The bizarre opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics have stirred discussions within the Christian community. Various interpretations of the “Pale Horse and its Rider” from both Christians and others have emerged, characterized by creativity, speculation, and a wealth of imagination in attributing significance to it.
The Pale Horse is one of the four symbolic horses described in Revelation 6. Interpreting its meaning requires sound exegesis and understanding of the context of previous chapters, including the timeline of the Christian church.
A Quick Basis for Understanding Revelation Prophecies
Establishing a solid foundation is crucial as we embark on this brief journey of understanding Revelation prophecies.
The following interpretation of the pale horse is derived swiftly from Biblical texts, not from personal creativity, speculation, or imagination. It relies on the principle of letting scripture interpret itself and aligning it with historical events. Some prophecies have been fulfilled in the past, as confirmed by history. However, as time progresses and prophecies continue to unfold, they merge with our present and extend into our future.
At the heart of the Book of Revelation lies its ultimate purpose- to reveal the nature and character of Jesus. Amidst the myriads of creatures and symbols, the central theme remains Jesus, making Revelation a fifth gospel, presented by the writer John in both symbols and literal statements.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, Revelation 1:1
The concept of “time being near” applied to John (the prophecies during or after his lifetime) as well as to those of us living two thousand years later (the prophecies before, during, and after our lifetime). This is because prophecies are dynamic; some have been fulfilled, while others remain to be seen. This idea is exemplified in a passage that describes a beast that “was” (past tense), “is not” (present tense), and “will come” (future tense).
The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. Revelation 17:8 (NIV)
Secondly, John does not confirm the idea that Revelation cannot be understood or is only for those in the future or the past. Indeed, it is actually the opposite.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time isnear. Revelation 1:3
If this is settled in your mind, you are ready to open your mind to allowing scripture to interpret itself. History confirms what was the future for John but is the past for us. This will give us confidence that those yet to come are accurate.
Let’s get started. Note that this is a brief study without the context provided by previous chapters of Revelation or the book of Daniel, which also describes some of the things that John saw in his vision, such as beasts that rose and fell over time. Note to reader: An abbreviated Zoom class and Podcast are in the process of being created for the study of Daniel and Revelation. We have done a couple of Zoom classes in the last few years, verse-by-verse, but we feel we can shorten it without losing the impact. If you are interested, leave a comment.
Overview of Revelation 6 and the Four Horsemen
Your Bible may have headings. If it does, you will see that the main topic in this chapter is “Seals.” There are seven seals that the “Lamb” opens.
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Revelation 6:1
Without providing a multitude of proof texts, we can know, with certainty, that the “Lamb” is Jesus Christ Himself. The four horses with their riders are under the first four seals.
1.) The first seal describes the first horse (“white horse “) in verse 2
2.) The second seal describes the second horse (“fiery red horse “) in verse 4
3.) The third seal describes the third horse (“black horse “) in verse 5
4.) The fourth seal describes the fourth horse (“pale horse) in verse 8
These riders have something in their hands and the power to do things. Next time, we will answer the following questions:
1.) What were the horsemen holding?
2.) What power did they have?
3.) What do these symbols represent?
4.) How do the horses and horsemen relate to each other?
5.) Is all of this future, or has some of it already been fulfilled? What is yet future?
I was asking this same question for a moment as I studied the bible. But I was looking for a specific verse I wish you would address.
Revelation 14:10-11
“…they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”
I can understand all the verses but this one. If truly it’s destruction, how do you see this one as an eternal torment with no rest day and night?
Response:
Hasin, Thank you for your question. If Revelation 14: 10-11 were the only verses we had in scripture on the fate of the lost, I would still see a conflict in its words with the remainder of the Bible, which describes our Creator’s character of love, mercy, justice, and fairness. There are so many verses that describe something different from what we think we are seeing in this one verse. Very clear verses without symbols or metaphors tell us clearly that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23, not life in non-ending flames. God’s love for the world was so great that He allowed His Son to perish on the cross for our sins so we don’t have to perish as He did.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The lost do not live forever (even in flames). Only those “who has the Son has life” not those who do not have the Son:
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12
When we think it through, those who maintain that God burns people alive in a place called hell for eternity want us to believe that a loving, merciful Creator exchanges a lost person’s short time on earth for trillions of years of punishment in stinging hot flames without any mercy at all.
They want us to believe that God’s wrath is so great that it can never be quenched. His anger will never be satisfied.
So, what is John describing in the book of Revelation that we may be missing? He is describing through symbols the end of those who choose to worship the beast over Himself. It is a specific group at the end of time. First, let’s look at this verse and see what is literal and what is symbolic, and always careful to remember context with God’s character of love.
“…he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 14: 10-11
Here are the metaphors and symbols lifted out of the verses:
1.) Drinking the wine of the wrath of God.
2.) God pouring out this wrath
3.) Smoke of torment.
If we take this passage literally, we see people burning in flames right in front of Jesus and the lamb forever…every day…without end…The redeemed can actually see the smoke off their suffering bodies! So how can that be heaven for them and us who “follow the lamb wheresoever he goes?” (verse 4). Logically, and knowing what we know about Jesus, we suspect we may be missing the symbolism of a one-time fire of everlasting “destruction.”
Also, if we take it literally, those who worship the beast and its image continue to do so in the flames. So something about taking this literally doesn’t add up with the nature of God, Jesus, and heaven.
The problem with the Western mind is the understanding of the word “forever.” We use it one way, i.e., “without end.” The same with the word “everlasting.” We look at it as it without end. But the Greek word aiōn, translated into English forever, can mean until its purpose is completed. Here is an example to consider.
The Bible uses Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of suffering the “vengeance of eternal fire” Jude 1:7 Yet the flames have gone out and turned into ashes,
“turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;” 2 Peter 2: 6
So very clearly, we see that there is an example of the fate of the lost. Their fire will have eternal effects…not eternal duration. They will be turned to ashes.
Malachi and other passages confirm that the fate of the lost is being burned to ashes, and there is nothing left of them…no root or branch.
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1
Even Satan, himself, will be turned to ashes
“You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you. Ezekiel 28:18
Ask a fireman about an unquenchable file. When they arrive on the scene of a house engulfed in flames, they can’t put it out …it is unquenchable…Consequently, they wait for the flames to die down after doing its work of destruction. An unquenchable fire can’t be put out, but it will eventually die out.
Those who know God personally like they would a loving earthly father feel uncomfortable with the ancient Pagan belief in a vengeful God who tortures unbelievers in flames without end. It doesn’t fit the remainder of the Bible’s description of the love and mercy of a benevolent Father and Son. Many preachers are turning away from the scare tactics of hell to the love expressed in the cross. It is the love, kindness, and mercy that leads people to Christ.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
John 12: 22
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” Jeremiah 31:3
Pastors, draw people to Jesus this way without the scare tactics and you will see revival in your church. Show His mercy, and eagerness to forgive. Lift Him up! Be like Paul when he said to unruly church at Corinth:
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1
The most important question in Revelation 6 and 7 is not the identification of the 144,000 and the Vast Multitudes. Instead, it is John’s heartfelt, but worried, inquiry:
“…who is able to stand?”
Revelation 6:17b
Why would he ask this question? For context, let’s look at John’s vision in the last few verses of Chapter 6.
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.
Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Revelation 6: 12-17
The events preceding John’s question are graphic! There is nothing to suggest the scenes are symbolic or related to anything other than the second coming of Jesus. God reveals to us, through John’s vision, the effects of the dramatic cosmic phenomenons on the earth and the lost who are alive at the second coming of Jesus:
The sky rolls back like a scroll as it prepares for the entrance of Jesus and His entourage. It is a glorious scene! The sky is filled with the glory of Jesus, the Father, and all the holy angels:
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels,…
Matthew 16:27
Every mountain and island is moved out of its place. A universal upheaval of the mountains, islands, and seas. The Old Testament prophet Amos, like John, describes the earth as trembling; swelling, heaving, and the people mourning:
Shall the land not tremble for this, And everyone mourn who dwells in it? All of it shall swell like the River, Heave and subside Like the River of Egypt.
