A commentary by Victorinus does not mention the seven churches of the Apocalypse but does mention the churches Paul wrote to. It is possible that he and Eusebius had an early version of the Apocalypse that did not contain the seven churches. History helps us understand what is possible.
A Dynasty
A hatred of the whore. Constantinople, Babylon the Great, fell to the tenth dynasty of Islam in 1453. This ended a thousand year Christian empire that started with the seven dynasties of the Roman Empire. Behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. The “ten horns” ties the fourth beast of Daniel to the second beast of John. Home 8
A Church History
A book by Eusebius does not mention Antipas but does mention Carpus and Papylus who are also martyrs from Pergamos. Six of the seven churches are mentioned but never associated with the Apocalypse. Is it possible that there was an early version that didn’t contain them?
A Great City
A mystery and likely to remain so. Constantinople can be found no more at all and the merchants of the earth shall weep over the city with many waters and seven hills. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. 1204 and 1453. No other city has all these characteristics. Babylon the Great is Constantinople.
Home 7
A Lamb Of God
A worthy Lamb. Who knows the worthy Lamb of God? Who can open the seals? John the Apostle knows John the Baptist who “bare record” and knows the Lamb of God who is worthy to open the seals. The time was near for the first coming and John the Baptist was preparing the way. He wrote the first Apocalypse.
A Greek Fire
A significant passage in the Apocalypse. In defense of Constantinople they used Greek Fire on the Sea of Marmara which was like a sheet of glass and the year was 666. A sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. Islam.
Home 6
A History Of Interpretation
A hijack of the Apocalypse. How does a commentator become a prophet? Simply by interpreting the Word of God. Historians are less likely to have an agenda which makes them more trustworthy and possibly inspired by God. History can be used to interpret prophecy but only after it has been fulfilled.
A Calendar
A date, a mark, a beginning. A common year 44 BC. The Julian calendar preceded the Gregorian calendar which didn’t start until 1582. The Islamic calendar started in 622 CE and that would be 666 of the Julian calendar which was in effect at that time. The Hegira marks the beginning of Islam.
Home 5
A sign of the times. But “the wise shall understand.” Has God “revealed it unto thee”? Have you asked for it? Did you seek it? Hope, wanting, can lead you to Faith and Charity. John was told to “seal not” the prophecy of his book. So it can be known. Your knowledge can increase.
A Historian
A history of the Roman Empire by Gibbon. Go ahead, pick an Islamic calendar converter and put 46 in it. You get 666. 46 is the number Gibbon used. 46 years after the Hijri year Constantinople was attacked. A date is a mark. Gibbon notes the problems with dates.
Home 4
apocalypse 