Talk:Revelation 1-7 (Translated)

Verses 2:9 and 3:9

These are often the subject of confusion and misuse, particularly by antisemites who think it justifies their ideology. Now, note that Rev. 2:9 says (in the KJV), "which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Verse 3:9 repeats the message, "...the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie." So it makes explicitly clear that the "synagogue of Satan" feigns a Jewish identity and aren't actually Jews. I think the term "synagogue" is used in order to properly correspond with the mention of "Jews," since "church" wouldn't make sense in the context. IOWs, it's not an actual synagogue, but rather a fake one because its self-masking under a Jewish identity is phony; therefore, the verses don't substantiate antisemitic "Jewish Antichrist" quackery.

Now, Revelation is a highly symbolic book. Should verses 2:9 and 3:9 be taken literally? I think such an interpretation would be incorrect; instead, it's evidently referring to a spiritual sense. In the Pauline Epistles, Galatians 3:29 makes it clear that Christians are in essence spiritual offspring of Abraham, and thus spiritual Jews, which Romans 2:29 reinforces. IOWs, Rev. 2:9 and 3:9 are probably talking about Christianity rather than Judaism. The synagogue of Satan claiming to be Jews is possibly an indication that the Antichrist beast system will claim to represent Christianity. —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Thursday, 00:45, January 12, 2023 (EST)

You make an excellent point. Should the English term be something other than "synagogue" here? Perhaps "house of worship" instead?--Andy Schlafly (talk) 02:16, January 12, 2023 (EST)

Yes, I think that would be a good adjustment for starters to avoid confusion. I'll nonetheless add clarifying notes. —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Thursday, 14:31, January 12, 2023 (EST)