Amos 8: 8
This scene frightens men (mankind) who think they are powerful and rich…the so-called leaders of this world. They are contrasted with the powerful King of the Universe, who is making His way back to earth many of its inhabitants are shaking and mourning because the reality of their demise has arrived.
All the lost of this world run to dark places (caves) and ask the rocks to fall on them so they won’t see the face of the Lamb. They recognize that the day of His wrath has come. The redeemed have a different response:
“Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Isaiah 25:9
The lost ask the question: “Who is able to stand?” or, put another way, “who is able to survive the appearance and wrath of the Lamb?
Revelation Chapter 7 answers the question, “Who is able to stand?”
Author
Malachi asked a similar question:
“But who can endure the day of His coming?
And who can stand when He appears?
Malachi 3:2
Many today are confused about the second coming of Jesus, but the Bible has a multitude of verses clearly describing Jesus’ appearance. It is a destructive event that every eye can see (Rev. 1:7) No one will be wondering if He is coming or has come. It is not kept a secret. His coming is like the glowing light of lightning spreading across a dark prairie shining from the east to the west.
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:27
The lighting is not about its quickness but rather the light that all can see.
The first time Jesus came to this earth, he came quietly wrapped in swaddling clothes as a babe in a manger. But the second time, he comes like a Lion, as a conquering King. God’s prophets and Apostles describe the events as cataclysmic in nature. Here are a few from both Old and New Testament prophets:
They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty When He arises to shake the earth mightily.
Isaiah 2:19
And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.
Isaiah 13:13
The sun shall be turned into darkness,And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
Joel 2: 30-31
Our God shall come and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous (violent storm) all around Him.
Psalm 50:3
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (unexpected), in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
Malachi 4:1
______________________________
The Answer:
Immediately after John asks the question, “Who is able to stand?” we are shown a cosmic scene of 4 angels, on the 4 corners (North, East, South, and West), holding back 4 winds:
After these things, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, Revelation 7: 1-2
These 4 angels have the power to harm the earth and the sea or let them be harmed. So they are holding back the winds of strife until given the order to do so. But a 5th angel cries out with a loud voice.
“Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
Revelation 7: 3
This “loud voice” in Revelation is like Paul’s description of Jesus’ return Paul records a shout and the voice of the Archangel (1 Thess 4: 16)
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.
1 Thess. 4:16
This 5th angel appears to be Jesus. The One in charge. But this is another study for a different time.
The Seal of God
Thee harm, or destruction towards the earth, is held back so the 5th angel, who has the “seal of the living God.” can do the work of “sealing” the servants of God in their foreheads. The forehead (or frontal lob) is the seat of human thoughts, logic, and feelings. So this is a very real work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, although symbolically presented. The purpose of sealing is to both protect and secure the person receiving this work of God the Spirit.
The prophet Ezekiel uses the same language and work when he talked about the people of Jerusalem being marked or protected before the destruction of Jerusalem:
“…and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it
” Ezekiel 9:4
It is interesting and revealing that the ones who had the “mark” on their foreheads (symbolic mark, not literal) were those who had sad feelings about the abominations done within its walls. They had a soft and humbled heart about the troubles and sins of the people. In the last days, those whose hearts hurt over the sin of this world will likely be candidates for the sealing taking place before the Lord comes. Jesus has recreated in them a new heart of flesh and, like Jesus, they seek the lost sheep to bring salvation.
Paul often talked about the Spirit that does the work of sealing, even today. Here are a few examples:
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1: 13-14
Notice the prerequisites for being sealed with the Holy Spirit:
Hearing the word of truth. The gospel of salvation (Faith or trust comes by the hearing of the word. See Romans 10:17.)
Believing is closely related to faith but is based on substance and evidence. It is not blindly believing; It has reasons to believe. This person uses the forehead to believe God-given logic and education in the word. (Hebrews 11:1).
Trust (aka faith) is a result of hearing the word and exercising trust in Christ. Without this faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 1: 21-22
Through the work of God, we are established in Christ, sealed by the Spirit given to us. Be careful that you “assume” you cannot be unsealed. It can happen by grieving away the Holy Spirit:
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4: 30
At the same time, you can be assured that the evidence of the Spirit in you is sealed by a heart that has been changed.
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Romans 8: 16
This mark on the forehead speaks of ownership, as does a seal. A seal on the document often identified the owner and protected the scroll’s contents. Hot wax was dripped on the outside of the document, and a signet ring or stamp was impressed into the wax.
It is a great thing to acknowledge God as your owner. This is beautifully stated by the prophet Isaiah:
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1
In summary, the second coming of Christ is destructive for the lost, but those who look and wait for Him have a different response of joy and praise. Those who are sealed in their foreheads are protected from the wrath of the Lamb when Jesus returns with the glory of His Father and all the Holy Angels.
You can be sealed now IF you trust God and it is demonstrated and confirmed by His Spirit in you.
But what does all this have to do with the 144,000 and the Vast Multitude? Is the 144,000 a literal number and are only 12,000 from the 12 tribes sealed and saved? If not, what is the symbolism saying to us? This we will explore next time.
A good student of the Bible understands that the tributes and warnings of scripture are mainly directed to God’s people, those who claim to know Him. Why is this? Shouldn’t His words be directed solely at those on the path to destruction? To those who do not know Him?
The answer is simple; God wants His people to be a light to the community and the world. But our journey requires correction and direction because we all are sinful humans. He encourages, cautions, warns, and directs His people because we are like dumb sheep who often wander off into the world and make a wrong impression of God who desires all to know the truth as found in Jesus. The church of Ephesus is a good example of starting good but wandering from their “first love.”
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’Revelation 2: 1-7
As we have discovered previously, this message was first and foremost to the congregation at Ephesus when John wrote it. Understanding the message to them makes the message to us more viable. But, it also was written and distributed in a whole book to the other churches of John’s time. Each of the seven churches received all seven letters and the material that followed. (Chapter 4-22).
Understanding the problems of this church (Ephesus), Jesus gave both compliments and warnings to the other six churches who would read about their sister churches, creating empathy, depth, and application to their own experience. Finally, it was written for our churches today. It is not limited to denominations. Just as Revelation’s message is not limited to these seven churches but to anyone “who has an ear.”
…it (Revelation) was written for our churches today. It is not limited to denominations. Just as Revelation’s message is not limited to these seven churches but to anyone “who has an ear.”
Eddie
A subtle and often missed nuance to these messages to the seven churches is a description of the characteristics and challenges of church history. This thought will be developed as we study each church.
First and foremost, the messages of Revelation were for the churches in John’s time and to any who “has an ear.” Likewise, the message is applicable for today’s churches and any who “has an ear.” People in today’s churches have similar strengths and weaknesses. These messages are built on the framework of historical ages of the church…from Jerusalem to the last days. Each church represents another time period in the life of the church. This is the Historists method of understanding Revelation.
Eddie
Ephesus’ Strengths
The tribute to Ephesus is described through words like works, labor, endurance, patience, and their disdain for those who are evil. This is an active church that desires to keep its congregation pure. So they “test” those who make a bold claim of being “apostles.” Nothing is said about how they “tested” them; Perhaps, it was through the writings of the true Apostles. It had not been many decades since the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. Their words still echoed in their ears.
This church “hated” the deeds of the Nicolaitans, as did God Himself. The presence of the heretical group of Nicolaitans in the church in Ephesus threatened to destroy the integrity and purity of Christian faith and conduct. Some fifty years earlier in his farewell speech, Paul warned the Ephesian elders:
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30)
Ephesus’ Risky Business
Keeping a church pure is risky business. Often, churches are divided, and their light goes out over simple things such as carpet color, non-salvation discussions, silly disagreements, and other such things. But, they were correct in resisting the very blatant attempts of the Nicolaitans to bring in deeds and theology that would ultimately spread and make of non-affect the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.
