Is Christ's Living Witnesses Scriptures/Historical Fact?

In (Daniel  2:1-49) verses 44-45 And in the days of these kings the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom which shall NOT be LEFT to another people, but it shall crush in pieces, and consume all these kingdoms and it brings them to an End!  God's Kingdom itself will endure Forever!

Daniel's (539 B.C) vision of God's eternal Kingdom: The vision of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image of Gold ninety feet high.  The interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.  The First Kingdom: The head of gold: Represent the Neo-Babylonian Empire. (606-322 B.C) 70 yrs in power.

The Second Kingdom: The Silver Chest and Arms: Represents Medo-Persian Empire was established by Cyrus in (539--332) 200 years in power.

The Third Kingdom:  The Bronze belly and thighs:  Represents the Greek Empire established by Alexander the Great (331-146 B.C) 200 years in power.

The Fourth Kingdom:  The Iron legs and feet: Represent the Roman Empire (146- 400 A.D.)   The Ffourth Kingdom (Roman Empire) did NOT take control of Syro-Palestine until 63 B.C.  The prophecy concerning the coming of the "Anointed One", the Ruler of God's eternal kingdom (the Fifth kingdom).

The Fifth Kingdom:   Is The Eternal Kingdom of God, built on the ruins of the sinful empires of man.  Its authority will extend over "the whole earth" (v. 35) and ultimately over "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21). "The Most High God is sovereign over the kingdom of men" Daniel's vision always shows God as triumphant.  The climax of his sovereignty is described in Revelation  "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and he will reign For Ever and Ever " (Revelation11: 15; Daniel 2:44; 7:27).

In the year 63 B.C. Pompey, the Roman general, captured Jerusalem, and the provinces of Palestine became subject to Rome. The local government was entrusted part of the time to procurator who were appointed by the emperors.  Herod the Great was the ruler of all Palestine at the time of Christ's birth.

Jesus was born at a time when the Roman Empire was in full blown expansion under Augustus in (A.D. 14) At the age of 30 Jesus Christ declared the Eternal Kingdom, which the heavenly Father sent Him to proclaim (Mark 1:14,15) Now after that John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching, the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying,  "The TIME has fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: Repent! Ye, and Believe the gospel."

The Kingdom Of God

What is God's Kingdom?   The Church referred originally to a people "belonging to the Lord",  a Divine family, or metaphorically into the sheepfold.   In a sense, it was more like an Organism than an Organization.  In Christian's usage it appears to have meant, both the whole congregation, and a local community of the citizens of Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ: Central to the concept of the church was the personality of  Jesus, as the promised Messiah.  The New Testament identified Him as the Son of God, Co-eternal with the Father, creator of the universe, Immanuel "God with us", the Almighty God, the Alpha and Omega. The I AM (Almighty God/Jehovah) that appeared and spoke to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses in the Old Testament time.**

(John 8: 52-59) Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day.     He saw it and was glad."    Then the Jews said unto him, "Thou art NOT yet 50 years old, and has thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was I AM (the Almighty God)."

My day: All that was involved in the incarnation. Jesus probably was not referring to any one occasion, but to Abraham's general joy in the fulfilling of the purposes of God in Christ, by which ALL nations on earth would receive blessing (Gen. 18:18).   In Faith from afar Abraham saw it.   Not yet 50 years old:   A generous allowance for Jesus' maximum possible age. Jesus was about 30 when he began his ministry (Luke 3:23).

The I AM:   A solemnly emphatic declaration echoing God's great affirmation in (Gen. 18:1-33) Jehovah appeared to Abraham and to Moses in (Exodus 3:14). Moses asked, "What's your name?  God said to Moses, "I AM that I AM has sent you." (Exodus 6:1-3) God spake to Moses, and unto him, "I am the Lord: and I appeared unto Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, by the name of God Almighty: but by MY name is Jehovah!  Was I NOT known to them". Jesus did not say I "was" but "I AM" expressing His Deity and his Oneness with the Father (John 1:1).   The Jews recognized and understood what Jesus was saying, but they could NOT interpret his claim as other than Blasphemy, for which stoning was the proper penalty (Leviticus 24:16).

What was the kingdom that Jesus came looking for?  NOT a political kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom, which God reigns in the heart of people so that He will transform their lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ.  The human heart is the realm in which Jesus came to reign.  He came for all mankind to love him, so that He can change us into His own image.

Most Jews in Jesus' time thought that when the Messiah came he would establish A political kingdom, in which the Jewish nation, under their Messiah, would rule the world, and this is what most people were expecting. Herod shared that notion and tried to destroy Jesus in his childhood, because he thought the Messiah's kingdom would be rival political kingdom that would pose a threat to his own.   John the Baptist shared that notion, and when Jesus gave no indication of being that kind of king, John began to doubt whether Jesus was the Messiah after all (Matt. 11:3).

The 12 Apostles shared the same notion until after Jesus' resurrection. The Last question they asked Jesus was, "Lord will you NOW restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).  Their minds were still on Political Independence for their country, rather than on Personal Salvation!

(Luke 4: 16-21) Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as his custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.  There was delivered unto him the Book of Isaiah, and when Jesus had opened the Book, he found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has Anointed me to Preach the gospel to the poor, He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to Preach deliverance to the captives, and to recover sight to the blind, to set at Liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the Acceptable year of the Lord  (31/2 years ministry).

(Mark 1:16-20) Now as Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  Jesus said unto them, "Come and Follow me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."  And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.  When he had gone a little further thence, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in the ship mending their nets, andnd he called them: and they went with him.

Early in Jesus' ministry, Jesus chose 12 men (Simon/Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon of Zealot, Judas Iscariot) to be his disciples.  It took about a year and a half to complete His choice of disciples. These 12 men traveled with Jesus and listened to Him teach for at least 2 years. They were ordinary people: at least four were fishermen, and one was a tax collector.  We do not know what the others were.  All were Galileans, except Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.

