In looking at the observations regarding “Asia Minor” what are the reasonable inferences and deductions which can be drawn from the listed observations that would be relevant to the Revelation of Messiah?
1) When visualizing the geographical prominence of Asia Minor within ancient times, it seems apparent that Asia Minor symbolically should be viewed as representing the center of the civilized world from which the light of G_D’s Salvation, Yeshua the Messiah, will spread throughout.
Certainly we cannot dismiss the historic centricity of Asia Minor in the development of early Christianity. In fact this “Asia Minor Centricity” would continue for centuries as attested to by the historical record. The first Lateran ecumenical council of the Church held in Rome was not until Council IX in the year 1123 Ce whereas previous general ecumenical councils were held in Asia Minor.
Subsequently the author will contend the very seed of G_D’s Light was re-planted in Asia Minor. The importance of this symbolism should not be understated by any means. Given the nature of this “planted seed” it becomes quite clear why G_D himself would provide divine Revelation pertinent to the substance of the “planted seed.” G_D provided for us critical information regarding the very nature of the truths which constitute our faith as believers in Yeshua. Essentially this writing is the Last Word of G_D to us and thus the last scripturally inspired instructional teaching. As the reader will see later this inference is critical to properly understanding the Revelation contained within the first three chapters of this writing.
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2) Presumably readers understand something of the Hebraic roots of Christian beliefs and the basic differences between “Jew” and “Gentile.” In light of basic observations Asia Minor historically is representative not of the Hebrew but of the Gentile.
Isaiah 9:1 says, the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
The Gospel of Luke says, And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon . . . And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Yeshua, to do for him (circumcision) after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed G_D, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:25–32).
With this Revelation being addressed to the Churches of “Asia,” this message signals the inclusion of the “Gentiles” into G_D’s master plan for humanity. This last comment maintains no exclusionary allusions regarding the Jews. Though the Jews are certainly targeted to receive this message, in historical context the Church of Messiah is designed to be both a Jew and Gentile Church; a single believing body comprising all peoples. Thus a very real and purposeful allusion of Asia Minor, with all of its historical vestiges of the world’s great Gentile empires, representing inclusion of the Goiim to the faith and body of Messiah is unquestionable.
This is by no means a complex inference, but it is significant. A critical component of the “Renewed Covenant” is the delivery of salvation through G_D’s grace to all people. Grace even unto the heathen Gentiles!
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3) When one views Asia Minor as that place where cultures clashed and struggled for dominance, it is not coincidental that the roots of the Church of Messiah were established there! G_D is declaring that, although man’s cultures attempted to use this land mass as their imperial fulcrum and failed, it would be his culture which would rise to prominence. While the cultures of man’s empires desired to use Asia Minor to expand beyond their “borders”, it would be the culture of his only begotten Son, Yeshua the Messiah, which would successfully spread to the entire Earth.
The Gospel of Matthew says, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19–20)
Daniel 2:44 says, And in the days of those kings shall the G_D of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; nor shall the kingdom be left to another people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, but it shall stand for ever.
The symbolic view is that G_D is essentially declaring the inherent human cultural clash can only be overcome and mediated through his singular and perfect culture. Only his culture will unify mankind in a manner consistent with his plan.
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4) Next to be exposed is the connection between the Church of The Messiah and Western Civilization.
The rooting of Christianity within Western Culture, and then abroad during the colonization of the globe by European powers, is an absolutely phenomenal historical reality which defies all logical probability when viewed from a time of Yeshua’s perspective. There also is no historical doubt that the imbuing of Christianity within modern Western Civilization was a direct result of the Church of Messiah becoming inextricably linked with the Roman Empire, and then subsequently the Holy Roman Empire, and then of course modern national Europe.
From a strictly historical perspective the influence by the Church of Messiah upon Western Civilization and consequently the entire planet has been most profound. In many ways the Church of Messiah has indeed shaped the very world we live in today.
