Prince Ferdinand’s First Success (1893)
By 1893, Prince Ferdinand had achieved his first major success as ruler of Bulgaria. The country was now seen as a stable nation internationally....
Prince Ferdinand’s Challenge
By 1887, Bulgaria had made progress, but much work remained for Prince Ferdinand. Over his 21-year reign, he showed great leadership and became a...
Prince Alexander’s Forced Abdication
Due to Russian interference, Prince Alexander—who was loved by his people—was forced to give up his throne. However, this crisis did not weaken Bulgaria.
Stefan...
Pergamum A Beautiful and Strategic City
Location and Overview
Pergamum was the next city mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It was a beautiful city, located 16 miles (26 kilometers) away...
Smyrna The Second City of the Seven Churches
Location and Importance
Smyrna is the second city of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It was located about 35 miles (56...
John’s Vision and the Book of Revelation
John's Unique Approach to Revelation
The Book of Revelation is different from other apocalyptic books in many ways. Apocalyptic literature usually follows certain patterns, such...
The Rise of the Parthians
Revolt and Formation of the Parthian State
In 255 B.C., Diodotus, the satrap of Bactria, rebelled against Seleucid rule, establishing an Indo-Greek kingdom in Afghanistan....
Jewish Sects and Antiochus’s Oppression
Emergence of Jewish Sects
At this juncture, the Jewish community divides into two major sects of the New Testament era: the Pharisees, representing the fundamentalist...
Roman Intervention and Antiochus IV’s Reign
Antiochus’s Ambitions Unravel
Antiochus, having aligned with Philip solely for Egypt, sought to revive old Seleucid claims in Ionia and Thrace. To appease Rhodes, he...
Greek word as do-goodism
The old model was fading. In the later empire, more and more of the euergetism (one might render that Greek word as do-goodism) came...
