REVELATION THE BOOK
Notes
Transcript
The Inception of Revelation
The Inception of Revelation
The apostle John
Many but not all books of the Holy Bible were written during a time when the author was under great duress and tribulation.
Notes about John:
Moses wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness.
The apostle John
The apostle John
David wrote many of the Psalms while fleeing from the murderous King Saul.
Moses wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness.
Moses wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness.
David wrote many of the Psalms while fleeing from the murderous King Saul.
Isaiah wrote while watching his nation degenerate and according to tradition he died a martyr’s death.
Isaiah wrote while watching his nation drastically degenerate morally.
Ezekiel wrote while he was in captivity in Babylon.
Jeremiah wrote throughout a life of trials and persecution.
Peter wrote his two letters just before he was martyred.
Paul wrote under probably the worst conditions of all. His letters were written amid being beaten, shipwrecked, stoned and robbed, while facing hunger, thirst, cold nakedness, slander, and just about every other kind of tribulation know to mankind.
Moses wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness. Moses wrote in the wilderness.
David wrote while fleeing Saul.
David wrote while fleeing Saul.
Isaiah while his nation was falling apart.
Isaiah while his nation was falling apart.
Ezekiel while in captivity.
Jeremiah while trials and persecution plagued his life.
Peter just before he was martyred.
Paul under continually horrible conditions and trials.
John received the writing of Revelation while exiled to Patmos.
Ezekiel wrote while he was in captivity in Babylon.
David wrote many of the Psalms while fleeing from the murderous King Saul.
David wrote many of the Psalms while fleeing from the murderous King Saul.
Early tradition says that John was banished to Patmos by the Roman authorities.
Jeremiah life one of trial and persecution.
Isaiah wrote while watching his nation degenerate and according to tradition he died a martyr’s death.
This tradition is credible because banishment was a common punishment used during the Imperial period for a number of offenses.
Isaiah wrote while watching his nation degenerate and according to tradition he died a martyr’s death.
Peter wrote his two letters just before he was martyred.
Prophecy was viewed by the Romans as belonging to the categories of either magic or astrology. Prophecy was viewed as magic or astrology. Among such offenses were the practices of magic and astrology.
Ezekiel wrote while he was in captivity in Babylon.
Ezekiel wrote while he was in captivity in Babylon.
Among such offenses were the practices of magic and astrology.
Paul wrote his letters amid being beaten, shipwrecked, stoned and robbed. While facing hunger, thirst, cold, nakedness, slander, and just about every other kind of tribulation known to mankind.
Jeremiah life one of trial and persecution.
Prophecy was viewed by the Romans as belonging to the same category, whether Pagan, Jewish, or Christian.
Jeremiah life one of trial and persecution.
John received the writing of the book “Revelation of Jesus Christ” while exiled to a small rocky island called Patmos in the Aegean Sea.
Shut out from the world but shut in with God.
Peter wrote his two letters just before he was martyred.
Peter wrote his two letters just before he was martyred.
Prophecy with political implications, like that expressed by John in the Book of Revelation, would have been perceived as a threat to Roman political power and order.
Sometimes the work God has for us requires removal from our normal environment.
Paul wrote his letters amid being beaten, shipwrecked, stoned and robbed. While facing hunger, thirst, cold, nakedness, slander, and just about every other kind of tribulation known to mankind.
Paul wrote his letters amid being beaten, shipwrecked, stoned and robbed. While facing hunger, thirst, cold, nakedness, slander, and just about every other kind of tribulation known to mankind.
The book of Revelation tells us what kind of book it is, a prophetic.
John received the writing of the book “Revelation of Jesus Christ” while exiled to a small rocky island called Patmos in the Aegean Sea.
Sometimes the work God has for us requires removal from our normal environment.
John received the writing of the book “Revelation of Jesus Christ” while exiled to a small rocky island called Patmos in the Aegean Sea.
It tells you this in the first few verses. No other book does the same.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, the things which shortly come to pass.
Shut out from the world but shut in with God.
Shut out from the world but shut in with God.
Shut out from the world but shut in with God.
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
Sometimes the work God has for us requires removal from our normal environment.
Shut out from the world but shut in with God.
Sometimes the work God has for us requires removal from our normal environment.
The book of Revelation tells us what kind of book it is.
When we hear the word apokalupsis or apocalypse we think of the end of the world but it simply means an uncovering or unveiling a manifestation of the word of Jesus Christ.
The book tells the reader in the first three verses that it is a prophetic book. IT’S PROPHETIC
The book tells the reader in the first three verses that it is a prophetic book. IT’S PROPHETIC
The book of Revelation tells us what kind of book it is, a prophetic. It tells you this in the first few verses. No other book does the same.
The book of Revelation tells us what kind of book it is, a prophetic.
Revelation was not written to tell the story of the end times, even though it does do that. But rather it was written to “unveil” the majesty and power of Jesus Christ.
