Introduction

While most agree that Revelation was written in the 1st Century, there is some strong disagreement over the date of writing - and in this case the difference matters. Two major schools of thought dealing with the book of Revelation have much to gain or lose depending on the date of its writing. The Preterist position asserts that it was finished before 70 A.D. and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple - for they believe that it is that event that Revelation prophecies. The Futurist school dates the book later, usually about 95 A.D., and sees the book predicating events at the end of the world.

Evidence for the late date: 95 A.D.

• The empire-wide persecution presented in Revelation (ch. 13, 17, 19) was not occurring before 70 A.D.
• The degradation of the churches in chapters 2-3 would not be expected to be found in such young churches.
• The temple (supposedly standing in ch. 11) could be a symbol for the church - not a literal building.
• Historical testimony argues for the late date. Irenaeus said John's vision was seen in the time of Domitian (81-96 A.D.).
• Almost all of the early church fathers agree on the late date.
• Phrases such as "angel of the church" or "the Lord's day" were not in use until the 2nd century.
• Nero's persecution was local to Rome and did not involve banishment (i.e. Paul and Peter were killed).
• The heads of the beast were not necessarily symbolic of Caesars, but of stages of government or even other empires.

Evidence for the early date: 70 A.D.

• The many "coming soon" and "at hand" passages (1:1, 2:16, 3:11, 22:6-20) only make sense if events matching the symbolism of Revelation were not too far in the future. The Jewish themes would make no sense after 70 A.D. - there was nothing left of the Jewish state.
• The Beast (which most if not all scholars agree represents Rome) was ruled by its 6th head ("head" = "king" see: 17:10) which was already in existence in John's day. Of the 7 heads (kings) only one was left - by 95 A.D. Rome was long past its 7th Caesar.
• Nero was Rome's 6th Caesar (head). His name adds up to both 666 (Hebrew) and 616 (Latin) - both of which are found in Revelation manuscripts in those languages.
• A 2nd Century manuscript of Revelation says it was written when Nero was Caesar (68 A.D.).
• There were still Judaizers in the church at that time (Rev. 2:9, 3:9) - impossible after 70A.D.
• The temple is apparently still standing in chapter 11.
• If the temple had already been destroyed, one would expect at least one mention of it somewhere.
• Revelation 2:2 shows that there were other apostles around - yet it is believed that all but John were dead by 70 A.D.
• Irenaeus' statement regarding Domitian's reign is difficult to interpret and based on a secondary source. In the same passage he also mentions "ancient copies" of Revelation in existence which makes little sense if they were only a few years old.
• Evidence for a massive persecution by Domitian (81-96 A.D.) is lacking.
• The only time there were only 7 churches in Asia was the early 60's.
• John was told he must prophesy again before kings (10:11) . . . he would have been over 90 if the late date is correct. Stories of his actions after being released from Patmos are difficult to reconcile with an aged man.

While many books may be said to have a range of possible dates that work equally well with one another, Revelation's date is somewhat critical to one's interpretation. Careful study is warranted by any student of Scripture.