Most believing scholars still date Revelation to the 90s AD. So the time is near couldn't be 70 AD. Of course preterist scholars date it to 68-69 AD for obvious reasons. "The time is near" is weighed on heavily. "Near" can mean in place or in time. The more natural reading is in time, but it is possible John is talking about the closeness of the events in a different way, like it is just out the dorr.
One other argument I have heard for the earlier dating - an absence of evidence argument. If the dating in 90 AD or so, why no mention of the fulfillment of one of the most consequential prophecies made by Jesus - the destruction of the temple?
Now, I can think of some reasons why it wouldn't have been mentioned, but it is food for thought.
In any case, not terribly important to me either way.
Thanks Bionic. Good thoughts all. One thought I've always had when reading these mini-letters, is that there are no really perfect churches -- I know 2 here are not criticized. But all of these are still within His grace. He warns that if they don't repent, at some point their light will be extinguished. But I am overwhelmed with His grace, even in this Revelation of His justice.
Agree. This is consistent with my view that these letters apply through time to His Church. We can each see something of our experience in one part or another of these letters.
Most believing scholars still date Revelation to the 90s AD. So the time is near couldn't be 70 AD. Of course preterist scholars date it to 68-69 AD for obvious reasons. "The time is near" is weighed on heavily. "Near" can mean in place or in time. The more natural reading is in time, but it is possible John is talking about the closeness of the events in a different way, like it is just out the dorr.
One other argument I have heard for the earlier dating - an absence of evidence argument. If the dating in 90 AD or so, why no mention of the fulfillment of one of the most consequential prophecies made by Jesus - the destruction of the temple?
Now, I can think of some reasons why it wouldn't have been mentioned, but it is food for thought.
In any case, not terribly important to me either way.
Thanks Bionic. Good thoughts all. One thought I've always had when reading these mini-letters, is that there are no really perfect churches -- I know 2 here are not criticized. But all of these are still within His grace. He warns that if they don't repent, at some point their light will be extinguished. But I am overwhelmed with His grace, even in this Revelation of His justice.
Agree. This is consistent with my view that these letters apply through time to His Church. We can each see something of our experience in one part or another of these letters.