Category: Tribulation

Gospel Mission, Martyrs, Testimony, Witnesses

Martyrs and Overcomers

David R Maas

Two repeated themes in Revelation are closely related – “Witness” and “Overcome.” Beginning with Jesus of Nazareth and his martyrdom on Calvary, his followers are summoned to persevere in his “Testimony.” In this way, they will “overcome” and emerge victorious in the city of “New Jerusalem.” They must “overcome, even as I overcame.” Moreover, Jesus is presented to the “Seven Assemblies of Asia” as the “FAITHFUL WITNESS, the Firstborn of the Dead, and the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.”

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Persecution, Second Death, Seven Churches, Tribulation

Faithful Until Death

David R Maas

The church of Smyrna is only one of two of the seven Asian churches that received no correction, the other being Philadelphia. What set this congregation apart was the level of persecution that it endured because of its “testimony,” and its steadfast refusal to “eat meat offered to idols” and otherwise compromise with the Greco-Roman culture. Its members stood firm in their refusal to participate in the imperial idolatry of Rome, and consequently, they suffered “tribulation” and persecution due to false accusations against them made by Satan’s agents.

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Beast from the Sea, Dragon, Persecution, War

The Beast at War

David R Maas

The Book of Revelation uses “war” and related terms to illustrate Satan’s attacks against the followers of the “Lamb.” The Book shows little to no interest in conventional or nuclear warfare between nation-states. Instead, the “Dragon” strives mightily to annihilate the saints before his allotted time expires. To do so, he employs deception, compromise, and on occasion, outright persecution. The target of his hostility is the Church of Jesus Christ.

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Tribulation, Wrath

Tribulation vs Wrath

David R Maas

Disciples escape God’s wrath, but they endure tribulation. And according to Paul, the church has been appointed to tribulation. The terms “tribulation” and “wrath” are NOT synonymous in Paul’s letters or in the book of Revelation. “Tribulation” is what disciples endure for the sake of the gospel. “Wrath” is the horrific fate that awaits the wicked at the final judgment when the Lord arrives in glory.

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Persecution, Seven Trumpets, Short Season

The Forty-Two Months

David R Maas

The period when the saints endure persecution is presented in three different but equivalent forms – “forty-two months,” “1,260 days,” and the “season, seasons, and half a season.” These variations do not point to three separate periods. Instead, they link several visions that describe specific aspects of the persecution that takes place during this period.

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