The Training of the 12/70 disciples and Apostles:   One of the early acts of Jesus' ministry, after a number of disciples had gathered around him, was the appointment of the 12 men from among the small group of believers to "Assist" him in the propagation of his Messianic message, FIRST to the Jewish nation, then later to all gentile nations, until He comes again.  He ordained these 12 men and had them "Leave" their occupations, families and homes to accompany him in his itinerant ministry.  In this manner, they learned to propagate the "Good news" or gospel, while adopting the life-style and methodology of their "Master".  He taught them largely, through his own life example, after he had ordained them.  Ordination preceded training?

These 12 and 70 Apostles in Luke, Chapter 10, as they were called and enjoined to embrace the Itinerant, homeless, self-sacrificing life-style, Jesus Himself had adopted (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58).  Just as Jesus had left the carpenter's bench to proclaim the Gospel, so he expected Peter, James, John and Andrew to leave their fishing boats, and Matthew his collection of tribute, to devotee themselves full-time to their new mission to Jewish compatriots, and later to the gentile's world, with the same gospel of Jesus Christ.  The promise to make these individuals into "fishers of men" would be readily understood by them.

Schooling/Training Of The Apostles

The context of their ministry has been described as empowerment, through practice under supervision.  There were some parallels to rabbinical discipleship, inasmuch as daily contact with the teacher, was required on the part of the apprentices.   They were expected to learn, NOT just by precept, but especially by example.  Unlike the disciples of the rabbis, the apostles were given only a few fundamental principles, and were commissioned NOT to be scholars of the scriptures, but to be "Heralds of spiritual kingdom".  Peter and John later described as "Uneducated and Untrained men" in any rabbinical school or the priesthood, were nevertheless quite literate and experienced in commerce.

The Twelve Apostles, as part of the foundation of the Christian Church with Jesus Christ, and as "Eye-Witnesses" of his resurrection, had no true successors in this foundation apostolate.  This itinerant ministry featured neither lineage descent from the Old Testament priesthood, nor any similarity to the various priesthood of the Hellenistic-Roman religions, where priests attained to their office through inheritance, election, or purchase.  None of these avenues gave entry to the Apostolic ministry. Instead, there were some similarities to be found in the prophetic tradition of the New Testament, whose prophets and prophetesses were inspired communicators of God's messages to their contemporaries after the Order of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  (Hebrews, Chapter 7-8).

Melchizedek's Priesthood!!   It is clear that he was a real historical figure, but the author of Hebrews uses the silence of scripture about Melchizedek's genealogy to portray him as a prefiguration of Christ.  Melchizedek's priesthood anticipates Christ's eternal existence and his unending priesthood.

Christ is a Priest "in the order of Melchizedek"  (Heb. 7:17) That is, Jesus was not a Levitical priest, but His priesthood was similar to that of Melchizedek, a person from the dim past, who lived some 600 years before the Levitical priesthood was instituted.  He was a priest far greater than the Levitical priests, even greater than Abraham:  Abraham, and the as yet Unborn Levitical priests who would be descend from Abraham, paid tithes to Melchizedek.  The account of Melchizedek is found in (Genesis 14:18-20). He was king of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the God Most High: a King and Priest.

Before the time of Moses, the heads of the families offered sacrifices. The oldest living man in the paternal line-the great-grandfather, grandfather, or father---was the priest of the family.  As the family grew to be a tribe, the head came to be king of the tribe, as well as its priest; and thus he was a King-Priest, or Priest-King.

In the days of Moses, when God's chosen people had grown into a nation, the nation was organized, a specific place was set apart for sacrifice, a ritual was prescribed, and a special hereditary order of priests was created from the family of Levi, the Levites.  Later, another family was set apart to give the nations its kings, the family of David.  A king ruled the people.  A Priest, as mediator between God and man, offered sacrifices.  One family supplied the kings; another one the priests. But Christ was both King and Priest, like Melchizedek.

What is the meaning of Melchizedek?  "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without the beginning of days or end of life?" (Hebrews. verse 3)  This was not actually true of Melchizedek---but it appeared to be so in the Old Testament records.   Levitical priests were priests because of their "genealogy".   But Melchizedek, without genealogy, was the recognized priest of human race at that time.   Christ and Apostles' priesthood is in the "Order of Melchizedek", NOT after the order of Levitical priesthood.

The 12/70 disciples ordained by Jesus as his Apostles (Emissaries/Sent ones): 

Jesus' primary purpose in coming into the world was to DIE as the Lamb of God, to heal humanity's broken relationship with God, and to rise from the dead to bring eternal life to mankind.  But His life, death and resurrection would be useless to the world, unless the world KNEW about it. If the 12&70 apostles and His disciples to whom He entrusted His Gospel works should FAIL him, His coming to earth would have been in vain.

The first sending out of the 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:1-42) was a part of their training, and was also part of Jesus' method of advertising to the nation that the Messiah had arrived.  There was NO media.  The only means of spreading the news was by word of mouth. (Later, in Luke, Chapter 10, Jesus sent 70 more apostles out for the same purpose, as itinerant ministers of the gospel.)

Their training was NOT an easy task, for they were being trained for a work utterly different from what they thought they were being trained for. They began to follow Jesus with no thought whatsoever of becoming preachers. They were expecting Jesus as the Messiah.   He would establish a political world empire of which they would be the administrators.

Jesus' method of changing their minds about the work that He and they had to do, was to present Himself to them in all the fullness of His divine glory, so that, no matter how different He talked and acted from the way they expected the Messiah to talk and act, they would still believe that He was the Messiah!  That is one of the reasons He performed miracles and that He was transfigured before their eyes. (John 20:30-31).

