THE APOCALYPSE-TO BE FEARED OR HOPED FOR?

Early Church and the Apocalypse

How did the early "Christians" view the Apocalypse and the hope it sets forth of the Thousand Year Reign (Millennium) of the Christ over the earth? The same historian stated: "Christians of the first few centuries appear to me, by and large, to have adopted Milennialism . . . .Among Christians of the early centuries who believed in the Milennium were notably Papias, bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor, . . .Saint Justin, born in Palestine, who suffered Martyrdom in Rome about 165, Saint Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons who died in 202, Tertullian, who died in 222, and . . .the great writer Lactantius."

Concerning Papias, who reportedly suffered martyrdom in Pergamum in 161 or 165 C.E., The Catholic Encyclopedia states: "Bishop Papias of Hierapolis, a disciple of St. John, appeared as an advocate of milenarianism. He claimed to have received his doctrine from contemporaries of the Apostles, and Irenaeus narrates that other 'Presbyteri', who had seen and heard the disciple John, learned from him the belief in the milenarianism as part of the Lord's doctrine. According to Eusebius . . . Papias in his book asserted that the resurrection of the dead would be followed by one thousand years of a visible, glorious earthly kingdom of Christ."

What does this tell us about the effect that the book Apocalypse, or Revelation had on the early believers? Did it inspire fear of hope? Interestingly, historians call the primitive Christians chilasts, from the Greek words Khi'li-a e'te (thousand years). Yes, many of them were known for being believers in The Thousand Year Reign of Christ, which would usher in paradise conditions on earth. The only place in the Bible where the milennial home is specifically mentioned is the Apocalypse, or Revelation. (20:1-7) So, far from frightening believers, the Apocalypse gave them a wonderful hope. In his book The Early Church and the World, Oxford professor of church history Cecil Cadoux writes: "Chiliastic views, though eventually rejected, were widely held in the Church for a considerable period, being taught by some of the most highly respected authors."

Next time: Why the Apocalypse Hope Was Rejected

Watchtower, 19