While it is a good work of not endorsing false doctrine, it can become a fire that does not know where to stop. This may have been the case with Ephesus. Being critical created the warning Jesus gives this church. Sometimes the attempt to “keep the church pure” leads to legalism and a loveless congregation.
This church seems to have been severe, judgmental, critical, and fault-finding. They didn’t know where to stop. They had forgotten that only the gospel could balance religious duty with loving affection for fellow Christians. They had wondered from their first love.
Consequently, the entire church is called upon to repent and do the first works. Repentance means a radical change of the whole direction of life. It is a decisive break from the present situation. They needed more love towards God, their first love, to direct their paths, not legalistic religion.
Admonition and Promise of Overcoming
A return to the first-love Christian experience consistently results in the first-works experience. Jesus tells them to remember and return their first experience of love to God and their fellow believers. Often the church and individuals start strong in the love of God but wander off the path. They can become too religious, critical, stiff, and closed-minded. But, if they recognize their condition, which is brought on by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, then repent and return to loving God, their light to the community would remain. Otherwise, Jesus will “remove (their) lampstand from its place.” This phrase has a similar message to Jesus’ warning regarding worthless salt. He used the exact phrase he used in all seven churches: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Luke 14:34-35
THE FRUITS OF OVERCOMING
After repentance, overcoming is not far away. Overcoming sin is part of the Christian experience. It is the desire and requirement to a church maintaining its “saltiness” and “light.” But both are impossible unless it is under the banner of “First Love.” All seven church’s have a similar message of staying close to Jesus and overcoming. An eternal reward awaits those who “has and ear” and hears (responds)
The overcomer in the church of Ephesus is given the promise that they will:
“…eat from the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7
Historical Significance
…the apostolic period (and some time after)…was a great start for the church characterized by love and faithfulness to the gospel. But by the time John wrote the book of Revelation, namely, the last decade of the first century, the church had begun losing the fire of its first love, thus departing from the simplicity and purity of the gospel. Thus the church in Ephesus could aptly represent the Christian church of the first century.
Revelation of Jesus Christ-Ranko Stefanovic p. 121
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1: 17-18
Overview
Encouragement of the Resurrection
The first main section of the book begins with the seven churches. It has two distinguishing imageries: 1.) Christ glorified and 2.) the seven messages to the seven churches. But before it embarks us on the journey, it starts with these encouraging words:
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1: 17-18
Here is a clear reference from Jesus to His resurrection and the fact that He has keys to death and the grave points us to this comforting conclusion. Even though we die and are buried in a grave, Jesus is able to raise us up from the dust of the earth and give us eternal life.
When Jesus was talking with Martha about the death of Lazarus, she understood that Lazarus would be resurrected on the last day. This was her hope and is the same for all who have a relationship with Jesus.
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:24
Jesus then reminded her that he had the keys of death and Hades. He described Himself as the Resurrection:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26
At first brush, Jesus seems to be contradicting Himself. Lazarus obviously died, but as a believer in Christ, He would never die…but he was dead. How is this justified? As our study continues in Revelation, we will discover there is the death all men must experience, but there is another death, avoided by the believers, the word used is called, in many places, “perish.” This is an eternal death with no hope of ever living again. In these opening verses of Revelation, we are to find comfort that Jesus can unlock the place of death and raise us up to immortal life (See 1 Corinthians 15: 51-55, 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18).
Seven Churches Geographical Order
The road connecting these seven churches was a Roman road that connected each church beginning at the writer’s location, i.e., Patmos. From John’s island prison, the nearest church was Ephesus. Some 30 miles away to the north, the next church was Smyrna and then Pergamum. The circuit ran in a clockwise semi-circle with 30 to 40-mile intervals. John’s seven messages came in this exact order.
If a mailman were delivering to these locations, he would have taken this route. There is order and relevance to this circuit and the seven messages. It reflects the church in its journey through history. Further, the messages are in a chiastic order similar to the position of lamps of the seven-branched lampstand located in the old sanctuary ministry.
Chiastic Messages
At the start of our journey in revelation, we identified an ancient way of writing. Most movies and books have a beginning, a middle, and an end in the modern world. It can be expressed this way: A, B, C order. But in many places in the Bible, The order is A, B, C, B, A. The climax or ending is in the middle. This will become more apparent as we move through Revelation.
The Messages to the Seven churches have this exact order. The middle church is Thyatira. God says good things about Thyatira.
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” Revelation 2:19
The commendable traits of this church are love, faith, service, perseverance, and progression (Doing more than they did at first.). I am sure God would have all the churches like this one. But, there appear to be two groups within this praiseworthy church. One group tolerates a false prophet.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching, she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. Revelation 2:20
But God takes on the responsibility of taking care of the problem. He ends with the message to the ones who tolerate this false prophet:
I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Revelation 2:23
To the second group who rejects the teaching of the false prophet, His message is less ominous: He promises to not impose any burdens on them except that they should “hold on” until Jesus comes.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ Revelation 2 24: 25
This message is God’s desire for His people. We are to “hold on” until He comes and reject teachings that lead to sin and discouragement.
Just a few weeks ago, I wrote an article entitled, “Michael-Who is He?” I showed the reasons for the belief that Michael is an allegory for the pre-incarnated Jesus. A reader who attends our Tuesday night verse-by-verse Zoom study of Danieal and Revelation asked the following question. Below is my response. I thought it might be useful to share it with everyone. I encourage your thoughts and comments.
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.: Daniel 10:13
How do we explain that it says “Michael, One of the chief princes“
Thank you Sherree for the tough question and for reading the article! The passage you cite certainly seems to point away from the assertion that Michael (mîḵā’ēl=One like God) is the pre-incarnate Jesus. It seems to contradict the many other passages that point to Jesus as the Archangel. (Chief of the angels) as discussed in my article. The phrase “one of the chief princes” would diminish Michaels’ role as archangelos the “Chief of the angels” and make Him just one of the chief leaders.
As I mentioned in the article, whether Michael is Jesus or not, our interpretation should not take away from the divinity of Christ as some people have attempted to do. Because the divinity of Christ is Biblical. It is critical in understanding the awesome sacrifice of our Creator (John 1). (Note: I plan to write an article on the divinity of Christ next.)
In my opinion and mentioned in my article, the focus should be more on the actions of Michael who “stands up for his people” (Daniel 12:1), contends with the devil (Jude 1:9), and whose voice is the sound heard at our resurrection when Jesus returns (1 Thess 4: 16-18). These actions are most important to understanding God and His character. Less important (my opinion) is the identity or name of Michael, whether it be a powerful angel or Christ Himself.
As you know, the word “Jesus” is not in the Old Testament. He appears with other names e.g.. “one like the Son of God“, “Messiah” etc., or in this case, I believe “Michael” (One like God). But I do not want to minimize the importance of words or your question. So I began a word study within the context of the chapter, and other passages regarding Michael the Archangel. I always try to keep an open mind.
CONTEXT OF PHRASE I looked a little deeper at the passage of Daniel 10:13, keeping it in its context. The most immediate context is that Michael appears again in this chapter (verse 21).
“But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me (Garbriel) against these, except Michael your prince) Daniel 10:21
This passage insinuates more exclusivity (No one) and differentiation from other princes (your prince). This is “noted in the Scripture of Truth”). Gabriel seems to point Daniel to the Scriptures for clarity. This is always the best thing to do…look at other related scripture
Continuing with context, Micahel is referred to later in Daniel 12:1
At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
As we have found in our study of Daniel’s prophecies, it is rich in symbols as in Revelation. So it is highly logical, as Charlie has pointed out that these Princes that are fighting against each other are in the spiritual realm (Eph 6:12). The Characters are in the spiritual struggle include angels (both good and bad), Christ (Michael?), and Satan (the Dragon of Revelation)
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought”
Revelation 12:7
So context is king. It helps us with other difficult passages in the Bible (Note: you might want to read my other articles on “Context“-Shameful promotion, I know!