But even unto the end, the 12 apostles did NOT understand some of the most important thing Jesus tried to teach them.  Jesus told them that He would be executed, but when it happened, they were devasted because they had NOT grasped that this HAD to happen in God's plan.  Jesus also told them that He would rise again from the dead after three days in the grave, but when it happened, they did NOT believe it.

Ironically, the Jewish leaders who had Jesus put to death, DID remember what Jesus had said about His Resurrection, and put guards in front of the grave (Matt. 27:63-65).   Not until After His resurrection and the descendant of the Holy Spirit in (Acts 2), did the 12 Apostles finally understand that it was to be a Spiritual Kingdom, inn which Jesus would Reign in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls.  Their part would be simply telling the story of Jesus.  That is ALL!  The story of Jesus, love, death, and resurrection would do its own works.  If men truly hear the story of Jesus, they will LOVE him, because the story of Jesus shows by word and example that God loves them.

These 12 and 70 men later called "Apostles" (Sent ones or Emissaries) rather than "disciples" or "followers" became the "Founders" and Jesus Christ as the "Chief cornerstone" of the Christians church.  Paul, the Apostle, wrote in Ephesians 2:19,20, "Now ye are (Gentiles), and are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of  the household of God; and are built upon the Foundation of Apostles, prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.  In whom ye also are builders together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

Jesus had instituted an Apostolic ministry consisting of an inner circle of the 12 and 70 itinerants preachers.  They would succeed to serve and to proclaim orally the "saying of Jesus" to the first generation of the Christian community and Christians throughout the ages. The New Testament portrays the original apostolic ministry, as requiring full compliance with Jesus' example of service, according to specific commandment: "As my heavenly Father SENT me, so I am sending you" (John 20:21).

Jesus commanded the 12 apostles that the original mission was FIRST sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel  as the chosen people.  (Matthew 10:1-6)   Jesus also sent out the second group of 70 apostles on a similar gospel mission (Luke 10:1-20), but this time to ALL Jews into Every City and place, wherever Jesus himself would come.  Why?   The gospel of Christ had to go to the Jews/children of Israel FIRST, to fulfill God's promises to the Jews/children of Israel.   Peter and John said in (Acts 3:25,26), "Ye are the children of prophets, and of the Covenant which God MADE with our forefathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall ALL the people of the earth be blessed.  Unto you (Jews!) FIRST.   God, having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you (Jews!) in turning away everyone of you from his iniquities".

(Acts 13: 46-51) Paul and Barnabas said to the Jews, "It was necessary that the Word of God should FIRST have been spoke to you (Jews), but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves Unworthy of Everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles".  For so has the Lord commanded us (apostles) saying, "I have set thee (apostles) to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for Salvation unto the Ends of the earth.  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad.

The Jewish nation had the FIRST opportunity of hearing the Messiah's good news.  The children of Israel had come into being to be entrusted with the revelation of God, and to pave the way for the Coming of Christ.  Under God, the Hebrews nation was founded to serve a special purpose in the working out of God's plan for Human Redemption.  But, that does NOT mean the Jews are any better in God's sight than other nations. God wants to give the Jews the First opportunity to receive and accept the gospel of Salvation through Christ as their Messiah.  God always had the Gentiles included in His plan to accept God's Salvation through Jesus Christ, before the foundation of the world.

Christ's Living Witnesses: Apostles/Disciples commission to ALL nations

In (Matthew 24: 14) Jesus had prophesied, "And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in ALL the world for a WITNESS unto ALL nations; and then shall the end come. (Matt. 16:13-20) Jesus said, "I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this Rock (Christ) I will build MY Church, and the gates of HELL shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 28:16-20) Jesus' Great Commission for his Apostles/disciples, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore and teach ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.   Teaching them to Observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you: and Lo, I am with you Always even unto the Ends of the world".

(Acts 1: 1-8) Before Jesus was taken up into Heaven he said, "...Ye Apostles and Disciples shall receive Power, when the Holy Ghost comes upon you (Acts 2 during the Pentecostal Feast): and, ye shall be Witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the Uttermost or Ends of the earth."

The Apostles and Jesus' disciples were the "Living Witnesses" of the origins of the New Testament ministry and Church:  they were the transmitters of the "Sayings and Teachings of Jesus".   In a sense, they created the tradition of the Church, they expounded it, and they propagated it.*

The Universal Commission Commanded by Jesus Christ to His Apostles and Disciples to continue the gospel works in ALL nations  (Matthew 28:16-20)  Jesus said, "... Go ye therefore, and teach ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the Ends of the world."

(Acts 1:21) and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be SAVED!  (Romans 10:14-17) Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The "Word of God" that went out from Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost in (Acts 2) to the ends of the earth, was the message the apostles had received from Jesus, whose Envoys they were.  This mission of the Church (disciples/apostles) was based on two things:   1) the divine decision to offer all men the possibility of choosing salvation, and  2) the provision for men to make this choice through the proclamation of the gospel.

This role gave the apostles a certain priority in the extension of the kingdom of God, especially in the early period when only an oral gospel was available before the appearance of a New Testament.  Faith came through hearing this oral message proclaimed.   However, it is NOT certain that converts were won only through the preaching of the apostles, but the disciples/believers played an important part with the apostolic ministry.

1) Saul of Taurus, (Acts 9:1--22) according to the Acts of the Apostles, was received by Ananias (a disciple) at Damascus.

2) Ethiopians eunuchs, (Acts 8:26-39) received enlightenment through the intervention of the disciple, a deacon Philip the Evangelist. (Acts 6: 1-7).

3) The people in Samaria (half Jews/Gentiles)  (Acts 8: 5-15) believed and was baptized by Philip's  disciple preaching.

