Rev. 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-41 First Cut

 

1)this is most decidedly not rapture theology. the 144,000 (JWs, I suppose) are a martyr cadre. they are not protected against death. Notice the play on the 12 tribes of Israel.

2) The myriad of folks are the folks who perish but will  be in heaven.

 

3)Notice the universal thrust of the church catholic (global, universal)

4)The are before the lamb, not the Lion of Judah.

5) Could the white robes be baptismal robes?

6)Palm branches for victory and celebration , even though they may have lost in power terms.

7) I am not sure what the great tribulation would be or means with any sense of definitiveness, but see Dan. 12 and Gen. 49:1. In blood there is life. Here blood becomes a cleansing agent. Indeed, in being Christlike, one may well be a witness (martyr) to the faith and that can end up in martyrdom.

8) Note the echoes of Ps. 121, I. 49:10 and in 17 the shepherd image of Ezek.34, Ps. 23  of course, Jn 10, Is. 25:8 with the image of wiping away a tear. look at the new children's book by bishop Tutu on the last phrase.

9) Sometimes I think that the persecutions were not horrific for the 7 churches but they are allying themselves with trouble. think of how the right wing is linking themselves with the American Revolution with no clear reason why they feel so oppressed.

 

Acts

1) This leads us back to the raisings by Jesus and Elijah and Elisha. Tabitha sounds like Talitha, little girl, as in the raising of the daughter of Jairus.

2) I love how she is famous for her generosity.

3) Notice the bilingual culture extends even to names.

4) Do you see any significance in being in an upper room, a la the Lord's supper and even the "inn" of Lk. 2?

5) Notice he sends all outside, as did Jesus.

6) Simon is a tanner. I would need to do some research on how that was, or was not, an unclean activity.