The New King James Version Chapter 1
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy
It tells you this in the first few verses. No other book does the same.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, the things which shortly come to pass.
The book is neither a puzzle nor an enigma but simply a disclosure of who Jesus is.
3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,”
The key prophetic phase in verse 1 is “must shortly take place”
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, the things which shortly come to pass.
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
This means that something will come to pass or rapid progression after something commences.
Introduction and Benediction
When we hear the word apokalupsis or apocalypse we think of the end of the world but it simply means an uncovering or unveiling a manifestation of the word of Jesus Christ.
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
The idea is that the event may occur soon but quickly once it starts.
Revelation describes in detail the apocalypse of Jesus Christ.
Apocalypse
The unveiling or revealing of something.
The unveiling or revealing of something.
When we hear the word apokalupsis or apocalypse we think of the end of the world but it simply means an uncovering or unveiling a manifestation of the word of Jesus Christ.
When we hear the word apocalypse we think of the end of the world. But in the Greek, it simply means an uncovering or unveiling.
Majesty of Jesus Christ.
The book of Revelation is a manifestation of the word of Jesus Christ.
Revelation is not a story of the end times, even though it conveys such a story.
The book is actually written to “unveil” the majesty and power of Jesus Christ.
It is a disclosure of who Jesus Christ is.
The prophetic phase “must shortly take place” means something a rapid progression after an event commences.
Much like a bull ride.
You watch the bull come into the shoot.
Next you watch the cowboy sit down on the bull,
then the shake of his head that he is ready to go.
The gate opens and 1,500 + pounds of beef with an attitude explodes.
8 seconds later the ride is over.
27 “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:27
It is just like the verse in:
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
;
Revelation is a personal book. “His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God”.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
John wrote this book personally to all those saints either in persecution and tribulation or not.
The Christ told him personally “What you see write it down”.
John writes this book to the seven churches in Asia:
To the church Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
MAP ENTRY
The letters are written just as a messenger might task a route to deliver them, starting in Ephesus.
When we hear the word apokalupsis or apocalypse we think of the end of the world but it simply means an uncovering or unveiling a manifestation of the word of Jesus Christ.
Revelation was not written to tell the story of the end times, even though it does do that. But rather it was written to “unveil” the majesty and power of Jesus Christ.
Like a California earthquake, we don’t know when it will come but when it comes it will come suddenly and without warning.
Revelation was not written to tell the story of the end times, even though it does do that. But rather it was written to “unveil” the majesty and power of Jesus Christ.
The book is neither a puzzle nor an enigma but simply a disclosure of who Jesus is.
The revelation is a personal book. “is servant John, who bore witness to the word of God”.
Each letter starts with a personal greeting of “I know you”
The book of Revelation is very cosmic (vast) and far reaching in its scope.
The book is neither a puzzle nor an enigma but simply a disclosure of who Jesus is.
The key prophetic phase in verse 1 is “must shortly take place”
John wrote this personally to those in all either persecution and tribulation or not. Christ said personally “What you see write it down” paraphrased.
The key prophetic phase in verse 1 is “must shortly take place”
This means that something will come to pass or rapid progression after something commences.
John writes this to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
It seems nearly impossible to experience joy in the worldwide devastation toll of the second coming.
This means that something will come to pass or rapid progression after something commences.
The idea is that the event may occur soon but quickly once it starts.
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7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
The letters are written just as a messenger might take route to deliver them starting in Ephesus.
The idea is that the event may occur soon but quickly once it starts.
Like a California earthquake, we don’t know when it will come but when it comes it will come suddenly and without warning.
Each letter starts with “I know you”.
The revelation is a personal book. “is servant John, who bore witness to the word of God”.
Like a California earthquake, we don’t know when it will come but when it comes it will come suddenly and without warning.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones states in one of his books the very purpose to have joy in the Apocalypse
The revelation is a personal book. “is servant John, who bore witness to the word of God”.
The book of Revelation is very cosmic (vast) and far reaching in its scope.
7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
“This a book that for those people who were suffering great persecution and trial might be able to go on with joy knowing in the end they will have no more pain.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones
The book of Revelation is very cosmic (vast) and far reaching in its scope.
John wrote this personally to those in all either persecution and tribulation or not. Christ said personally “What you see write it down” paraphrased.
It may seem strange to attribute joy with the sometimes chilling book of Revelations.
Revelation is a book of the ultimate victory of the Christ over the coward Satan and all other evil forces in play today.
Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones
This book transcends time as well as geography.
John writes this to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
John wrote this personally to those in all either persecution and tribulation or not. Christ said personally “What you see write it down” paraphrased.
It is written for those today as well as those who live 2000 years ago.
Many pastor and preachers will tell you the book of Revelation is not relevant yet or they are afraid of tackling it.