4) Apollo, born at Alexander, an eloquent man, and mighty in scriptures, came to Ephesus, k nowing only the baptism of John the Baptist. (Acts 18:24-28) whom when Aquila and Priscilla (husband/wife disciples) invited Apollo to their home and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

(Romans 1:16,17) For it is the Power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jews FIRST, and also to the Gentiles.  For therein is righteousness of God revealed from FAITH to FAITH.

(Ephesians 4:8-14) When Jesus ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men... and He gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors, and Teachers for the Perfecting of the saint, for the work of the Ministry, for the Edifying the body of Christ. Till All come in the Unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  That we henceforth, no more children tossed back and fro by the waves and blowing here and there by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men whereby they LIE in deceitful scheming...

Jesus left behind an Apostolic ministry guided by the Holy Spirit with a Command to announce the Good News throughout the world, and to gather disciples from among ALL nations into His church until the end of the age. These disciples, later called Christians, were those, who upon Hearing the Good news, preached to them, accepted the message, were baptized, received a revelation from the Father and the Unction of the Holy Spirit, and continued steadfastly after this spiritual birth in the teaching of the Apostles.

(Acts 2: 1-46) Verses 41-46   Then they that gladly received his word were baptized,  and the same were added unto them about 3,000 souls.  They continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers...(Ephesians 1:13,14) Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers:   "In whom ye also Trusted after ye Heard the Word of truth (through Paul/his companions) the Gospel of your Salvation, in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that of the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory".

Jesus Forewarned About The Persecution Of His Living Witnesses/Apostles

(John 14:5-12) Jesus said to Thomas, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes to the Father, but through me.   If ye had known me, ye should know the Father also. and from now you know him, and have seen him. Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? the words that I speak NOT of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me.."

Jesus is NOT One way among many, but the WAY! (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 10:19, 20).  In the early church, christianity was sometimes called "the Way" (Acts 9:2;19:9,23). The Truth is in Jesus.   His gospel of Salvation is the truth of God.  Very likely the statement means, "I am the way (to the heavenly Father) in that I am the Truth and Life (receiving eternal life through me)".

However, opposition to Jesus Messianic mission came initially NOT from the Roman authority, but his OWN Jewish nation.  The Jewish leaders who saw Jesus and the 12 apostles gathering out the following, which challenge their authority and validity.

Jesus assumed that his ministry would arouse opposition and warned his disciples that they could expect the same opposition through down the ages, especially from the religious establishment, to their apostolate.  The authorities as "social bandits" may well have identified the band of itinerant preachers moving about the country with Jesus.

(John 13-17) Jesus commanded his disciples/apostles to Abide in His teachings!   Jesus said, "I am the True Vine and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that bears NOT fruit, He (my Father), cuts it off.  And every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Abide in me, and I in YOU.  As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine."

"If a man abide NOT in me, he is cast forth as a branch that is throw away and withered; such branches are gathered and throw into the fire, and they are burned. I f ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, this is my Father's glory, that ye bear MUCH fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

"If ye Keep my commandments, you shall abide in My Love; even as I keep have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye Love One Another, as I have Loved you..."

"Ye are my friend, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  Remember the word I said unto you, the servants is not greater his master.  If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.  He that hateth me hateth My Father also."

"These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should NOT be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time comes, that whosoever killeth you will think that he does God's service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have NOT know the Father nor me."

(Matthew 24:9,10) Jesus warned his disciples, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall KILL you: and ye shall be HATED of ALL nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall Betray One another, and shall HATE one another."

(Matthew 5:10-16) Blessed are they who are persecuted for Christ's sakes. Jesus said, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when people shall Insult you, and persecute you, and shall say ALL manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. Ye are the Light of the world and the Salt of the earth. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your GOOD! works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven."

The Book of Revelation: The book of revelation was written when Christians were entering a time of persecution. The two periods most often mentioned are the latter part of Nero's reign (A.D. 54-68) and the latter part of Domitian's reign (A.D. 81-96).

Since Roman authorities, at this time, were beginning to enforce the cult of emperor worship, Christians who held that Christ, NOT Caesar, was Lord---were facing increasing hostility.  The believers at Smyrna are warned against opposition (Revelation 2:10), and the church at Philadelphia is told of an hour of trial coming on the world (Rev. 3:10). Antipas, a believer has already given his life, (Rev. 2:13) along with others (Rev. 6:9). John the Apostle has been exiled to the island of Patmos for his activities as a Christian missionary. (Rev. 1:9). Some within the church are advocating a policy for compromise (Rev. 2:14-15,20), which has to be corrected before its subtle influence can be undermination of believers to standfast in the perilous days that lie ahead.

The purpose of the Book of Revelations: John the Apostle writes to encourage the Faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is Imminent. Satan will incr ease his persecution of believers, but they must standfast, even to death! They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will be vindicated when Christ returns, when the Wicked are forever destroyed, when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

(Matthew 18: 13-20) Approximately in 33 A.D. Jesus had foretold his disciples/apostles about the His Church when he said unto Peter, "Upon this Rock (Christ) I will build MY Church and the GATES of hell shall NOT overcome against it." (Matthew 24:14) He went on to say, " And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in ALL the world for a Witness unto ALL nations; and then shall the End come." (Acts 1:1-8) Jesus told them again, "ye shall receive Power, when the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be Witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in ALL Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the Ends of the earth".

In A.D. 95 While John the Apostle was a prisoner for the gospel of Christ, God revealed to him the outcome to His Church and His Everlasting Kingdom. The itinerant ministry, which Jesus Christ was the Chief Corner stone, which many of the apostles have built upon the New Testament ministry foundation through down the ages (Revelation 14:6-20) I, (John), saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the "Everlasting Gospel" to Preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to Every Nation, tribes, languages, and people.

