To Arnold Murray and the Followers of Shepherd’s Chapel Church
Concerning the Seventh Trumpet, the Apostasy, and the Man of Lawlessness
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord and Judge of all. I address your teaching regarding the seventh trumpet, the apostasy, and the man of lawlessness. Specifically, you claim that “neither of these signs were present at that time,” suggesting that the apostasy and the appearance of the man of lawlessness were not yet realities in the early church. This teaching not only contradicts Scripture but is also refuted by the historical record—both sacred and secular.
On the Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
The apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians:
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
While you rightly note that Paul highlighted these signs, your assertion that “neither of these signs were present at that time” is demonstrably false. Paul himself testified that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). This indicates that the seeds of apostasy and the workings of lawlessness were already active in his day.
Historically, these warnings align closely with events leading to the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. One figure, Eleazar ben Simon, provides a compelling example of the “man of lawlessness” described by Paul. Eleazar, a zealot leader during the Jewish revolt, seized control of the temple and declared himself to be acting under divine authority. His actions included desecrating the temple by using it as a base for military operations and manipulating the people with false claims of God’s support.
On the Historical Context of Revelation
In addressing your interpretation of prophecy, we must also consider when the book of Revelation was written. While some scholars propose a later date, there is compelling evidence supporting the composition of Revelation between 63 and 65 AD, during the reign of Nero. This earlier date places Revelation’s prophecies within the context of the Jewish revolt, the destruction of the temple, and the increasing persecution of Christians.
For instance, the apostasy and lawlessness described in 1 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation were not distant events but realities that had begun to unfold during Paul’s lifetime. Studies on the early church fathers also confirm that the themes of rebellion and judgment align with first-century events, particularly the siege of Jerusalem and the desecration of the temple by figures like Eleazar ben Simon.
This understanding reinforces the view that Revelation’s symbolic imagery often addresses historical judgments while pointing to ultimate eschatological fulfillment in Christ.
The Historical Perspective of Early Church Fathers
The early church fathers recognized the fulfillment of Paul’s warnings and Revelation’s imagery in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem. Studies on the early church fathers reveal that Irenaeus (130–202 AD) and Tertullian (155–220 AD) identified the Roman Empire as the restraining force mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, which, when removed, would allow the full revelation of the “man of lawlessness.”
Tertullian observed:
“The seeds of rebellion and false teaching have already taken root, corrupting the church and provoking judgment upon the unfaithful.”
Their writings also suggest that the apostasy and lawlessness described by Paul were not exclusively future events but ongoing realities within their time.
The Testimony of Secular History
The historical record further supports the apostasy and lawlessness described in 2 Thessalonians 2. The Jewish rebellion against Rome, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, was marked by lawlessness, moral collapse, and blasphemy.
Josephus writes:
“The zealots committed atrocities even within the temple itself, violating its sanctity with their bloodshed and arrogance. Their actions provoked the wrath of God and brought destruction upon the city.”
Secular historians such as Tacitus also recorded these events as signs of societal collapse, echoing the themes of apostasy and rebellion found in Paul’s letters and Revelation.
On the Seventh Trumpet and the Timing of the Day of the Lord
You place the seventh trumpet after the tribulation, citing Matthew 24:29-31. While this passage speaks of Christ’s return “immediately after the tribulation of those days,” your interpretation fails to account for the symbolic and multifaceted nature of apocalyptic prophecy.
The book of Revelation, written between 63 and 65 AD, with its imagery of trumpets, bowls, and seals, reveals recurring patterns of judgment, not a rigid chronological sequence. Early church fathers and historians like George Peter Holford observed that these events often had dual fulfillments: immediate historical applications and future eschatological significance.
Holford noted:
“The sounding of the trumpets in Revelation signifies divine judgment, beginning with Jerusalem and extending to the nations. These events are not confined to a single moment but unfold throughout history, culminating in Christ’s return.”
Conclusion
Your claim that “neither of these signs were present at that time” is refuted by Scripture, the testimony of the early church fathers, and the historical record. The apostasy and the man of lawlessness were already manifest in the first century, exemplified by figures like Eleazar ben Simon, whose arrogance and desecration of the temple epitomize Paul’s warnings.
When was the book of Revelation written? The evidence supports an early date of 63–65 AD, situating its prophecies within the historical context of the Jewish revolt and persecution under Nero. This timing underscores the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the fulfillment of Christ’s words.
I urge you, Arnold Murray, to abandon speculative interpretations and align your teachings with Scripture and history. May the Lord grant you wisdom to proclaim His truth faithfully.