[xzins]

So are the Gnostics. Your point? (I hope it isn't: "He lived closer, thus he must be better".)

There are a variety of points spread through the two posts that cover Justin Martyr.

1. Are you pre-mil or a-mil or something different? Just take a stand so that we're involved in a fair discussion.
2. I would say that the major point is this: They didn't just dream this position that held sway for 2 centuries. They got it from somewhere. Martyr says two things: (1) It's the scriptural interpretation, and (2) It's what John the Revelator taught....and BECAUSE HE WAS CLOSE IN TIME he would have insight into that that you and I DON'T HAVE. (You must also know that Martyr, in addition to living near Jerusalem, also lived for a time in Ephesus...another location of John the Revelator in his later life.)

[Jerry_M]

If you had read my first post, you would see that I am Historical pre-mil. (Without a hint of dispensationalism.)

My issue with you is your reliance on Justin Martyr in support of your position. I agree with Jean Chauvin that you are on shaky ground there. There has been plenty of bad "commentary" on the Scriptures (look how much garbage non-Calvinists write!), and proximity to the events isn't a good indicator of value.

Jean wants Scripture, not Justin Martyr.

[Jerry_M]

"...and BECAUSE HE WAS CLOSE IN TIME he would have insight into that that you and I DON'T HAVE"

By this logic, Pontius Pilate would have better insight into the nature of Christ than any of us.

[Jean Chauvin]

"2. I would say that the major point is this: They didn't just dream this position that held sway for 2 centuries. They got it from somewhere."

~ASSUMING~ this is a factually true statement (that it was the majority opinion may not be the case -again, evidence suggest this indeed may not be the case and the 'majority' position is not ~necessarily~ the correct decision), one could make the same statement regarding the Roman Catholic Church during the middle ages.

Jean