WORD and PHRASE STUDY But since words are important, I examined the phrase “one of the chief princes” in Hebrew to help me understand better Daniel’s description of the events in Chapter 10.
It seems that the phrase “one of” is the rub. If Jesus is Michael, this phrase “one of the chief Princes” makes Him like just one of the other “chief princes” (i.e. more than one chief). So I hope I am not straining at a gnat here 🙂 Here is the word study on the phrase you cited, please feel free to make your own conclusions.
One (‘eḥāḏ)- Translated most often as “one” (687 times), but it is often translated as “first” (36 times). It could have been translated as “First” instead of “One of”. Young’s Literal Translation agrees. It translates this passage as
“Michael, first of the chief heads, hath come in to help me,
Chief (ri’šôn)-This word appears 185 times in the Old Testament alone It has been translated “first” 129 times. The next most times it is translated elsewhere as “former” (32 times). I was expecting something related to how I understand the word chief (i.e. leader, captain, the main guy) as used elsewhere in the Bible. The main word used in Hebrew as “chief” is used 421 times in the KJV. This word in Hebrew is śar (It literally means what I was expecting (chieftain, leader). So why wouldn’t Daniel use this word?)
Princes śar-The word means what I was expecting for chief! (See above).
So with this in mind including the context. It could be interpreted as The First of the Chief Princes. This would line up with the second designation of Michael (Archangel) who is THE “chief” or leader of the angels. All other angel rankings fall below him as the leader.
Sorry to have gotten too far in the weeds. I hope this helps and does not confuse the subject further!
As I studied the Bible for this article, I realized that it is not a salvation issue whether a person believes Michael the Archangel is another name for Jesus or not. However, what is essential, and is a salvation issue, is faith in Jesus regardless of the many names given Him. Because without trust or confidence in Him, we will not see the kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:6, John 3:3). The several actions of Michael give us reasons to have even more faith in the God we serve. That is the objective of this writing.
I propose that we don’t get hung up on the gnats and swallow a camel in this study. Having said that, I will go into some detail. But keep in mind it is to disclose the bigger story of Jesus.
What I discovered in the study of this powerful being called Michael, the archangel is a God that fought with Lucifer in heaven and was victorious against Satan’s accusations about God’s character.” I see a God who contends with Satan on our behalf particularly when we pray for God to intervene. I see a God who stands up and protects His people even during the “time of trouble…in the latter days.” I see a God that argues victoriously with Satan over the body of Moses. I see Jesus! I see Jesus when His voice wakes those who have died in Him. He raises them to life and gives them immortality free of the corruption of carnal bodies. Let us not fail to see Jesus in this search for the identity of Michael.
Michael the Archangel
Michael is described as the Archangel in the Bible. The primary argument against Michael being Jesus goes like this:
If Jesus were Michael, He would be an angel. That would mean He was created, undermining the many passages of scriptures that tell us of His divinity. Therefore, Michael must be a mighty lead angel, but not Christ.
Although this logic has a proper conclusion, it assumes Michael is a created being. Without a deeper look, we could miss something important about Michael and Jesus, not to mention the purpose of Christ and the message of God.
Michael the Archangel draws more attention than regular angels in the Bible (both Old and New Testament). The word angel is described 15 times in the entire Bible. “Michael” and “Archangel” appear only six times in Scripture. But each “Michael” passage tells a powerful story. Here is an overview of the six times Michael arrives:
Michael appears in Daniel 10 (verses 13 and 21). He comes to help out Gabriel fight with the Prince of Persia. A fascinating story!
In Daniel 12:1, Michael stands up to signify the start of the time of trouble.
In Jude 1:9-Micahel argues over whether Moses should be resurrected or not. God wins the argument. Moses would later appear on the mount of transfiguration along with Elijah, who never saw death. These two represent those who never experience death when Jesus comes and those that are resurrected by the voice of Micahel, the archangel.
Revelation 12:7 describes a war in heaven between the dragon (Satan) and Michael.
1 Thessalonians 4:16: Michael is not used here, but instead, “the archangel’s voice,” which is understood as Michael’s. This voice raises those who sleep in Christ and rise to meet Him in the air with those who have not seen death (The Moses’s and Elijah’s of the end time)
Bear with me as I add another nuance to this study that adds some credibility to God having the name of an angel. It would not be complete without mentioning the “Angel of the Lord.”
Angel of the Lord
Another interesting, relevant study is on the “angel of the Lord.” This exact phrase appears 64 times in the Bible. It is a study within itself. I will use only a couple of references.
There are several passages like this one where God is referred to as the Angel of the Lord:
Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.
Genesis 16:7
Only God led the people out of Egypt. Only God made a covenant with His people. Yet He is given the name Angel of the Lord. (See also Genesis 16: 6-13, Genesis 22: 15-19)
For a quick story that reveals the “angel of the Lord” as God, look at Exodus 3, verses 2-6. We are all familiar with the story of Moses at the burning bush. The angel of the Lord appears in the burning bush. Moses is told to take off his shoes because he is on holy ground. Why is the ground holy? Because it is God who is in the burning bush. The presence of an angel does not make the ground holy. There do not appear to be two entities in the burning bush. The writer tells us:
“Moreover, he (the angel of the Lord-verse 2) said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”
Exodus 3:6
This tells us clearly that the Angel of the Lord is God. I will go a step further. The Angel of the Lord is Jesus. Later in this story, Moses desires to know the name of the God who is sending him on a mission to free God’s people from Egypt. Jesus would later refer to this story as the “I AM.”
“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?”
And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3: 13-14
Who is Jesus?
Before we can answer the question of the identity of Michael, we must be sure we know who Jesus is. Most Christians will have no issue with the essence of Jesus.
When Jesus walked this earth as a man, He was called Immanuel (God with Us). He is God! I once was visiting a Sunday School class as a guest. The topic was Jesus and divinity. The teacher said, “Jesus never claimed to be God.” I disagreed and used the following scriptures to support my response.
“First, He took the name given to Moses at the burning bush. This upset the religious leaders, and they took up stones to kill Jesus for the offense of blasphemy, i.e., a person who claims to be God Almighty, thereby blaspheming God’s name (Leviticus 24:16).” Jesus told them:
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”
Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
Then they took up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by…
John 8: 56-59
“At another time, Jesus claimed equality with God the Father.”
I and My Father are one.”
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”
The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”. John 10: 30-33
Jesus was God who came in the flesh of a Man!
The religious leaders wanted to rid themselves of Jesus and often looked for reasons to do so through the favored method of execution, i.e., rocks hurdled at the soft flesh of the offending human.
Finally, I told the Sunday school teacher
“Jesus claimed to be the Son of God under oath!”
I quoted from Luke:
Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” Luke 22:70
As a visitor, I loathed taking up so much of the teacher’s time, but the Spirit of God compelled me to speak. Later, I was thanked for the short Bible study.
Could it be that Michael is another name for Jesus? Jesus was given several names. No one denies His divinity by the use of those names.
The Many Names of Jesus
Each name comes with meaning and a succinct description of Him, His character, and His purpose. The word “Jesus” does not appear in the Old Testament, but several other names describe Him:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 6:9),
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Immanuel (God with us-Matthew 1:23)
King of the Jews (Matthew 27:37)
Son of Man (Matthew 8:20). This is the name Jesus gave to Himself.
Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)
The Bread of Life – John 6:35
The Redeemer – Isaiah 59:20
The Living Stone – 1 Peter 2:4-8
The Word (John 1: 1-14)
From scripture, it is clear that Jesus is divinity and not a created angel. He is part of the eternal three (God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit). All three were present at Creation:
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
Genesis 1:26 (a)
You and I are descendants of the first man and woman and the creation that came from the hand of Jesus. Jesus is God. John, the beloved disciple, proclaims this with boldness when he describes Jesus as “the Word.”