If those pastors, preachers, or even congregation’s understanding of the book does not help them to rejoice then they are misunderstanding it.
The book of Revelations is profitable. It’s Profitable!
The book of Revelations is profitable. It’s Profitable!
All scripture is a guide for how a Christian is to conduct themselves.
But not only that, it is also a guide for the doctrine of the church.
7 times in Revelations Christ tells us
This a book that for those people who were suffering great persecution and trial might be able to go on with joy knowing in the end they will have no more pain.
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John writes this to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
It is a book of the ultimate victory of the Lord over the coward Satan and other forces of evil.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
The way we act today is often affected by what we know about tomorrow.
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The letters are written just as a messenger might take route to deliver them starting in Ephesus.
If you knew you were going to inherit several million dollars today, I am sure it would have an impact on your decisions for tomorrow.
It is written for men and women who had been in trouble, not only to help them but also for those who lived 2000 years later.
For instance some would be looking at new homes, cars, horses, charities, and the list can go on and on.
Revelation puts everything into perspective. To us it often feels like the enemy is winning but revelation assures us that GOD wins in the end.
The letters are written just as a messenger might take route to deliver them starting in Ephesus.
Each letter starts with “I know you”.
If your understanding of the book does not help you rejoice then you are misunderstanding it.
The point here is that Revelations puts things into perspective.
The book of Revelation profitable for personal application.
Each letter starts with “I know you”.
So many days we feel as if the enemy is winning every battle. Revelations profits us by re-enforcing the truth that we already know - God wins in the end!
John was not interested in stimulating imaginations, his goal through God’s direction was a was to influence their lives and changed the way they lived.
Revelations manifest in us the courage to persevere as James spoke of in:
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
james 1
Profiting from Trials
“2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Dr. David Jeremiah suggest that the reason the coward Satan doesn’t want people to teach or read this book is because:
S
Nor does he want you to know the enemy has the ultimate victory in the end. The coward Satan loses in the end.
He doesn’t want anyone to know he was cast out of Heaven, will be bound in a bottomless pit for a 1,000 years and then eventually cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night for all eternity. The loss comes with eternal torment.
I mean Who is going to join the losing team on purpose?
Profitable for Public Assembly
Profitable for Public Assembly
Paul told a young Timothy,
“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
tells us:
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Prophecy is God’s fair warning to prepare our hearts and minds for the times ahead.
aZfaf
Revelation a Practical Book
Revelation a Practical Book
William E. Blackstone in his book Jesus is Coming states:
“Prophecy is the true incentive to a holy life.”
William E. Blackstone
As the end of the world gets closer every day, we don’t need to walk around with our bottom lip sticking out from despair and fear, but we should have great anticipation for that day.
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.
Prophecy should motivate us to live positive and productive lives.
THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY SEEM
WE WIN IN THE END!
Revelation Fosters Purity
Revelation Fosters Purity
I look at some of the situations and places I have been like fights, drunkeness, bars, parties, all with the Double D’s - debauchery and depravity at every corner. I thank God he didn’t come back and find me there.
C.S. Lewis said it best:
“We live in enemy territory.”
C.S. Lewis
No matter where we live or what we live in most people who study prophecy are more well adjusted, healthier, and live more godly lives.
This is because the know the beginning and the end of the story.
The first time I saw the movie “The Cowboys” , a story about a cattle drive with a bunch of kids starring John Wayne, I was a nervous wreck. I worried and stressed over the ending of the movie. At points there was hope and at other time all hope was lost. But in the end they won, but not without losses.
The 200 + times I saw the movie again it had very little negative emotional impact on me, because I knew they won in the end.
But every time I watched it, I hated the character more and more Bruce Dern played.
tells us that Christ is the Beginning and the End.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The book of Revelation tells us:
1. Christ proceeds the beginning of creation
2. Survives humanities death
He is eternal, omnipotent God.
When the time was right Jesus began his campaign for his rightful sovereignty over the earth.
The book of Revelation is the account of that campaign.
1. Tells of Jesus appointment by the Father to the throne
2. His battle against the forces of evil
3. His final victory
4. His relationship with the redeemed
The book of Revelation is the account of that campaign.
2. His battle against the forces of evil
3. His final victory
4. His relationship with the redeemed
Contributions & Consequences
Contributions & Consequences
Contributions & Consequences
Contributions & Consequences
The contributions of this book are the gospel about Christ, mankind and sin, the people of God, Holy Angels, demons and their cowardly leader Satan.
There is also information on God’s power and the Trinity, plus the aspects of the work of Holy Spirit and the nature of Scripture.
Revelations also focuses on the practical choices that believers and unbelievers make in the course of their lives and the far-reaching consequences at the end.
The book of Revelation focuses on the practical choices that believers and unbelievers make in the course of their lives and the far-reaching consequences at the end.
