Thursday, July 18, 2019

Additional Note on Revelation 3:14 and the meaning of αρχη


In D Charles Pyle on Revelation 3:14, I reproduced D. Charles Pyle's comments about Rev 3:14 and how they pertain to LDS Christology. What is interesting is that for the vast majority of instances of αρχη being coupled with a genitive, as it is in Rev 3:14 (ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ θεοῦ), it denotes the beginning of a period of time and not rulers/ruling. Consider the following:

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matt 24:21)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1)

For in those days there shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. (Mark 13:19)

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the world. (Luke 1:2)

This beginning of miracle did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and with his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11)

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. (Phil 4:15)