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1: 1-5
From this passage, the following is made clear:
The Word was present with God at the beginning
The Word was God at the beginning
All that was made was made by Him (The personal pronoun Him is the same as the Word)
In Him is life (Sustainer)
He is light. The darkness (darkness must refer to the opposite of Jesus’ character, i.e., those who were in darkness. When He came to earth, the religious leaders didn’t recognize Him.
He became flesh and lived among us.
A person could substitute “Word” for the name “Jesus” and be perfectly correct in identifying who Jesus is: Example: “In the beginning was (Jesus), and (Jesus) was with God, and (Jesus) was God.”
Paul also boldly proclaims this about the divinity of Jesus:
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1: 16
Paul goes a step further in Hebrews Chapter 1 to compare Jesus with the angels. His point is this:, though Jesus came in the flesh, He is the Creator and, therefore God:
But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;… And: “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands
Hebrews 1: 8,10
This is God the Father (verse 5) talking to God the Son. He calls Jesus “God.”
But it must be understood that Jesus was also fully human, tempted in all points as we were (Hebrews 4:15). He is not ashamed to call us brothers (Hebrews 2:11). This is part of the salvation story as much as His divinity. It is also a mystery that we as humans find difficult to understand.
So, we can put this stake in the ground; Jesus is God and not a created angel. But could Michael be another name for Christ? Could the purpose of Michael reveal the Son of Man who watches over His people? Perhaps, Michael is another name we can add to the list as names of Jesus that demonstrate his power. The next question to explore is how the Bible uses the word angel.
Who are Angels?
No doubt, the typical angels we think of and see in pictures were created. They often show up as men or women without wings and white robes. The word “angel” in the original language discloses something interesting. We have already seen that the Angel of the Lord can be another name for God. Why is that? Why not just be direct?
The word “angel” appears 199 times in the Bible (NKJV). The phrase “angel of the Lord” appears 64 times in the Old Testament and New Testament. The Hebrew word for angel can mean one of the following:
Abîr: Strong Ones-chiefest ‘ĕlōhîm: God or Judge
mal’āḵ: Messenger, Ambassador
mal’aḵ: Angel (Notice the slight variance in the previous word)
šin’ān: Angel
The character of Jesus would fit the first three words easily. Is he not the chiefest, the strong one, God, Judge, Messenger, and Ambassador for the kingdom of God?
Who are the Cherubs?
These beings (angels called Cherub or Cherubim) appear 70 times in the Old Testament and only once in the New Testament (Hebrews 9:5). They first appear in the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam and Eve. Their purpose was to protect the Tree of Life and the Garden…to keep everyone out, “lest they eat and live forever.” Cherubs are often connected to the Sanctuary as overseeing the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant (God’s law). It is the Cherubim’s purpose to protect. The Hebrew word for these Cherubs is kᵊrûḇ. It means an angelic being who protects.
The point is this: When we see the word “angel,” Cherub, or Cherubim, the interpretation of who is being described will be disclosed in its context! This is probably the most powerful tool in a good understanding of Scripture: The context of the surrounding verses and words; the context within the chapter or book; the context within the entire Bible; and finally, and most importantly, the context within the character and purpose of God.
So, with this in mind, let’s see why it is highly likely Jesus is described as Michael the Archangel. But more importantly, what Jesus means to His people.
Michael-Spiritual Battle in Daniel
Daniel 10:13, 10:21, 12:1
Daniel has been in intense prayer for three weeks. Why? He understands that the end of the 70 years of captivity of his people, the Jews, in Babylon is coming to an end. Here is that passage that gives us context to the work of Michael (Daniel 10:2, Daniel 9:2-3)
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem… In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.
Daniel 9: 2-3, 10:2
There was a long time (3 weeks of intense dedication) before Gabriel responded to Daniel’s prayer. Gabriel was an angel (messenger) that had been the primary communicator with Daniel (Daniel 8: 15-16, 9:21) regarding the prophecies recorded in the book of Daniel. There was a reason for the delay in Gabriel appearing before Danie! There was a spiritual battle between the Prince of Persia and Gabriel. Michael came to assist Gabriel in his mission.
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:13
(A quick note: It is not good to be left alone with the enemy. When Jesus shows up, victory is won!)
Gabriel is alone to contend with the “prince of the kingdom of Persia.” Notice it does not say “king” of Persia, but rather “prince.” Daniel 10:1 refers to Cyrus as the “king” of Persia. The prince of the kingdom of Persia and the King of Persia are two different entities.
So, who is this “prince of the kingdom of Persia”? It is likely Satan who wrestles with “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Why is the king of Persia being tempted to disobey the influence of Gabriel and follow Satan’s (Prince of Persia) desire to keep the Jews in captivity? Cyrus was not “wrestling against flesh and blood.” Here is where we go into “the unseen world in relation to human affairs.”
Satan influences Cyrus to go against God’s will of allowing the Jews to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and sanctuary destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1). In that famous decree to “restore and build Jerusalem” (Daniel 9;25), the work had already begun with constructing the temple. But the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem had political and religious significance to the area. Hence the builders of the wall experienced severe opposition from rulers near Jerusalem. The prophecy of Daniel 9:25 said,
“The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.”
This is shown to come to pass in Nehemiah 4:1:
But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.
Nehemiah 4:1
Those who built on the wall and carried burdens loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.
Nehemiah 4:17
But Daniel was praying for three weeks to counteract the influence of Satan (Prince of Cyrus) on King Cyrus. Gabriel calls upon Michael to finish the work initiated by Daniel’s prayer. Gabriel was contending against Satan for twenty-one (21) days when Michael showed up. The passage calls Michael “one of the chief princes.” But it is better translated literally as “the chief (number one) prince. Young’s Literal Translations calls Michael the first of the chief heads. Michael means (“He who is like God). No one can make this claim but Jesus. Further, the word archangel in Greek means “chief of the angels.” This does not mean Jesus is an angel, but it does mean He is in charge of the angels, as we will see in Revelation.
So here is the story in its context. Daniel knows that the captivity of the Jews (according to Jeremiah’s prophecy) is soon to end, and the children of Israel (Daniel’s people) will start to return to the desolate city of Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Daniel is troubled in his spirit over an undisclosed message he receives and understands (Daniel 10: 1-2).
Daniel begins to mourn and prays earnestly for three weeks. While he is praying, Gabriel is in a spiritual battle with Satan (Prince of Persia) over the influence of the King of Persia to follow through with God’s will to release the Jews.
“The king struggles between conflicting emotions. He hesitates; he delays. Day after day passes away, yet Daniel prays on. The king refuses to yield to the angel (Gabriel). Three weeks expire, and lo, a mightier than Gabriel joins him in the palace of the king and then they come to Daniel to acquaint him with the progress of events. From the first, said Gabriel, your prayer was heard; but during these three weeks which you have devoted to prayer and fasting, the king of Persia has resisted my influence and prevented by coming. Such was the effect of prayer.” Daniel and Revelation-Smith p. 228, 229)
Then Michael (the chief of the angels) and with more power than the angel Gabriel, influences the King of Persia to obey the will of God and let Daniel’s people go. The rest is history. The Jews returned and rebuilt the city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Who is Michael?
He has the power to resurrect.
This is demonstrated in Jude 1:9
Yet Michael the archangel, in contending (arguing) with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Satan did not think it was fair for Moses to be resurrected. The Lord (Michael) simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Only Jesus can argue with the devil about the body of the dead. Jesus told Mary that He is the resurrection and that trust in Him would bring life back to a dead person:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
John 11:25
From the Mount of Transfiguration experience, we know that Moses died but was resurrected. Because He appears with Elijah, who never saw death. Both are symbols of those alive and dead at the return of Christ (John 17: 1-8)
That brings us to the next appearance of Michael in the New Testament.”
