Could this be why God allows His professed followers to undergo persecution? . . . . Many Christians boast of their blessings, naming the absence of persecution among them. Actually, the very opposite is true. The greatest blessings are those things which challenge our beliefs and spur us to grow in faith.
Read MoreTheir dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s leading was their only layer of defense against loss of life.
Read MoreIt was called a “dangerous book”, and the masses were taught that only priests were qualified to explain its contents. The simple truths of God’s plan of salvation were replaced with instruction to . . .
Read MoreBear in mind that it is during the pagan phase of Rome that we transition from Old Testament to New Testament days. Jesus, after suffering a horrendous death on a Roman cross, but not for Himself (Daniel 9:26) – beloved, He did it for us! – He arose victorious, also on our behalf, and ascended directly into His role as our Advocate, our heavenly High Priest.
Read MoreThe pressure to compromise is part and parcel to a fallen world under Satan’s control. Nevertheless, the preservation of God’s remnant is a standing, divine promise. Those of the remnant are described as law-abiding citizens of heaven, who love Him and keep His commandments.
Read MoreThe removal of the seat of the empire from Rome to Constantinople signaled the downfall of the empire in the west. In addition to the loss of prestige, the west was left vulnerable to the incursions of foreign enemies.
Read MoreThe church was growing like wildfire. In the wake of imprisonment and death for Christians, many others were springing to life in their place.
Read MoreResistance to Roman rule was broken with the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, a turning point in Roman history. The 3000-year Ptolemaic dynasty ended. Egypt lost independence and became a Roman province, and Rome itself changed from a republic to an empire.
Read MoreThrough “leagues of friendship” and political alliances, Rome’s foundation was laid . . .
Read MoreBut as soon as he was in full power, his suspicious, insecure nature took over. Thousands were executed at the slightest perception of a threat to his power.
Read MoreIt was during the reign of Augustus Caesar that Rome reached the pinnacle of its greatness.
Read MoreThe conspirators defended themselves, claiming they were acting on behalf of the Roman Republic. After the murder, the Senate changed the name of his birth month from Quintilis to July in his honor. Nevertheless, Julius Caesar’s assassination sparked a series of civil wars that paved the way for his adopted son Octavian, actually a great-nephew, to rise to power.
Read MoreIn those days, the Jews held the frontier gateways into Egypt. Influenced by Antipater the Idumaean (father of Herod the Great, ruler of Judea at the time of the birth of the Messiah), they had permitted the Roman army to pass into Egypt with no opposition.
Read MoreCleopatra’s devious career of illegitimate romance and intrigue foreshadows the rise of another “woman”. In Biblical prophecy, a woman is a symbol for a church.
Read More“Withdraw immediately, or consider yourself at war with Rome.” Antiochus initially responded that he would reply after consulting with his officers. With his cane, Popilius Laenas drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus Epiphanes and specified that he must give his answer before leaving the circle.
Read MoreThe news of Ptolemy IV’s death and his successor, Ptolemy V—a small child—inspired a spirit of exploitation of the weakened circumstances of Egypt, a spirit that spread all across the northern regions and even took root among the Jews.
Read MorePtolemy’s interactions with the Jews became even more tense when he declared his determination to see inside the Most Holy Place of the temple. With tremendous difficulty the Jews restrained him from doing so.
Read MoreThe kings of the North and of the South are showing a historical pattern of desiring dominance. But neither side is in alignment with God. Through these historical events, there is a symbolism for our time—in earth’s last days—being established.
Read MoreThese divisions from a single body show the futility of mankind’s strife against itself, all for the purpose of self-exaltation. The mindset of man’s glory over God will result in continuous strife until God Himself brings it to a close.
Read MoreThese heinous acts did not pass unnoticed in Egypt, as we will soon see how the revengeful “ancient soap opera” continues. And an ongoing negative influence pounded the tiny nation of Israel, who repeatedly allowed shallow and worldly influences to turn their attention away from God.
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