Daniel 10-12; John 20
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The Book of Daniel is one of the few that offers a glimpse into the life of the spiritual world. The man dressed in linen is most likely one of the archangels, possibly Gabriel, who was mentioned at the end of the previous chapter (although some believe this is an appearance of Jesus Christ, there is insufficient evidence for this). Appearing to Daniel, he speaks of a battle taking place between the heavenly hosts and the spirits of evil, opposing them on earth and representing earthly kings. Scripture does not provide many details, but this passage reveals a constant struggle in the spiritual world between the forces of good and evil.
The heavenly messenger reveals to Daniel a detailed description of future events. All the kings and events listed in Daniel 11 align so precisely with everything that happened in the centuries after his life that most liberal theologians believe the Book of Daniel was written 400 years after his life, which is inaccurate. God not only knows exactly what will happen in the future, but He also governs all that transpires.
The events described in Daniel 11:16-35 refer to Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the Jerusalem temple restored in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. This Greek king is the most vivid foreshadowing of the Antichrist, who will come in the end times. The events described in Daniel 11:36-45 most likely refer to what will happen during the time of the Antichrist.
The last chapter of the book begins with a description of the resurrection that will occur in the last days: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2). In response to Daniel’s question about when these events will occur, the man in linen replies, “for a time, times, and half a time…” (Dan. 12:7). This corresponds to the period of the Great Tribulation, already mentioned in Daniel 9.
John 20
This chapter describes Christ's resurrection and His appearance to the disciples. Contrary to what might be expected, the resurrected Christ first appeared not to the male disciples but to the women who followed Him and cared for Him until the end. John writes that he believed in the resurrection when he saw the empty tomb and the linen cloths.
The first meeting of the resurrected Christ with the disciples begins with His miraculous appearance among them in the house where the doors are locked. Jesus first said to them, “Peace be with you!” He also provided proof that it was indeed Him by showing His wounds. The story of Thomas at the end of the chapter again emphasizes the book's central theme—the importance of faith: “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
The Book of Daniel is one of the few that offers a glimpse into the life of the spiritual world. The man dressed in linen is most likely one of the archangels, possibly Gabriel, who was mentioned at the end of the previous chapter (although some believe this is an appearance of Jesus Christ, there is insufficient evidence for this). Appearing to Daniel, he speaks of a battle taking place between the heavenly hosts and the spirits of evil, opposing them on earth and representing earthly kings. Scripture does not provide many details, but this passage reveals a constant struggle in the spiritual world between the forces of good and evil.
The heavenly messenger reveals to Daniel a detailed description of future events. All the kings and events listed in Daniel 11 align so precisely with everything that happened in the centuries after his life that most liberal theologians believe the Book of Daniel was written 400 years after his life, which is inaccurate. God not only knows exactly what will happen in the future, but He also governs all that transpires.
The events described in Daniel 11:16-35 refer to Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the Jerusalem temple restored in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. This Greek king is the most vivid foreshadowing of the Antichrist, who will come in the end times. The events described in Daniel 11:36-45 most likely refer to what will happen during the time of the Antichrist.
The last chapter of the book begins with a description of the resurrection that will occur in the last days: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2). In response to Daniel’s question about when these events will occur, the man in linen replies, “for a time, times, and half a time…” (Dan. 12:7). This corresponds to the period of the Great Tribulation, already mentioned in Daniel 9.
John 20
This chapter describes Christ's resurrection and His appearance to the disciples. Contrary to what might be expected, the resurrected Christ first appeared not to the male disciples but to the women who followed Him and cared for Him until the end. John writes that he believed in the resurrection when he saw the empty tomb and the linen cloths.
The first meeting of the resurrected Christ with the disciples begins with His miraculous appearance among them in the house where the doors are locked. Jesus first said to them, “Peace be with you!” He also provided proof that it was indeed Him by showing His wounds. The story of Thomas at the end of the chapter again emphasizes the book's central theme—the importance of faith: “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Posted in Reading Bible Together