The Solution to the Esoteric Order
of the Churches in
the Revelation of Jesus Christ
G.D.O’Bradovich III
March 5, 2024
Doc Budd
In Appreciation
intRoduction
The incipit of the last book of the canonical Bible reads Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. This opening is correctly translated as “Jesus Christ’s Revelation,” as both Ἰησοῦ and Χριστοῦ are in the genitive singular masculine inflections. An ambiguity exists in the English language, as it can be interpreted either as Jesus’ revelation or as a revelation concerning him. The uncertainty is compounded as the title in the King James authorized version, 1611, is “THE REVELATION of S.Iohn the Diuine.” The explicit contradiction of the English title followed by the first verse that reads “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him…” is beyond the purview of the paper.
It is a convention of western theologians that the title of a work that has been Divinely revealed during the Christian dispensation is described as the “Revelation of N.” The presumption is that the titles are to be interpreted as “a revelation to N.” and not as “a revelation from N.” Since God is disclosing his will to a prophet, the titles can be more precisely rendered as “a revelation [according] to N.” A similar format is found in the titles of the anonymous Gospels in the Bible: “The Gospel according to St. N.”
Some examples of Apocalyptical titles include:
It is a convention of western theologians that the title of a work that has been Divinely revealed during the Christian dispensation is described as the “Revelation of N.” The presumption is that the titles are to be interpreted as “a revelation to N.” and not as “a revelation from N.” Since God is disclosing his will to a prophet, the titles can be more precisely rendered as “a revelation [according] to N.” A similar format is found in the titles of the anonymous Gospels in the Bible: “The Gospel according to St. N.”
Some examples of Apocalyptical titles include:
[First] Apocalypse of James
[Second] Apocalypse of James [Coptic] Apocalypse of Elijah Apocalypse of Thomas Apocalypse of Peter Apocalypse of Paul Apocalypse of Adam |
Although we are familiar with the naming convention, our reasons for referring to the ultimate Biblical book as the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” rather than either "the Revelation according to John,” "the Revelation of John, " or another variant is threefold:
1. The “Revelation of Jesus Christ '' is the incipit of the text and it is obvious in the Greek language who possesses the revelation from God.
2. A careful reading of the book suggests that Jesus is repeatedly presented as inferior in knowledge when compared the Father, that is, the information presented to John is also simultaneously revealed to Jesus. Although Jesus is almost universally taught as being God, three Biblical examples indicate Jesus is subordinate to the Father.
1. The “Revelation of Jesus Christ '' is the incipit of the text and it is obvious in the Greek language who possesses the revelation from God.
2. A careful reading of the book suggests that Jesus is repeatedly presented as inferior in knowledge when compared the Father, that is, the information presented to John is also simultaneously revealed to Jesus. Although Jesus is almost universally taught as being God, three Biblical examples indicate Jesus is subordinate to the Father.
2.1 Jesus explicitly declares that “my Father is greater than I [am]” [John 14:28]. This statement suggests that Jesus and the Father are not only separate entities, but that Jesus is, in an undisclosed manner, lesser than the Father. This subordinate position is confirmed in the first sentence of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” “which God gave unto him” [Rev. 1:1]. Firstly, it is clear that Jesus was ignorant of the future and, secondly, God gave the revelation to Jesus Christ who, in turn, provided it to John.
2.2 Jesus describes himself as the Alpha and the Omega in the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” [1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13]. On three occasions, this description is followed by an explanation of being the beginning and the end [1:8, 21:6, 22:13] and, once, as being the first and the last [1:11]. Of course, anything with a beginning has a time of creation and, subsequently, there was a time when it did not exist, that is, "There was a time when he was not." This is also true of a series consisting of a “first” and a “last.” Anything with a beginning and an end cannot be eternal. Unless one argues that God is limited as to time, then it is reasonable to conclude that the image of Jesus depicted in Revelation is neither God, nor God incarnate, as he is a created being with a creation and an end. To unequivocally state the Orthodox position: the Son existed before the Incarnation ["genitum non factum,"γεννηθέντα, οὐ ποιηθέντα"] The denial of Jesus’ divinity by identifying him as the Alpha and the Omega and the unstated, but reasonable, conclusion that he is a creation, not the Creator, are two possible reasons this book is not accepted by the Orthodox Church. 2.3 The third reason is the late publication of Revelation, as the internal evidence repeatedly suggests a timeframe between 1453 AD, the second fall of Constantinople, and 1492 AD, the year 7000 AM and the expected Second Coming and the end of the world. By the fifteenth century, the canon of the Orthodox Church was closed and no further revelations were to be accepted. The acknowledgment of the authority of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” by the Roman Church and Protestants in the early sixteenth century is beyond the scope of this essay. |
3. The “Revelation of Jesus Christ'' can also be interpreted as an unveiling of who, or what, Jesus is. It would not be long after the Greek version of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” was introduced into the east before astute readers understood the implications of the potential blasphemous connections between Jesus Christ and the Beast. Since this potential impiety is not inherent in either the Latin text or the Roman script, there was no ecclesiastical hindrance for the book to be accepted into the western canon, where it remains to this day.