7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Scripture is a guide for conduct and well as doctrine.
7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
It may seem strange to attribute joy with the sometimes chilling book of Revelations.
7 times in this book Christ tells us 29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Our conduct today is often influenced by what we know of tomorrow.
It may seem strange to attribute joy with the sometimes chilling book of Revelations.
Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones
Revelation puts everything into perspective. To us it often feels like the enemy is winning but revelation assures us that GOD wins in the end.
Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones
This a book that for those people who were suffering great persecution and trial might be able to go on with joy knowing in the end they will have no more pain.
The coward may win some present battles but, in the end, God wins, and the coward Satan knows it.
This a book that for those people who were suffering great persecution and trial might be able to go on with joy knowing in the end they will have no more pain.
It is a book of the ultimate victory of the Lord over the coward Satan and other forces of evil.
When we know that truth as well it gives us courage to persevere.
It is a book of the ultimate victory of the Lord over the coward Satan and other forces of evil.
It is written for men and women who had been in trouble, not only to help them but also for those who lived 2000 years later.
Like castaways who keep rowing because the map shows an island ahead.
Perhaps this is the reason the coward has tried to discourage people from reading this book. Why would the coward want anyone to know he was cast out of Heaven, bound in a bottomless pit for 1000 years, and then eventually cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night for all eternity. Nor does the coward want you to know of his ultimate enemy’s victory in the end.
If your understanding of the book does not help you rejoice then you are misunderstanding it.
It is written for men and women who had been in trouble, not only to help them but also for those who lived 2000 years later.
The book of Revelation is profitable for public assembly.
If your understanding of the book does not help you rejoice then you are misunderstanding it.
The book of Revelation profitable for personal application.
Public reading and exhortation were an integral part of gathering in the beginning church.
John was not interested in stimulating imaginations, his goal through God’s direction was a was to influence their lives and changed the way they lived.
The book of Revelation profitable for personal application.
Paul told young Timothy to give attention reading and exhortation.
John was not interested in stimulating imaginations, his goal through God’s direction was a was to influence their lives and changed the way they lived.
Scripture is a guide for conduct and well as doctrine.
“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
Scripture is a guide for conduct and well as doctrine.
7 times in this book Christ tells us 29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
says that those who read this and hear will be blessed
Our conduct today is often influenced by what we know of tomorrow.
7 times in this book Christ tells us 29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation puts everything into perspective. To us it often feels like the enemy is winning but revelation assures us that GOD wins in the end.
Our conduct today is often influenced by what we know of tomorrow.
“The time is near” nearness according to prophetic revelation to say the time is near means it is the next major occurrence on the prophetic calendar.
Prophesy is God’s way of giving us fair warning so we can prepare our hearts and minds for what is ahead.
Revelation puts everything into perspective. To us it often feels like the enemy is winning but revelation assures us that GOD wins in the end.
The coward may win some present battles but, in the end, God wins, and the coward Satan knows it.
Revelation is a practical book.
When we know that truth as well it gives us courage to persevere.
The coward may win some present battles but, in the end, God wins, and the coward Satan knows it.
William E. Blackstone Jesus is Coming.
Like castaways who keep rowing because the map show an island ahead.
When we know that truth as well it gives us courage to persevere.
Devotes a whole chapter to prophecy. The true incentive to a holy life.
Like castaways who keep rowing because the map shows an island ahead.
REVELATION
Studying Prophecy
1. Motivates us to live productive lives sermon
Perhaps this is the reason the coward has tried to discourage people from reading this book. Why would the coward want anyone to know he was cast out of Heaven, bound in a bottomless pit for 1000 years, and then eventually cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night for all eternity. Nor does the coward want you to know of his ultimate enemy’s victory in the end.
“A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
2. Motivates us to live positive lives. We see God sovereign hands and Gods control over an earth the appears to be out of control – THINGS AREN’T WHAT THEY SEEM. The kings of the earth have a ruler also and they are not in control.
The book of Revelation is profitable for public assembly.
NKJV
As the end of our world comes nearer and nearer every day we should not hang our heads in sadness and despair but in anticipation.
Public reading and exhortation were an integral part of gathering in the beginning church.
Introduction and Benediction
1 in 10 Americans take anti-depressants
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
Paul told young Timothy to give attention reading and exhortation.
Women in their 40s and 50s the figure is 1 in 4.
1 The Revelation
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
But a good word makes it glad.
of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants
says that those who read this and hear will be blessed
The book of Revelation fosters purity in our lives.
Dr. JC Massey
Transliteration: doulos
Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-los)
Definition: a slave
Usage: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave.
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Left the show because it was not what was good. When his friends asked him why he left he said, “Jesus could come at any minute and I don’t want him to find me here.”
—things which must shortly (quickly) take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
“The time is near” nearness according to prophetic revelation to say the time is near means it is the next major occurrence on the prophetic calendar.