For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Jesus Himself, the resurrection and life, saves us from eternal death by coming again to receive those who are alive and remain” and those who are “dead in Christ.” This power can only be that of Jesus, whose voice is the Archangel that He is. This scene so clearly described by the Apostle Paul should bring us more comfort than any scenario we can think of.
But before He comes, He protects us during the time of trouble:
“At that time, Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, Everyone who is found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1
Like those during their time in Egypt, God’s people shine with light upon their faces as a testimony to the power and salvation of His people. The lost cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them. Why? Because they cannot stand to look upon the His face and His wrath (Revelation 6:16). But the people of God say,
“Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Isaiah 25:9
The second verse of Chapter 12 in Daniel expands on the events of Michael standing up.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,Some to everlasting life,Some to shame and everlasting contempt.Those who are wise shall shine.Like the brightness of the firmament,And those who turn many to righteousnessLike the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:2
When Michael stands up, it signifies a point where God has had enough. Whether alive or dead, every person will have decided to live or die (Revelation 22: 11-12). Their fate is sealed. Then Jesus returns. Only Jesus (aka Michael) has this kind of power. No angel can be assigned these responsibilities. Michael (aka Jesus) has power demonstrated in His ability to protect those who belong to Him when all hell is let loose and when the graves (hell) let loose those who awake to eternal life.
Only the Power of Jesus
Because of this power of Michael, I believe it is a synonym for Jesus. For no other angel has this power.
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
Revelation 12: 7-8
Only Jesus has the power to defeat Satan both at the start and at the end. Let us praise His many names!
That one name, Jesus, summarizes the many names given to Him. But they are all the same. Whether you call Him Lord, Prince of Peace, Savior, or Michael (One like God), Jesus’ name given Him at birth shows His power, uniqueness, and purpose of His mission of salvation.
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Notes on a church known for its love and faithfulness.
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3: 7-13
The American City
Most Americans know the meaning of the name Philadelphia. This fact is especially true if you live in that great city of Pennsylvania located in the Northeast section of the United States. Over 1.6 million people call Philidelphia home. It is known for its contribution to founding the American dream of freedom, free from the tyranny of Great Brittan and the powerful papacy of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe. But also the personal right of every human to “… to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” (United State Declaration of Independence)
Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here. The authors of our famous documents desired a country without a king and a church without a pope. America’s pursuit of freedom and equality for every citizen has its roots in this famous city.
William Penn, a Quaker, founded Philidelphia in 1862, which became the capital of the Pennsylvania colony. The name means “brotherly love” in the Greek language. Interestingly, the Greek word for Philadelphia appears only twice in the Bible. Both references appear in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:11 and 3:7). John was inspired to write to this city after receiving a vision from God.
The City of Revelation
“Asia Minor, situated near the eastern base of Mount Tmolus, (was founded and named by the Pergamene king Attalus II, Philadelphus. After the death of king Attalus III. Philometor, B. C. 133, it together with his entire kingdom came by his will under the jurisdiction of the Romans” (Ref: Blue Bible)
King Attalus II reigned for approximately 21 years 159-138 BC), whose “love for his brother Eumenes II gave him the epithet Philadelphus; after him, Philidelphia (brotherly love) was named. This prosperous city lay on the imperial post road. From its inception, Philadelphia was intended to serve as a missionary city for the promotion of the Greek language and culture to the area of Lydia and Phrygia. Its geographical location, however, made it subject to occasional earthquakes; in particular, the severe earthquake of A.D. 17 devastated Philadelphia together with Sardis and other surrounding cities.” (Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p.143)
The Church In Philadelphia
Jesus introduces Himself to this church with these characteristics:
The Holy One
the True One
The One who has the key of David who opens and no one shuts and shuts, and no one opens.
The first two attributes of Christ are significant for this church and all “who have an ear.” Christ is holy (set apart above the world’s sins) and the only One who is genuine and faithful. All others are false. Exclusive statements about Christ are inclusive of everyone, whether they believe it or not. Jesus and His promises are precise for each and every person. Therefore, exclusive comments about Jesus like this are not threatening if they are true. Jesus has proven to be true.
Exclusive statements about God and Jesus often appear in the Bible. For example, Jesus said something very similar, as recorded by John:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14: 6
In a similar point, Paul asks a question to the Roman church to clarify that unfaithful people do not affect the truth of God.
What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. Romans 3: 3-4
So, Jesus is the untouched and unsoiled source of truth. But, he also declares He has keys to a door that none of us possess. He can let people in or people out. What does this mean? In or out of what?
An Open Door
Some might surmise that the door represents an entrance or exit into heaven. This has logical meaning to the western mind. However, in the context of the literal setting of Philadelphia, the purpose of this church, and other Bible references, it is likely a metaphor for an open door of opportunity that Jesus opens. When He does, no one can stop His purpose.
“The city’s strategic location made it the gateway to the East. From its very beginning, Philadelphia was deliberately built to be “the missionary city” for spreading the Greek culture and language among the barbarian tribes throughout the regions of Asia. Being on the imperial post road, Philadelphia was indeed given an open door for the spreading Greek ideas throughout the region.”
Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p. 144
The Philadelphia church also became an effective highway for spreading the gospel. This poses the question to the modern church. As we located where we can spread the gospel, or do we locate ourselves away from the highways and byways of the lost or to protect ourselves? Do we go inward or outward?
This was the purpose of all the churches and it continues to this day. Instead, we find ourselves more like a club for the comfort of the saints and we stay “in.” To go “out” is symbolic of proactiveness. Going “in” is more for the fearful and introverted. Paul spoke about the open door and going out in the world of opportunity for the sake of the kingdom. Going out means facing adversaries and the difficulties of being a worker for the kingdom of God.
For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 2 Corinthians 2:12
…praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, tospeak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, Col 4:3
If God opens a door, the church should go through. Sometimes we find ourselves timid and excuse ourselves to tarry and pray. But often, the prayers have already been prayed, we just are too timid because of the challenges we anticipate. The road is not aways smooth anyway.
“Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
The work of spreading the gospel is God’s work,. We are just encouraged to be willing to follow and go out as He gives the opportunity. Has God opened the door for your church?
A Trial on the Earth
I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. Verses 11:12
Ah! many will say after seeing the phrase “from the hour of trial”, “See, God’s church has been raptured away, so they are not on the earth to witness this trial” (a.k.a time of trouble.).
This teaching hangs on one word “from.” But look at the exhortation and context of the reward in the next verse.
Jesus tells us to “hold on to what we have so that no one will take your crown.” Can someone take your crown if you are already in paradise? Of course not. In the next breathe, Jesus talks about individual victory that leads to being a strong “pillar” in heaven. Strength comes from the patient endurance found in verse 10.
Jesus prayed,
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
John 17:15
Will God the Father answer Jesus’ prayer? I think so. Don’t you. We are to stay in this world to the end as a witness or testimony to the power of Jesus in our hearts regardless of the circumstances. Again, the western mind thinks only of the convenience and comfort of being snatched away. This is dangerous because this teaching minimizes spiritual preparation.
Philadelphia – A Historical Symbol
This church could easily be a symbol of the church during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In America and around the world, the Bible was being more understood as predicted by the prophet Daniel and encouraged by John when he said,
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:3
“With ‘little strength’ (3:8), the church of this period was indeed a missionary church driven by a strong desire to bring the gospel to the entire world. This period was a time of great advancement of the gospel, such as had not been experienced ever before in Chrisitan history.” Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p. 146
As the world has gotten larger, the tools to communicate have increased. Doors are open behind walled and discriminatory countries.
The church of Philadelphia encourages us to walk through the door of opportunity while it is day and light is available to everyone. Let us be quick to walk through the door and shake off the comfort of familiarity while it daytime. One day, darkeness will attempt to cover the whole earth.