As M. Eugene Boring notes in his 1989 work, ”Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Revelation,” that
As M. Eugene Boring notes in his 1989 work, ”Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Revelation,” that
“To this day, Catholic and Protestant lectionaries have only minimal readings from Revelation, and the Greek Orthodox lectionary omits it altogether.”
|
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant communities, there is no recognized authority in the Orthodox Church to change long accepted traditions, generally, or the daily readings from the annual lectionary, specifically.
section 1
It is well known that the roads to the seven churches addressed at the beginning of Revelation form a circuit.
Because of this circuitous route, the initial church seems arbitrary, that is, any city could be the initial city, although the remaining churches are required to be mentioned in a specific order as determined by their connecting roads. The exegesis of the seven churches as corresponding to seven future ages of the church is often rehashed among certain branches of Protestantism and it is likely to be incorrect, as no Scripture is of personal interpretation [2 Peter 1:20].
Alternately, the roads to the churches can be interpreted as forming a center city, Sardis, with three roads radiating to three cities and these cities are connected to three additional cities, that is to say, a road connects Pergamum and Thyatira to Sardis; another road joins Ephesus and Smyrna to Sardis, and a third road links Philadelphia and Laodicea to Sardis.
Alternately, the roads to the churches can be interpreted as forming a center city, Sardis, with three roads radiating to three cities and these cities are connected to three additional cities, that is to say, a road connects Pergamum and Thyatira to Sardis; another road joins Ephesus and Smyrna to Sardis, and a third road links Philadelphia and Laodicea to Sardis.
Either explanation, either as circuit or a center with three offshoots, is equally valid, until compelling evidence is offered for one interpretation.
John utilized the technical language of being “in the Spirit” on four occasions; 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10. This wording divides the text into five sections:
John utilized the technical language of being “in the Spirit” on four occasions; 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10. This wording divides the text into five sections:
Section 1
Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 |
1:1
1:10 4:2 17:3 21:10 |
-
- - - - |
1:9
4:1 17:2 21:9 22:20 [or 22:21] |
The first twenty verses, or the preamble of Revelation, assign various attributes, either as single words or in phrases, to Jesus and these are oftentimes repeated in the addresses to the churches.
If the seven churches do correspond to the seven planets, as connoted by the number seven, then this supposition necessitates a method for assigning a given church to a specific planet. Along with the methodology for assigning planets to the churches, unmistakable conformations for the proposed allocations are also required, lest the endeavor becomes an exercise in futility.
If the sequence of the preamble is considered inalterable, along with the order of the planets, then the only variable is the order of the addresses to the churches.
The order of the planets is:
If the seven churches do correspond to the seven planets, as connoted by the number seven, then this supposition necessitates a method for assigning a given church to a specific planet. Along with the methodology for assigning planets to the churches, unmistakable conformations for the proposed allocations are also required, lest the endeavor becomes an exercise in futility.
If the sequence of the preamble is considered inalterable, along with the order of the planets, then the only variable is the order of the addresses to the churches.
The order of the planets is:
Sun
Mercury Venus Moon Mars Jupiter Saturn |
Once the churches are arranged to conform to the words or phrases of the preamble, then each of the seven planets can be assigned to a single church.
section 2
To ensure sections remain in the proper sequence, alphabetical suffixes are appended to certain verses that contain several descriptions. Of the eighteen distinct words and phrases were selected with ten duplicates.