The study of Revelation is not just for prophecy enthusiast but it is for all of us. Those who study it are happier, it a practical book and those who study it are happier, holier, healthier people.
Prophesy is God’s way of giving us fair warning so we can prepare our hearts and minds for what is ahead.
2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony
, states the purpose of what the whole book is about:
Transliteration: marturia
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-too-ree'-ah)
Definition: testimony
Usage: witness, evidence, testimony, reputation.
Revelation is a practical book.
1. To affirm the returning of Christ
2. Christ ultimate reign over the earth.
of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
William E. Blackstone Jesus is Coming.
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Devotes a whole chapter to prophecy. The true incentive to a holy life.
3 Blessed
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Transliteration: makarios
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-ar'-ee-os)
Definition: blessed, happy
Usage: happy, blessed, to be envied.
Studying Prophecy
Parousia an entrance that changes the existing situation that is entered.
is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,
1. Motivates us to live productive lives sermon
The reign of the KING the Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet)
We live in enemy occupied territory
2. Motivates us to live positive lives. We see God sovereign hands and Gods control over an earth the appears to be out of control – THINGS AREN’T WHAT THEY SEEM. The kings of the earth have a ruler also and they are not in control.
Transliteration: prophéteia
Phonetic Spelling: (prof-ay-ti'-ah)
Definition: prophecy
Usage: prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth.
CS Lewis
As the end of our world comes nearer and nearer every day we should not hang our heads in sadness and despair but in anticipation.
and keep
The book of Revelation tells us:
1 in 10 Americans take anti-depressants
Transliteration: téreó
Phonetic Spelling: (tay-reh'-o)
Definition: to watch over, to guard
Usage: I keep, guard, observe, watch over.
1. Christ proceeds the beginning of creation
2. Survives humanities death
those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Women in their 40s and 50s the figure is 1 in 4.
He is eternal, omnipotent God.
NKJV
When the time was right Jesus began his campaign for his rightful sovereignty over the earth.
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
Introduction and Benediction
The book of Revelation is the account of that campaign.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
But a good word makes it glad.
1. Tells of Jesus appointment by the Father to the throne
2. His battle against the forces of evil
PARAPHRASE
The book of Revelation fosters purity in our lives.
3. His final victory
Dr. JC Massey
The unveiling of Jesus Christ, that God gave Jesus to show to Jesus’ voluntary slaves what things are inevitable to take place quickly. And Jesus made known (the inevitable) through sending His own angel to Jesus’ servant John. Who testified to statements of God, and to the evidence of Jesus the Messiah, to all thing I John perceived. Envied is the person who reads and hears the words of this communication of the truth, and observe those things which are written in it: for the time is near.
4. His relationship with the redeemed
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
Left the show because it was not what was good. When his friends asked him why he left he said, “Jesus could come at any minute and I don’t want him to find me here.”
Because of his triumph his people are presented as overcomers.
The study of Revelation is not just for prophecy enthusiast but it is for all of us. Those who study it are happier, it a practical book and those who study it are happier, holier, healthier people.
“Book of Revelation”
Overcome – to conquer
The prophet Daniel 490 years before also this same prophesy long before John.
, states the purpose of what the whole book is about:
It is likely that the work at first had no separate title and that the opening words aroused the appropriate expectations in the audience by designating the nature of its content: “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”). This is the first time that the Greek word “revelation” (apokalypsis) was used to describe a written work or even an explicitly visionary experience (Smith 1983: 14, 18). When the book was copied onto scrolls, a brief title was added at the end of the work, probably “Revelation of John” (apokalypsis Iōannou). When the work began to be copied on booklike codices with pages, this title was placed at the beginning (Aune 1987a: 226). In the course of transmission, the older, brief title was expanded in various ways.[1]
1. “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
1. To affirm the returning of Christ
24Seventy weekse are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.f
2. Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
2. Christ ultimate reign over the earth.
25Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah,g the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.
26Then after the sixty-two weeks,h the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing.
3. The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13).
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. 27And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week,i but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation,j until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.k ”
C. Summary of Contents
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”[1]
Based on the writing of David Jerimiah.
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1). The (content of the) book is also called “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v 2). It is also called “words of prophecy” (tous logous tēs prophēteias), and a blessing is pronounced on the one who reads it (aloud in a communal setting) and on those who keep the things written in it (v 3). The prologue ends with the pronouncement, “for the time is near” (ho gar kairos engus).
parousia
Background
The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13). Following the prologue is an epistolary (of a literary work) in the form of letters. prescript (1:4–7), consisting of a salutation, greeting, and doxology (liturgical formula of praise to God.). The salutation is from “John” to “the seven congregations (ekklēsiais) that are in Asia” (v 4a). The greeting is a wish for grace and peace upon the addressees from God and Christ (vv 4b–5a). The doxology is addressed to Christ (vv 5b–6). Corresponding to the prescript is an epistolary concluding blessing (22:21). It requests that the grace of Christ be with all the addressees. Attached to the epistolary prescript are two prophetic sayings (1:7 and 8).
