Jason Matola asks: Hey there. I've read various books and was in your last debate in VA. I do agree that before the 1800's there was no such view of the left behind theory. But can you please explain the meaning of the 666 in Revelation? Thanks.

Hi Jason,

This is one of those subjects where people are highly divided over. However, since it is not a primary issue, this is something that can be debated while not causing division.

As of today, everyone seems to pin the 666 on anyone they see as having any amount of influence. They've pinned the 666 on Covid, the Roman Papacy, Obama, Trump, Hitler, Napoleon, and the list is Neverending. The only thing these people all have in common is the fact that they all have been 100% incorrect. Even worse, is the fact that the 666 will continue to be pinned on people erroneously due to pushing the faulty view of a yet future antichrist and tribulation.

First, we must understand that it would have been extremely misleading for John, to tell the first century Christians that with "wisdom" and "insight", they would be able to identify the beast (Revelation 13:18). Neither wisdom, nor insight, would have helped the first century Christians to identify a 21st century beast.

Secondly, while turning numbers into names and names into numbers is insignificant in our current day and time, the art of "gematria" was a common practice in the times of Ancient Rome. For example, Archeologists found graffiti writings when excavating pompeii which read “I love the woman whose number is 545.” Archeologists also point out that Matthew used this same practice in dividing the Genealogy of Jesus. Matthew divided the Genealogy grouping 4, 6, and 4 (4+6+4=14). The equivalence of the name of King David in Hebrew (DWD). In this same fashion, it is an archeological finding that when gematria is applied on the number 666, the number is equivalent to Nero Caesar in Hebrew.

Thirdly, while many futurists claim that the Latin version of Revelation contains an error by claiming that the number in Revelation 13:18 was mistranslated to 616, when gematria is applied to 616, you still arrive at the equivalence of Nero Caesar in Latin, proving the issue even further.

Lastly, Archeologists have also found that adding the name of Nero in Greek, gives the equivalence of "murdered his own mother". As such, the first century Christians, after reading Revelation, would have immediately pinned the 666 rightfully to Nero Caesar, who claimed to be divinity. In other words, while naming a 21st century antichrist, would have not caused any issues for those living in ancient Rome, Archeologists have proven that people from the first century would often use gematria to speak about political leaders in order to avoid being persecuted for their statements.

Hope this helps.

Comments:

Craig Walace: I read this in the book of the Twelve Ceasars. I think that was the name of the book. But I've never heard anyone explain this as you have. Thank you.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Hey, God bless. I believe there is some information on there by Suetonius. You can also get a better understanding of the Tribulation of Matthew 24, by reading the works of Josephus.

Revelation 13:18

"This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666."