When Was Revelation Written? The Date That Changes Everything

The blog post explores the significance of determining the date Revelation was written, arguing that this question is crucial for understanding the book’s meaning. The author highlights that if Revelation was written around 95 AD, the promises of imminence, such as “the time is near” and “I am coming soon,” have not been fulfilled for nearly two millennia. This raises questions about whether the language should be taken literally or if the assumed date is incorrect.

If, however, Revelation was written in 68 or 69 AD, the events described as imminent—such as the destruction of Jerusalem—were indeed close in time. The author suggests that this early date aligns better with the text’s internal evidence and the historical context of the time, including the chaos of the Year of Four Emperors and the recent death of Nero.

The dating of Revelation is not a minor issue but a key to interpreting the book correctly. The author explains that the majority view places the writing around 95 AD, while a minority scholarly view suggests it was written between 65 and 70 AD. The late date relies heavily on the testimony of Irenaeus, while the early date is supported by the text itself.

The debate over Revelation’s date divides into two main camps. The author encourages readers to consider the internal evidence of the text and the historical context, suggesting that an early date offers a more coherent interpretation.

Source: Read the original report