Currently in the liturgies of daily mass we have been reading the book of revelation. It is not history like the gospels and acts, nor practical discussions and instructions like the epistles, but we at once seem to breathe the. Heres the quote from adversus haereses by irenaeus regarding the date of the book of revelation in the context of the apostle johns life. Preterists teach that the book of revelation is primarily a prophecy about the roman war against the jews in israel that began in a.
If it were necessary for his name to be proclaimed openly at the present time, it would have been declared by him who saw the revelation. Three angels broadcasting network 3abn 3,033,490 views. The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. But now as he was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the abyss, and goes into perdition, revelation 17. Aug 02, 2017 father al kimel has a post up on the christology of saint irenaeus. Much has been written on the question who was the author of this book. A surface reading of revelation 20 seems to lend itself to chiliastic interpretation, and so, beginning in the third century as the church pushed back against montanism, it also pushed back against chiliasm, and in the process, against the book of revelation. Irenaeus seems to be unaware of any other view for the date of the book of. Irenaeus on the date of the book of revelation taylor. Justin and irenaeus from this region seem to have held to chiliastic views. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. Irenaeuss reliability as a historian is in doubt then the value of his witness would be reduced accordingly. Was it domitian or domitius nero that irenaeus was referring to.
Perhaps as much as any other nt book, we have evidence for an early, widespread, and consistent reception of revelation. In book i, irenaeus talks about the valentinian gnostics and their predecessors, who he says go as far back as the magician simon magus. Dec 26, 2011 22 revelations mark of the beast exposed revelations ancient discoveries duration. The development of the canon of the new testament irenaeus. Since perhaps beginning with origen, and definitely since the time of augustine, those associated with the roman catholic church have done away with the meaning of the book of revelation by way of allegorizing its actual meaning. Irenaeus against heresies mentions ancient copies of. Irenaeus on the date of the book of revelation taylor marshall. Likewise, if there were other credible contemporary patristic testimony that contradicts irenaeuss witness, then we would have to conclude that there was more than one early tradition regarding the date of the book of revelation. Irenaeus on revelation, justification and jesus apostolic. Irenaeus, he notes, does not see god the son as something needed to protect the transcendence of god from creation. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. That is, christ is not a demiurge insulating god from the. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1.
It is commonly read at the end of the liturgical year, for it bespeaks the end of, and passing qualities of all things of this world. Bullinger, has stood the test of tine as an incredible resource for the diligent student. As these things are so, and his number 666 is found in all the approved and ancient copies. Inasmuch, then, as in this world some persons go to the light, and by faith unite themselves with god, but others shun the light, and separate themselves from god, the word of god comes preparing a fit habitation for both. Revelation was written by john in ad 95, which means the book of revelation describes yet future events of the last days just before jesus comes back to this earth. Irenaeus was born in smyrna in asia minor, where he studied under bishop polycarp, who in turn had been a disciple of the apostle john. His writings contain the oldest existing writings of a bishop which include all the books that are in our new testament today. Father al kimel has a post up on the christology of saint irenaeus. Irenaeus against heresies mentions ancient copies of revelation. According to history, who was the roman emperor during the. H eres the quote from adversus haereses by irenaeus regarding the date of the book of revelation in the context of the apostle johns life. A tentative to understand how irenaeus interpreted revelation in against the heresies i and ii. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. The date of the book of revelation liberty university.
In fact, very shortly before the oftreferenced quote above, irenaeus states that the number 666 is found in all the most approved and ancient copies of revelation against heresies, 5. Revelation overview, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by e. Perhaps the best known source for the book of revelation being written in ad 95 is irenaeus, bishop of lyons ad 120202. In my personal opinion, the book of revelation was written by john the apostle who was the brother of james and disciple of jesus christ. Irenaeus wrote a number of books, but the most important that survives is the against heresies or, in its latin title, adversus haereses.
When we open the book of revelation we discover, at once, a marked difference between it and any other portion of the new testament. Irenaeus identifies them as followers of nicolas, one of the seven chosen in acts 6, and as men who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence1. Jan 21, 2017 in fact, very shortly before the oftreferenced quote above, irenaeus states that the number 666 is found in all the most approved and ancient copies of revelation against heresies, 5. In his second book, irenaeus proceeds to a more complete demolition of those heresies which he has already explained, and argues at great length against them. Why the modern view of the book of revelation may be flawed. If the book of revelation is a book of prophecy as it claims to be rev. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Is the book of revelation canonical in the orthodox church. In order for revelation to be a prediction of the future rev.
