The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. I really struggled with all of these chapters, and indeed, the whole book. Understanding the book of revelation prophecy and truth. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Take a look at the basic structure of the book of revelation. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. If youre befuddled by the book of revelation in the bible, dont fret. Who bare record of the word of god, and of the testimony of jesus christ, and of all things that he saw. John, former fisherman and disciple of john the baptist, brother of james, key. New testament quiz 5 1 which of the following is not one. It is a revelation that was received by the apostle. Therefore, this book contains information god intends to disclose or reveal to humans, rather than conceal from us. This bible study is designed to highlight the major points of revelation in eight weeks. Christians throughout history have given almost unanimous affirmation to the identity of the book s author as john the apostle, who had been exiled to the island of patmos by the authorities for preaching the gospel in asia.
Here are the key themes from the book of revelation, as listed in the esv study bible through his sacrificial death, jesus christ has conquered satan, the accuser, and has ransomed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in gods presence. It is a revelation that was received by the apostle john while he was in romanimposed exile on the island of patmos in the eastern mediterranean around 90 a. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. The book of revelation is one of those books in the bible that will keep you at the edge of your seat. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. The key to understanding the book of revelation is given to us in the first verse of the book. There is no other book in the bible quite like the book of revelation.
A star falls from heaven to the earth and is given the key to the bottomless pit. Many major entities and symbols in the book of revelation are introduced earlier in the bible. The big picture of the book of daniel bible commentary. Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries. Four views on the book of revelation explores the four main views in which revelation is understood. 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. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. If youre looking for a quick roundup of the important things to know about this book, here are five you should know. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading four views on the book of revelation counterpoints. Overview of the book of revelation people get ready.
For example, it is not like the book of judges which runs in a designated time order with specific order of events. There were three major points where i disagreed with him see below. The prophecies for the last days in the book of revelation are to the whole world and in this chapter we begin to see both the new song regarding the teachings of god and the problems that will befall the world in its struggle to accept the teachings. Summary in the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early. Koester consistently sets out the range of possible options for reading difficult texts, and gives reasons why he takes the option that he does. The best advice i can give you when you read revelation is given to us in hebrews 12. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary, with the text divided into paragraphs, and each paragraph followed by four parallel columns. It describes him as the one that empowers the church to live transformed lives and to evangelize the world. Although christ is the subject of revelation, this book records the things that will occur at the end of this age. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally. The book of revelationa revealing of the futureis history written in advance.
The rise and fall of the antichrist appendix four a brief overview of the book of revelation. Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which depict major events and trends. John was commanded to write to the seven bishops of the churches in asia. Supporting scriptural evidence is provided via the respective chapters in revelation for the wise, a detailed scriptural look at revelation. The outline for the book of revelation is given in rev 1. A major heatwave causes the sun to burn with intense heat and to scorch people with fire. I think this is now probably the best long commentary on the text. The events of revelation are the events that occur in the book of revelation of the new. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Key verses for understanding the book of revelation. There are a number of good latterday saint commentaries that the teacher will find helpful. The book of revelation reveals the glory of jesus rev.
That book allowed the proponents of each of four different views to present an overall summary of their approach to the book of revelation. The author of the book of the revelation is jesus christ rev. Christians throughout history have given almost unanimous affirmation to the identity of the books author as john the apostle, who had been exiled to the island of patmos by the authorities for preaching the gospel in asia. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which christians agree. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. The book goes forward in time but then it digresses to make certain points. A brief overview of the book of revelation the rise and fall of the. Well explore each major section of the book of revelation, beginning with the introduction in revelation 1.
But things are not necessarily what they seem, as the book of revelation points out. The book of revelation, or the apocalypse as it is also called, is the last book of the bible. Metaphorical interpretations suppose that revelation does not indicate actual people or events, but is a parable of the spiritual path. It originated from god the father, was given to jesus christ, and was made known through an angel. The final three chapters of the book dealt with the holy spirit in the book of revelation chap 6, what revelation reveals about the new jerusalem chap 7, and how we can read, teach, and understand the book of revelation today chap 7. Many people avoid this important book of the bible because its too confusing, or. The book of revelation is one of the most mysterious books in the bible but thats no reason not to read it because john writes, blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy. This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary.
