12
good." It is granted that after the fall, the ground was cursed, but part of the point of
chiliasm is that the curse is lifted with the presence of Messiah.
Critics Outside the Church
Criticism of chiliastic beliefs did not stop within the church. There were also
those outside the church who opposed the view. An example of this is seen in Justin
Martyrs Dialogue with Trypho. Trypho was a Jewish opponent of Christianity, and in
his arguments against it he seized upon the incredulity of chiliasm, among other things.
The dialogue proceeds as Trypho commends Justin and the Christians for their adherence
to scripture.
Trypho: "...do you really admit that this place, Jerusalem, is to be rebuilt? Do
you expect your people to be gathered together, and made joyful with Christ, the
patriarchs, and the prophets-both men of the nation, and other proselytes who
joined them before your Christ came?"
Justin: "...I admitted to you formerly, that I and many others are of this
opinion, and [believe] that such will take place. Of this you assuredly are aware. On
the other hand, I signified to you that many who belong to the pure and pious faith,
and are true Christians, think otherwise."
17
In the Dialogue, Justin goes on to support this view based on observations from
Isa.65 and references to the apostle Johns writings (clearly Revelation 20-22). He also
states that believers would enjoy the kingdom for one thousand years, but after this would
come the resurrection and judgement of all men. Justin is clearly taking Revelation at face
value, that is, literally in this argument.
17
Ante-Nicene Fathers, Dialogue with Trypho. Vol.1, 239.