Question: Are any of Porphyry’s explanations of verses in the Book of Daniel (preserved in Jerome’s commentary) still being repeated in modern Bible commentaries? Or are his verse-by-verse comments all now regarded as incorrect?
Wikipedia: The Suda (a 10th-century Byzantine encyclopaedia based on many sources now lost) reports that Porphyry was born in Tyre.[8] He was of Greek or Syrian (Aramean or Phoenician) descent.[5] His parents named him Malkos or Malchus ("King" in the Semitic languages)[d] his pen name was "Basileus" ("King" in Greek), though he changed it to his nickname "Porphyrius" (lit. "Clad in purple") later in his life.[5] In his work The Life of Plotinus he refers to Aramaic as his "native tongue."[9] Under Cassius Longinus, in Athens, he studied grammar and rhetoric, and got acquainted with Middle Platonism.[5]
In 262 he went to Rome, attracted by the reputation of Plotinus, and for six years devoted himself to the practice of Neoplatonism, during which time he severely modified his diet. At one point becoming suicidal.[10] On the advice of Plotinus he went to live in Sicily for five years to recover his mental health. On returning to Rome, he lectured on philosophy and completed an edition of the writings of Plotinus (who had died in the meantime) together with a biography of his teacher. Iamblichus is mentioned in ancient Neoplatonic writings as his disciple, but this is most likely only meant to indicate that he was the dominant figure in the next generation of philosophers succeeding him.[citation needed] The two men differed publicly on the issue of theurgy.
In his later years, he married Marcella, a widow with seven children and an enthusiastic student of philosophy.[citation needed] Little more is known of his life, and the date of his death is uncertain.
Comment: as his work has thrown many doubts on the veracity of Scripture (the Bible), it is necessary to remember that the most profound statements of the Godhead in Daniels’ Book and on Jesus Christs’ comments from Daniel’s Book in Matt. 24, are necessary points of attack for God’s eternal enemy ‘Satan’, as the ‘prize’ for Satan is to be “as God”. The attacks by the “modern scholars” in most , if not all areas are dismissed by Scholars of dependable veracity and value, such as Dr. Bullinger, and Dr. Ginsburg etc. Most if not all the “doubts” are in the same or similar mode of Gen. 3:4 ; “You will not surely die”!
The Bible states: “beware of mans’ philosophy”; Col. 2:8 !
Undoubtedly, Faith is the final arbiter with God the Father, (Heb.11).
The book of Daniel is one of the most revealing prophecies of the Bible.
Chapter two especially gives extended time scale from “the head” down to the “10 toes”!
It is also one of the most vilified books of the Bible, by Satan’s agents (human and spiritual), because of its most favoured place in the Canon of Scripture; and the fact that Daniel was/is “greatly loved” by God!
Jesus referred to it in Matt. 24 in the context of Satan’s agent (Anti-Christ) re. the timing of part of “Jacob’s Trouble”!
It is hated by humans who have given their lives to Satan, as its predictions have been so far so accurate; and the usual attack is “those events were included after the facts”.
The Aramaic is used from Cps.1 to 6:28, and is historic; and from 7:1 to 12:13 is prophetic and in Hebrew.
Chapter two of Daniel’s book, concerns the dream which was had by King Nebuchadnezzar, which troubled him to the extent that he could not sleep.
See:
Daniel's 70th Week Date Position?
PROPHECY: Matthew 24 and Others
The 490 years Prophecy given to Daniel by Gabriel
If you have questions or comments, please click here.
Subjectindex or