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Paul was battling the writings and teachings of the Gnostics long before the manuscripts you speak of. But your point is a fine line between what was taught and when the manuscripts were composed.

Both John and Paul were fighting the gnostics.

But that is a good point to consider...does the fact that St John did not write Revelation or the Gospel of John until around 95AD invalidate all that was being taught by word and tradition since 33AD?

Who said anyone was teaching what John wrote in Revelation prior to when he penned it?
,br> Even the Gospel of Matthew wasn't written until after 50AD. Again, to the early Christians, it was not the books but the teaching, the Holy Spirit alive and working in the Apostles, and the traditions being handed down by word of mouth.

Most scholars accept that Mark was written long before Matthew. A tiny fragment of Mark was discovered in cave 7 at Quram, and has been dated to 41 AD, which is much earlier than anything we have for the other Gospels. Luke was the second Gosepl, then Matthew, and much latter John. I think it is very wrong to place authority in tradition.

"I think it is very wrong to place authority in tradition."

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us." 2 Thess 3:6

Disorderly - Not in unity

received from "us" - not referring to the OT

If I must choose between a modern interpretation, that suits my desires, and an interpretation blessed by the Lord during St John's Revelation, specifically, that of the messenger of the Church of Smyrna (St Polycarp) I would have to choose the Lord's blessing.

For many have asked "What is truth", and today we have 25,000 different interpretations, many contradictions, all Sola Scriptura (implying that all are lead by the Holy Spirit).

But only one tie breakers..."I am Truth" from which there is no lie. If He put His stamp of approval on the 2nd Generation of Disciples (very similar to the needed visible tongues of fire placed on the heads of the 1st Generation) then like it or not I believe Christ. Not just lip service or by what is convienent but by deed.

Christ brings order not another tower of babel.