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they  that Keep commandments of God, and remain faithful to Jesus. Blessed are the dead in the Lord, from now on: yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

(Revelation 6: 9-11) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I, (John), in A.D. 95 saw under the altar, the souls of them that were slain (killed) for the word of God, and for the testimony, which they had maintained. And they called out in a loud voice, saying, "How long O, Lord, holy and true, until thou (God) Judge and Avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" White robes were given to everyone of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest and wait for a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants also and THEIR brethren, that should be killed as they Were, should have been Completed.

The beginning of hostility and persecution already being experienced with Jesus, Peter, Paul, and in John's day.  This hostility and persecution of the itinerant ministry and believers will continue down through the ages and up to the time of Christ's return.

Part II

The Divine of Holy Spirit

        Early Christians understood "Holy Spirit" in terms of the Old Testament concept of God's presence and power that equipped men and women to accomplish certain deeds.  It was the Holy Spirit that had inspired the Old Testament scriptures, and had spoken through the prophets. (I Peter 1:3-8)

         In the words of Job: "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Early Christian text identify the Holy Ghost, not as a person, but a Divine power that controlled the children of God and made spiritual life possible. The ultimate source of ALL authority was the Holy Spirit, the Paracletos or An Advocate in Greek, sometimes translated in English as Comforter.

         The New Testament presents Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth.  After his passion and resurrection, Jesus gave commandments to His apostles through the Holy Spirit, presumably for their Preaching and the oversight of the Church. The Apostles were filled with the same Spirit on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. At the council of Jerusalem, the Apostles issued a circular letter by the authority of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 16)

The Promise of the Father: The Holy Spirit

        At the Last Supper, Jesus tried to calm the fears of his apostles by promising them that after he had returned to the presence of the Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit would be sent to Guide and Comfort them.  The definition in the early church of a true believer, a child of God, a Christian, was one who was led and direct by this Spirit of God. (The Gospel of John 14:15-17, 26-26; 16:13)

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

       (Luke 24: 41-44) Jesus spoke to his apostles/disciples, "These are the words, which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that ALL things must be fulfilled, which were written of in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me." Then opened he their Understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.  And he said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to Rise from the dead the 3rd day.   And Repentance and Remission of sins should be Preached! in his name among ALL nations! beginning at Jerusalem. And Ye are Witnesses of these things.  And behold, I send the promised of my Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with Power from on high."

       (Mark 16:14-18) Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into ALL the world, and Preach the gospel to Every Creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be SAVED, but he that believe NOT shall be damned.  And these signs (in Acts 2 cloven tongues of fires rest on the believers, miracles, wonders, the gift of speaking 17 new languages by the disciples/apostles) shall follow them that believe..."  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and SAT on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached Everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

        Fifty days after Jesus' ascension, according to Luke's account in the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised the Father would send upon the Apostles and disciples in Jerusalem appeared with astounding Visible and Audible manifestations.  Pentecost was the feast of the first fruits of the harvest, and after the Apostle Peter had explained the significance of the events, 3,000 were coverted and added to the first fruits of the early church.  The gift of foreign languages, miracles signs and wonders in (Acts 2) would appear to have signified a Preparation for the Universal Proclamation of the Good News.

         The Violent Wind:  Breath or Wind is the symbol of the Spirit of God

(see Ezek. 37:9,14; John 3:8). The Coming of the Holy Spirit is marked by audible (Wind) and visible (cloven tongues of fire) signs.  Fire, a symbol of the divine presence (Exodus 3:2), it was associate with judgment (Matt. 3:12).

         ALL of them spoken with the gifts of tongues (languages): All of them could refer either to the apostles or to the 120 disciples/apostles. The 120 believers are the fulfillment of Joel's prophesy (Verse 17,18) as involving more than the 12 Apostles.  All (120 disciples/apostles) people, sons, and daughters, young men, old men, men and women.  The Spirit bestowed on ALL of them irrespective of Sex, Age, and Rank.  Then the apostles continue with Peter, and the 11 standing to address the crowd.  Peter interprets the passage as referring specially to the later days of the NEW Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33,34; Ezek. 36:26,27; 39:29) in contrast to the former days of the Old Covenant. The Age of the Messiah fulfillment has arrived.  Filled with the Holy Spirit.  A fulfillment of (Acts 1: 5;8) see also Jesus' promise in (Luke 24: 49).

         Their spirits were completely under the control of the Spirit; their words were His words. The Spirit enable them to speak in languages they had NOT previously learned. Two other examples of speaking in tongues are found in (Acts 10:46 ; 19:6). The gift had particular relevance here, where people of  seventeen (17) different nationalities and languages were gathered for the Pentecost Feast.

         (Acts 2:5) Jews from different parts of the world but assembled now in Jerusalem either as visitors or as current residents.  Jews from seventeen

(17) countries of the world would understand the Aramaic of their homeland.  Also, the Greek language was common to all parts of the world. But more than this was occurring; the HEARD the apostles speak in languages native to the different places represented.

         Parthians: inhabitants of the territory from the Tigris to India.

         Medes: Media lay, north-west of Persia and south-west of the Caspian                sea.

         Elamites: Elam was north of the Persian Gulf, bounded on the west of               Tigris.

         Mesopotamia: between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

         Judea: The homeland of the Jews.

         Cappadocia/Pontus/Asia: District of Asia Mimor (Turkey).

         Phrygia/Pampylia: Districts in Asia Minor.

         Egypt: Contained a great number of the Jews.

         Libya: a region west of Egypt.

         Cyrene. The capital of a district of Libya called Cyrenaica.

         Rome: Thousands of Jews lived in Rome.

         Convert Judaism: Gentiles who undertook the full observance of the                  Mosaic law were received into full fellowship with the Jews.

         Creans: An island lying south-southeast of Greece.

         Arabs: Lay between the Red Sea and the Euphrates.