This contextual deduction has a direct link to the previous exposed point. How would the culture of G_D become centric to the modern history? The answer of course lies in the spread of the Church of Messiah to the Gentiles and throughout Europe and then Western Civilization’s rise to global dominance and the missionary work which accompanied this colonial imperialism.
One must really view this development either from a coincidence or destiny perspective. Although many historical and cultural academic works have been undertaken attempting to explain the rise of Western culture, one should not lose sight of the reality that the rise of Western culture is not a coincidence and just as importantly the culture of Messiah could not be subdued therein.
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5) The next major point to shed light on is the East vs. West nature of this land mass and what contextual implications may be extracted. It appears that the East/West prophetic implication contained in the Revelation is nothing short of stunning.
Prior to Yeshua’s Earthly ministry, Asia Minor was that place where East and West traditionally met and clashed. After the ministry of Yeshua, The East/West dynamic surfaced first within the confines of the Roman Empire as the incredible scope of the vast empire ultimately led to the gradual formation of both Western and Eastern Empires under Diocletian c. 300 Ce.
The East/West dynamic surfaced next in the form of the ongoing discord and schism within the Church of Messiah. Though this split may have culminated in a political struggle, the differences were rooted in religious practice and doctrine which played a major role in the developing Church. The differences between these two variant sectors of the Church of Messiah were prevalent from early times and evolved to multiple schisms between Church factions; the most notable being the great East-West Schism in 1054 Ce. So even within the one Church culture of Messiah did this East vs. West paradigm hold true.
The East/West perspective can be seen in the continuing struggle between the Church of Messiah and the Muslims of the East; ultimately resulting in the “Crusades” which began in 1096 Ce and lasted nearly 250 years. Of course this East vs. West struggle was not contained to Asia Minor, but the area was not devoid of warfare.
East vs. West was again to come to the forefront during the colonization efforts of the Western Christian Empires. Certainly the author will not even allude to Asia Minor being the critical impact zone regarding these colonization activities. Still the East vs. West dynamic that was so centric to Asia Minor for more than a millennia cannot be viewed as being irrelevant to this broader East vs. West clash.
The East vs. West dynamic was again at the forefront of news and history during the early twentieth century when the Asia Minor land mass itself was under duress during the strife between the Greeks and the Turks and certainly representative of a broader cultural struggle.
In a broad context we of course can then not ignore the obvious East vs. West nature of the Cold War and the epic cultural struggle which engulfed the entire planet for a significant portion of the twentieth century.
And of course we should certainly not overlook the reality of this modern era, where in the wake of growing Islamic fundamentalism and radicalism, the lines of East vs. West have taken shape once more. Ironically enough this time the battle is brewing against a religious backdrop in which Western Civilization is being billed as morally destitute Satanists. Quite ironic to say the least!
One simply cannot ignore the cultural dynamic existing between the East and the West. History paints a clear picture of this continuing struggle. Furthermore Asia Minor more than symbolically represents the one place that encapsulates this cultural dynamic.
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6) The last significant implication which should be drawn from these collective observations is the obvious transition of the evangelical seat of authority from Israel to the “Gentiles” with respect to the greater Church body of G_D. This transition is historical fact and cannot be refuted regardless of the consequences that spawned from said transition. This transition also represents the inevitable fulfillment of scripture!
Isaiah 28:16 says, “Therefore thus saith the Lord G_D: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.”
Psalms says, “The stone which the builders rejected is become the chief corner-stone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalms 118:22–23).
Matthew says, Yeshua saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of G_D shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. (Matthew 21:42–45)
Because this transition of evangelical authority can be quite contentious, if misunderstood, further explanation is in order and it is important to make a couple of critical points regarding these passages from the Gospel of Matthew.
