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To: DouglasKC

I believe the parousia took place in the first cent. and therefore i see certain places where you err. Due to space constrains i mention only one:

Gospel reaching the whole world..
The whole world in those days was the “oikumene” the area under the immediate jurisdiction of the Roman Empire. Places like the US of A were not included because they weren’t discovered yet. So unless you see the world from their perspective, you tend to mess up the interpretation thereof.


225 posted on 12/22/2009 11:45:28 PM PST by mumbaiwalla
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To: mumbaiwalla
Gospel reaching the whole world.. The whole world in those days was the “oikumene” the area under the immediate jurisdiction of the Roman Empire. Places like the US of A were not included because they weren’t discovered yet. So unless you see the world from their perspective, you tend to mess up the interpretation thereof.

That's a good observation about Matthew 24:14.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world (oikumene) for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

But I think the definition of oikumene doesn't limit it to the known Roman empire. For example:

Hbr 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world (oikumene) to come, whereof we speak.

In Hebrews 2:5 the author is referring to a future world...one which presumably doesn't constitute the exact same nation states of the roman empire of the time.

In addition when the gospel is referred to as being preached in the world in other scriptures it uses the term "kosmos", which indicates a wider application.

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world (kosmos), and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world (kosmos), [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Another thing, what I find interesting is Revelation 14:6

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

To me this may indicate that the gospel finally reaching everyone won't be accomplished until this supernatural event happens...very near the end.

Thanks for the chance to study those terms a little.

226 posted on 12/23/2009 6:13:07 AM PST by DouglasKC
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