Rev. 1.1, 2

Mark Wilson emory2oo2 at hotmail.com
Sun Sep 10 20:05:56 EDT 2000



gfsomsel (Polycarp)

Carl wrote:

>Is there any indication that MARTURIA in the Biblical text
>ever means something other than "testimony" or "witness-bearing"?

I think this is clearly true as to its "unaffected" meaning. Don't you 
agree?

Carl also said:

>I can't see the "modern" sense of MARTURIA that you assert for Rev 1:2.


When I originally read your statement here, I felt like I had a better 
understanding of why you chose "Polycarp" as your AOL handle :o )

I must admit, I can not see "martyr" in this verse, as well as 1:9; I think 
you might be forcing something here just a little.

But my interest in entering this discussion is related to this comment of 
yours:

>For some reason the traditional dating of this book has survived the 
> >recognition by most that it was not written by the Apostle John. I 
> >consider it to have been written somewhat later than the traditional 
>date...


Seems odd to me that the author of this book would identify himself "simply" 
as John, knowing that one of the most central figures in the NT was John 
(the Apostle), who was believed to have written the fourth gospel, whether 
he did or not.

Regarding the "later than the traditional date," my curiosity would be 
further aroused if you believe this book to be part of the NT canon. Why 
pray tell would God have revealed this "final chapter" to some John Doe? And 
why wait until all of Christ's immediate successors had perished?

Do not these considerations have some bearing on whom we identify as this 
John?

Also, I think in fairness, your statement that "most recognize this was not 
written by the Apostle John" should be clarified. I think "most," if not 
practically "all," modern Evangelical Conservative scholars attribute this 
book to the Apostle John. But that is to be expected.

I would concede your statement to be true within a "particular circle" of 
scholars. For example, those identified today as "liberals" would clearly 
deny that the Apostle John wrote this. However, that in itself does not make 
them wrong or right. I may not even object to your saying that "all 
recognize..." as long as you preface your statement with "Of those I believe 
to be correct..."

Thank you,

Mark Wilson

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