Word or Phrase Verse Context
Word or Phrase Verse Context
Grace
Peace Is, was, to come Seven Spirits Faithful witness |
1:04a
1:04b 1:04c 1:04d1:05a |
Grace G5485 be unto you
peace G1515 from him which is and which was and which is to come the seven Spirits G4151 the faithful G4103 witness G3144 |
First begotten
Amen Amen Alpha/Omega Beginning/end |
1:05b
1:06 1:07 1:08a 1:08b |
first begotten of the dead G3498
Amen [verily] G281. Amen [verily] G281. I am Alpha G1 and Omega G5598, the beginning G746 and the ending G5056, |
Is, was, to come
Alpha/Omega First/ last Candlesticks Eyes |
1:08c
1:11a 1:11b 1:13 1:14 |
which is and which was and which is to come,
Alpha G1 and Omega G5598 the first G4413 and the last G2078 and in the midst G3319 of the seven candlesticks G3087 his eyes G3788 were as a flame of fire G4442 |
Feet
Stars Mouth/sword Face First/last |
1:15
1:16a 1:16b 1:16c 1:17 |
his feet G4228 like G3664 unto fine brass G5474
he had in his right G1188 hand G5495seven stars G792 mouth G4750 went a sharp G3691 twoedged G1366 sword G4501 his countenance [face] G3799 was as the sun G2246 shineth the first G4413 and the last G2078 |
Was, was not, is
Amen Keys Stars Candlesticks |
1:18a
1:18b 1:18c 1:20a 1:20b |
liveth G2198 and was G1096 dead G3498 and... alive G2198
Amen [verily] G281 the keys G2807 of Hell G86 and of death G2288. seven stars G792 seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087 |
Stars
Candlesticks |
1:20c
1:20d |
seven stars G792
seven candlesticks G3087 |
Two words, holy G40 and true G228, are found in the description of the church of Philadelphia, 3:07, but not to Jesus, although "faithful" and "true" are assigned to the one who sits on the throne and to the message of the angel [21:5, 22:6].
Once the addresses to the churches are arranged to the preamble, then the resultant order of the churches should correspond to the order of the planets: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Once the addresses to the churches are arranged to the preamble, then the resultant order of the churches should correspond to the order of the planets: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
section 3
Words and Phrases in the Preamble and in the Addresses to the Churches
The first row is from section two. Similar words or phrases from the addresses to the churches are in the second row. NA is "Not Applicable."
Grace
NA Peace NA Is, was, to come NA Seven Spirits Sardis Faithful witness Laodicea |
1:04a Grace G548
only other use of G548 is 22:21 1:04b peace G1515 only other usage of G1515 is 6:4 1:04c which is and which was and which is to come preamble, 1:08c 1:04d the seven Spirits G4151 3:01 the seven Spirits G4151 of God G2316 1:05a the faithful G4103 witness G3144 3:14 the faithful G4103 and true G228 witness |
First begotten
NA Amen Laodicea Amen Laodicea Alpha/Omega NA Beginning/end Laodicea |
1:05b first begotten of the dead G3498
only usage 1:06 Amen [verily] G281. 3:14 These things saith the Amen [verily] G281 1:07 Amen [verily] G281. 3:14 “These things saith the Amen [verily] G281 1:08a “I am Alpha G1 and Omega G5598, Alpha and Omega are in 1:11a, 21:6, 22:13 1:08b the beginning G746 and the ending G5056, 3:14 the beginning G746 of the creation G2937 of God |
Is, was, to come
NA Alpha/Omega NA First/last Smyrna Candlesticks Ephesus Eyes Thyatira |
1:08c “which is and which was and which is to come,
preamble, 1:04c 1:11a Alpha G1 and Omega G5598 Alpha and Omega are in 1:08a, 21:6, 22:13 1:11b the first G4413 and the last G2078 2:08 These things saith the first G4413 and the last G2078 1:13 and in the midst G3319 of the seven candlesticks G3087 2:01 in the midst G3319 of the seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087. 1:14 his eyes G3788 were as a flame of fire G4442 2:18a his eyes G3788 like G3664 unto a flame of fire G4442 |
Feet
Thyatira Stars Ephesus Mouth/sword Pergamum Mouth/sword Pergamum Face NA First/last Smyrna |
1:15 his feet G4228 like G3664 unto fine brass G5474
