SW 6: BOOK OF REVELATION

EMPEROR DOMITIAN
Domitian was Roman Emperor from 81 to 96 CE and his reign, although
one of relative peace and stability, became engulfed in both fear and paranoia.
His death at the hands of those who were closest to him brought an end to the
short dynasty of the Flavians and it was those emperors who would follow, at
least for the next one hundred years, who would see a rebirth of some of the
grandeur and power of old Rome.
Domitian, Vespasian’s youngest son, was already known for wild excess.
In 70 AD, his actions during military service in Germany had required a
pardon from his father. It was even rumored that he had helped speed his
brother Titus towards his death. As emperor, Domitian was hated by the
Roman aristocracy, largely because of his cruelty and showiness. He insisted
on being addressed as “master and god.” He held games every four years, as
the Greeks did. He would attend these in Greek dress and a golden crown. His
fellow judges had to wear crowns that featured images of the gods and
Domitian himself. A revolt in Germany in 89 AD was put down with extreme
brutality; in Rome, this was used as an excuse to terrorize senators and other
leading figures. Proving himself every bit as bad as Nero and Caligula,
Domitian launched treason trials, and executed or banished even his mildest
critics. Domitian had wisely given the army a large pay rise in 84 AD and this
certainly helped secure his position. But it was not enough. In 96 AD, he was
murdered by a group that included senior Praetorian Guards, palace officials
and even the emperor’s own wife. The army was furious, but Rome was happy
enough. The latest in a long line of tyrants had also been deposed.
One of Domitian’s biggest threats to Christianity however came
from a new development in the practice of Emperor Worship. Since the time of
Augustus, most emperors had been deified, or given the status of a god, upon
their death. Numerous temples in their honor had sprung up around the
Empire. People could visit these temples to pay their respects to the deceased
emperor, and offer sacrifices on his behalf. Over time this practice degenerated
into the worship of the deceased emperors themselves. Ultimately the practice
became an institution within Roman society known as the Emperor Cult.
Domitian, not satisfied with waiting for his subjects to deify him in death,
decided instead to proclaim himself ‘Lord and God’ while still very much alive.
This move boosted his position as an autocrat and provided new grounds for
exerting his power. To keep his image in the public eye, Domitian had statues
built all over the Empire. In keeping with tradition, he also had temples built in
his name, in order that he might be worshipped. The statue of Domitian in the
image to the right was discovered among the ruins of Aphrodisias just 120km
from the Biblical city of Ephesus. Unlike the previous deceased emperors
however, the arrogant and very much alive Domitian could monitor the worship
at his temples, and if necessary, enforce the practice. One of the places favored
by Domitian to erect a statue and a temple in his name was Ephesus. Today all
that remains of this huge statue is the head, an arm and a few other fragments
that now reside in the Ephesus museum. His temple does not fare much
better. Two columns and some of the foundations are all that remain (image
below). However, for the Christians living in Ephesus in John’s day these two
things were a very prominent part of daily life. Not only were they a dominant
feature of the city, but for local Christians they symbolized a choice they had to
make – a choice between life and possible death. Through his governors and
officials, Domitian enforced the worship of himself in outlying cities such as
Ephesus. To refuse to participate in this worship was seen as political defiance
and subversiveness. Since Christians believed in the worship of only one God,
they were faced with a choice – to deny their God before the authorities and live
– or refuse to worship Domitian and face the very real possibility of a cruel
public execution. It was during this time of intense persecution under
Domitian that many people believe the Book of Revelation was written.
Iranaeus, a prominent leader in the early church, writing around 180 AD,
states that the vision in Revelation was: “… announced by him who beheld the
apocalyptic vision. For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our
day, towards the end of Domitian's reign.” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 5.30.3)
Domitian dealt with several revolts during his rule, the last of which was
a successful plot to assassinate him. Domitian was assassinated on September
18, 96, in a palace conspiracy organized by court officials. A highly detailed
account of the plot and the assassination is provided by Suetonius, who alleges
that Domitian’s chamberlain, Parthenius, was the chief instigator behind the
conspiracy, citing the recent execution of Domitian’s secretary, Epaphroditus,
as the primary motive. The murder itself was carried out by a freedman of
Parthenius, named Maximus, and a steward of Domitian’s niece Flavia
Domitilla, named Stephanus. Domitian and Stephanus wrestled on the ground
for some time, until the Emperor was finally overpowered and fatally stabbed
by the conspirators; Stephanus was stabbed by Domitian during the struggle
and died shortly afterward. Around noon, Domitian, just one month short of
his 45th birthday, was dead. His body was carried away on a common bier,
and unceremoniously cremated by his nurse Phyllis, who later mingled the
ashes with those of his niece Julia, at the Flavian temple.

