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The Beast of Revelation
A careful historical and exegetical study of the Beast of Revelation as found in the Book of Revelation. It identifies the Beast as the Roman emperor Nero Caesar, the first persecutor of the Christian church in AD 64. The book also delves into the question of the date of the writing of Revelation, arguing that it was written by John the Apostle around AD 65 or 66.
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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About the author
Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.
49 books88 followersKenneth L. Gentry, Jr. is a Reformed theologian, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA). He is particularly known for his support for and publication on the topics of orthodox preterism and postmillennialism in Christian eschatology, as well as for theonomy and six day creation. He holds that each of these theological distinctives are logical and theological extensions of his foundational theology, which is Calvinistic and Reformed.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 5, 2023
It’s Ceasar Nero, Nero is/was the Beast of Revelation — according to Ken Gentry. Solid documentation and well sourced arguments are provided for this position. I’d have a really hard time disproving this conclusion. I love any book that challenges my take or my position on anything I believe to be truth. My philosophy is this: “The whole, absolute truth—know it, live it.” In order to live it, we must know it. As of late Ken Gentry has been slapping me sideways with his take on eschatology and now this. Though I will be doing further investigation and examination to see whether the things he writes are true, I feel as if I stand corrected on something I asserted to be true (I.e the antichrist, the beast, the future of the world).
If you come from a premillennial background, don’t read this unless you want to have intense debates with your pastor/elders. 5 stars for scholarship.
If you come from a premillennial background, don’t read this unless you want to have intense debates with your pastor/elders. 5 stars for scholarship.
September 15, 2016
I'm more convinced than ever. This book presents very logical and historical evidence that the book of Revelation was written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. He also presents good textual and historical evidence that the beast was Nero. It will challenge your assumptions about Apocalyptic passages of the Bible which creates your lens for interpreting Matthew 24, Revelation, and other "last days" passages.
August 17, 2010
I felt that this was an excellent read. In my opinion Gentry does a very good job of showing the identification of Revelation's beast, using not only Scriptural references, but also the writings of early church fathers as well as Jewish historians like Josephus. I would recommend this to anyone who feels confused as to what Revelation is about or is just interested in reading it from a different, but Scripturally based, persepctive.
January 26, 2025
Excellent read. Highly recommend to anyone who takes eschatology seriously.
July 4, 2008
5 stars on meeting it's intended goal: The idetification of the Beast and the date of Revelation. More to my review when I have time to add.
March 7, 2010
Excelente!
February 17, 2016
Gentry is the most thorough and convincing eschatological writer that I've read. His case for Nero as the beast and the early date for Revelation found in this book is airtight. Strongly recommend.
August 2, 2021
I just love the way Kenneth Gentry writes. So thorough, so succinct, and so Biblically faithful. If you want to know who the Beast of Revelation is--read this book.
