The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. Jan 24, 2011 elements of the differing views can be incorporated beneficially into our understanding of the book. The book of revelation employs symbol after symbol, many of them deeply mysterious. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e. Some have attempted to use this number in association with roman emperors or evil leaders throughout history. Revelation explained part 1 jesus unveiled revelation is. The book is all about jesus christ, and it is his selfrevelation. Pi is the ratio between the circumferencediameter of a circle a. The book is an unveiling of unseen spiritual forces. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. The book is presented in the form of a great drama. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate 3.
Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. This continued up until the time of jerusalem s destruction in 70 ad. We can understand the book even though we might not understand every signsymbol. A fun and fascinating way to learn about the book of revelation. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Always pray for the holy spirit to guide your understanding while studying the bible. Its pretty much a spiral think golden ratio, phi, the surface of which to our immediate. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Hence, we have to find out when revelation was actually written so that we will have the ground to say whether or not their concept was right.
It should be the last book of the bible that anyone seeks to become an expert on. The comforting promise of revelation when you are certain of your future, then you can concentrate on your present. The revelation of saint john the apostle geneva bible 1599. For reasons we can only speculate on the decision to include it was made at the last minutetruly a cliffha.
The book next contains seven short letters of exhortation to the christian churches in the seven leading cities of asia minor ephesus 2. A 21st century, secular interpretation of the book of revelation now, even though the realms of religion and science in themselves are clearly marked off from each other, nevertheless there exist between the two strong reciprocal relationships and dependencies. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. The book itself suggests that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the roman authorities. The opening of the book states that it is a revelation about what must take place shortly or soon, so it does appear to relate to when even though shortly or soon is not precise. You and your family are a blessing beyond description to us and so many others. For example, the futurists are correct in pointing out that some events described in revelation have yet to be fulfilled 2nd coming of christ, final judgement in chapter 20, renewal of all things in chapter 21,22. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, historical bible study can help us find our way. You will start understanding the book of revelation. A diagram contrasting the four main ways of reading the book of revelation, in terms of the timing of the events in relationship to the original and contemporary readers.
In fact, the opening passage contains a blessing to everyone who reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. Thats what is says in the book of revelation chapter, which by the way, is the revelation of jesus christ. The clear purpose of revelation love worth finding with. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason.
God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The book of revelation tells us that the number of the beast, the sign. A commentary on the book of revelation clearly explained for everyone by shuford m. In this case, it is the truth and the word that is kept secret. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. The interpretation of the book of revelation has often proven difficult throughout the history of the christian church. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of david. I believe the clear purpose of revelation is exactly what it says it is. The vision which opens the book and the verse that organizes it. In this view, revelation is a sort of crystal ball that gives a timeline of literal future. John explains a particular time and events of a certain level of understanding or viewpoint in chapter 11, then different events of the same time period in parts of chapter 12, and then shows us different events from a different perspective of the same time period in chapter.
Chapters 48 co ver the truths precedi ng the seal series and the opening of the seven seals and are explained in the book of revelation e xplained, volume 2. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. There was no doom and gloom tone to the message but it was a solemn reminder that things will get nasty as the earths history concludes. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Hence, we have to find out when revelation was actually written so that we will have the. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. Some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. Although the book of revelation has powerfully entered the popular imagination. A 21st century interpretation of the book of revelation. An apocalypse is a very specific kind of literature with no modern equivalent. However if we stop here and say that this is the books basic outline and we need go no further, then i feel we will be adopting an overly simple view of the books contents. The results are interesting but allow me to first explain the. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow.
It would thus become a particular book on roman history or a history book of the ancient church. Since the death of stephen in acts 7, the jewish temple authorities had been waging a violent war against the church. Outline for this study of the book of revelationpages 1, 2, and top of page 3. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation.
The revelation of john the divine the argument it is manifest, that the holy ghost would as it were gather into this most excellent book a sum of those prophecies, which were written before, but should be fulfilled after the coming of christ, adding also such things as should be expedient, as well to forewarn us of the dangers to come, as to. The apocalyptic book of revelation is a symbolic glimpse into. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Remember that the bible is a divine revelation and can only be understood with spiritual eyes.
This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. The book of revelation has proven intellectually stimulating for countless. Mathematics in the book of revelation logical hierarchy. Temple second edition 2011 thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I still thought revelation was about the end of the world, right. Whether you find that intimidating or enticing, we need some guardrails. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Applying the best available sources of commentary from a variety of scholars, donald and jay parry show that the book of revelation is meant for us to understand and that it is possible to understand it. Keys to understanding revelation the book of revelation. Reagans book, wrath and glory, covers the book of revelation chapter by chapter.
Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. The foundations and pillars ministry 1204 besstown rd beersheba springs tn 37305. Understanding daniel and the revelation plus supplementary material by p. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this enigmatic work. As its first verse declares, it is the revelation from jesus christ to show his servants what must soon take place. Understanding the book of revelation church of jesus christ. While there is only one old testament apocalyptic book daniel and one new testament book that.
Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. Jan 02, 2020 the book of revelation is understandable. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. Elements of the differing views can be incorporated beneficially into our understanding of the book.
Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. The different approaches that various people or groups use to understand the book of revelation called interpretive horizons are generally grouped under four major categories, with some subgroups see the kingdom of god. Parker in their new book, the book of revelation made clear published by thomas nelson publishers brings us a downtoearth guide to understanding the most mysterious book of the bible. If this were the case, revelation would be a meaningless book. The book of revelation can be confusing to the modern reader because much of it was written using a symbolic style of language that is not used today. Revelation to john, also called book of revelation or apocalypse of john, last book of the new testament. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. So if this book is revealing something, what exactly is being revealed. Paul spilsburys book is a close runnerup for my go to book for an introduction to revelation. However, the word revelation comes from the greek name apokalypsis, which means a disclosure, a revelation or manifestation and to be revealed.
From as early as justin martyr in the second century a. The book of revelation is the scariest book in the bible, says ray stedman as he begins this commentary on the final book in the new testament. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. The endless love of jesus ministries 1,226,206 views 29. Understanding the book of revelation is a timely book as we approach the twentyfirst century. It is the only book of the new testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in connection with future events. This bible study on the book of revelation covers the doctines of faith, revelation, satan and suffering. The word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Even through all of this there is a clear structure. Understanding what a text intended to communicate in the community or communities that. Sep 30, 2015 bauckhams book will guide you into a richer understanding of the symbolism and their significance and literary art of johns prophetic imagination.
People who dont even follow religion are nonetheless familiar with figures and. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. Therefore, only those who believe that the bible is inspired by god and trust what it says will be able to understand the significance of what is revealed in the book of revelation. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him revelation 1. Many have considered the book of revelation to be a sealed book and unable to be understood.
Here are the 4 principles i use to study the book of revelation. Adapted from the unveiling studies by phil campbell au. Without a thorough understanding of the rest of scripture most of revelation will neither make sense nor be appropriately appreciated. Although it can mean angel, and does throughout the book, it cannot refer to angels here because angels are never leaders in the church. The book of revelation, the last book of the bible, is the most mathematical book of the. But that should not keep us from reading it and understanding its main message. The book of revelation cannot be adequately understood except against the historical background that occasioned its writing. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy.
A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Understanding the book of revelation 7 historical context it was a dark time for the church. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. Perhaps the most important thing is for us to determine the original meaning the book would have had to the recipients. Understanding the book of revelation how can i do it. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. The last book in the bible has fascinated readers for centuries. Yet it is also one of the most comforting, reassuring, and exhilarating books in the bible. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. It is most important to understand that the book of revelation does not list the scenes and events in the same order in which they will actually occur. Revelation the last book in the bible was written to tell us about the futureespecially the final conflict between god and satan, and the triumph of jesus christover all the powers of evil and death and hell. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text.
Ben witherington iii, author of the following article, asking the right question, once hitched a ride from a couple who believed the earth was flat. Even modern scholars approach revelation in several different ways. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Jesus is widely proclaimed, but few really have the understanding or knowing of him. The commission divides the book into three sections. Pair this with elaine pagels revelations and you have one complete book discussing the meaning of johns symbolism within the contemporary culture. The new jerusalem the book of revelation the great white throne judgement of jesus duration. The opening vision of jesus, for example, por trays him with white hair, fiery brass feet, and a sword flashing out of his mouth. This study will fortify believers who are pressured to deny their faith and help them stand firm through gods word. The book of revelation gives us many of the keys that unlock prophetic understanding because it faithfully follows the principle that the bible interprets itself.
This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. Revelation unveils events between god and satan in the end and describes the glory that awaits believers who endure suffering. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Why was the book of revelation included in the bible. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. The book of revelation is by far one of the most challenging books in the bible, yet well worth the effort to study and comprehend. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. The book s second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. The book of revelation is placed last in the bible for good reason. Sincere bible scholars, in fact, disagree about the meaning of some of the symbolic passages.
In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue. Know that the book of revelation deals with things that are to occur after new testament times, particularly in the last days.
The apocalyptic book of revelation uses symbols and old testament references to reveal a pattern of human rebellion. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. Though it is little more than a piece of scholarly gossip, some have even suggested that the reformer john calvin, one of the best interpreters of the scriptures the church has known, shied away from writing a commentary on the book of revelation for this very reason. Like daniel and other apocalypses, it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter.
To jerry and sherry roberts thank you for your faithful friendship and love for our lord and my family. This is a solid, cogent breakdown of the historical antecedents of the images in johns book, and puts the whole work in perspective that a modern reader can understand. An overview of revelation multimedia training kit covers the book of revelation verse by verse. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. Easy to understand guide to the book of revelations with sound explainations of the imagery and symbolism. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. Every statement is to be taken to mean for exactly what is written unless such interpretation is highly improbable to spiritual reason, or against scripture elsewhere. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john.
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