Demystifying The 42 Months Of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is supposed to bring a blessing to those who read it. (Revelation 1:3).

Unfortunately, the interpretations taken by many are so fanciful and speculative it’s hard to see how they could possibly be blessed by it.

This is true with some of the interpretations of the 42 months mentioned in Revelation 11:2 & 13:5.

If you’ve been reading the posts here you know I’ve taken the interpretation that Revelation is primarily a book about the destruction of Jerusalem and events that occurred prior to its destruction in 70 A.D.

I blogged on Revelation 11:1 and how the command to measure the temple is proof John’s revelation took place while the temple was still standing, which means prior to 70 A.D. See Revelation 11:1.

Revelation 11:2 reads, “Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty two months.” And that is exactly what happened.

In 66 A.D. the a Jewish rebellion began against the Roman Empire. In response, in the Spring of 67 A.D., Nero sent his general Vespasian to put down the rebellion. In September of 70 A.D., 42 months later, Jerusalem fell to the Romans and the temple was destroyed.

Revelation 13:5, speaking of the beast (Nero), states, “There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.”

In 64 A.D., following the Great Fire of Rome, Nero falsely accused Christians of setting the fire and began the first Roman persecution of the Church, which continued until Nero’s death, 3 1/2 years later in 68 A.D. Nero’s arrogance and blasphemies were manifested in that he, along with Caligula, were the first of the Roman Emperors to demand to be worshipped as living gods.

The blessing promised in Revelation 1:3 to those who read the prophecy comes when one recognizes most of the prophecy of Revelation has been fulfilled just as it was promised. GS