Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation: An Exegetical and Historical Argument for a Pre-A.D. 70 Composition
Overview
For centuries scholars have argued over when the book of Revelation was written a few years before or a quarter century after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The most accepted but not the most compelling date is around the time of Domitian (AD 95–96), at the end of the first century when John would have been nearly 100 years old. A more compelling date for the writing is during the reign of Nero Caesar, just a few years before Jerusalem’s destruction at the hands of the Roman commander Titus. The evidence for this conclusion is found within the pages of Scripture. The Bible itself tells us when the Book of Revelation was written. We do not have to depend on people who wrote a hundred years or more after the fact to get the accurate story. God’s own word sets the record straight. Through careful and painstaking work, Dr. Gentry deals with all the evidence and weighs all the arguments.
Top Highlights
“One of the basic principles of sound interpretation is that a later interpreter must find out what the author of an earlier writing was trying to convey to those who first read his words.” (Page 16)
“First, unfamiliarity with its literary style. Revelation is considered by most scholars to be of the literary genre known as ‘apocalyptic.’59 This style is not unique to Revelation among canonical books—though it is not used elsewhere in canonical literature to the extent it is in Revelation.60 Apocalyptic imagery may be found in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah most notably, but it is sprinkled throughout Scripture in numerous prophetic sections, including the teaching of Christ. ‘Of all the books of the New Testament this is the farthest removed from modern life and thought.… Apocalyptic has long ceased to be, as it once was, a popular branch of literature.’” (Pages 14–15)
“The witness of this manuscript virtually demands the early date for Revelation. The relevant portion of the document states that ‘the blessed Apostle Paul, following the rule of his predecessor John, writes to no more than seven churches by name.’ Later we read: ‘John too, indeed, in the Apocalypse, although he writes to only seven churches, yet addresses all.’42 This ancient writer clearly teaches that John preceded Paul in writing letters to seven churches. And it is universally agreed among historians and theologians that Paul died before A.D. 70, either in A.D. 67 or 68.43 This is a most important piece of early evidence with which to reckon.” (Page 94)
- Title: Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation: An Exegetical and Historical Argument for a Pre-A.D. 70 Composition
- Author: Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.
- Publisher: Institute for Christian Economics
- Print Publication Date: 1989
- Logos Release Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Revelation › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Revelation › Dating
- ISBNs: 0930464206, 9780930464202
- Resource ID: LLS:JERUSALEMFELL
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:50:53Z
Reviews
2 ratings
Karina Gabriel Stavenes
4/10/2023
Excellent scholarship. I had ever only heard the pre-millennial, pre-tribulational, dispensationalist view, and have often heard the preterist view be spoken of only in disparaging terms. Out of both curiosity and to try to learn what exactly that preterist view is, I decided to read this book. It was recommended by Pastor Jeff Durbin of Apologia Church in Arizona, whom I deeply respect. I was amazed at the credible, sensible, and properly-researched conclusions drawn and expanded upon, by Dr. Gentry. Everything he explained makes perfect sense. Reading this book in Logos was wonderful, because I was able to click on the Scriptures cited and all the cross-references, and immediately, they appeared right before me. I would highly recommend this book, and especially if purchased digitally, in the Logos edition.
Jack Kazanjyan
11/30/2020