2. Explain in your own words the situation of the Christians at the time
John wrote the Book of Revelation.
 The situation of the Christians at the time John wrote the book is
described as dangerous time and the time of crisis for Christians. During those
times it is threatening to be a Christians, that is why the book has been
written. It contains symbols to narrate the happenings without being obvious,
as for the reason that emperors during that time were persecuting Christians,
hence, for the safety and security, symbols were used. At that time Romans
were cruel and superior that anyone who do not deny Jesus as their God will
be persecuted, that is why in the book of Revelation, John used the beasts as
symbol for wild and made to fight.
Christians were being tortured because they seen as a threat to the
Romans since Roman Emperors such as Domitian did not want the people to
worship other gods, he believe that he is the only god. As stated from the
preceding paragraph, he even established his own statues for worship.
Christians who were known to accept Chris and deny to refuse Him were being
torn apart, being eaten by wild dogs, some were crucified, as they were hanged,
killed, and nailed. Because of the threats imposed by the Romans, some were
forced to worship false prophets, also known as pagans.
3. How does the Book of Revelation give consolation and comfort to the
persecuted Christians during that time?
One verse stated in the book of Revelation says that, “These will make
war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords
and King of kings; and those {who are} with Him {are} called, chosen, and
faithful." The comfort of knowing that throughout the trials and tribulations of
God's Children, the hardships that are endured and the constant attacks of
Satan and His Evil forces against that which is good is but a small frame in the
overall picture. The whole picture depicts Christ and His Forces victorious over
the forces of Evil and that which is contrary to God and His Will. May we today
learn that the faithful in Christ are the ultimate victors for the body may be
killed by those on earth, however, with the fear and the respect of God in
Heaven the child of God is assured a place in the wonderful city of God
eternally.
Another verse stated in the book says that, "Do not fear any of those
things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw {some}
of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten
days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." From these
words, comfort is given just by knowing that the day will come when we will be
at peace with Jesus and God, for we will be rewarded eternal life, no suffering
and pains. If we will realize how hard the situations were at that time, the
words that assures our suffering will end and be free of evil is comforting,
knowing that we have the Messiah and God. God will never abandon His
children nor defeat at the hands of the evil.
4.Write your personal insights on the message of Revelation for us in the
present time.
As we all know in the present time, the world is being surrounded by
darkness and it is full of worldly desires that constitutes sin. We are all aware
that we are caught in the evilness of the world but we deny it. If we are all
aware the happenings in our world, where there are killings, the suicides, the
wars between people, country, and territory, these are all transparent. During
the time of pandemic, we are challenged in our faith, because personally, I
have seen a lot of people who were having a hard time dealing with the
situation, they said that they felt the darkness, the emptiness, and the
temptations. Applying the message of the book of Revelation, we must keep our
faith, this is a test in our faith in Him. The only way we can deal with this is
having the comfort of knowing Him and that He is with us always.
Since the pandemic happened, a lot of evil transpired. Let us take for
example the unjust situation we have. Marginalized people suffer more than
people in the upper class, yet some were blind and deaf since they are not able
to suffer like them. The situation of the marginalized were like the Christians
before, they were tortured by being deprived of enough food and necessities,
some were starving to death, and some were doing anything just to survive this
pandemic. On the other hand, people on the upper class tend to use the money
in their hand for their own desire and wants, they refuse to extend help to
some who are in need. During these days, we are challenged to fight the evil
and beasts who let people suffer from the destitution.
References

Cripps, J. (n.d.). THE BOOK OF REVELATION. Spchurchofchrist. Retrieved April 24, 2021,

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Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). The Roman Empire: in the First Century. The

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April 24, 2021, from

https://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/titus_domitian.html

Wasson, D. L. (2021, April 22). Domitian. World History Encyclopedia.

https://www.worldhistory.org/domitian/

Window into the Bible. (2013). The Emperor Domitian. Windowintothebible.

https://www.windowintothebible.com/the-emperor-domitian