A Problem
with the Apocalypse. Why would he introduce himself three times at the beginning of the first chapter? There is only one reasonable explanation. They are three different Johns. John the Baptist, John the Apostle, and John Chrysostom. Nothing else makes sense. It must be considered.
A Reasonable Theory
posed by Josephine Massyngbaerde Ford was that John the Baptist wrote the first version. It was not well received even though many scholars have held that the Apocalypse was the work of more than one author. It has also been held that the Apocalypse was first written in Hebrew and later translated into Greek.
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A War
where mostly men die. So be it. Save the women and children. Let the men go back to work. Let the mothers stay home with the kids. This worked in the past. It will work again. Be not afraid. Be careful. Be kind. Be reasonable.
A Bigger Problem
compared to the problem with interpretation if you are looking for the king of the north. There are eight different words in 52 different translations: princes 24, commanders 10, officers 7, officials 5, generals 2, leaders 2, principalities 1, subordinates 1. The word prince suggests a family member unlike the other seven words which have a common meaning. Makes you wonder about words used in other parts of the bible. These are major differences in words used before you get to the problem of interpreting them. Reader beware.
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A Design
“Amongst the Interpreters of the last age there is scarce one of note who hath not made some discovery worth knowing; and thence I seem to gather that God is about opening these mysteries. The success of others put me upon considering it; and if I have done any thing which may be useful to following writers, I have my design,” a quote that can be found in “Observations On Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John” by Sir Isaac Newton, an online book that is searchable. Newton spent a lot of time investigating the Apocalypse and his views should be considered by anyone who wants to understand.
A Historian
who did not appreciate interpretation. “The folly of Interpreters has been, to foretel times and things by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt. The design of God was much otherwise. He gave this and the Prophecies of the Old Testament, not to gratify men’s curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event, and his own Providence, not the Interpreters, be then manifested thereby to the world.”
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A Bigger Risk
for men. So is war. Many have died so others might live. Nothing new here except the battle field is not limited. We can limit the risks but there are no safe spaces. Be not afraid. Be careful. Be kind. Be reasonable.
A Valuable Source
for information on the Apocalypse and it is all online. The Newton Project for all his works.
“Observations On Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John” by Sir Isaac Newton, an online book that is searchable. Newton spent a lot of time investigating the Apocalypse and his views should be considered by anyone who wants to understand.
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A Time
for old guys to take one for the team. Us old guys have the highest rate of death from coronavirus. We can stay in our room and drink beer. All the others should go back to work and let the chips fall where they may. Do it for the kids. Be not afraid. Be careful. Be kind. Be reasonable.
A Good Deal
according to Dan Patrick. Don’t shut down the economy to save a bunch of old guys. My words not his. Most of us old guys know how to take care of ourselves. Our age proves it. Don’t try to save us. Save our country for our grandchildren. We know how to improve our odds. source –