2:18b his feet G4228 are like fine brass G5474. 1:16a seven stars G792 2:01 the seven stars G792 in his right hand G1188 1:16b mouth G4750 went a sharp G3691 twoedged G1366 sword G4501 2:12 the sharp G3691 sword G4501 with two edges G1366. 1:16b mouth G4750 went a sharp G3691 twoedged G1366 sword G4501 2:16 with the sword G4501 of my mouth G4750 1:16c his countenance [face] G3799 was as the sun G2246 shineth Rev. 22:4, face G4383 1:17 the first G4413 and the last G2078 2:08 These things saith the first G4413 and the last G2078 |
Was, was not, is
NA Amen Laodicea Keys Philadelphia Stars Sardis Candlesticks Ephesus |
1:18a liveth G2198 and was G1096 dead G3498 and...am alive G2198
The only example of this phrasing. 1:18b Amen [verily] G281 3:14 “These things saith the Amen [verily] G281 1:18c the keys G2807 3:07 he that hath the key G2807 of David G1138, 1:20a seven stars G792 3:01 and the seven stars G792. 1:20b seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087 2:01 in the midst G3319 of the seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087. |
Stars
Sardis Candlesticks Ephesus |
1:20c seven stars G792
3:01 and the seven stars G792. 1:20d seven candlesticks G3087 2:01 in the midst G3319 of the seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087. |
The section of "Mouth/sword" was duplicated to account for the two passages in the address to Pergamum [2:12,16].
section 4
Explanation of Correlating Sections of the Preamble to the Churches
1:04a
Grace is found in the first verse, 1:04a, and the last verse, 22:21.
1:04b
Peace is found in two passages, 1:04b and 6:4. The second usage follows the address to the churches.
1:04c
The phrase “which is and which was and which is to come” is found in 1:04c and 1:08c. Both usages of the phrase are found in the preamble.
Two words, “Grace” and “peace,” and one phrase, “which is and which was and which is to come,” are not located in the addresses to the churches.
1:04d
The “seven Spirits” is the first description that is found in the addresses to churches, specifically, Sardis [1:04d, 3:01]. Sardis will correspond to the Sun.
1:05a
The next description, the “faithful G4103 witness G3144,” is found in the address to Laodicea [1:05a, 3:24]. Laodicea will correspond to Mercury.
1:05b
The “first begotten of the dead G3498” is a phrase not found in the addresses to the churches and it is only written once in Revelation.
1:06, 1:07
“Amen” is found in 1:06 and 1:07 and is only found once in the address to Laodicea [3:14]. Since Laodicea has been assigned to Mercury, the usage of “Amen” will be ignored.
1:08a
“I am Alpha G1 and Omega G5598” is not found in the addresses to the churches.
1:08b
The “beginning G746 and the ending G5056” seems to be correlated to “the beginning G746 of the creation G2937 of God [3:14].” If this conclusion is incorrect, then this error will have no material consequence concerning the ultimate conclusion, as Laodicea has previously been assigned to Mercury.
1:08c
The phrase “which is and which was and which is to come” is found in 1:04c.
1:11a
The phrase “Alpha G1 and Omega G5598” is found in 21:6 and 22:13.
1:11b
The phrase “the first G4413 and the last G2078” corresponds to “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [2:08]” which is in the address to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna, the third correspondence, is assigned to Venus.
1:13
The phrase “in the midst G3319 of the seven candlesticks G3087” is similar to “in the midst G3319 of the seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087 [2:01].” This fourth correspondence assigns Ephesus to the Moon.
1:14
The phrase “his eyes G3788 were as a flame of fire G4442” is similar to “his eyes G3788 like G3664 unto a flame of fire G4442 [2:18a].” The fifth correspondence will assign Thyatira to Mars.
1:15
The phrase “his feet G4228 like G3664 unto fine brass G5474 [1:15]” is similar to “his feet G4228 are like fine brass G5474 [2:18b].” Since Thyatira has been assigned to Mars, this phrase will be ignored.
1:16a
The phrase “in his right G1188 hand G5495 seven stars G792” is similar to “the seven stars G792 in his right hand G1188 [2:01].” This duplicate phrase to Ephesus will be ignored.
1:16b
The phrase “out of his mouth G4750 went a sharp G3691 twoedged G1366 sword G4501 ” is similar to “the sharp G3691 sword G4501 with two edges G1366 [2:12]” and “with the sword G4501 of my mouth G4750 [2:16].” This sixth correspondence will assign Pergamum to Jupiter.