Yeshua was certainly feared by the Jewish religious establishment or more accurately he was feared by a powerful segment of said Jewish religious establishment. There is historical evidence indicating Yeshua was beloved, accepted and revered by much of Israeli Jewry. Indeed Yeshua had supporters within the Jewish religious establishment as well. This is noted so clarity can be brought to this issue of “removed evangelical authority.”
It is critical to understand in what context Yeshua spoke when he warned the Jewish Establishment that the kingdom of G_D would be taken away from them. Could it mean that the Jews were no longer G_D’s people and were essentially disinherited forever? Scripture rebuffs this notion. What does make sense is that the Jewish Religious Establishment would relinquish its seat of evangelical and leadership authority to a priesthood that would spread the good news gospel of the Hebrew Messiah.
In light of this removed evangelical authority and the destruction of the Temple Jerusalem in 70 Ce it has been erroneously concluded by many people that the Jews themselves have been replaced as the heirs of the covenant with G_D. There are even contentions that the Catholic Church among others is essentially the "New Israel. This “replacement theology” however is false and the author will make a case against this misperception given its relevance to the Revelation of Yeshua the Messiah.
The primary role of the Hebrew in G_D’s plan always was “to be the light to the nations;” “a glory to the one true G_D of Israel and all peoples!” This was a special role reserved for Israel through the auspices of the everlasting covenant with G_D. It is critical to understand the New Covenant is the completion of the original Hebrew Covenant. These two so called “old” and “new” covenants are not disconnected in any way shape or form.
A thorough reading of the Book of Isaiah sheds much light on the issue and is highly recommended. In summary, the original covenant was not upheld by Israel which transgressed G_D’s Holy Law: the Torah. This resulted in punishment upon Israel. G_D in his supreme mercy forgave Israel of their covenant breech thereby freeing Israel from their “covenant with death.” In renewing of this agreement with Israel, G_D brought forth a perfected covenant modification which could not be spoiled for he himself would be the intercessor on behalf of the peoples.
Below are some key Scriptural excerpts from Isaiah pertinent to this issue:
The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statute, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath a curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty; therefore the inhabitants of the earth waste away, and men are left few. (Isaiah 24:5–6)
Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scoffers, the ballad mongers of this people which is in Jerusalem: Because ye have said: ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with the nether-world are we at agreement; when the scouring scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood have we hid ourselves. Therefore thus saith The Lord G_D: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled and your agreement with the nether-world shall not stand . . . (Isaiah 28:14–18)
Thus saith G_D the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth, he that spread forth the earth and that which cometh out of it, he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I The Lord have called thee in righteousness, and have taken hold of thy hand, and kept thee, and set thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the nations; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house. I am the Lord, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. (Isaiah 42:5–9)
Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him who is despised of men, to him who is abhorred of nations, to a servant of rulers: kings shall see and arise, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee. Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I answered thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages. (Isaiah 49:7–8)
As can be seen this new and perfect Hebrew Covenant represents the covenant for all peoples and nations, but the Hebrew role in this “deal” with G_D has not been changed. The covenant is still between G_D of Israel and the people. The responsibility of the Hebrew is to spread the light to all peoples and nations and be the “oracles” of G_D. It should not be inferred that the original covenant is part of the “former things that are passed.” The former things that will pass are Israel’s transgressions and covenant with death. As Scripture clearly points out the covenant is everlasting. So to what then is the “covenant with death” in Isaiah referring? What are these things of old that will pass away?
Although we will be covering G_D’s Torah in further detail later in this work, it must be noted herein the “covenant with death” in Isaiah is a direct reference to Israel's unfaithfulness and the “Judaic Rabbinical Tradition” which spouted up in Israel and ultimately evolved into legalism: a rigorous code of obedience to minutiae. Though obedience to G_D’s will is certainly critical, the key aspects of faith and spirit filled love which result in just and righteous behavior were overlooked. The result was a system where perfect obedience was the standard of righteousness. Since perfection is outside the scope of human performance there could be no individual righteousness. Hence one lives by the law and dies by the law. Or as Isaiah declared Israel was under a “covenant of death.”