He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. To prove this point, we can look at several places in revelation that show how john writes and explains some things in a circular type of way. The lord intended that this book should be read and studied especially by his people rev. Revelation is a book in the new testament that mainly focuses on the predictions of the end times in christianity. Nov 20, 2015 the book of revelation is one of the most mysterious books in the bible but thats no reason not to read it because john writes, blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy. The events of the generation in which he returns will have unique dynamics, requiring our involvement. Mar 27, 2020 some revelations from the book have already surfaced, like the truth behind rey and kylos kiss, but there is still a significant amount of new content to be explored. The book of acts presents a rich theology of the holy spirit. It describes in detail the events leading up to christs return, then tells us what will happen beyond that time.
The interactive counterpoints forum allows each author not only to present his view, but also to offer brief commentary on other views presented. John extends a greeting to the christian communities in seven major near. It records that he performed many signs and wonders to validate the ministry of the apostles and other early church leaders. Thats why the opening words of the book are, the revelation of.
Four views on the book of revelation counterpoints. An o verview of the key events and bible people found in revelation together with the famous bible stories and brief summary of the book of revelation from the bible. Jul 18, 2015 major points for greater understanding. 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. Following is a fairly detailed summary of the major turning points and events of the book of revelation. Supporting scriptural evidence is provided via the respective chapters in revelation for the wise, a detailed scriptural look at revelation the following is intended to assist you in your own reading of revelation and to provide a framework to help you understand it. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets.
Jehovah the true god in the heavens and creator of all things. Some of these may seem frivolous, but some are major points. A careful examination of the book of revelation explains its purpose and what it is about. We have, therefore, found the real explanation through this verse. The following statements regarding the book of revelation came from various. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible and a familiarity with the teaching of the other books of the bible for the understanding of gods purpose with the world and its redemption is obviously a prerequisite for fully understanding this remarkable book. All the things that happen in this book focus on the bringing in of gods covenanted kingdom. The use of symbols has an important place in religious literature, for there is no other. The introduction begins with a prologue in revelation 1.
The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the. The apocalyptic genre is notoriously difficult to interpret, yet this material does contribute a few points to our understanding of work. The book of revelation provides the clearest biblical portrait of the events of the tribulation, dealing with the specifics of that. The major theme of the book is revealed in chapter 45. Keep it simplewith too much detail you will obscure the meaning. As mysterious as the book of revelation appears, it can be understood and taught with success.
Im including them all just to show the style of writing used in this book. New testament quiz 5 1 which of the following is not one of. The book of revelation is strikingly different from the rest of the new testament. The book of revelation, the last book of the bible, has fascinated and puzzled christians for centuries. In the first, second, and third chapters of this book are contained instructions and admonitions which st.
The beginning and the end of this book show its prophetic characteristic 1. Be sure to look up and read these scriptures and surrounding passages in your bible. The author of revelation mentioned his name, john, four times throughout the book revelation 1. Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all. The author and audience of revelation probably lived in what area. Everything in revelation, from the structure to the content, has one. These questions are not designed as a test of your knowledge and should not be treated as such. As part of scripture, the book of revelation was given by inspiration of god 2 timothy 3. With too much detail you will lose the interpretation. Aug 04, 2009 revelation the dragon pursuing a woman, from the bamberg apocalypse. In any case, daniel, like revelation the other booklength apocalypse in the bible provides much valuable material relevant to work. This is a very easy way to learn from the different interpretations of the book of revelation. Mar 19, 2019 the book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place.
Revelation the dragon pursuing a woman, from the bamberg apocalypse. One important thing to remember is that the book of revelation is not written in chronological order. I encourage you, the participant, to maximize your learning by working through the study questions for each week prior to coming to class. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. The book of revelation is a fascinating book, and the debate regarding its interpretation will continue.
The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. Most popular bible verses from revelation scripture. It is not a sealed book, as many suppose, but one which is open and easy to understand rev. Divisions in the book seem to be marked by the repetition of key phrases, by the arrangement of subject. They run the government and the media and the schools and most everything else.
A brief overview of the book of revelation the rise and. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Take the dream to the simplest form and build on that. Great introduction to the four major views of the book of revelation i highly recommend this read for every christian seeking understanding of the different theological views of the end times. Which of the following is a major feature of salvation in the book of revelation. Lesson 3 page 22 of standard edition jesus and the book. Does the book of revelation confirm the sequence of events of. Some revelations from the book have already surfaced, like the truth behind rey and kylos kiss, but there is still a significant amount of new content to be explored.
The book of revelation is a revelation god gave to john the apostle while he was on the island of patmos revealing gods plan for the last days. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Bible and theology kindle edition by zondervan, pate, c. This generally is understood as 1 the revelation from jesus christor 2 the revelation about jesus christ. Key points to master about the book of revelation 1.
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