The book of revelation is about the consummation of the ages the bringing to fruition gods plan of redemption by closing out the national kingdom of apostate judaism and bringing in the new, heavenly jerusalem, the bride and church of christ. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which christians agree. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. Christology in the book of revelation and in saint irenaeus. The book of revelation is a fascinating book, and the debate regarding its interpretation will continue. The author of the book of revelation christopher l.
The evidence for the book of revelation being written in 95ad includesirenaeus. Irenaeus makes reference to ancient copies of the book of revelation. It is important to note that irenaeus was not a random guy with an interest in the bible. That is, christ is not a demiurge insulating god from the muddiness of creation. Some are mysterious because of the symbolism it uses, but others are mysterious because what it is referring to is simply. Rightly dividing the word revelations early dating. Irenaeus and the date of revelation there are basically two conservative views as to when the book of revelation was written. We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of antichrist.
Irenaeus four authorities for the revelation of jesus christ to. Introduction revelation is a confusing book to most people despite the many commentaries written. For instance, in his work against heresies, book 5, chapter 30, section 3, the early church father irenaeus reported that revelation was written toward the end of domitians reign. Irenaeus of lyons, against heresies adversus haereses, book. Domitian ruled around irenaeus time, and yet irenaeus says copies of revelation were ancient. Returning the book of revelation to its historical context. Dating the book of revelation christian research institute. Revelation introduction commentary peoples new testament. Irenaeus seems to be unaware of any other view for the date of the book of revelation.
In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. Dear in christ, most of the antipreterist ranters proof text a passage from irenaeus writings against heresies, book v, chapter xxx to prove that the book of revelation was written after 70ad. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. The book of revelation contains a lot of things that are mysterious. Patristic evidence early traditions about the date of revelation locate it in the reign of domitian but, despite the agreement of most commentators, this dating is by no means certain.
Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. Thou hast indeed enjoined upon me, my very dear friend, that i should bring to light the valentinian doctrines, concealed, as their votaries imagine. Jun 12, 2009 it asserts, in fact, that revelation describes events that will likely take place in the twentyfirst century rather than the first century. It is also a book of glory, depicting the ultimate victory of our lord continue reading why the modern view of the book of revelation may be flawed. The inscription to the book of revelation, in the syrian version, first published by deuteronomy dieu, in 1627, and, afterwards in the london polyglot, is the following, the revelation which god made to john the evangelist, in the island of patmos, to which he was banished by nero caesar. Traditionally, the book of revelation has been dated near the end of the first. Later writers, such as clement of alexandria, origen, victorinus who wrote one of the earliest commentaries on revelation, eusebius, and jerome affirm the domitian date. Irenaeus also wrote this about the book of revelation. What irenaeus seems to be indicating is that john was still making public. Jul 25, 2016 perhaps the best known source for the book of revelation being written in ad 95 is irenaeus, bishop of lyons ad 120202. Clement of alexandria even moses stuart, americas most prominent preterist, admitted that the tyrant here meant is probably domitian.
Writing in the second century, irenaeus declared that revelation had been written toward the end of domitians reign. Earlier in this lesson, we mentioned that irenaeus was a disciple of polycarp, who in turn was a disciple of the apostle john. Ken gentry in his book, before jerusalem fell cites evidence for a pre 70 ad date. The earliest external evidence for the date of revelation is the statement from irenaeus c. It asserts, in fact, that revelation describes events that will likely take place in the twentyfirst century rather than the first century. Above i have listed all the evidence i could find and believe that the evidence points to the apostle john as the author of the book of revelation. He places the book near the end of domitians reign, and that ruler died in a. The testimony of irenaeus, not far removed from the apostolic age, is first rate. Book 2, first commandment, of the shepherd of hermas. Irenaeus, in the fifth book of his work against heresies, where he discusses the number of the name of antichrist which is given in the socalled apocalypse of john, speaks as follows concerning him. Since, therefore, abraham was a prophet and saw in the spirit the day of the lords coming, and the dispensation of his suffering, through whom both he himself and all who, following the example of his faith, trust in god, should be saved, he rejoiced exceedingly. The future apostasy in the time of antichrist, and the end of the world. Where the book of revelation is included in the syriac versions it is referred to as the.
The three remaining books set forth more directly the true doctrines of revelation, as being in utter antagonism to. Irenaeus is important to the dating of revelation for two reasons. The reason most commentaries fail to enlighten the books contents is because they violate one or more of the three basic principles of sound biblical interpretation. Irenaeus was a disciple of polycarp, and polycarp was a.
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