         These people HEARD them declaring NOT a miracle of Hearing, but of Speaking. The believers (Apostles/disciples) were declaring God's wonders in the native languages of the various visiting Jews. The Pattern and themes of Peter's message that follows became common in the early church:  1) an explanation of events (Verses 14-21); 2) the gospel of Jesus Christ---His death, Resurrection and exaltation (Verses (22-36) and exhortation to Repentance and Baptism (Verses (37-40). The outline of this sermon is similar to those in (Acts 3;10;13).

         Tradition of Apostles: Tradition in the early church consisted of the teachings handed over by the Apostles to their successors and to the people of God. This Apostolic tradition consisted of the central facts, beliefs, and observances of the Primitive churches.  The apostle Paul wrote about what he had received and what he had then delivered or transmitted in the manner a disciple passed on what he had received from his rabbinic master.

       (II Timothy 2:1-3) Thou therefore my son (in the gospel) be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that thou has HEARD of me saying in the presence of many Witnesses, the same Entrust thou to Reliable men who shall be qualified to teach others also. Thou, therefore, endure hardship with us (apostles) like good soldier of Jesus Christ. (KJV/NIV).

         The Apostles were the "Living Witnesses" of the origins of the New Testament ministry and church; they were the transmitters of the "Saying of Jesus" which were at the heart of the Gospel and the letters they wrote to various Christians assemblies.  In a sense they create the tradition of the Church, they expounded it and the propagated it.

         Papias (A.D. 60-130) bore witness to the high value placed on the Preaching of apostles and their successors as a "Living Message" carried by "Living Witnesses."  The concept that the Good News was NOT only a message deeply rooted in the books eventually included in the New Testament.  The apostles had successors who provided a Living link and transmission, as well as an oral tradition.

         The New Testament eventually gave a few brief summaries of what might be called the confession of faith of the early Christians. The beliefs might be summarized as: Jesus, the only-begotten Son of God, descended to earth taking on our humanity through the Virgin Mary, taught a New Covenant, offered himself a propitiation for the sins of humanity, was crucified, died and resurrected, and ascended to the Father's presence.

         Jesus Christ left behind an "Apostolic Ministry" guided by the Holy Spirit with a mandate to announce the Good News throughout the world, and to gather disciples from among ALL nations into HIS Church until the End of the Age.  These disciples, later called Christians, were those who, upon Hearing the Good News, Preached to them, accepted the message, were baptized, received a revelation from the Father and the unction of the Holy Spirit, and Continued steadfastly after this spiritual rebirth in the teaching of the Apostles.

         This teaching included a renunciation to their pagan worldliness, the control of their carnal nature and desires, frequent prayer and meditation, participation in the Worship and Prayer assemblies of their brethren, and demonstration of their profession through the works of faith.  This became the tradition of the Church and the external manifestation of their new spirituality.

Persecution and Martyrdom of the early Christians

         (John 15:18-21) Jesus said to his disciples/apostles, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.. because ye do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hate you.. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; but all these things they DO unto you for my name's sake, because they know NOT him that sent me."

         (John 16:1-3) Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should NOT be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time comes, that whosoever kills YOU, will think that he does God's service.  And these things they DO unto you, because they have NOT known the Father, nor me."

         (Matthew 24:1-24) The disciples came unto Jesus privately, saying,

"Tell us when shall this happen (the destruction of the temple)?  And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, claming I am Christ; and shall deceive many... then they shall deliver you up to the be afflicted, and shall KILL you; and ye shall be HATED of ALL nations for my name's sake."

        "At that time, many will Turn Away and shall betray one another, and shall Hate one another.  Many prophets shall rise, and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most shall grow COLD, but he that Endures unto the End shall be Saved.  And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the world for a Witness unto ALL nations; and then shall the end come."

What cause the Persecutions Against Jesus and His Own Disciples/Apostles

        (In John 14:6,7) Jesus said unto Thomas, "I am the Way the Truth and the Life: no man comes unto the Father, but through me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father (heavenly): and from hence ye know him, and have seen him."

         Jesus is NOT one way among many, but the Way to the Father. (Acts 4: 5-12)  The Apostle Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said, "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ, of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand (crippled man whom God healed through Peter/John) here before you healed.  This is the stone (Jesus, the Bedrock) which you builders rejected, who has become the head of the corner. Salvation is found in NO one else, for there is NONE other name under heaven given among men, by which we MUST be saved."

        (Hebrews 10:19-23)  "Having therefore, brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a NEW and Living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his body.  And since we have a High Priest over the house of God..."

         In the early church, Christianity was sometimes called "the Way" (of Jesus) (Acts 9:2) (Before Saul's conversion) Saul went to the high priest and asked for letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of "This Way", whether they are men or women, he might bring them prisoners to Jerusalem. (Acts 19:9,23) Paul (after his conversion to Christ) he went into synagogue for a period of 3 months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.  But some of them

(Non-saved Jews) were hardened and believed NOT, but spake evil of

"That Way" before the multitude, he depart from them, and he took the disciples with him and discussions daily in the school of Tyrannus.... And about that time there were arose a great disturbance about "That Way."

        Very likely Jesus' statement means, "I am the Way (to the heavenly Father) in that I am the Truth and the life." He said in (John 3:16-21) For God so loved the world that he gave his ONE and ONLY Son, that whoever believes in him shall NOT perish but have eternal life...Whosoever believes in him (Jesus) is NOT condemned, but whoever does NOT believes stands condemned already, because he does NOT believe in the name of God's one and only Son. "Everyone who does Evil hates the light, and will NOT come into the light for fear that his deeds will be expose.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

        (John 10: 1-30) Jesus said, "And other sheep I have, which are NOT of this fold, them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be One fold, and One shepherd. My sheep shall follow me; for they know my voice, and a stranger will they NOT follow, but flee from him: for they Know NOT the voice of the strangers."