Within this context the Jewish religious establishment failed to recognize Yeshua as Messiah and there was no way they could fulfill their destined evangelical role. Subsequently the role of spreading the good news of salvation, the covenant of faith and grace, to all mankind had to be handed off to a willing substitute. This hand off is what Yeshua was prophesying to the Jewish religious establishment.
As previously stated, the destruction of Jerusalem is often misperceived as a permanent disinheritance of the Jews. When one looks objectively at this evangelical hand-off it is clear that the apostles of Yeshua were all Jews. The same people always designated to be the oracles of G_D. Further yet, even after the hand-off, the center of the Messiah Movement was still in fact the Jewish Synagogue. Consequently it must be concluded that the Apostolic Church of Messiah was in effect a Hebraic Institution at its very roots. The hand-off had taken place but essentially had transferred from Jew to Jew, from the Hebrew Religious Establishment to the Hebrew Apostolate.
At first glance this may seem to support the idea of “replacement theology.” Upon closer inspection however we can see G_D’s chosen people in a divided state. We also know what Yeshua told us about a divided house in Matthew 12:25: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” We saw this truth come to fruition when Israel split into two kingdoms after the reign of Solomon. So in proper context there was no practical way for this divided Kingdom of G_D to survive. So the author views the destruction of Jerusalem, the seat of the Kingdom of G_D, as a necessary event to keep Israel, G-D's Kingdom from destroying itself.
This transition became necessary but by no means is to be viewed as a permanent “transfer” from Jew to Gentile. The ultimate establishment of the Gentile seat of evangelical authority, representative of the Church of Messiah, is of course independent from the nation of Israel and should never be construed as a permanent disinheritance of G_D’s Chosen People. Nor should it be viewed that the Church of Messiah is the replacement inheritor of the promises made to national Israel. It was not G_D’s plan to have his chosen people replaced! G_D’s merciful plan simply expanded the covenant with mankind thereby bringing into the fold peoples of all ethnicities united in the body of Yeshua the Messiah. The Church of Messiah, originally Hebraic then Gentilized, is not a new Israel! Israel is Israel, and the Church of Messiah was established to fulfill the plan of G_D and spread the gospel of Yeshua. Since there is no permanent disinheritance of Israel it must be argued Messiah’s Church will have evangelical authority for a temporary time frame.
Now the reader may ask “How can it be construed that this is only temporary?” Simply refer to what Yeshua said about Jerusalem and the temple. The Gospel of Luke states, And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. . . . But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter there into. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:5–24)
There should be no doubts this last verse implies that Jerusalem will be restored after the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. The author also presumes the temple will be restored as well given the context in which Messiah revealed this prophecy. Furthermore we should note that against all odds and certainly of miraculous nature, the return of national Israel after such a long time. Ironically the influence of the western nations regarding the recovery of national Israel to the international fold of nations was prominent. Still further yet it is the West, most notably the United States of America, that has traditionally supported Israel in the face of never ending hatred and opposition emanating from their Arab neighbors and global antagonists.
From a historic perspective it seems we have an unacknowledged “quid pro quo” going on. On one hand it was the actions of the Jews/Israel that in effect gave rise to modern Western Civilization and on the other hand it is that same Western Civilization’s actions which have led to the reemergence of national Israel. How strange these things are indeed. It would seem perhaps the end of the time of the Gentiles may be looming.
In light of Scripture, considerable objections to the erroneous belief that this transition of evangelical authority was a condemnation of Hebrew Scripture or the Hebrew people must be made. This transition is simply the natural unfolding of G_D’s will and the result of the prophesied “unbelief” of most Jewish leaders regarding their own Messiah as manifested in Yeshua of Nazareth. Undoubtedly through Israel would the light of the saving grace of G_D be gifted to the Gentiles; this is an element of the renewed and everlasting covenant! Consequently any notions implying the assumption of national Israel’s covenantal inheritance by the Gentilized Church of Messiah must be deemed to be false. As declared in Isaiah, the original covenant is “everlasting.”
