The Narrow Path Ministries

Steve,

I didn't quite know where to post this question, so I figured this section would work. I was wondering if there were any seminaries that you would recommend for a Master's Degree and/or PhD to someone who believes that Jesus has called them to eventually teach at a seminary. Thanks!

-Rachel

I don't know much about seminaries, but it is interesting to hear about what Dr Walston is doing now. He once came to my home in Oregon to talk to me about hooking up my program at the Great Commission School with the seminary he was then leading in Longview, WA. Say hello to him for me.

Sorry, I didn't mean to overlook your question. What was your question?

Hey Steve,

My question was about the book of Revelation. I been reading through your commentary (which is great by the way, and no I couldn't tell what veiw you hold.) I also been reading G.K. Beale commentary as well. His arguement against preterism is that, it seems that in the book of Revelation the Christians are killed because they refused to worship the beast. Those who hold the view that Nero is the beast, from history know that the Christians were blamed for the fire in Rome, that's why they were killed not that they refused to worship Nero. I mean later that was a reason to be killed but not at the start. How do you answer that?

Thank you,
Michael

My view of the beast is different from most preterists. I understand the beast as do the idealists (the view called the "spiritual" view in my book). On this view, the first beast of Revelation 13 represents any and every politically-organized power that Satan would ever use to oppose the kingdom of God. The beast-power has often been worshipped throughout history, as blind patriotism and statism have often been the motivations for people to persecute Christians, because the latter preach that there is "another king, one Jesus" (Acts 17:7).

While I do believe the book of Revelation was written during the reign of Nero, and that the number 666 refers to Nero, my understanding is that Nero is merely one of the heads of the beast (the current one at the time of writing). The beast has seven heads (Rev.13:1). One head receives a deadly wound, but the beast recovers and survives it (Rev.13:3). I take this either to be the death of Nero (which the Roman Empire barely survived, but did, to the astonishment of many), or else the fall of the Roman empire, but the beast continues in other expressions that succeeded it.

The other heads of the beast, in my opinion, represent other rulers in the remainder of history (after Nero), who also persecute the Christians, many of whom have been idolized by their subjects.

Hi Michelle!

Since Steve and I disagree on this point (even though I think there is some truth to what he's saying), I'm going to post a short study on the Beast of Revelation in the "Revelation" section of the forum. I think you'll find it very interesting. Look for it there.

Damon

Steve,

Do you think that the seven heads of the beast represent seven distinct "beasts" or kingdoms throughout time (starting with Nero) that set themselves up against Jesus, or would it be just a symbolic number? Thanks!

-Rachel