1:16c
The phrase “his countenance [face] G3799 was as the sun G2246 shineth in his strength [power] G1411” is not found in the description to the churches, although G4383 is found once when describing Jesus [22:4].
1:17
The phrase “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [1:17]” is identical to “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [2:08],” from the address to Smyrna, which will be ignored, as Smyrna has been assigned to Venus.
1:18a
The phrase “liveth G2198 and was G1096 dead G3498 and, behold, I am alive G2198” is not found in the description to the churches.
1:18b
“The phrase “Amen [verily] G281” corresponds to “These things saith the Amen [verily] G281 [3:14]” addressed to Laodicea and Laodicea has been assigned to Mercury.
1:18c
The only mention of “keys G2807” in the preamble concerns the keys of Hell and Death. However, the only mention of a key or keys is found in the address to the church of Philadelphia, wherein Jesus possesses “the key G2807 of David G1138 [3:07].” Nothing else in the address to the church of Philadelphia, such as closing and shutting, has any parallel in the preamble. Therefore, the church of Philadelphia must be the seventh, and final, correspondence, Saturn.
The remaining mention of stars, 1:20a and 1:20c, and candlesticks, 1:20b and 1:20d, are applicable to Sardis and Ephesus, previously assigned to the Sun and Moon, respectively, and are ignored.
Grace is found in the first verse, 1:04a, and the last verse, 22:21.
1:04b
Peace is found in two passages, 1:04b and 6:4. The second usage follows the address to the churches.
1:04c
The phrase “which is and which was and which is to come” is found in 1:04c and 1:08c. Both usages of the phrase are found in the preamble.
Two words, “Grace” and “peace,” and one phrase, “which is and which was and which is to come,” are not located in the addresses to the churches.
1:04d
The “seven Spirits” is the first description that is found in the addresses to churches, specifically, Sardis [1:04d, 3:01]. Sardis will correspond to the Sun.
1:05a
The next description, the “faithful G4103 witness G3144,” is found in the address to Laodicea [1:05a, 3:24]. Laodicea will correspond to Mercury.
1:05b
The “first begotten of the dead G3498” is a phrase not found in the addresses to the churches and it is only written once in Revelation.
1:06, 1:07
“Amen” is found in 1:06 and 1:07 and is only found once in the address to Laodicea [3:14]. Since Laodicea has been assigned to Mercury, the usage of “Amen” will be ignored.
1:08a
“I am Alpha G1 and Omega G5598” is not found in the addresses to the churches.
1:08b
The “beginning G746 and the ending G5056” seems to be correlated to “the beginning G746 of the creation G2937 of God [3:14].” If this conclusion is incorrect, then this error will have no material consequence concerning the ultimate conclusion, as Laodicea has previously been assigned to Mercury.
1:08c
The phrase “which is and which was and which is to come” is found in 1:04c.
1:11a
The phrase “Alpha G1 and Omega G5598” is found in 21:6 and 22:13.
1:11b
The phrase “the first G4413 and the last G2078” corresponds to “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [2:08]” which is in the address to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna, the third correspondence, is assigned to Venus.
1:13
The phrase “in the midst G3319 of the seven candlesticks G3087” is similar to “in the midst G3319 of the seven golden G5552 candlesticks G3087 [2:01].” This fourth correspondence assigns Ephesus to the Moon.
1:14
The phrase “his eyes G3788 were as a flame of fire G4442” is similar to “his eyes G3788 like G3664 unto a flame of fire G4442 [2:18a].” The fifth correspondence will assign Thyatira to Mars.
1:15
The phrase “his feet G4228 like G3664 unto fine brass G5474 [1:15]” is similar to “his feet G4228 are like fine brass G5474 [2:18b].” Since Thyatira has been assigned to Mars, this phrase will be ignored.
1:16a
The phrase “in his right G1188 hand G5495 seven stars G792” is similar to “the seven stars G792 in his right hand G1188 [2:01].” This duplicate phrase to Ephesus will be ignored.
1:16b
The phrase “out of his mouth G4750 went a sharp G3691 twoedged G1366 sword G4501 ” is similar to “the sharp G3691 sword G4501 with two edges G1366 [2:12]” and “with the sword G4501 of my mouth G4750 [2:16].” This sixth correspondence will assign Pergamum to Jupiter.