There are not two covenants, so all elements of the covenant between G_D and man remain intact.
So what then shall we say? That the Christian seat of evangelical authority has been divinely established? And that Israel’s national inheritance and the Hebrew Covenant are still in effect? The answer to both is YES!
Ultimately Hebrew evangelical authority will be re-established upon the acceptance by the Jewish people of Yeshua the Messiah as “The Lord of David” in Psalms: The Lord saith unto my Lord: “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” The rod of thy strength the Lord will send out of Zion: “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy warfare; in adornments of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, thine is the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent: “Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek.” The Lord at thy right hand doth crush kings in the day of his wrath. He will judge among the nations; he filleth it with dead bodies, he crusheth the head over a wide land. He will drink of the brook in the way; therefore will he lift up the head. Hallelujah. I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have delight therein. His work is glory and majesty; and his righteousness endureth forever. He hath made a memorial for his wonderful works; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given food unto them that fear him; he will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath declared to his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are truth and justice; all his precepts are sure. They are established forever and ever, they are done in truth and uprightness. He hath sent redemption unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant forever; holy and awful is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth forever. (Psalms 110:1- 111:10)
And the LORD said unto me: 'Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend an adulteress even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn unto other gods, and love cakes of raisins. So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver and an omer of barley, and a half-omer of barley; and I said unto her: 'Thou shall sit solitary for me many days; thou shall not play the harlot, and thou shall not be any man's wife; nor will I be thine.' For the children of Israel shall sit solitary many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without pillar, and without ephod or teraphim; afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their G_D, and David their king; and shall come trembling unto the LORD and to his goodness in the end of days. (Hosea 3:1-5)
So the reader may ask—presuming for a moment the seemingly improbable acceptance of Yeshua by Israel and the Jewish people—will there be two rightful evangelical seats of authority when this comes about? The answer to this according to the words of Yeshua is a definite no. There will not be conflicting houses!
In the meantime … please refer to the revised previous figure seen below which visually depicts this transition. Not only does it show a clear transition from Israel to Rome but Asia Minor can easily be viewed as the pivot for the temporary transition of evangelical authority.
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At this point the reader may be wondering what to make of all these contextual deductions? The author would counter that these significant implications should stand meritoriously on their own and do provide significant insight into understanding G_D’s Plan. Regarding the Revelation of Yeshua, however, it is prudent to translate this developed context into a defined framework which helps us interpret the blessed Revelation.
Looking at these major contextual perspectives the reader should be instilled with the following impressions:
* That Asia Minor forever should be viewed in the context as being not the spark but the proverbial “flash point” for the fire that was the Church of Messiah; which in turn played the largest role of any single factor in the shaping of modern Western Civilization and thus modern history!
* That Asia Minor played host to one of the most important hand offs in human history. This hand off was from G_D to himself in the form of Yeshua the Messiah; this handoff was in effect from Hebrew to Hebrew. The handoff, in light of a Gentilized Church of Messiah, basically resulted in the temporary transition of Biblical and future historical prominence from Israel to the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church and subsequently Western Civilization. This evangelical authority will not be handed back to Israel until after the season of the Church of Messiah, and the time of the Gentiles has run its course which occurs during the end days.
* That Asia Minor, more than symbolically, represents the very struggle between East vs. West which summarily defines the broad history of the human race since time immemorial. From a scriptural perspective the jump could be made to declare that over the last two millennia this East vs. West struggle can be declared as being the battle of good (Messiah's Gospel) against evil (The Gospel's enemy). Please do not bemoan the fact the author did not qualify this statement by mentioning that all wrongs perpetrated by the Earthly Church of Messiah, or the West to a greater extent, need be overlooked. Or do not view this mistakenly as an “en-masse” condemnation that all p