I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4
‘These things says He whohas the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect beforeGod.Remember, therefore, how you have received and heard; hold fast andrepent.Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon youas a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.You havea few nameseven in Sardis who have notdefiled their garments, and they shall walk with Mein white, for they are worthy.He who overcomesshall be clothed in white garments, and I will notblot out his name from theBook of Life, butI will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3: 1-6
Each message to the seven churches ends with these words: “let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Each church has personalized council from Christ Himself. But also, every person who “has an ear” has the same direction. No one is excluded. However, there is something in the message that many fail to understand. It is this: the message is primarily to His church! Those who profess His leadership.
God’s desire for the body of Christ to prosper spiritually is found in each letter. If each member heeded the words, the church would go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to be co-workers with the Godhead.
Today, I was studying the challenges of the Sardis church with an “ear to hear” what that ancient city of Sardis has in common with me personally. Here are a few of my notes:
The City and the Church
There are five application levels when reading to understand Christ’s messages to the church. First, it was a literal message to an early historical church. In this case, it is to the church in Sardis. It was for them.
But there is a second level. It is a message to all churches throughout history in similar situations.
The third level is a customized message to local churches with similar challenges.
The fourth level is highly applicable to the different stages of church history. The message describes the church’s struggles from the book of Acts to our day in the 21st century. To understand this part, a study of church history is necessary.
But, lastly and most importantly, it is the message to the individual who makes up the church. The person who “has an ear.” The council is very personal and understandable to anyone brought under the conviction of the message.
The message to the historical church at Sardis is highly appropriate when considering its location and condition:
” Sardis was built on a hill so steep that it was considered a natural citadel, and its defenses seemed secure. The location of the city made the citizens overconfident; as a result, the city walls were carelessly guarded. The city was captured twice by surprise, first by Cyrus the Persian (549 B.C.) and later by Antiochus (218 B.C.) On both occasions, enemy troops climbed the precipice by night and found that the Sardians had set no guard. The city was captured and destroyed because of the overconfidence of the citizens and the failure of the guards to watch. It seemed that this carelessness had crept into the church, hence the warning: “Keep watching.” Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic p. 138
So, the highest application level for this church and today’s church is to “keep watching.” Watching for what? This is undoubtedly a spiritual application of being aware of our surroundings and attack threats. Can you see the attacks on the churches today? Can you see the attacks on you personally?
For the churches and individuals of our day, we are directed to watch and be prepared for the second return of Christ. If not, He will come unexpectedly, and therefore, the person is unprepared.
Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Revelation 3:3
Jesus warned in His sermon on the mount:
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:43-44
Notice the admonition to “watch” and “be ready.” The follower of Christ must be watchful and understanding of their surroundings but must go further and prepare their hearts, so they know they are ready.
Paul compares the return of Christ with a thief who comes at night. The key concept here is the surprise element.
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2
A couple of verses later, Paul clarifies that the followers of Christ are not in darkness (uninformed), and they are not overtaken by the experience of an unexpected visit of a thief.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4
Sadly, many churches today try to compare the thief’s experience with quietness to support the secret rapture theory. But, Peter leaves no doubt that the second coming and the church rising to meet the Lord in the air is loud and destructive:
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise (loud), and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (destructive).
2 Peter 3:10
So, when He comes, there are no second chances. Therefore, the individual must watch and be prepared. This is the primary message to the church at Sardis and all those lazy in their experience with Christ.
This leads to Christ’s counsel to “repent.” If not, then those who think they are of the body of Christ and written in the book of life will be surprised, as are those who do not know Christ and therefore lost.
Book of Life
“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3: 5-6
Whether the book of life is a literal book or not, it has life-and-death significance to those professing Christ. The once-saved, always-saved doctrine doesn’t line up with the message here. The follower can have their name blotted out of the book of life. Therefore, overcoming is minimized in this passage to those who hold on to the dangerous doctrine. Overcoming in Christ is the key here. No amount of self-will or exercise is enough. The will and the doing come only through Jesus. Any self-actions, whether grit, determination, morning devotions, memorizing Bible texts, diet, you name it, are ropes of sand. Why? It is because we can do nothing without Jesus. He gives us the will (desire) and performs His will through us.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2: 12-13
This is righteousness by faith in Christ alone. We are legalists if we don’t seek righteousness through Him alone. Our choice is to repent and seek to be “in Him” at all times.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15: 5
Other writers confirm Jesus’ statement of warning about the book of life.
Moses:
“Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.”
Exodus 32: 32-33
David:
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living,
And not be written with the righteous.
Psalm 69:28
Only those who remain in the book of life will be spared destruction in the lake of file.
: And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20:15
Conclusion
I ask the question after reading Christ’s message to Sardis: Why does Jesus give these warnings and council to all the churches and individuals if there was no possibility of having their names blotted from the book of life? The answer is obvious.
It is God’s purpose to correct our journey with Him. It is not a one-time trip down the aisle of the church. It is a daily choice to live “in Jesus” or live in our own power. We often are tempted and pulled away from Him. Our best course is found in the council to Sardis to “watch.” Be aware of the workings of Satan and our sinful flesh. Repent if we know we are not in line with God’s will. Turn over the steering wheel of life to the only One who can save us from our sins and give us the power to be victorious. Otherwise, we deceive ourselves and are in danger of thinking we are religious enough to be saved.
The Sardis church was lazy and comfortable. It would lead to defeat. But those few who had an ear listened and followed Jesus’ words were given the gift of eternal life. They are made worthy by the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
You havea few nameseven in Sardis who have notdefiled their garments, and they shall walk with Mein white, for they are worthy.
““At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book..”
Daniel 12: 1
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
Matthew 24:21
There is no doubt, there is predicted a “time of trouble” by Daniel and Jesus in these two verses, but how long is it?
The length of the time of trouble in the verses above is not specific about the time. It is the same for other Bible writers. It is just a “time of trouble.” It can be said with absolute certainty; there is not one verse in the Bible that uses the phrase “7 years of tribulation” or “7 years of trouble.” The attempt to make it 7 years comes from a fanciful misinterpretation of Daniel 9: 24-27 prophecy.
The Daniel 9 prophecy is powerful when interpreted in its setting. History confirms the angel’s words sent to Daniel; words to help him understand a portion of a much longer time prophecy. A correct understanding validates the accuracy of Scripture and the God who inspired holy men to write them. Daniel’s vision of the 70-week prophecy has helped many believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. I am one of them.
In previous posts, we have explored What the Rapture is Not. Please read this before continuing. It will help in the understanding of what happens when Jesus returns and how the time of trouble fits in the timeline.
Let’s read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and dates supported by the Bible to see if there is a 7-year tribulation hidden somewhere in it. We will discover the power of this prophecy in Daniel, written almost 500 years before Jesus!
Please follow and study closely. When we are finished, I recommend you verify the dates at your local library or other resources. Beware of the confusion of the internet. Also, I have included a chart at the end in the “Appendix” to make these dates easier to see and follow.
____________________________________________
Ready? Here we go. Be sure to pay special attention to keywords and the context.
Daniel 9:24-27
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
Daniel 9: 24-27
If you count up the number in parenthesis, you will have the 70 weeks mentioned at the start of the prophecy. There is a reason why they are split up that way. I will not go into those historical reasons in this writing for the sake of staying on point.
The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy. Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah. It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!
“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the *desolations of Jerusalem.”
(*notice how the word desolations is used here. Jerusalem was empty! A place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation. This will come in handy as you study the abomination of desolations later. Sadly, as I write this, Russia has made certain cities of the Ukraine-desolate)
Daniel 9:2
As the 70 years of captivity for God’s people drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had…
“come to give thee skill and understanding.”
