Who said anything about being "superfluous." I am certain the target audience: the early Christians of the seven churches in Asia, did not believe they were superfluous. But, in our case, many centuries distant from the scene of the crime, we can only speculate and theorize due to the lack of explanatory scriptural references.
>>>"Having influence" and "ruling" are in two completely different categories, so you're either really overreaching to substantiate your thesis, or you have a "Protocols" view of the ancient world.<<
I have no idea what "protocols" view means? Care to explain?
>>>So why are you bothering writing this, since it involves an objective truth claim?<<<
Some parts are not subjective: those parts where you seem to avoid any serious debate. The two main "themes" of my threads feel "slighted" and "rejected."
>>>Exactly like Babylon. Oh, wait . . .<<<
Nice try at redirection; but there has been no "Babylon" since it turned to dust in ancient times. There was, however, a massive Roman Empire which got virtually no ink in the entire New Testament, even though it ruled the world. Even in the Revelation, only the vicious, lunatic tyrant, Nero, got any serious ink.
>>>1. Applies equally to Rome, e.g., Paul, possibly Peter, countless others.<<<
How is the murder of Paul considered the blood of the prophets? Where is it even mentioned that Paul was murdered in Rome? Who were the countless other prophets? I am very curious to see that list, even a small one.
Admit it. You are spiritualizing the scriptures.
>>>2. Could as easily apply to Rome, depending on your perspective of the scope of the prophecy.<<<
How could Rome be considered the mother of Harlots by the Lord? Would there not be some sort of definitive prophecy explaining it, like there is with Jerusalem?
>>>3. While there is a refernce to "the great city," it does not specify that the city in question is Jerusalem. It could easily refer to Mystery Babylon, aka Rome. You're just assuming.<<<
I think I understand you: you believe our Lord was killed in Rome. That is a new one, even for a "futurist."
>>>4. As was Rome for a time in the early middle ages (at least to the extent that old Babylon was in John's day). And for those of us who subscribe to a futurist interpretation, as it will be again in an ultimate sense.<<<
Now you really have my interest. When was Rome made desolate in a very short time? It mentions an "hour" in the Revelation.
Philip
Dude, I've got three kids--one twelve, one two, and the other a newborn--a full-time job, and a ministry to occupy my time. If you want to sum all this up--or at least your best arguments--in one post that doesn't reach TL;DR territory, I'll be happy to respond, but my days of this:
are long over.
Shalom