The city of Petra

[Areopagus]

Is anyone aware of any studies on the possibility that during the tribulation there may have been Christian that fled to Petra? I've done quite a few searches and cannot find anything. Maybe I'm chasing rabbit trails.

Thanks for any help without accusation, insinuation, or general floggings.

Dustin...

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

The history of Petra is a fascinating one, but I'm not aware of what you are suggesting. Here is a little bit of info I picked up:

We know that the Christian occupation of the region took place probably during the mid 5th century, around 447 AD due to red painted consecration inscriptions in the "Palace Tomb" notes. Documentary evidence also exits in the 6th century attesting to the Christian population of Petra. These tell of a community that accommodated the theology of both a Christian and pagan aristocracy. It was a period when, as in Egypt, many structures were recycled for use as Christian establishments, and there was even new building activity.

However, with the changing trade routes, Petra's commercial decline was inevitable and its demise was further impacted by a severe earthquake in 551 AD, which all but ruined the city. It continued to decline with the Muslim invasion of the 7th century, though the new evidence presented by the unearthed Christian papyrus suggest that the region's vitality may have continued well into the 7th century. However, when, in 747 AD, it was again struck by a major earthquake, if fell almost completely into obscurity.

 

[Plimoth Thom]

Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI is hosting an exhibition on Petra beginning April 4, 2005 and running until August 15, 2005.

http://www.calvin.edu/petra

 

[Areopagus]

I'm not "suggesting" anything. I'm asking if anyone has any information on whether or not Christians fled to Petra during the tribulation. That's it. I was straight forward. No suggestions.

Again, does anyone have any information about my QUESTION on whether or not there is any information about whether or not Christians fled to Petra during the tribulation?

Thanks,

Dustin...

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

What exactly do you mean by "tribulation"?

 

[Areopagus]

Before the destruction of the temple in 70AD there was a tribulation. During that time did any Christians flee to the city of Petra? Is there any archaeological or historical information on this?

Dustin...

 

[TimV]

Have you tried archeologists in the area? Here are some emails

http://www.bu.edu/acor/univinst.htm

My experience is that they are usually willing to help if your querry is short, polite and to the point, like yours was.

The Decapolis area had much Christian activity at the time, but most of the dispersal took place after 70AD. The chances for a very few would seem great, the chances for any significant numbers would seem much smaller.

 

[Preach]

Dustin,
I've heard Gentry and others argue that many Christians fled to this city. Moreover, I believe Gentry stated that there is no evidence that any Christians died during the Jerusalem seige. I think his sources for this were one or more of the Roman historians. Although Josephus complemented much of Matthew 24, I'm not sure if he spoke to the issue of the Christians and this city.
"In Christ",
Bobby

 

[Puritanhead]

Some Dispensationalists believe that Petra is where the 144,000 remant of Jews will flee during the future great tribulation... The fact that there are all kinds of books about Petra and it was in the limelight as the lost city in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade might be a give away to the Anti-Christ but Nooooooo, they say its protected. The Armies from the east could arguably nuke it as it is exposed and above ground, but they say God will protect it. No doubt, these are the same variety of Dispensationalists that believe the temple will be rebuilt, sacrifices restored, and they welcome it while they cannot see the overt blasphemy of such an act.

 

[Areopagus]

Tim V and Bobby,

Many thanks. I'm going to put in a short and courteous e-mail to the folks at the web-site you linked to Tim. I'll let you know if I come up with anything. It would be quite the treat to find out that Christians did in fact flee to Petra during the tribulation under Nero.

Ryan,

Maybe Dispensationalist's will have decoder rings in the future, provided by God of course, that help them decode where the *true* city of Petra is. I mean, the one we see now could be a hoax to throw off the Anti-Christ. You know? Sheesh.

Dustin...

 

[Puritanhead]

Did I mention Petra is in Jordan... let's see if I were a Jew in the tribulation where would I seek refuge? Yeah, I think I will goto a neighboring Arab country and seek refuge...


[Edited on 3-3-2005 by Puritanhead]

 

[Fernando]

Pella

Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History states that the Christians in Judea fled to Pella, not Petra. Check it out.

[Edited on 3-3-2005 by Fernando]

[Edited on 3-3-2005 by Fernando]

 

[Areopagus]

Fernando,

Wow...good stuff.

Dustin...

 

[TimV]

As to Jews fleeing to Arab countries being seemingly unlikely, you must not view ancient history through the eyes of modern politics. And the same goes for what you assume to be the ethnic inhabitants of those countries.

 

[Puritanhead]

Originally posted by TimV
As to Jews fleeing to Arab countries being seemingly unlikely, you must not view ancient history through the eyes of modern politics. And the same goes for what you assume to be the ethnic inhabitants of those countries.

Well one cannot exactly view something they purport to be future prophecy in the eyes of ancient politics. The Petra refuge theory is absurd on its face.

 

[TimV]

Thanks, Ryan. I see your point now, and it's a good one.

Best
Tim

 

[Areopagus]

Puritanhead,

Petra seems to be a dead end.

Have you heard of Pella and/or done any research on it? Fairly interesting stuff.

D...