Daniel 9:22
Then Gabriel gives the vision, as stated in Verses 24-27 above. This is the skill and understanding Daniel needed to understand the message. Daniel knew from Jeremiah’s writings the 70 years of captivity would soon end. But now 70 weeks is introduced. A quick summary of Daniel 9: 24-27 reveals six actions that were to be accomplished in an apparently short period of time:
Six Actions For God’s People:
Finish the transgression
Make an end of sins
Make reconciliation for iniquity
Bring in everlasting righteousness
Seal up the vision and prophecy
Anoint the most Holy
So God was giving the Jewish people (Daniel’s people in captivity) 70 weeks or 490 days to do all those things; ending with anointing the most Holy. We shall see that the anointing of the most Holy is not in regards to the apartment in the sanctuary necessarily, but the Holy One of God-Jesus
The 70 weeks given to the Jews are are calculated in the verses in sections:
“seven weeks” (7) and
“three score” (60) and
“two weeks” (2)
“one week” (1)
Simple arithmetic shows this is a total of 70 weeks. In days, this is 490 days (7 X 70).
A Day Equals a Year in Bible Prophecy
Often in Bible prophecy, the day = year principle is used to unlock the timelines for the coming events. The verses that support this principle can be found in the passages below:
“After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”
Numbers 14:34
This was a prophecy given by God Himself. He used the 40 days they spied out the land to represent the number of years (40) the children of Israel would wander in the wilderness. A day=a year principal disclosed a literal time period. Here is another example:
“And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”
Ezekiel 4:6
God commands the prophet, Ezekiel, to represent the siege of Jerusalem for 40 years. The day=a year principal at work again.
So God was giving the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment. He sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to him during this time. But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Most of all the one and only true Creator God and their mission was minimized.
Eventually, the religion of Israel became stiff and legalistic, often relying on their heritage than on the God who delivered them many times in miraculous ways. The scripture became so twisted that they denied their Messiah, who would have made them the greatest nation on the earth. Their actions would not be without consequences.
But let’s not be too judgmental of their plight. Today’s Christians are a similar position as Abraham’s seed. It is no wonder Paul stated,
These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days.
1 Corinthians 10:11 CEV
_______________________________________________
The Start Date for the Prophecy
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”Daniel 9: 24
If we can determine where the 490 years begin (with certainty), we can understand the other events of the prophecy. The timelines start here:
“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”
Daniel 9: 25
This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7 when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (See the *notes at the end).
So, now that we have a starting date let’s see where it takes us: The first stop is the coming of the Messiah, the Prince
The First Event of the Prophecy:
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince….Daniel 9: 25
The Messiah the Prince can refer only to Jesus himself. He is both the Messiah and a Prince
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
John 1:41
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
John 1:45
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
So we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah the Prince (Jesus) would be a certain length of time. How long? The answer is 69 weeks, (483 days or 483 years)
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Using the day=a year principal…We start at 457BC and move forward through history 483 years. It brings us to 27 AD Jesus was baptized and anointed for the beginning of his ministry on this date just as the prophecy in Daniel predicted! Remarkable!
Here is an important verse that connects Daniel 9 with Jesus’ baptism:
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
Matthew 3:16
A dove represents anointing. Another exciting passage that makes sense in the light of Jesus beginning his ministry precisely on time according to Daniel’s prophecy some 500 years before Jesus is this one:
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…”
Galatians 4:4
The time was “full.” In other words, Jesus came to this earth and began his ministry right on time! It may be possible that this quote is about this particular prophecy in Daniel 9!
We know that God knows the future and will not do anything unless he reveals it by his prophets:
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7
69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained. Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?
The 7 Years Explained
Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years. This is where Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and others use the 7 years as a period of tribulation. They disconnect it from this timeline and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.”
But we are going to let the verses speak for themselves. We will keep the last week on the timeline as intended. If we do, we learn the most exciting and powerful part of this prophecy!
Daniel tells us after Jesus began his ministry that Jesus would be cut off:
“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….” Daniel 9: 26
But before He is cutoff he would do the following:
“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, Daniel 9:27”
Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for 1 week or 7 days, which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days or 3 1/2 years Jesus’ ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD! Again, this is remarkably accurate!
Jesus ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD. As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death. The law of ceremonies had served their purpose of teaching the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation. Those ceremonial laws were the School Master to bring people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, grace, and the sacrifice of Jesus! The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:24, 25
All the festivals, drink, meat offerings, and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath found in the 10 commandments) were shadows pointing to the body of Jesus. All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:
“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
Colossians 2:17
On the other side of the cross, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them (Die for their sins). All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us (Die for our sins). Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;Matthew 27: 50, 51
Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus. (Please note: These laws did not include the 10 commandments, as some would assert. A study for another time. )
Jesus told His disciples this:
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15: 24
Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry. With them, he spent most of His time. His plea about the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews. He also told His disciples to do the same:
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 10: 5, 6
This the disciples did for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD. This takes us 3 1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.
In the year 34 AD, specific and relevant events took place to mark the end of the 490 years “determined” or given unto the Jewish nation:
In this year Stephen was martyred and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles
“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
2 Timothy 1:11
Another important passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9. It is a point where the burden of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God reveals who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.
Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples. Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas and blasphemed God! But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the transition and end of the 490 years given to the Daniel’s people (Israelites)
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13: 45, 46
The appointed people of God had rebelled continuously and failed to keep the covenant (agreement). At this transitional period in history God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:29
No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and Gentile if one belongs to Christ. God’s chosen people are identified as belonging to Christ:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 2:28, 29
Thus the 70-week prophecy came to an end! There is no room or context in the prophecy for 7 years of tribulation or the Anti Christ. It is simply not there. To try to force it takes away from a beautiful and essential part of the ministry of Christ of keeping the covenant with them while He was on this earth.
While Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and others have everyone looking at Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple to mark the soon return of Jesus, the Anti Christ is at work elsewhere in the world. This we will see in future studies. The Hollywood-produced Bible fiction is so deceptive that almost the whole world is taken in. What a great diversion by the enemy of humanity! It teaches an incorrect story about Jesus’ return and gives false hope of a 2nd chance after Jesus returns.
In conclusion, the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 is mishandled to try and support 7 years of tribulation at the end of time and the work of the Anti Christ. If the prophecy is kept in its context, it becomes a prophecy to support Jesus as the Messiah, his crucifixion, the spread of the gospel, and God’s long-suffering with the lost sheep of the house of Israel!
Below is a summary chart of the dates we have discussed above:
Below is information about the start date of this Daniel 9 prophecy (if you want more detail). I hope this study helped you see how God is in control and provided proof of Jesus’ ministry hundreds of years before He came to pay the price for our sins.
*Notes about the dates described in this writing:
Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used. Nehemiah has a date also. But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” The four decrees are :
The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12) The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26) The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)
Let’s eliminate some of the dates based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25 Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city. We can eliminate this date. Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus. It only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date. Ezra 7 makes provision for complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentences upon violators of their national laws. This date fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7. Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8) . Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date: The dates for Artaxerxes reign are well documented in the ancient sources:
Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.
Artaxerxes Reign
Fall to Fall
First year
464/463 B.C.
Second year
463/462 B.C.
Third year
462/461 B.C.
Fourth year
461/460 B.C.
Fifth year
460/459 B.C.
Sixth year
459/458 B.C.
Seventh year
458/457 B.C.
Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.
Note: the references in this prophecy to destruction of the city and temple and desolations:
“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”
Daniel 9:27
This is not a reference to a minor historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ but to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples. There has never been a temple since then and never will be!
“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Matthew 24:2
“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not e in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Matthew 24: 15-22
The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible. Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city. At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees. Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.
This was a time of trouble unlike any seen before…But there will be another time of trouble just before the Lord comes. While the Christians will be here, the plagues will not touch them, just as it didn’t when the plagues fell on Egypt when they were in captivity. This is a topic we will discuss in the coming weeks.
Until then, may the Lord bless you and your family and keep you under His wings.
