In attempting to demonstrate the proper dating of this most influential book of our sacred canon, our investigation carefully considered both the external and internal witness of Revelation. Although much weight has long been credited the external evidence, especially that associated with Irenaeus, we noted that such a procedure is in danger of quieting the voice of God in deference to the voice of man. That is, when engaged from the perspective of an unflinching commitment to Scripture as the Word ofGod, it should be the procedure of Biblical Introduction to allow the most weight to the Scripture's self-testimony regarding its own historical composition. In deference to common practice, however, and in light of the nature of the present work as largely concerned with a rebuttal to the current late date position, we began with an inquiry into the external considerations of tradition.
- from page 334, Before Jerusalem Fell