What is Preterism?
Quick Summary
Preterism is the view that many or most of the prophecies in Revelation (and parts of Daniel, Matthew 24, etc.) were fulfilled in the first century, particularly in the fall of Jerusalem (70 CE) and the decline of Rome. The word comes from the Latin praeter (“past”), meaning these events have already taken place. Preterism interprets Revelation through the lens of its original audience rather than as a script for the distant future. This post explains the view, without advocating for or against it.
The Basic Idea
Where futurist readings of Revelation see its prophecies as pointing to end-time events still to come, preterism looks backward. It argues that John’s visions spoke directly to the struggles, persecution, and upheavals of the first century.
In this view, “Babylon” often refers to either Jerusalem (destroyed in 70 CE) or Rome (the persecuting empire). The beast represents imperial power. The “great tribulation” refers not to a future catastrophe, but to the suffering of the early church and the Jewish-Roman War.
See also: Who Is Babylon in Revelation?
Varieties of Preterism
Not all preterists agree. Two broad approaches exist:
Partial Preterism: Most of Revelation was fulfilled in the first century, but some key events — like the final return of Christ, resurrection of the dead, and new creation — are still future. This is a fairly common scholarly view.
Full (or “consistent”) Preterism: All biblical prophecies, including resurrection and final judgment, were fulfilled in the past. This view is considered unorthodox by most Christian traditions because it leaves little room for future hope.
See also: What Is Apocalyptic Literature?
Historical Roots
Early church writers like Eusebius and Clement of Alexandria interpreted parts of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) as fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem. Later, in the Reformation era, some Protestants used preterism to argue that Revelation was not about the pope as Antichrist but about ancient Rome.
Eusebius, in his Demonstratio Evangelica, interprets Jesus’ prophecies in Matthew 24 as fulfilled by the events of AD 70:
“The holy oracles foretold that all these changes [the ceasing of Mosaic worship, desolation of Jerusalem and its Temple, subjection of the Jewish race] … would take place at the coming of the Christ, which I will presently show to have been fulfilled as never before in accordance with the predictions.”
Epiphanius and Jerome also connect Jesus’ warnings with the first-century destruction:
Epiphanius of Salamis on the abomination of desolation in Matthew 24:
“And the abomination of desolation is seen standing in the holy place… this prophecy was fulfilled in the very fact of the coming of the armies of Rome.”
In modern times, scholars such as R. C. Sproul (a partial preterist) have argued that understanding Revelation’s prophecies as rooted in the first century helps us read the book more historically and less sensationally.
Strengths of Preterism
Preterism appeals to many because:
It honors the original audience: Revelation was written to real churches in Asia Minor facing persecution (The Seven Churches in Revelation).
It avoids endless speculation: Instead of guessing about modern political figures, it reads Revelation in its historical setting.
It underscores God’s faithfulness: Prophecies about judgment and vindication were fulfilled — God did act.
See also: Life Under Roman Rule: The World of Revelation.
Critiques of Preterism
At the same time, critics raise important cautions:
Too past-focused? Full preterism leaves little room for future hope in Christ’s return.
Undervalues Revelation’s forward-looking hope: The book points not only to first-century struggles but also to the ultimate renewal of creation.
Not the only way Revelation functions: Apocalyptic imagery often carries layered meanings — immediate, ongoing, and ultimate.
See also: What Is the New Heaven and New Earth?.
Comparing Preterism to Other Views
Futurism: Most prophecies still await fulfillment.
Historicist: Prophecies unfold across church history.
Idealist: Revelation’s images apply symbolically across all ages.
Preterism: Most prophecies were fulfilled in the first century.
See also: Four Major Views of Interpreting Revelation.
Meaning for Today
Even if one doesn’t adopt preterism, it reminds us that Revelation was written first to real communities under real pressures. It wasn’t abstract. It was pastoral encouragement and prophetic critique.
Preterism calls us to ask: if Revelation gave hope and perspective to believers in the crumbling worlds of Jerusalem and Rome, how might it steady us when our own cultural foundations feel like they’re collapsing?
See also: Why Revelation Is a Book of Hope, Not Hype.
FAQ
What does “preterism” mean?
It comes from the Latin praeter, meaning “past.” It holds that many prophecies in Revelation have already been fulfilled.
Is preterism heretical?
Partial preterism is well within Christian orthodoxy. Full preterism (denying a future resurrection and return of Christ) is rejected by most churches.
Why do some scholars favor preterism?
It takes seriously the historical context of Revelation and avoids speculative end-times predictions.
Related Content
Sources Cited
R. C. Sproul, The Last Days According to Jesus (Baker, 1998).
Kenneth Gentry, Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation (American Vision, 1998).
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (NICNT), pp. 31–35, 347–350.
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (NIGTC), pp. 48–55.
