Is the book of Revelation about the fall of the Roman Empire?

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I have heard that the book of Revelation was never meant to be about the end of the world, but instead the book was about the end of the Roman Empire, and because talk of an Empire in such manner was prohibited in earlier days the people used code or apocoliptic writing. Although it was included in the Bible for the fact that it provides sound advice for those under tyrany. I've heard the number 666 meant something evil ( in this case Rome) not necessarily the devil. 6 was thought to be a unholy number and three 6's...well thats a whole lot of unholiness...

Then again I've also heard that the book is about the end of the world. Taking place perhaps in Israel at Har-Meggido (or mount of Meggido) also known as Armeggedon.

These two views are obviously very different can anyone add?

-- Matthew Daniel (muse21@hotmail.com), May 28, 1999

Answers

The book of Revelations is a mind bender to say the least. Having read several times over my lifetime I have away confused after thinking I had it figured out.

Interesting to say the Fall Of Rome which did take place. I have touched upon Jewish Mystical Writings termed Kaballah which is most interesting to say the least. John being a Jew would I feel have used some of this method. I believe he was take to the island as punishment and entered the cave in which these revelations came.

Perhaps Br. Rich or others can offer some futher thoughts

Peace.

Jean B.

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), May 28, 1999.


Yes you are right , both the views are different. It could be that both are correct. There are many different view points on this subject and i have read as many as i could find. Some views seem to hold water but then one or a few things don't seem to fit. The only view that i have read that seems to shed more light on it then others would be a Seventh Day Adventist view point. If you are undoubtful in your faith with catholicism this would be an interesting view , otherwise proceed with caution for it is not catholic compliant. The most important thing to remember when discussing Revelations is that there were words that John was told but they were to be shut up untill the times of the end. And ask yourself why the book he ate was sweet as honey then becomes bitter once digested? Also one should keep special notice that the fire from the sky is antichrist, and the true believrs have the seal of God only in their foreheads, which would be invisible because no man can read his name.

www.aloha.net/~mikesch/

-- Michael(non-catholic) (mdroe@erinet.com), May 28, 1999.


Matthew, while I can see how parts of Revelations could or perhaps did pertain to Nero and the Roman Empire, much of it is definitely about the end of time. In it, we see Jesus riding on His horse in the sky along with the hosts of Heaven to engage the battle of Armaggedon, we see and face the eternal judement of the living and the dead, we see the great banquet in the sky with Jesus as our host, we see the New Jerusalem descending from Heaven and Jesus setting up His earthly rule and reign from there, we see Satan and his servants being bound up in chains for a thousand years of peace then later thrown into the lake of fire. Such things and more have not occurred and speak of the end of time. Hold fast. Much is yet to unfold.

-- David (David@matt6:33.com), June 01, 1999.

there is nothing wrong with interpreting Revelation as referring to the Roman Empire and at the same time referring to the LAST DAYS (i don't like to speak of the end of the world, something about that on a later date). Remember Jesus announcing the destruction of Jerusalem and at the same time announcing the last days.

ENRIQUE

-- ENRIQUE ORTIZ (eaortiz@yahoo.com), June 02, 1999.


Please read the book written by pastor John Hagee titled THE BEGINNING OF THE END, COST ABOUT $8.00

-- (gonzo782@aol.com), June 03, 1999.


I once saw a documentary on this subject that gave some very interesting expinations. One example is the fact that the Leviathan is said to have seven heads. If you are familiar with Roman History Rome is built on seven hills. Interesting isnt it. In regards to the number 666 this program also explains that in Hebrew numbers and letters often coincide. Therefore the number 666 is actually the sum total of the antichrists name. In this program they showed that the number added up to a famous Roman Emperor, I forget which one. I hope this helps. If you are interested I believe the show is called ancient evidence

-- Frank (valandearl19@hotmail.com), August 30, 2004.

Hi Frank,

I think the Roman emperor you are referring to is Nero. The beast with the daedly wound that is healed Rev 13:3 could also refer to Nero since I think he was stabbed or something and near death, but survived.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 30, 2004.


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