[P-Marlowe]

The Book of Revelation was clearly written during one of the periods of Roman persecution, most likely during Nero's reign, which in fact would be in the early AD 60s. The code '666' actually refers to Nero, coming out of the Hebrew apocalyptic and mystic tradition, and it doesn't take much imagination to realize that the seven-headed beast, as well, as the scarlet-clad harlot of Babylon, is Rome (sitting on its seven hills).

Can you point to any early church father who held to the position that Nero was the Anti-Christ or that the book of Revelation was written before AD90?

[DreamsofPolycarp]

I don’t buy that either. I think there is good internal and external evidence to date the book at about 90 ad or so. I also think it is a mistake to look for either Domitian or Nero as “the antichrist.” I do believe there will be a “man of sin” in the end days who will deceive and persecute, and that lots of little antichrists (as per: I John) have and will arise. The reformens saw the Pope as the figure told of re: the antichrist, and I think they were right. However, he was not THE antichrist. There will be lots of bush leaguers before the main kahuna shows up.