REVELATION
The initial audience that received the book of Revelation was a group of seven local churches in southwest Asian Minor (1:11, chaps 2-3) Some of these congregations were experiencing persecution (2:9-10,13), probably under the Roman emperor Domitian (ruled A.D. 81-96). Others had doctrinal and practical problems (2:6,13-15, 20-23). Also behind these surface problems was the backdrop of unseen but powerful spiritual warfare (2:10,14,24;3:9).
Message and Purpose
The body of this unusual letter (1:9–22:5) consists of the report of a single, but highly segmented, visionary experience. Following this account is a kind of epilogue (22:6–20). The epilogue corresponds formally to the two prophetic sayings placed after the prescript and before the report proper. In part it continues the report (“And he said to me,” 22:6). In part it reprises the prologue. The reference to the sending of God’s angel or messenger (angelos) to show his servants what must happen soon (22:6) recalls the similar statement in 1:1. The blessing on the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (22:7) recalls 1:3. The narrator’s allusion to himself as “John” in 22:8 recalls the prescript (1:4) and the opening of the report (1:9). What he goes on to say in 22:8–9 recalls an incident in the report (19:10). There are other connections between 22:6–9 and 19:9–10. The rest of the epilogue contains various prophetic sayings with links to other parts of the work.
“A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
Much of the book of Revelation focuses on events at the end of the age (eschatology), more so than any other book in the Bible. But it also focuses on practical choices that believers and unbelievers must make in the course of their lives that have far-reaching consequences at he end.
The report of the visionary experience is segmented into two formally different parts. The first is an epiphany of the risen Christ in the form of one like a son of man (1:9–3:22). This visionary experience takes place on earth. The manlike figure commands John to record his visionary experience in a book and to send it to the seven congregations. The focus of this first formally distinct part is a series of prophetic messages to the seven congregations that Christ dictates to John (2:1–3:22). The second main part (4:1–22:5) begins like a heavenly journey or ascent (4:1–2). But this formal introduction is not carried through with remarks about John’s journeying from place to place in the heavenly world. Such remarks are typical of the widespread literary form of the heavenly journey. At times John seems to be in heaven. For example, he speaks with one of the twenty-four elders (5:5; 7:13–17). At other times, his vantage point seems to be on earth. For example, the mighty angel of chap. 10 seems to come down to John from heaven. John takes the little scroll from the angel while the angel has one foot on the land and one on the sea. The seer’s position and vantage point also seem to be earthly in chap. 12. The implication is the same in 18:1, 19:11, and 20:1. The opening of chap. 4 seems deliberately to evoke the tradition of heavenly ascents, but the author did not seem concerned to make such a journey a structuring principle of the work.
NKJV
Contribution to the Bible
Introduction and Benediction
The visionary experience recorded in 4:1–22:5 is itself highly segmented. The plan of this portion of the work will be discussed in the next section. It contains a vision of the heavenly court (chaps. 4–5) that introduces several series of symbolic visions.[2]
The book of Revelation provides an almost complete overview of theology. There is much in this book about Christ, mankind and sin, the people of God (both the church and Israel), Holy Angels, and the coward Satan’s and his demons. There is important material on God’s power and tri-unity (Trinity), plus aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit and the nature of Scripture.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
NKJ Study
REVELATION
[1] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 694–695). New York: Dou
1 The Revelation
“A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
NKJV
of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants
[2] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 695–696). New York: Doubleday.
Introduction and Benediction
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
Transliteration: doulos
Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-los)
Definition: a slave
Usage: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave.
1 The Revelation
—things which must shortly (quickly) take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
Transliteration: apokalupsis
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
Definition: an uncovering
Usage: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation.
2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony
of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants
Transliteration: marturia
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-too-ree'-ah)
Definition: testimony
Usage: witness, evidence, testimony, reputation.
Transliteration: doulos
Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-los)
Definition: a slave
Usage: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave.
—things which must shortly (quickly) take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony
3 Blessed
Transliteration: marturia
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-too-ree'-ah)
Definition: testimony
Usage: witness, evidence, testimony, reputation.
Transliteration: makarios
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-ar'-ee-os)
Definition: blessed, happy
Usage: happy, blessed, to be envied.
of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,
3 Blessed
Transliteration: makarios
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-ar'-ee-os)
Definition: blessed, happy
Usage: happy, blessed, to be envied.
Transliteration: prophéteia
Phonetic Spelling: (prof-ay-ti'-ah)
Definition: prophecy
Usage: prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth.
is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,
and keep
Transliteration: prophéteia
Phonetic Spelling: (prof-ay-ti'-ah)
Definition: prophecy
Usage: prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth.