1:16c
The phrase “his countenance [face] G3799 was as the sun G2246 shineth in his strength [power] G1411” is not found in the description to the churches, although G4383 is found once when describing Jesus [22:4].
1:17
The phrase “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [1:17]” is identical to “the first G4413 and the last G2078 [2:08],” from the address to Smyrna, which will be ignored, as Smyrna has been assigned to Venus.
1:18a
The phrase “liveth G2198 and was G1096 dead G3498 and, behold, I am alive G2198” is not found in the description to the churches.
1:18b
“The phrase “Amen [verily] G281” corresponds to “These things saith the Amen [verily] G281 [3:14]” addressed to Laodicea and Laodicea has been assigned to Mercury.
1:18c
The only mention of “keys G2807” in the preamble concerns the keys of Hell and Death. However, the only mention of a key or keys is found in the address to the church of Philadelphia, wherein Jesus possesses “the key G2807 of David G1138 [3:07].” Nothing else in the address to the church of Philadelphia, such as closing and shutting, has any parallel in the preamble. Therefore, the church of Philadelphia must be the seventh, and final, correspondence, Saturn.
The remaining mention of stars, 1:20a and 1:20c, and candlesticks, 1:20b and 1:20d, are applicable to Sardis and Ephesus, previously assigned to the Sun and Moon, respectively, and are ignored.
section 5
Proposed Esoteric Order of the Churches
The reordering of the churches to conform to the order found in the preamble results in a new series for the churches. Identical to the word and phrases in the preamble, the order of the planets remains unaltered.
Church of
Sardis Laodicea Smyrna Ephesus Thyatira Pergamum Philadelphia |
Corresponding to
the Sun Mercury Venus the Moon Mars Jupiter Saturn |
The difficulty of determining the identity of the planets solely through comparisons of the mythological stories and of the descriptions of the churches is demonstrated by the church at Ephesus. Ephesus is rebuked because “thou hast left thy first G4413 love G26” [2:4]. This rebuke could apply to any of the planetary rulers. The first love of a fraternal twin is, of course, to the other twin. This reprimand would then be applicable only to Apollo, the sun, or to Artemis, the moon. Ephesus was renowned for their temple of Diane [Acts 19:28]. However, there is no rationale to choose Diane over Apollo as the planet suggested in the address to the church of Ephesus. Likewise, there are no unambiguous solutions to the identities of the rulers of the planets that rely wholly upon the addresses to the churches.
section 6
First Indication that the proposed Esoteric Order is Correct
Starting with Sardis, as the center city, the next city is Laodicea, an outer city, and the next city, Smyrna, is an inner city. The alternating pattern continues:
City
Sardis Laodicea Smyrna Ephesus Thyatira Pergamum Philadelphia |
Location
Center Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner |
Esoteric order
5 7 2 1 4 3 6 |
Initial verse
3:1 3:14 2:8 2:1 2:18 2:12 3:7 |
City
Sardis Laodicea Smyrna Ephesus Thyatira Pergamum Philadelphia |
Location
Center Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner |
By the method of listing the first instance of certain words and phrases in the preamble and a reordering of the churches, an alternating pattern of inner and outer churches is revealed. This pattern demonstrates the possibility of intent.
Excursis
The esoteric order number of Sardis, 5, is equal to the sum of the order numbers of Ephesus, 1, and Thyatira, 4.
Sardis = Ephesus + Thyatira
Sardis, 5 = Ephesus, 1, + Thyatira, 4
5 = 1 + 4
5 = 5
Sardis, 5 = Ephesus, 1, + Thyatira, 4
5 = 1 + 4
5 = 5
The sum of the order numbers of Laodicea, 7, and Smyrna, 2, is equal to the sum of the order numbers of Pergamos, 3, and Philadelphia, 6.
Laodicea + Smyrna = Pergamos + Philadelphia
Laodicea, 7, + Smyrna, 2 = Pergamos, 3, + Philadelphia, 6
7 + 2 = 3 + 6
9=9
Laodicea, 7, + Smyrna, 2 = Pergamos, 3, + Philadelphia, 6
7 + 2 = 3 + 6
9=9
As always, the Gentle Researcher will judge the merits of this excursion.
section 7
Second Indication that the proposed Esoteric Order is Correct
The planetary deities are masculine, except for the Moon and Venus. Therefore, a random pairing of six deities, excluding the Sun, would most likely result in two pairs, consisting of one male and one female, and one pair, consisting of two males.
