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The belief in chiliasm is claimed by some to have become cyclically popular
during times of persecution. The early church both experienced persecution and believed,
at least in part, in chiliasm. This assertion of cyclical popularity, in attempting to explain
the high level of acceptance of chiliasm doctrine in the early church, may presume that
difficult times lead believers to yearn for the peace and security that such a belief
promises. If true, it would be consistent with the origination of apocalyptic works which
have historically been popular during troublesome times. These works often contain a
theme of expectation for ultimate triumph of good over evil. As a result, they become a
source of hope for the persecuted. This benefit is offered by both chiliastic doctrines and
apocalyptic literature. However, the real issue is whether scripture teaches chiliasm. If it
does, believers may simply recognize the doctrine more readily while suffering
persecution. And if scripture does teach such a view, then it only makes sense that
modern premillennialists hold some beliefs in common with the early church chiliasts,
whether suffering persecution at the time or not.