41)
- 14 – Augustus dies
- 26 – Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13)
- 27 – Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
- 28 – Jesus ministry in Galilee (Matthew 8)
- 29 – Jesus sends out the 12 (Matthew 10) and then the 70 (Luke 10)
- 30 – Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28) and Ascension (Acts 1)
- 30 – Pentecost (Acts 2), Apostles preach and heal (Acts 3-5)
- 31 – Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), Saul’s persecution, Philip Samaritans, Ethiopian (Acts 8)
- 34 – Saul’s conversion (Acts 9)
- 37 – Peter preaches to first Gentiles who are converted (Acts 10,11)
- 41 – Caligula assassinated
- Replaced by Claudius who restored king Herod Agrippa over Judean Monarchy
- 42 – Barnabas sent to Antioch to assist in conversion of Greeks (Acts 11)
- 43 – 1st Roman conquest of Britain; others: 71, 119 (rebellion), 141, 410 (ends Roman rule)
- 44 – Herod Agrippa is eaten of worms (Acts 12:20)
- 48 – Paul and Barnabas first missionary journey (Acts 13-14)
- 49 – Council at Jerusalem and Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15-16)
- 51 – Paul in Corinth (Acts 18)
- 54 – Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19) writes first letter to Corinthians and to Galatians
- 54 – Claudius was poisoned and died; he was succeeded by Nero
- 57 – Paul in Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20)
- 59 – Paul Returns to Jerusalem (Acts 21-23)
- 60-62 – Paul’s defenses Felix, Festus and Agrippa (Acts 21-26)
- 62 – Paul sets sail and reaches Rome
- 62-67 – Paul’s letters from Roman imprisonment Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus
- 64 – Great Fire of Rome – massive property damage and loss of life over six days
- 68 – Nero, declared and enemy of the state, orders his secretary to kill him
- Galba assumes throne – assassinated in 69.
- Otho serves less than 7 months; “69 = year of the four emperors”
- 70 – Siege of Jerusalem – Roman general Titus breached walls and destroyed temple
- 81 – Roman general Titus dies of fever; succeeded by his younger brother Domitian
- 95 – John’s Revelation on Patmos (see Time of Writing section above)
- 96 – Domitian assassinated by members of the royal household (ending John’s exile)
- 100 – “Asiatic bishops” go to John at Ephesus requesting his opinion on MM&L (Fausset’s)
- 115 – Jews in Cyrene rose up against Roman authority; ultimately defeated
- 117 – Estimate year that empire reached its peak – from Britain to Syria
- Individual and regional downfalls followed
- No catastrophic fall of the entire empire
- 135 – Jews rebelled; death of tens of thousands of Roman soldiers and 600k Jewish rebels
- 141 – Roman conquest of Britain
- 165 – Antonine Plague killed some five million people throughout the Roman Empire
- 238 – Senate influence on rulers:
- Accepted Gordian I and II as rulers of Rome
- Elected two senators as joint rulers of the Empire
- 285 – Division of empire into eastern and western half
- Two different emperors
- Western in constant war with large army – poor, mostly agricultural
- Eastern was much wealthier; included Italy and the city of Rome
- 286 – Diocletian proclaimed Maximian augustus of the west, himself augustus of the east
- 293 – Diocletian established the Tetarchy (four man rule)
- 313 – “Christianity” legalized by Constantine the Great; issued Edict of Milan
- Provided for restitution to Christians injured during persecutions
- 325 – First Council of Nicaea called by Constantine
- Nicene Creed: Jesus equal to God the Father
- 330 – Constantine the Great moved capital to Byzantium, renamed Constantinople
- 337 – Constantine the Great died; his three sons divided empire into three parts
- 376 – Goths (Visigoths) sought/obtained refuge from Huns in eastern Empire
- 378 – Battle of Adrianople=modern day Turkey – major defeat
- 2/3 of Rome’s army killed
- Led to soldiers
- Resulted in Rome recruiting non-Romans (foederati)
- 380 – “Christianity” became state religion
- Theodosius the Great issued the Edict of Thessalonica
- 401 – Alaric proclaimed by Visigoths as king – first besieged Rome
- 402 – Capital of Western Roman Empire moved from Rome to Ravenna
- 410 – Alaric returned for 3rd time– no resistance – sacked & defeated Rome
- Last Roman forces left Britain
- 411 – Constantine 3rd who had some earlier success was defeated and executed
- 447 – Huns under Attila defeat Byzantine army
- 455 – Sack of Rome by the Vandals (Germanic)
- 475 – Orestes took control of Western Roman Capital (Ravenna) and set up Romulus
- 476 – Romulus (age 16) removed from power by Odoacer (Germanic foederati)
- Became king of Italy – end of eastern empire.
- Signifying end to the Roman Empire
- 634 – Muslim conquest of Syria and wide ranging adjoining areas
- 640 – Muslim conquest of Egypt
- 787 – Second Council of Nicaea
- 800 – Charlemagne = proclaimed holy Roman emperor
- 1002 – Byzantine conquest of Bulgaria
- 1453 – Byzantine empire fell to Ottomans ending most remnants of Roman rule
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