Homer Hailey contends the internal evidence is of equal strength with the external for the late dating. As we consider these arguments for the late date, let us also look at the flaws within them. Empire-wide Roman Persecution Throughout the book of Revelation saints suffer from persecution. These were all martyred for their allegiance to the Lord. In the Apocalypse, the saints suffer at the hands of their persecutors but in the end God has His day in court.
Judgment is passed and the persecutors punished.
This was a present reality at the time Revelation was written. While the sea beast already made war with the saints, it would evolve into a larger conflict in which the Lamb and His followers prevail. Without a doubt, an extensive Roman persecution of Christians is portrayed in the Apocalypse. Most contemporary commentators view Babylon as Rome and the persecution as an extension of that inflicted by the sea beast. By taking this position, all the persecutions against the saints are viewed as Roman.