Faith without religion.
Revelation 11: Symbols, Believers, and Historical Parallels
In our recent gathering, we continued our exploration of Revelation 11, delving into the symbolic meanings behind John’s vision. We revisited the passage where John is instructed to measure the temple and those who worship within it, a task that seems to symbolize identifying true believers, both Jews and Gentiles, who make up the spiritual temple or the church. This interpretation aligns with Paul’s teachings in Romans, suggesting that true Israel is defined by faith rather than ethnicity.
We also examined the role of the Gentiles in this vision, particularly their symbolic representation as the Romans who would tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months. This period corresponds with historical events, such as the Roman siege of Jerusalem, which lasted approximately three and a half years, a significant timeframe in eschatological discussions.
The discussion then shifted to the enigmatic two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:3. Various interpretations have been proposed, ranging from historical figures like Moses and Elijah to symbolic representations of the Old and New Testaments. We also considered the intriguing possibility of Ananus and Joshua, two high priests during the Roman-Jewish war, whose lives and deaths bear striking parallels to the vision of the two witnesses.
As we concluded, we were left with a thought-provoking account of Jesus, the son of Ananus, whose prophetic cries against Jerusalem eerily mirrored the fate of the city. This narrative invites us to reflect on the connections between historical events and the symbolic language of Revelation, encouraging us to ponder the deeper meanings within these ancient texts. As we continue our study, we remain open to exploring these complex interpretations and their implications for our understanding of faith and history.
