Most modern scholars argue that Revelation was written after AD 96 during the reign of Domitian, as documented by early historian Irenaeus in Eusebius’s 5th book, chapter 8.
In this article, we will propose a different view, suggesting that Revelation was written around AD 65 to warn and encourage Christians about the imminent fulfillment of Paul’s vision. To support this earlier dating, we will examine scripture and consult various historians.
Concerns with Irenaeus and Evidence of Domitian’s Reign in AD 69
Before delving into the discussion, let’s address some concerns regarding Irenaeus and his singular statement used to determine the date of Revelation. Here is the excerpt from book 5 that is often cited:
“We, therefore, do not venture to affirm anything with certainty respecting the name of antichrist. For were it necessary that his name should be clearly announced to the present age, it would have been declared by him who saw the revelation. For it has not been long since it was seen, but almost in our own generation, about the end of Domitian’s reign.”
While we should not dismiss Irenaeus entirely, it is worth noting that he also made the historically inaccurate claim that Jesus ministered from the age of 30 to 50. This discrepancy raises questions about his credibility and the reliability of his statements.
Moreover, according to Frank Viola, Domitian briefly held the title of emperor for six months between AD 69 and AD 70, as verified by Ancient.eu and Britannica.com. This often overlooked fact challenges the prevailing belief that Domitian’s reign occurred after the writing of Revelation.
Scripture-Based Facts Supporting Pre-70 AD Writing of Revelation
The Syriac Manuscripts, considered the earliest dating of the New Testament, suggest that John was exiled to the island of Patmos by Nero. As Nero ruled from 54 to 68 AD, it follows that Revelation was written before AD 70.
Revelation 17:10 mentions that seven kings have fallen, with one currently in power, and another to come briefly. The five fallen kings are Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius/Caligula, and Claudius. The ruling king at the time was Nero, and the next one to come was Galba, who reigned for only six months. This aligns the writing with the time of Nero.
Revelation 1:7 includes the phrase “and they also which pierced him,” referring to those who pierced Jesus. According to John 19:34, Jesus was pierced by a soldier (stratiōtēs), indicating that the perpetrator was at least 20 years old, the minimum age requirement at the time. Considering that Jesus died around 33 AD and the verse mentions the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, approximately 37 years had passed. This timeframe suggests that those soldiers who pierced Jesus, aged between 20 and 30, were likely alive during the events described in Revelation.
Revelation 6 and 7 depict significant persecution by Jews. If Revelation were written after the fall of Jerusalem in AD 95, most Jews would have been killed or scattered, making it unlikely for Jews to persecute Christians beyond AD 70.
The letters to the seven churches in Revelation mention the influence of Judaizing heretics. However, most of these heretics died in the fall of Jerusalem, implying that Revelation must have been written before AD 70.
Revelation 11 is written as if the temple is still intact, despite its destruction 26 years prior. One would expect such a significant historical event to be mentioned if it had just occurred.
Several verses in Revelation (1:1, 1:3, 22:10, and 22:20) emphasize the nearness of the events described. If we accept that the fall of Jerusalem happened only five years after the writing of Revelation, these time references make sense. However, interpreting them as referring to events more than 2,000 years in the future becomes problematic.
Jerome, an early church father, describes John as feeble and almost unable to speak in AD 96. This contradicts Revelation 10:11, which indicates that God had more planned for John. These inconsistencies align better if Revelation was written before AD 70.
In Daniel 12:4, God instructs Daniel to seal up the book until the end of time. In contrast, John is told to unroll the scroll because the time is near. The gap between Daniel and the fall of Jerusalem was only 500 years, which was considered the “end of time.” Hence, a span of five years from Revelation to the fall would be considered soon.
After the “great expansion” of the Church, only seven churches remained in Asia Minor. This suggests that Revelation was written before AD 70 when persecutions from Roman emperors slowed down the Church’s rapid growth.
Considering the scripture-based evidence presented above, as well as the initial thoughts expressed in this post, it appears logical and accurate to date Revelation before AD 70, specifically around AD 65. I’m in no way saying the book of Revelation is not referring to a future where Jesus comes back, I am simply discussing the validity of the date of writing.