Therefore, through a mind of wisdom [this book] also says that the seven heads must be understood as seven hills, so that it might signify Rome, which sits upon seven hills.—Primasius, on Rev. 17:3
As does Jerusalem: Mount Moriah, Mount Zion, Mount Corruption, Mount Ophel, Mount Scopus and New Mount Zion. I find the Preterist understanding attractive, because it is the only one that claims specific understanding of Revelation. Would God give us a book that He knows we cannot understand? Peace and Joy! George A. Marquart
George, I’d rather put it like this: God has given us His Word as lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and it shines clearly the path forward, the path that leads us home, but the light itself at times dazzles the eyes and defies our understanding; but it shines its light nonetheless for all that. Revelation has a number of portions that I have to confess I can only take a guess or stab at, and that it may indeed have another meaning that has eluded me entirely, but the overall joy of the book is unmistakable: fear not to pitch your lot in with the Lamb, for He and His will be victorious finally against the innumerable enemies that plague us. Even enemies as terrifying as the Roman Imperium would have been in the final decade of the first century.
Have been studying Revelation with a Bible class for the past several months. There are chapters after chapters in which there is no joy, just horror after horror. If, in our baptism, and in the study of all of the rest of the OT and NT, our Lord has not brought us to the point of casting our lot with Him, Revelation, in my opinion, is not likely to do it.
But that aside, the Preterists make you aware of some details of history and of Scripture, that may elude some. For instance, did our Lord really say, "Father, forgive them ..."? And I really did not know about the 7 mountains on which Jerusalem stands, until I read a Preterist commentary.
Dear George, not my experience of Revelation at all. I find joy in it, even in the darkest chapters. I don’t find the Preterist read of the apocalyptic viable, honestly. At least not to carry the full weight. I think it is correct that we see the beginning of fulfillments in the Passion and Resurrection, but its fullness awaits His glorious appearing. If I might suggest a book, check out Franzmann’s delightful commentary on Revelation from CPH. It is golden, and sadly much less expensive than Dr. Brighton’s massive (but also excellent) treatment.
Thanks for the comment on the picture. We will always treasure our little visit some years back.
4 comments:
As does Jerusalem: Mount Moriah, Mount Zion, Mount Corruption, Mount Ophel, Mount Scopus and New Mount Zion.
I find the Preterist understanding attractive, because it is the only one that claims specific understanding of Revelation. Would God give us a book that He knows we cannot understand?
Peace and Joy!
George A. Marquart
George, I’d rather put it like this: God has given us His Word as lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and it shines clearly the path forward, the path that leads us home, but the light itself at times dazzles the eyes and defies our understanding; but it shines its light nonetheless for all that. Revelation has a number of portions that I have to confess I can only take a guess or stab at, and that it may indeed have another meaning that has eluded me entirely, but the overall joy of the book is unmistakable: fear not to pitch your lot in with the Lamb, for He and His will be victorious finally against the innumerable enemies that plague us. Even enemies as terrifying as the Roman Imperium would have been in the final decade of the first century.
Have been studying Revelation with a Bible class for the past several months. There are chapters after chapters in which there is no joy, just horror after horror. If, in our baptism, and in the study of all of the rest of the OT and NT, our Lord has not brought us to the point of casting our lot with Him, Revelation, in my opinion, is not likely to do it.
But that aside, the Preterists make you aware of some details of history and of Scripture, that may elude some. For instance, did our Lord really say, "Father, forgive them ..."? And I really did not know about the 7 mountains on which Jerusalem stands, until I read a Preterist commentary.
Nice to see the picture of the two of you.
Blessings, George
Dear George, not my experience of Revelation at all. I find joy in it, even in the darkest chapters. I don’t find the Preterist read of the apocalyptic viable, honestly. At least not to carry the full weight. I think it is correct that we see the beginning of fulfillments in the Passion and Resurrection, but its fullness awaits His glorious appearing. If I might suggest a book, check out Franzmann’s delightful commentary on Revelation from CPH. It is golden, and sadly much less expensive than Dr. Brighton’s massive (but also excellent) treatment.
Thanks for the comment on the picture. We will always treasure our little visit some years back.
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