Feasts of the Apocalypse

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 1-footnote 6
This digression demonstrates that the Apocalypse is arranged around a conceptual framework of three-and-a half year cycle of feasts.

Dating Matters

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 1-footnote 12 (see also Chapter 13 footnote 38)
This digression demonstrates that the Epistle to the Hebrews is dependent on the Apocalypse. Hebrews expands on the warning given in the Apocalypse concerning the removal of the temple thereby confirming that the Apocalypse was written before 70 CE.

The Tribal Blessings

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 4-footnote 13/chapter 6 fn 3
The tribal blessings are examined in this digression as they underpin the tribal lists in the Apocalypse and also determine the tribal arrangement around the tabernacle.

The Zodiac and the tribes

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 4-footnote 14
The Zodiac and constellations are also linked with the tribal arrangement around the sanctuary. The arrangement of the tribes around the tabernacle is meant to signify that heaven has come down to earth with God dwelling amongst his people.

Babylonian Rabbanism

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 8-chpt 8 page 145
Babylonian Rabbanism and Pharisaism. The establishment of a "house" in Shinar, the role of Rabbi Akiva and the influence of Judaism on other monotheistic religions.

The Post 70 CE history of the Jews

 

Digression on Revelation Chapter 9-footnote 35
Jewish history after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The Kitos war, fall of Babylon and revolt by the false messiah Bar Kochba supported by Rabi Akiva. Jerusalem officially declared a gentile city by Hadrian.

The book of Malachi

 

Digression on the book of Malachi Chapter 11-chpt.11 page 221/ch6 fn3
Argument for the dating of Malachi in the Hasmonean period. The prophet condemns the corrupt Hasmonean priests. Dated sometime in the reign of Antipater (died 36/37 BCE) anticipating the rise to power of the Edomite Kings. Herod, the Idumean killed the "messenger of the covenant" (John the Baptist)

Jewish-Christians in the period 70 CE-135 CE

 

Digression on Jewish-Christians in the period 70 CE - 135 CE Chapter 12-footnote 19
Jewish-Christians in the period 70 CE - 135 CE. Primary Documents on the Pella Flight ca 70 CE and the Aftermath of the first Revolt (70 CE)

Jude and the body of Moses

 

Digression on Jude and the body of Moses Chapter 12-footnote 28
Jude and the body of Moses. Was Jude referring to a Jewish apocryphal pseudepigraphical work or to Zechariah? A more likely explanation for this passage is that Jude was familiar with the Apocalypse.

Dynasty dates

 

Digression on Dynasty dates Chapter 17-footnote 8
Rulers (Governors) of Judea 26 CE-70 CE; Caesars 49 BCE- 69CE; High Priests 6 BCE - 15 CE; Herodian Dynasty 37 BCE-92CE