September 8, 2024
A POSTMILLENNIAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BEAST/666
Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. (born 1950) is a Reformed theologian, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly. He has also written books such as 'He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology,' 'The Great Tribulation--Past or Future?: Two Evangelicals Debate the Question,' 'Perilous Times: A Study in Eschatological Evil,' 'Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation,' 'God's Law in the Modern World: The Continuing Relevance of Old Testament Law,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1989 book, "I believe that two bold claims regarding the date of the writing of Revelation can be made with conviction. The first is that a misapprehension of the date of its writing can literally turn Revelation on its head, rendering its proper exposition impossible. Whereas the problem of the style of Revelation renders the exposition of its details difficult, the adoption of the wrong date renders its specific meaning impossible. If Revelation prophecies events related to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70, then to hold to a date of composition AFTER that date would miss John's whole point... My second claim is that Revelation provides more concrete internal information pointing its date of composition than does any other New Testament book." (Pg. 6)
He says, "John clearly expected the soon occurrence of the events of Revelation. Obviously, then, the Beast of Revelation must be a contemporary figure who was relevant to the first century audience. Nero was a contemporary political figure who was most relevant to John's hearers." (Pg. 27) He adds, "As we seek to learn the identity of 666, we must recall the several principles of interpretation... (1) The name-number 666 must be 'that of a MAN' (Rev 13:18b). (2) The name must be one of John's CONTEMPORARIES. (3) The name must be that of someone RELEVANT to the first century Christians to whom John wrote. (4) The name must be that of someone of an evil and blasphemous nature. (5) He must also be a political figure possessing great authority (Rev 13:2, 7)." (Pg. 32-33) He concludes, "[Nero] is the only contemporary historical figure that can possibly fulfill all of the requirements." (Pg. 39)
He notes about the Neronic persecution of Christianity that it lasted from July 19, A.D. 64 to Nero's death on June 9th, A.D. 68. (Pg. 53) He observes, "But for a few days, this represents a period of 42 months! How significant! Not only does Nero's name fit the number of the Beast, but his persecution lasted the very time required by the Beast's 'war with the saints.'" (Pg. 54)
He observes that "In the Olivet Discourse Jesus spoke of the destruction of the very temple to which the disciples could physically point (Matt 24:1-2). He warned His disciples that they should flee JUDEA (Mt 24;16) when it was time for these things to come to pass (which occurred in 70 A.D.)... He also clearly taught that all of these things would happen to 'this generation' (Matt 24:32). Indeed, this coming event was to be the 'great tribulation' (Mt 24:21)---the very tribulation in which John finds himself enmeshed even as he writes (Rev 1:9)." (Pg. 99)
He concludes, "we do not have the Beast and a 'Great Tribulation' to look forward to in our future. The Beast---ancient Rome (generically) and Nero Caesar (specifically)---has already lived and the Tribulation has already occurred... in the first century... Revelation, then, does not leave us with biblical warrant to view earth's future as a 'blocked' future' of despair. The woes of Revelation have already occurred!... Revelation was given as God's divinely inspired and inerrant pre-interpretive Word on the destruction of the temple order and the divorce of Israel as God's covenant wife." (Pg. 182-183)
This book will be of great interest to anyone studying biblical prophecy---whether or not one agrees with all of Gentry's interpretations.
Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. (born 1950) is a Reformed theologian, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly. He has also written books such as 'He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology,' 'The Great Tribulation--Past or Future?: Two Evangelicals Debate the Question,' 'Perilous Times: A Study in Eschatological Evil,' 'Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation,' 'God's Law in the Modern World: The Continuing Relevance of Old Testament Law,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1989 book, "I believe that two bold claims regarding the date of the writing of Revelation can be made with conviction. The first is that a misapprehension of the date of its writing can literally turn Revelation on its head, rendering its proper exposition impossible. Whereas the problem of the style of Revelation renders the exposition of its details difficult, the adoption of the wrong date renders its specific meaning impossible. If Revelation prophecies events related to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70, then to hold to a date of composition AFTER that date would miss John's whole point... My second claim is that Revelation provides more concrete internal information pointing its date of composition than does any other New Testament book." (Pg. 6)