        Then the Jews said to him, "How long does thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and ye believed NOT: the works that I do in my Father's (heavenly), they bear witness of me.  But ye believe NOT, because ye are NOT my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I Know them, and they Follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall NEVER perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and my Father are One (One in Mind, Harmony, and Purpose).

         The early Christians were generally good citizens, NOT revolutionaries, and that most attacks on them were mob actions instigated by Religious fanatics. Roman officials intervened from time to time to maintain religious peace in the Empire, sometimes protecting Christians from disgruntled Jews or fanatical sectarians.

         The early Christians generally viewed the external world as the enemy, a threat to the faith. This attitude helped establish and maintain internal cohesion. On the other hand, there was also a more tolerant view that

"outsiders" were "lost sheep" who might be brought into the Christians community. Evangelism required a positive attitude toward non-believer.

There was a perceived internal threat posed within the community by the presence of negligent practioners, critics and "false brethren".

         Tertullian told a Roman Prosecutor, "the oftener we are mown down by you, the more we grow in numbers!: the blood of the Christians is seed."

This view that the perseverance of the Christians under threat and torture was the "seed of the Church" assumed that the sight of the courage and rejoicing in suffering of the martyrs aroused wonder and admiration in the spectators and impelled some of them to investigate the Christian community, and then become associated with it.

Jewish instigated persecution of Christians

         Jewish persecution became more systematic after the crucifixion of Jesus, his alleged resurrection and the spectacular resurgence of interest in Christian teaching following the manifestations on Pentecost Sunday at Jerusalem. This persecution took the form of the arrest of several of the out spoken leaders of the community. Foremost among those arrested were the deacon Stephen and the Apostles Peter and John.

Sporadic Jewish opposition, A.D. 44-59

         James the Great, elder brother of the Apostle John, was the first of the 12 apostles to die for the Faith. He was ordered beheaded by Herod Aggripa I, who "started persecuting certain members of the Church" in A.D. 44, for reasons that remain unclear. The apostle Paul and his companions often USED the synagogue as a base for Preaching the Good News.  In some cities, this resulted in outbursts of violent opposition ,as men and women either left or were expelled from the synagogue upon accepting the Christians Gospel.

        The Acts of the Apostles records Jewish provocation of pagan masses in several cities in a concerted attempt to transfer to the Christians the prejudices and popular hostility that for a long time had been directed against them.

         (a) Damacus: (Acts 9:22-25)

                   Saul's power increase steadily, and he was able to throw the Jewish colony in Damacus into complete confusion by the way he demonstrated that Jesus was the Christ.  Some time passed, and the Jews worked out a plot to kill him, but news of it reached Saul (Paul). To make sure of killing him they kept watch on the gates day and night, but when it was dark the disciples took him and left him down from the top of the wall, lowering him into a basket.

         (b) Pisidan Antioch: (Acts13:44-46, 50-51)

                   The next Sabbath almost the whole town assemble to Hear the word of God. When they saw the crowds, the Jews, prompted by jealousy, used blasphemies and contradicted everything Paul said. (Paul and Barnabas preached to the pagans).. but the Jews worked upon some of the devout women of the upper classes and the leading men of the city and persuaded them to turn against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their territory. Then they shook the dust from their feet and went off to Iconium.

        (c) Iconium: (Acts 14:4-7)

         The people in the city were divided, some supported the Jews, others the apostles, but eventually with the connivance of the authorities a move was made by pagans as well as Jews to make attacks on them and to stone them. When the apostles came to hear this, they went off for safety to Lycaonia where in the towns of Lystra and Derbe and in the surrounding country, they preached the Good News.

         (d) Lystra: (Acts 14:19,20)

         Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium, and turned the people against the Apostles. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the town, thinking he was dead. The disciples came crowding around him but, as they did so, he stood up and went back to town. The next day he and Barnabas went off to Derbe.

         (e) Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9)

         The Jews, full of resentment, enlisted the help of gang from the market place, stirred up the crowd, and soon had the whole city in an uproar. They made for Jason's house, hoping to find them and drag them off to a popular assembly; however, they found only Jason and some of the brothers, and these they dragged before the city council, shouting, "The People who have been turning the whole world upside down! have come here now; they have been staying at Jason's. They have broken every one of Caesar's edicts by claiming that there is another Emperor, Jesus." 

         (f) Berea: (Acts 17:13-15)

                   When the Jews of Thessalonica heard that the word of God was being preached by Paul in Berea as well, they went there to make trouble and stir up the people. So the brothers arranged for Paul to go immediately as far as the coast, leaving Silas and Timothy behind. Paul's escort took him as far as Athens.

         (g) Jerusalem: (Acts 18:12-17)

                   The seven days were nearly over when some Jews from Asia caught sight of Paul in the Temple and stirred up the crowd and seized him... this rouse the whole city; people came running from all sides; they seized Paul and dragged him out of the Temple, and the gates were closed behind them. They would have killed Paul if a report had NOT reached the tribune of the cohort that there was a rioting all over Jerusalem. He immediately sent out soldiers and centurions, and charged down on the crowd, who stopped beating Paul when the saw the soldiers....

Pagan opposition to Evangelization (Acts 16:16, 19-24, 27-39)

         The disturbance at Ephesus was in a Greek city of Asia Minor with Greek traditions. Here a crowd was aroused by religious fanaticism believing that by offending their divine protectors some evil would befall the city. Loss of employment for the craftsman was a factor as well. In this case, the Roman officials defended and protected the apostles because they saw the threat posed by religious fanatics and cults in the Roman east.

