A Bible School Manual: Studies in the Book of Revelation: An introduction, analysis, and notes, containing a concise interpretation according to the symbolic view, numerous references to authorities, and general mention of other interpretations, with the text of the American revised version edited in paragraphs, for the use of Bible studentsHunter, Stephen Alexander
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A Bible School Manual: Studies in the Book of Revelation: An introduction, analysis, and notes, containing a concise interpretation according to the symbolic view, numerous references to authorities, and general mention of other interpretations, with the text of the American revised version edited in paragraphs, for the use of Bible students
Hunter, Stephen Alexander
Bible. Revelation -- Commentaries
(2) Justin Martyr (circ. A. D. 140) says it was written by “a certain man
whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ”. This testimony is
within fifty years of the later date assigned to the book, and seventy‐
five years of the earlier one, and is therefore of special importance; and
there is no hesitancy in affirming that the author was “one of the
apostles of Christ”.
(3) According to Eusebius, Melito, Bp. of Sardis (circ. A. D. 170), wrote
a lost work on “the Revelation of John”; also two other bishops,
Theophilus of Antioch, and Appolonius of Ephesus (both before the close of
the second century), cited from it in their writings.
(4) In a letter from the churches of Lyons and Vienne (circ. A. D. 177)
the Revelation is cited, and is described as “sacred Scripture”.
(5) Irenæus (circ. A. D. 180) defends its apostolic authority, and asserts
frequently and positively that the Apocalypse was written by “John, a
disciple of the Lord”.
(6) Clement of Alexandria (circ. A. D. 200) refers to the four and twenty
elders with an explanatory clause, “as John says in the Apocalypse”.
(7) Tertullian (circ. A. D. 200) cites it frequently, ascribing it to John
the Apostle, and attests its recognition in Africa.
(8) The Canon of Muratori (circ. 200) includes it without question, and
says, “John in the Apocalypse, though he writes to the Seven Churches, yet
says to all, &c,” and the context shows that the reference is to the
Apostle.
(9) Hippolytus (circ. A. D. 210) wrote on “the Gospel and Apocalypse of
John”; and he also cites the Apocalypse as a Scripture authority against
Caius. After this time its canonicity was regarded as established by the
Western Church.
(10) Origen (circ. A. D. 250), the pupil of Clement of Alexandria, and the
first textual critic of the New Testament, whose knowledge of the opinion
and usage in different parts of the church was very wide, knows of no
doubts concerning the Apocalypse, but quotes it as the recognized
composition of the Apostle and Evangelist.
The authority of the Apocalypse was not, however, destined to remain
unquestioned, though its apostolic authorship and canonical right were
practically unchallenged until toward the end of the second century—and in
fact it was generally received by the church until the middle of the third
century—but subsequently both of these were questioned, viz:—
(1) Marcion, the so‐called “Heretic” (circ. A. D. 150), rejected it in
forming his Canon because of its apparently Jewish character, and not
because he did not regard it as genuine. This, however, did not represent
a church view, and had little influence on opinion outside of his own
sect.
(2) Dionysius of Alexandria (circ. A. D. 247) argues that it is not by the
Apostle, though he does not reject the book. With him the question is
mainly one of authorship, and not of canonicity.
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