Preterist Interpretation of Revelation 1:1–3

Preterists argue that Revelation 1:1–3 establishes the framework for interpreting the entire book as a prophecy fulfilled in the first century. The key phrases, “things which must shortly take place” (v. 1) and “the time is near” (v. 3), are fundamental to their understanding. They view these phrases as signifying the urgency of the events described in Revelation. Specifically:

  1. Imminent Fulfillment: The terms “shortly” (Greek: en tachēi) and “near” (Greek: engys) highlight the closeness of the prophesied events to the original audience. Preterists interpret this as a clear sign that Revelation pertains to first-century events, particularly the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D 70. 
  2. Address to the First-Century Church: The greeting to the seven churches in Asia Minor emphasizes that the book’s content was significant to its original audience. Preterists contend that a prophecy intended for a distant future would offer limited practical value for these early Christians.
  3. Fulfillment in A.D. 70: Many preterists connect these opening verses to the destruction of Jerusalem, viewing it as the fulfillment of Jesus’ warnings in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).

Dispensational Response to Revelation 1:1–3

Dispensationalists, of which I am proudly one,  provide a differing interpretation, that springs from a literal hermeneutic and the wider eschatological scope of Revelation:

  1. Dual Emphasis on Near and Far Events: While acknowledging that “shortly” and “near” may imply immediate relevance to John’s audience, dispensationalists argue that these terms should be interpreted within the context of prophetic language. In this framework, “shortly” indicates the rapidity with which events will unfold once they begin, rather than their chronological closeness. Likewise, “near” conveys the theological certainty of these events, even if their ultimate realization extends over centuries.
  2. Future Fulfillment: Dispensationalists argue that most of Revelation relates to events that are still to come, especially those outlined in chapters 4–22. These chapters describe the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, and the New Heaven and New Earth. The realization of these prophecies is linked to God’s future interactions with Israel and the world.
  3. Relevance to the Church Age: The address to the seven churches is seen as applicable both to the original recipients and to the broader church age. Dispensationalists often view these churches as representative of various spiritual conditions throughout church history.
  4. Distinction Between the Church and Israel: Dispensational theology clearly distinguishes between God’s program for Israel and the church. While preterists interpret Revelation primarily as a first-century judgment on Israel, dispensationalists view it as detailing the culmination of God’s eschatological plan, with Israel’s restoration and the church’s glorification both playing significant roles.

Key Differences

AspectPreterist ViewDispensational View
Immediacy of FulfillmentFulfilled in the first century (A.D. 70, destruction of Jerusalem).Events are primarily future, with a focus on the end times.
AudiencePrimarily relevant to first-century Christians.Relevant to all Christians, with future fulfillment in view.
Scope of ProphecyHistorical focus on Rome and Jerusalem.Global and eschatological, involving Tribulation and Christ’s return.
Key Terminology“Shortly” and “near” mean immediate fulfillment.“Shortly” refers to the suddenness of events; “near” indicates certainty.

Dispensationalists believe that the preterist view confines the interpretation of Revelation to the first century, overlooking its prophetic and eschatological aspects. In contrast, preterists contend that dispensationalism postpones the relevance of Revelation for its original audience, which contradicts the clear time references in the text. This debate highlights the broader hermeneutical differences between the two viewpoints.

Next time, I will take a look at the problems with the way preterists interpret Revelation 6:12-17

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Published by Dan Starcevich

Hi, I am Dan Starcevich. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I live in Windsor Colorado, just north of Denver. Not only do I run TheoFaith but I also serve as a professor at Tyndale Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, and I serve as the academic dean and professor of applied faith at Agathon University. I wasn’t always a theologian. I was in the United States Army for almost 10 years, then spent 30 years in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Thanks to the support of my wife I was also able to get degrees from Hawaii Pacific University (B.S.), The University of Southern California (M.S.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Thm.), and Tyndale Theological Seminary (PhD. and D.min). My deep desire is the see people grow in the knowledge of the Lord through deep, enriching, satisfying engagement with Scripture.

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