Transliteration: téreó
Phonetic Spelling: (tay-reh'-o)
Definition: to watch over, to guard
Usage: I keep, guard, observe, watch over.
and keep
Transliteration: téreó
Phonetic Spelling: (tay-reh'-o)
Definition: to watch over, to guard
Usage: I keep, guard, observe, watch over.
those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
NKJV
NKJV
Introduction and Benediction
Introduction and Benediction
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near
PARAPHRASE
PARAPHRASE
The unveiling of Jesus Christ, that God gave Jesus to show to Jesus’ voluntary slaves what things are inevitable to take place quickly. And Jesus made known (the inevitable) through sending His own angel to Jesus’ servant John. Who testified to statements of God, and to the evidence of Jesus the Messiah, to all thing I John perceived. Envied is the person who reads and hears the words of this communication of the truth, and observe those things which are written in it: for the time is near.
The unveiling of Jesus Christ, that God gave Jesus to show to Jesus’ voluntary slaves what things are inevitable to take place quickly. And Jesus made known (the inevitable) through sending His own angel to Jesus’ servant John. Who testified to statements of God, and to the evidence of Jesus the Messiah, to all thing I John perceived. Envied is the person who reads and hears the words of this communication of the truth, and observe those things which are written in it: for the time is near.
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
“Book of Revelation”
“Book of Revelation”
It is likely that the work at first had no separate title and that the opening words aroused the appropriate expectations in the audience by designating the nature of its content: “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”). This is the first time that the Greek word “revelation” (apokalypsis) was used to describe a written work or even an explicitly visionary experience (Smith 1983: 14, 18). When the book was copied onto scrolls, a brief title was added at the end of the work, probably “Revelation of John” (apokalypsis Iōannou). When the work began to be copied on booklike codices with pages, this title was placed at the beginning (Aune 1987a: 226). In the course of transmission, the older, brief title was expanded in various ways.[1]
1. “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
It is likely that the work at first had no separate title and that the opening words aroused the appropriate expectations in the audience by designating the nature of its content: “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”). This is the first time that the Greek word “revelation” (apokalypsis) was used to describe a written work or even an explicitly visionary experience (Smith 1983: 14, 18). When the book was copied onto scrolls, a brief title was added at the end of the work, probably “Revelation of John” (apokalypsis Iōannou). When the work began to be copied on booklike codices with pages, this title was placed at the beginning (Aune 1987a: 226). In the course of transmission, the older, brief title was expanded in various ways.[2]
2. Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
1. “A revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsis Iēsou Christou). The meaning is “a revelation given by Jesus Christ,” as the following words show (“that God gave to him [Jesus Christ] to show to his servants”).
3. The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13).
2. Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1).
C. Summary of Contents
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1). The (content of the) book is also called “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v 2). It is also called “words of prophecy” (tous logous tēs prophēteias), and a blessing is pronounced on the one who reads it (aloud in a communal setting) and on those who keep the things written in it (v 3). The prologue ends with the pronouncement, “for the time is near” (ho gar kairos engus).
3. The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13).
The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13). Following the prologue is an epistolary (of a literary work) in the form of letters. prescript (1:4–7), consisting of a salutation, greeting, and doxology (liturgical formula of praise to God.). The salutation is from “John” to “the seven congregations (ekklēsiais) that are in Asia” (v 4a). The greeting is a wish for grace and peace upon the addressees from God and Christ (vv 4b–5a). The doxology is addressed to Christ (vv 5b–6). Corresponding to the prescript is an epistolary concluding blessing (22:21). It requests that the grace of Christ be with all the addressees. Attached to the epistolary prescript are two prophetic sayings (1:7 and 8).
C. Summary of Contents
The body of this unusual letter (1:9–22:5) consists of the report of a single, but highly segmented, visionary experience. Following this account is a kind of epilogue (22:6–20). The epilogue corresponds formally to the two prophetic sayings placed after the prescript and before the report proper. In part it continues the report (“And he said to me,” 22:6). In part it reprises the prologue. The reference to the sending of God’s angel or messenger (angelos) to show his servants what must happen soon (22:6) recalls the similar statement in 1:1. The blessing on the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (22:7) recalls 1:3. The narrator’s allusion to himself as “John” in 22:8 recalls the prescript (1:4) and the opening of the report (1:9). What he goes on to say in 22:8–9 recalls an incident in the report (19:10). There are other connections between 22:6–9 and 19:9–10. The rest of the epilogue contains various prophetic sayings with links to other parts of the work.
Revelation opens with a prologue in the third person (1:1–3). It refers to the book as a revelation (apokalypsis) that was given through God’s angel (or messenger; angelos) to his servant (doulos) John (v 1). The (content of the) book is also called “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v 2). It is also called “words of prophecy” (tous logous tēs prophēteias), and a blessing is pronounced on the one who reads it (aloud in a communal setting) and on those who keep the things written in it (v 3). The prologue ends with the pronouncement, “for the time is near” (ho gar kairos engus).