He says, "John clearly expected the soon occurrence of the events of Revelation. Obviously, then, the Beast of Revelation must be a contemporary figure who was relevant to the first century audience. Nero was a contemporary political figure who was most relevant to John's hearers." (Pg. 27) He adds, "As we seek to learn the identity of 666, we must recall the several principles of interpretation... (1) The name-number 666 must be 'that of a MAN' (Rev 13:18b). (2) The name must be one of John's CONTEMPORARIES. (3) The name must be that of someone RELEVANT to the first century Christians to whom John wrote. (4) The name must be that of someone of an evil and blasphemous nature. (5) He must also be a political figure possessing great authority (Rev 13:2, 7)." (Pg. 32-33) He concludes, "[Nero] is the only contemporary historical figure that can possibly fulfill all of the requirements." (Pg. 39)
He notes about the Neronic persecution of Christianity that it lasted from July 19, A.D. 64 to Nero's death on June 9th, A.D. 68. (Pg. 53) He observes, "But for a few days, this represents a period of 42 months! How significant! Not only does Nero's name fit the number of the Beast, but his persecution lasted the very time required by the Beast's 'war with the saints.'" (Pg. 54)
He observes that "In the Olivet Discourse Jesus spoke of the destruction of the very temple to which the disciples could physically point (Matt 24:1-2). He warned His disciples that they should flee JUDEA (Mt 24;16) when it was time for these things to come to pass (which occurred in 70 A.D.)... He also clearly taught that all of these things would happen to 'this generation' (Matt 24:32). Indeed, this coming event was to be the 'great tribulation' (Mt 24:21)---the very tribulation in which John finds himself enmeshed even as he writes (Rev 1:9)." (Pg. 99)
He concludes, "we do not have the Beast and a 'Great Tribulation' to look forward to in our future. The Beast---ancient Rome (generically) and Nero Caesar (specifically)---has already lived and the Tribulation has already occurred... in the first century... Revelation, then, does not leave us with biblical warrant to view earth's future as a 'blocked' future' of despair. The woes of Revelation have already occurred!... Revelation was given as God's divinely inspired and inerrant pre-interpretive Word on the destruction of the temple order and the divorce of Israel as God's covenant wife." (Pg. 182-183)
This book will be of great interest to anyone studying biblical prophecy---whether or not one agrees with all of Gentry's interpretations.
June 5, 2022
In the first part the author tries to identity the beast, considering the internal evidence from the book of Revelation as well as analysing external sources, both from christian and pagan sources. Gentry provides compelling arguments to consider the Roman empire the beast generically and its evil sixth emperor, Nero Caesar, the beast specifically.
In the second part the author provides arguments for an early date of the composition of Revelation, i.e. before 68 AD, rather than in the late AD 90s under the emperor Domitian, which is the majority view among commentators nowadays. The early date of composition is indeed an indispensable prerequisite to uphold the author's (partial) preterist view.
It might well be that Gentry is correct and the visions described in Revelation refer to past events. But christian persecution did not cease in the first century, it has been a reality throughout church history even until our own times.
In the second part the author provides arguments for an early date of the composition of Revelation, i.e. before 68 AD, rather than in the late AD 90s under the emperor Domitian, which is the majority view among commentators nowadays. The early date of composition is indeed an indispensable prerequisite to uphold the author's (partial) preterist view.
It might well be that Gentry is correct and the visions described in Revelation refer to past events. But christian persecution did not cease in the first century, it has been a reality throughout church history even until our own times.
August 11, 2023
This book has two sections. The first identifies the beast of Revelation 13 and 17 as Nero. Gentry uses the standard arguments and this section is likely to be uncontroversial, even for futurists, who typically see Nero as a type of a future Antichrist figure. The second section has to do with the dating of Revelation, and is likely to be more controversial. I suggest anyone interested in this matter read David Aune's comments on the subject in his magisterial three volume commentary on Revelation. Where Gentry finds the arguments for an early date convincing, Aune finds them disputable. Furthermore Aune covers some arguments for a late date that Gentry does not consider. Nonetheless, I think anyone interested in the dating of Revelation needs to consider Aune's hypothesis that there was a "first edition" of Revelation dating to the 60s which was later revised.
December 26, 2022
This book is clear, concise and convincing. I would recommend this book highly to the layman who wants to understand these issues, but doesn’t want to wade through technical tomes. Gentry digests the scholarly works and presents the reader with interesting and understandable proof for the dating of The Revelation, and the identity of the Beast. His footnotes make investigating the arguments further much easier.
As a practical matter, Gentry rightly understands that right views on these issues affects our perspective on our mission in the society until Jesus comes again, and therefore is far more than a dusty scholarly debate. Great book!
As a practical matter, Gentry rightly understands that right views on these issues affects our perspective on our mission in the society until Jesus comes again, and therefore is far more than a dusty scholarly debate. Great book!