        (a) One day we were going to prayer in (Philippi) we (Paul/his companions) met a slave girl who was a soothsayer and made a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes..(she converted) when her masters saw that there was no hope of making any more money out of her, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the law courts in the market place where they charged them before the magistrates and said, "These people are causing a disturbance in our city. They are Jews and are advocating practices which it is unlawful for us as Romans to accept or follow."  The crowd joined in and showed its hostility to them, so the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to flogged. They were given many lashes and thrown them in prison.

        (b) It was during this time that a rather serious disturbance broke out (in Ephesus) in connection with the Way. A silver smith named Demetrius, who employed a large number of craftsmen making silver shrine of Diana

(a goddess), call a general meeting of his own men with others in the same trade.  He said, "As you men know, it is on this industry that we depend for our prosperity.  Now you must have seen and heard how, not just in Ephesus but nearly everywhere in Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and converted a great number of people with his argument that gods made by hands are NOT gods at all.  This threatens NOT only to discredit our trade, but also to reduce the sanctuary of the great goddess Diana to unimportance.  It could end up by taking away all the prestige of a goddess venerated all over Asia, yes, and everywhere in the civilized world." This speech roused them to fury, and they started to shout.

Martyrdom of Apostles Peter and Paul

         Sulpicius Severus and Lanctantius affirmed that both Peter and Paul were executed in Rome during the reign of Nero (A.D. 54-60). Clement of Rome, on the contrary, did NOT specify that Paul had been executed on the orders of Nero, but suggested that he had been released from house arrest in Rome and had gone to preach in Spain, "the extreme West" of Empire, when the Neronian persecution erupted.

Emperor Nero's accusation of the Christians, A.D. 64

         Cornelius Tacicus' account of Imperial relations with the Christians stressed the belief that Nero found a scapegoat for the great fire of Rome in the Christians. Nero was already corrupted by Every lust, natural and unnatural degradation. Now started the most terrible and destructive fire which Rome had ever experienced... Nero fabricated scapegoats and punished them with utmost refinement of cruelty a class of people hated for their abominations, who are common known as Christians.

        First, Nero had self-acknowledge Christians arrested. Then, on their information, large numbers of others were condemned---not so much for incendiarism as for their anti-cocial tendencies. Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild animals' skin, they were torn apart by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be ignited after dark as substitutes for daylight. Nero provided his Gardens for the spectacle, and exhibited displays in the Circus, at which he mingled with the crowd or stood in a chariot, dressed as a charioteer.

Sulpucius Severus' Chronicle

        Sulpucius Severus (circa. A.D. 360-420), a historian living in southern Gaul, undertook to write a chronicle of church history based on extant sacred and secular sources to A.D. 400.  His work confirms that Nero was the FIRST Roman Emperor to exhibit deep animosity towards the Christians.

        The first century Christians seems to have believed that setbacks such as Jewish opposition and the brief Neroian persecution were of minor consequence in light of the expectation of the imminent, the return of Christ. The Apostle Paul warned the Thessalonian converts that the Rebel or Antichrist was to have his day prior to the Second Advent, therefore the end of the world was NOT yet upon them and they should pursue their normal occupations and spiritual exercises.

The Worst Is Yet To Come!

        In 95 A.D. The apostle John was one of Domitian Emperor victims---exiled to the island of Patmos where he received extraordinary apocalyptical visions. It was assumed by the Christians who later read his Apocalypse that the great beast represented the deified Romans Emperors and Babylon was pagan Rome.

         (Revelation 6:9-11) I, John, saw under the altar the Souls of them that were slain because of the word of God, and for the testimony which they had maintained. And they cried with a LOUD voice, saying "How long O, Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avence our blood, on the inhabitants dwell on the earth?"  And white robes were given unto everyone of them; and it was said unto them, that they should wait yet a little longer, until the number of fellow servants also and their brethren should be KILLED as they were, had been fulfilled.

         The Apostle John in his Apocalypse appeared to identify the Antichrist with Nero, although his persecutor was Emperor Domitian.  He depicted the Antichrist as a monster rising out of the sea at the call of Satan, perhaps Nero who had died by suicide, yet was raised up by the power of evil to RESUME his imperial dignity.

         The seven-headed monster rising out of the land, branded people with the number 666, which John did NOT interpret definitely. It was widely believed that this reference, using a punning system known as gematria, according to which the letters both in Greek and Hebrews alphabets were assigned numerals by transliterating the Greek Neron Kaisar into Hebrews letters, resulted in the number 666.

"666" Number Of The Beast (Revelation 13:8)

         Called a "Man":   meaning, possibly, a set of MEN; or an Institution headed by a Man or set of Men.  It seems to mean a Name, the letters of which, when regarded as numerals, total "666".

         Irenaeus, a pupil of Polycarp, who was the pupil of John the Apostle, understood the "666" to be the Greek word "Lateinos": L, 30: A,1: T, 300: E,5: I, 10: N,50: O,70: S,200. These total "666". "Lateinos" means "Latin Kingdom". Papal Rome made Latin its officials language. And it still is. Rome's canon's, missals, prayers, decrees, bulls, blessings, cursings, are in LATIN.

        A vision of the souls of the martyrs.  Historians records 10 persecutions of the Church in the first 300 years and more to come against the Apostolic ministry and believers.  One was already past (Nero, A.D. 64), the second was just coming to an end (Domitian, A.D. 96), and the third one was to follow (Trajan, A.D. 98-117). The image of martyred was NOT alien to the first readers of Revelation.

         How much longer?  Which is another way of asking, Why?  The answer is, Be Patient; God's plan will be accomplished. (Matthew 24:9-13) Jesus said to his disciples, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be HATED by all nations because of me.  At that time MANY will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and MANY false prophets will appear and deceived MANY people.  Because of this increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be SAVED."

         According to historians estimate that, in the Middle Ages and Early Reformation era, more than 50,000,000 Martyrs perished.

(To be Continued In Part III)