The report of the visionary experience is segmented into two formally different parts. The first is an epiphany of the risen Christ in the form of one like a son of man (1:9–3:22). This visionary experience takes place on earth. The manlike figure commands John to record his visionary experience in a book and to send it to the seven congregations. The focus of this first formally distinct part is a series of prophetic messages to the seven congregations that Christ dictates to John (2:1–3:22). The second main part (4:1–22:5) begins like a heavenly journey or ascent (4:1–2). But this formal introduction is not carried through with remarks about John’s journeying from place to place in the heavenly world. Such remarks are typical of the widespread literary form of the heavenly journey. At times John seems to be in heaven. For example, he speaks with one of the twenty-four elders (5:5; 7:13–17). At other times, his vantage point seems to be on earth. For example, the mighty angel of chap. 10 seems to come down to John from heaven. John takes the little scroll from the angel while the angel has one foot on the land and one on the sea. The seer’s position and vantage point also seem to be earthly in chap. 12. The implication is the same in 18:1, 19:11, and 20:1. The opening of chap. 4 seems deliberately to evoke the tradition of heavenly ascents, but the author did not seem concerned to make such a journey a structuring principle of the work.
The rest of the book (1:4–22:21) has the framework of an ancient letter. This part of the work is in the first person, except for occasional speeches, that seem to be reports of auditions but are unattributed (e.g., 22:12–13). Following the prologue is an epistolary (of a literary work) in the form of letters. prescript (1:4–7), consisting of a salutation, greeting, and doxology (liturgical formula of praise to God.). The salutation is from “John” to “the seven congregations (ekklēsiais) that are in Asia” (v 4a). The greeting is a wish for grace and peace upon the addressees from God and Christ (vv 4b–5a). The doxology is addressed to Christ (vv 5b–6). Corresponding to the prescript is an epistolary concluding blessing (22:21). It requests that the grace of Christ be with all the addressees. Attached to the epistolary prescript are two prophetic sayings (1:7 and 8).
The visionary experience recorded in 4:1–22:5 is itself highly segmented. The plan of this portion of the work will be discussed in the next section. It contains a vision of the heavenly court (chaps. 4–5) that introduces several series of symbolic visions.[2]
The body of this unusual letter (1:9–22:5) consists of the report of a single, but highly segmented, visionary experience. Following this account is a kind of epilogue (22:6–20). The epilogue corresponds formally to the two prophetic sayings placed after the prescript and before the report proper. In part it continues the report (“And he said to me,” 22:6). In part it reprises the prologue. The reference to the sending of God’s angel or messenger (angelos) to show his servants what must happen soon (22:6) recalls the similar statement in 1:1. The blessing on the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (22:7) recalls 1:3. The narrator’s allusion to himself as “John” in 22:8 recalls the prescript (1:4) and the opening of the report (1:9). What he goes on to say in 22:8–9 recalls an incident in the report (19:10). There are other connections between 22:6–9 and 19:9–10. The rest of the epilogue contains various prophetic sayings with links to other parts of the work.
[1] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 694–695). New York: Doubleday.
The report of the visionary experience is segmented into two formally different parts. The first is an epiphany of the risen Christ in the form of one like a son of man (1:9–3:22). This visionary experience takes place on earth. The manlike figure commands John to record his visionary experience in a book and to send it to the seven congregations. The focus of this first formally distinct part is a series of prophetic messages to the seven congregations that Christ dictates to John (2:1–3:22). The second main part (4:1–22:5) begins like a heavenly journey or ascent (4:1–2). But this formal introduction is not carried through with remarks about John’s journeying from place to place in the heavenly world. Such remarks are typical of the widespread literary form of the heavenly journey. At times John seems to be in heaven. For example, he speaks with one of the twenty-four elders (5:5; 7:13–17). At other times, his vantage point seems to be on earth. For example, the mighty angel of chap. 10 seems to come down to John from heaven. John takes the little scroll from the angel while the angel has one foot on the land and one on the sea. The seer’s position and vantage point also seem to be earthly in chap. 12. The implication is the same in 18:1, 19:11, and 20:1. The opening of chap. 4 seems deliberately to evoke the tradition of heavenly ascents, but the author did not seem concerned to make such a journey a structuring principle of the work.
The visionary experience recorded in 4:1–22:5 is itself highly segmented. The plan of this portion of the work will be discussed in the next section. It contains a vision of the heavenly court (chaps. 4–5) that introduces several series of symbolic visions.
[2] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 695–696). New York: Doubleday.
[1] The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[2] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 694–695). New York: Doubleday.
[3] Collins, A. Y. (1992). Revelation, Book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 5, pp. 695–696). New York: Doubleday.