The few words that John speaks about himself bespeak much about his style of leadership and ministry. With so many of the 7 churches of Revelation entangled in assimilation to the urban values and religions of Roman Asia, it certainly would have been easy for John to give prophecies about the virtue of assimilation and … Continue reading John’s Leadership Style
Looking for a Blessing (Part 2)
To better clarify the issue of whether one can “keep the words” of a prophetic book, it should be remembered that God expected Israel to obey the words of his prophets. The conviction that someone can respond, either in obedience or disobedience, to a vision, visual act (e.g., gestures), or visual message is continued in … Continue reading Looking for a Blessing (Part 2)
Looking for a Blessing [Part 1]
When John presents material in groups of seven, he sometimes uses the word “seven;” there are, for example, “seven stars,” “seven lamp stands,” “seven churches,” and “seven seals.” At other times John’s prophetic book has implicit sevens, such the heavenly encomium that lists (1) power, (2) riches, (3) wisdom, (4) strength, (5) honor, (6) glory, … Continue reading Looking for a Blessing [Part 1]
How to Insult a Cherub
GRANT Graeco-Roman Antiquities & the New Testament How to Insult a Cherub There are so many historical questions about the Scriptures that remain unanswered, that it is sad when interpreters ignore good evidence when they have it. I have in mind the issue of the cherubim. These beings are mentioned several times in Scripture, all … Continue reading How to Insult a Cherub
Tested in Smyrna
The church at Smyrna is the only congregation where John mentions imprisonment for believers. To be sure, the imprisonment of believers is not only associated in the New Testament with saints who live in Roman Asia. In Acts (5:21-23; 16:23; 23:18), Hebrews (10:34; 13:3), and the Pauline letters, the Apostles (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23), Pauline … Continue reading Tested in Smyrna
Non-Christian Missionaries in Antiquity
GRANT Graeco-Roman Antiquities & the New Testament At least as early as the writings of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, interpreters of Acts 19:1-7 have thought that the “disciples” mentioned in 19:1 were “Baptists” who remained loyal to their eponymous prophetic founder, John the Baptist. If Chrysostom and later interpreters have been correct, then naturally … Continue reading Non-Christian Missionaries in Antiquity
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 