Isaac’s Reviews > Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation > Status Update

"The reason why the early date is daily winning adherents among unbiased thinkers of every Church, is partly because it rests on so simple a basis. It is the only system which is built on the plain and repeated statements and indications of the Seer himself, and the corresponding events are so closely accordant with the symbols as to make it certain that this interpretation is the only one that can survive."

It is remarkable how it is proven over and over that there is literally no credible external evidence for the late date other than a single precarious reading of Irenaeus. A liberal rejection of prophecy and the tidal wave influence of dispensationalism are the only sensible reasons for a late date in the reign of Domitian on such flimsy evidence. The case is closed and he isn't even half way done.

Skimming the first paragraph of the preface I knew this essay which takes up the first 1/4 of the book would be essential reading. Gentry dismisses in detail every argument made against his thesis that has been attempted in the decade following its first edition. I was continually surprised at the ease in which he combatted so many detailed scholarly criticisms. Gentry is studious to a tee and very engaging to read.