City
Sardis Smyrna Ephesus Thyatira Laodicea Philadelphia Pergamos |
Location
Center Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer |
Planet
Sun Venus Moon Mars Mercury Saturn Jupiter |
Gender of the Planet
Male Female Female Male Male Male Male |
The proposed esoteric order that results in alternating inner and outer cities also places the female planets together. Once again, this unexpected result suggests the possibility of intent, otherwise, the expectations of a random pairings would be one all male pairing and two mixed pairs.
section 8
Conclusion
Many interpreters of Revelation offer date ranges for the proposed seven church ages. Although these dates vary, a typical result is shown below. All dates are Anno Domini.
City
Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea |
Date Range
31-100 100-313 313-538 538-1500s 1500s-1790s 1790s-1840s 1840s- Second Coming |
Notes
Christianity legalized in the Roman Empire, 313 Papal supremacy; Pope Vigilius, r. 537-555 Protestant Reformation Introduction of the doctrine of the Rapture |
All dates before the year 1600 are based upon the historical opinions of Scaliger [d. 1609] and his numerous followers concerning world history. All dates before 1600 AD are subject to revision and, as a consequence, the concept of the proposed seven Church Ages based on Revelation are in doubt, before any attempts to determine possible dates for durations for the ages is begun. Due to compounding uncertainty, the conservative course is to conclude the correspondence to the churches is entirely historical. Unlike Scaliger’s chronology, the proposed solution to the correct allocation of the planets to the churches is not reliant upon a chronological foundation of conjecture mortared with speculation.
Although our attempt discover an arrangement of the churches with the planets seems impractical, the identification of the planets is essential to the proper interpretations concerning the remainder of Revelation. After the planetary correspondences are acknowledged, the text continues and explicitly identifies three of the four cardinal signs, Leo, Taurus, and Aquarius, alluded to in Rev. 4:7.
Although our attempt discover an arrangement of the churches with the planets seems impractical, the identification of the planets is essential to the proper interpretations concerning the remainder of Revelation. After the planetary correspondences are acknowledged, the text continues and explicitly identifies three of the four cardinal signs, Leo, Taurus, and Aquarius, alluded to in Rev. 4:7.
Beast
A Lion A Calf a face as a man a flying eagle |
Constellation
Leo Taurus Aquarius To be Determined |
From the pattern of listing the fixed signs of Leo, Taurus, and Aquarius, the final constellation in the series must be Scorpio.
Beast
A Lion A Calf a face as a man a flying eagle |
Constellation
Leo Taurus Aquarius Scorpio |
Quality
Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed |
Element
Fire Earth Air Water |
Further on, four additional signs are identified in Rev. 6:2, 4-5, and 8.
Verse
6:2 6:4 6:5 6:8 |
Constellation
Sagittarius Aries Libra Gemini |
Element
Fire Fire Air Air |
Quality
Mutable Cardinal Mutable Cardinal |
The order of these signs is not random, as the first two are fire signs, and the final two are air signs [6:2, 4; 6:5, 8]. Additionally, the pattern of the qualities, mutable followed by cardinal, is repeated.
The remaining constellations are not named, however, on four occasions, four angels are mentioned who are “to hurt the earth and the sea” [Rev. 7:1-2; 9:14-15].
The four remaining constellations of the Zodiac consist of two earth signs and two water signs. The elements and qualities are included for completeness.
The remaining constellations are not named, however, on four occasions, four angels are mentioned who are “to hurt the earth and the sea” [Rev. 7:1-2; 9:14-15].
The four remaining constellations of the Zodiac consist of two earth signs and two water signs. The elements and qualities are included for completeness.
Constellation
Virgo Capricorn Pisces Cancer |
Element
Earth Earth Water Water |
Quality
Mutable Cardinal Mutable Cardinal |
The images and objects found in Revelation are neither haphazardly placed nor randomly mentioned, but follow specific, albeit undisclosed rules, that become apparent with time and sufficient persistence.
An understanding of the three qualities, the four elements, the seven ruling planets, and the twelve constellations are required for properly interpreting the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
An understanding of the three qualities, the four elements, the seven ruling planets, and the twelve constellations are required for properly interpreting the Revelation of Jesus Christ.