The BEMA Podcast 175: Revelation — Ephesus and Their First Love
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Jul 2, 2020 Exploring the historical context of John's first letter in Revelation, the significance of Ephesus, the impact of Mount Vesuvius's eruption, the struggles of the early church in Ephesus, the concept of 'first love' in Revelation, and engaging with the BEMA experience.
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Domitian Dating Shapes Revelation
- Revelation was likely written during Domitian's reign around the late 80s to 90s AD, shaping its historical context.
- That dating places Revelation about 25 years after Paul's ministry in Ephesus, altering the city's situation and pressures.
Ephesus As A Political Power Center
- Ephesus was a major political and commercial hub, often chosen as an imperial neocorus and the empire's second-largest city.
- Its status made it politically sensitive and exposed Christians there to heightened pressure and persecution.
Order Reflects Postal Route
- If Revelation targets churches under Domitian, addressing Ephesus first is notable because it's his neocorus and politically central.
- The sequence of the seven churches likely follows the postal delivery route, reflecting practical order rather than theological ranking.