September 6, 2022
A decent work. The first half is making the case for Nero as the Beast specifically, and the Roman Empire generically. I've heard this claim in various Presbyterian (and in Catholic) circles, but this was my first book investigating the claims for it. The second half is making a case from both internal evidence and Church history for an early authorship date (pre AD70) of the book of Revelation, and he has plenty of footnotes and citations for those wanting to do more digging.
February 1, 2024
Despite being so accessible and straight-forward, Gentry is incredibly thorough and leaves virtually no stone unturned. I spent much of the book amazed at just the sheer amount of stuff this man had to read to even be able to cite the number of sources he did. Maybe scholarships isn't for me. But this is a fantastic book and quite decisive. Easily lays to rest the debate of who the beast is and when Revelation was written.
February 21, 2023
Mr. Gentry explains in understandable terms and exegetical reasoning that the events exposed in the book of revelation point towards events that transcribed for 1st centuries Christians. It is a great read for anyone interested in eschatological events described in the Bible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2021
Discover who WAS the first beast!?
April 9, 2022
I’m not sure how anyone could argue against the preterist view of Revelation, given the overwhelming evidence Gentry presents here. Excellent book!
November 27, 2024
Post millennial eschatological masterpiece
February 27, 2011
I believe this is the book (I read the first version, before its reprint in 2002) that first introduced me to the preterist way of interpreting Revelation. This interpretation posits that most, if not all, of Revelation’s promises were fulfilled in the first century. I was utterly fascinated, and this book still holds a special place in my library.
The book is a condensation of a much larger work by Gentry: Before Jerusalem Fell. It’s broken into two parts. The first half is a description of Nero Caesar and how he fits the beast of Revelation to a T. The second half is an analysis of the dating of Revelation.
Gentry concludes Revelation was written before the great war of 70 A.D., when Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple leveled by the Romans. I came to disagree with him, as you may know from my own book. Gentry describes his approach: “Holding to an unshakable conviction regarding Scripture’s divine inspiration, I also afford its inherent authority, infallibility, and inerrancy.” Well, there you go, of course a person who studies the first-century message of Revelation, and begins with the assumption that it prophesies the events it describes, would have to conclude that it was written beforehand.
Nevertheless, Gentry is an interesting writer with a fascinating message. That adds up to a very readable book, and earns it five stars.
Gentry, himself, remains for me an enigma who refuses contact. It’s possible I’ve offended him by contradicting his conclusions in my own book, but for whatever the reason, he won’t entertain, for debate or even discussion, theories that contradict his own interpretation. Because he pursues his scholarship in a bubble, his writings must be taken with a grain of salt, yet his perspective definitely deserves attention. This is a book I’m certain will make you think.
The book is a condensation of a much larger work by Gentry: Before Jerusalem Fell. It’s broken into two parts. The first half is a description of Nero Caesar and how he fits the beast of Revelation to a T. The second half is an analysis of the dating of Revelation.
Gentry concludes Revelation was written before the great war of 70 A.D., when Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple leveled by the Romans. I came to disagree with him, as you may know from my own book. Gentry describes his approach: “Holding to an unshakable conviction regarding Scripture’s divine inspiration, I also afford its inherent authority, infallibility, and inerrancy.” Well, there you go, of course a person who studies the first-century message of Revelation, and begins with the assumption that it prophesies the events it describes, would have to conclude that it was written beforehand.
Nevertheless, Gentry is an interesting writer with a fascinating message. That adds up to a very readable book, and earns it five stars.
Gentry, himself, remains for me an enigma who refuses contact. It’s possible I’ve offended him by contradicting his conclusions in my own book, but for whatever the reason, he won’t entertain, for debate or even discussion, theories that contradict his own interpretation. Because he pursues his scholarship in a bubble, his writings must be taken with a grain of salt, yet his perspective definitely deserves attention. This is a book I’m certain will make you think.
April 19, 2009
Excellent.
December 8, 2009
Interesting arguments, but I'm not totally persuaded that Nero was the beast of Revelation (though he was "beastly"!). James Jordan has some interesting contrary arguments.
February 24, 2010
Who is he? Read this book and find out!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews