Q26 : Global Context of Revelation 13
You're right of course
that
ge sometimes does have a global referent and preterists recognise this.
The question is does it have it in Rev 13? Interestingly I note that
although preterists argue that oikoumene means the Roman Empire (and perhaps
surrounding regions) only, this word is not used at all in Rev 13. Instead
kosmos is used (Rev. 13:8) and ge is used (Rev. 13:8,11,12,13,14). We can be sure
that preterists would be very happy if oikoumene appeared in Rev 13! My
major problem is that if Rev 13:8 has a global referent (ie. "all who dwell
on the earth will worship the beast" how do we reconcile this with the fact
that other spheres of power (ie. kings of the east) exist which implies that
the antichrist doesn't have global control. This is my only objection to it
having a global referent. Have you any advice on this?
| A26 : by Andy Woods
Two points to consider:
-
Even if oikoumene were in Rev 13, that in and of
itself would not pose a threat to futurism because oikoumene can have a
global meaning (Acts 17:31).
-
My understanding of prophecy is that
the other competing spheres of power only come into existence after the
antichrist has ruled the world for a short while. Only after this time
period does his global empire begin to disintegrate into various competing
spheres of power. Prior to this, the antichrist is able to keep these
spheres of power under his control. Thus, Rev 13 could be describing his
global power prior to this disintegration.
|
| |
