Logic and Analysis from Dead Scholars

 There is a well-accepted theory around today that the book of Revelation appeared right at the close of the first century. The theory is not as new as some folks may think because it actually dates back to the late second century. And as with many things, it seems to me that we would do well to recall what the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”  In general, rather than paying attention to the signs…

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Roots of Catholicism

Following the rule of Constantine the empire was given over to his sons and heirs (Constantine II, Constans and Constantius). Constantine II was killed by his brother Constans who was soon removed by another rival. This left the empire to a field officer named Magnentius, who was defeated and then committed suicide. The throne was then offered to the last son of Constantine the Great – Constantius. You may note when reading of these things, that the sons of Constantine…

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A History of Rome (7)

Severans and Constantines Lucius Septimius Severus, Consul and Praetorian, was appointed Caesar following the brief reigns of Pertinax, Julianus, and Clodius Albinus (192 â€“ 211), all of whom he had a hand in dispatching. Edward Gibbon credits Severus as the first of the emperors of the decline of the Roman Empire.
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A History of Rome (6)

Flavians end, Antonines begin, Christians die Domitian was succeeded by Marcus Cocceius Nerva who was quite elderly and feeble by the time he had been appointed Caesar (ruling only from 96 to 98). Nervaâ€™s reign then was brief with nothing much either to commend it or to condemn it. However, in the oddest move of succession, Nerva adopted Trajan as his son. Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, who was then about 40, though well known in Rome, had been a total stranger to Nerva up until this hasty act was suggested by the leading Senate counselor. Trajan apparently prospered greatly by being in the right place at the right time, or so it would seem.
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A History of Rome (5)

Last of the Julians â€“ Nero, the Flavians and the end of the Jewish State. Nero is the most readily recognized of all of the emperors of Rome, with the possible exception of Julius Caesar. He reigned from 54 until his death in 68, and was the last of the Julian dynasty. Though not mentioned by name in most of the ancient biblical manuscripts, it was undoubtedly to Nero that Paul had appealed in the record in Acts.
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A History of Rome (4)

Part 4 â€“ Claudians Octavian was succeeded by Tiberius Claudius Nero, who eventually was legally granted to be his â€œadoptedâ€ son. He was also Liviaâ€™s lover. Tiberias reigned from 17 to 37. He was Caesar during the beginning of the church (Luke 3:1). He too assumed and was later granted the title Augustus.
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A History of Rome (2)

The Four Kingdoms The first of the four mentioned kingdoms in Daniel 2 is Chaldea. The Chaldean empire (also known as the Babylonian empire) first subdued Assyria, then Egypt, and beginning in BC 587, the Southern Kingdom of Israel (known as Judah - while the countryside was known as Judea).
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Savior in the Roman World

In the last article we noticed that the phrase "Son of God" had a different message to Roman ears than to our ears. In this final article, I would like for us to look at the implication and significance of teaching Jesus to be the Savior. Roman context In secular Greek, the word "savior" was "a laudatory name that men bestow in recognition of noble actions." Performing deeds that safeguarded the people or preserved what was precious could earn a…

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