In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. Introduction some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. The author used these images to suggest christs universal seven power. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. Revelation 12 explained jesus unveiled revelation is.
In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. The signs are also necessary because there is tremendous power in. Who are the woman, child and dragon in revelation 12. He gives a number of reasons why it is important for christians to understand the book of revelation. Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation and explains that todays people do not understand what the author of revelation is talking about. Im going to propose what i think is a rather novel and perhaps disturbing interpretation of the book of revelation. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.
David guzik commentary on revelation 1 begins with an opening description of the. In 30 minutes, understanding the book of revelation ebook will help you understand the different ways christians have interpreted revelation throughout the centuries. When people read the book of revelation they encounter this vast array of symbols. What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in asia. The book of revelation is the revelation of jesus christ. The seven seals are opened one by one, in sequence. 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. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. The book of revelation is a prophetic book the word apocalypse means unveiling and thats exactly what the book of revelation isit is a prophetic book that discusses the unveiling of what is going to happen in the nearing end times and what will come with the final revelation of jesus christ.
Join us on a journey through the pages of this letter from christ to his people. Understanding revelation waitara seventhday adventist. The book of revelation has much to teach us about the events of the end times, and about our own hearts. With only two left to occur, we must look to the bible to understand what to expect. The book of revelation is not a book of doom and gloom but rather the story of victory of the lamb of god and those who follow him. John was overshadowed by the power of the holy ghost. These verses at the beginning of revelation affirm that this book conveys an important message from god to his servants, and therefore a proper understanding of revelation must be reasonably within their grasp. Keys to understanding the book of revelation its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Introduction revelation is a confusing book to most people despite the many commentaries written.
The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. 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. Do you struggle to understand the book of revelation. Its often the book of the bible that christians, pastors, and seminaries have the most trouble understanding. Many people say that the book is in signs or coded thus only few people can understand it. A site to host information about john mark ministries. Revelation has featured prominently in our circles for 150 years. The author of revelation mentioned his name, john, four times throughout the book revelation 1. 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.
Walking through revelation biblical prophecy revelation. This article examines the book of revelation and is the concluding part of a letter we wrote, the first part being posted in a previous article on this website 2. The horns symbolize those powers and the crowns those governments that are supported by the beast. The book of revelation is not a book of doom and gloom but the victory of the lamb of god and those who follow him the overcomers. I do not write this with the intention of upsetting anyone but instead i do it in the tradition of all good teachers including jesus who inspire their students to think for themselves. May 22, 2019 understanding the book of revelation lecture 1 of 3 philip stallings. This series combines history, politics, and theology to explain the book of revelation in light of modern times and world events. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. Understanding the book of revelation it is not surprising that a variety of methods of interpretation have evolved with reference to the book of revelation. Apr 28, 2015 what can we do to understand the book of revelation. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. The revelation is a very solemn book speaking much about divine judgments but it is also a wonderful book in which we find the completion of gods ways up to eternal glory.
Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries. Like the books of prophecy in the old testament, revelation proclaims a message. The book of revelation is coded and was coded by the writer, apostle john, for several reasons. Edgar cayces amazing interpretation of the book of revelation. From out of the smoke, locusts who are given power like that of scorpions of. His plan for the end times is in the scroll revelation 1.
Where were you when i laid the foundations of the earth. The book of revelation is a source of hope and encouragement for christians because the book tells about the triumphant return of our lord, jesus christ. Relates to the things which are, that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of john to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the lord jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, ch. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. We read here as in verse 2, of the seven angels that had been waiting orders to move. This is my discussion of revelation from my book kingdom come.
Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Richard booker helps you understand the book of revelation by explaining johns vision within its intriguing original historical, literary, and biblical context. There are four common views regarding how revelation applies to us today. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. As with all prophecies the revelation also is not easily understood. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. A series of eight sermons on the book of revelation introduction. There is perhaps no more misunderstood book of the bible than revelation. Understanding the book of revelation lecture 1 of 3 youtube. Richard booker explains johns vision within its original historical, literary, and biblical context. The book of revelation is so easy to read and understand.
Whom do the woman, child and dragon represent, and what can we learn from this section of bible prophecy. I thought it might be useful to give seven principles for helping understand the book of revelation taken from the book, the triumph of the lamb by dennis johnson. I encourage you to bring your insights to class to share with others. Reading the book of revelation, also called the apocalypse of st. Understanding who is the actual author of the revelationand understanding the critically important theme, the centerpiece of the book, is vital.
White is professor of classics and christian origins at the university of texas at austin, and acted as historical consultant for apocalypse. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by rose publishing. The author of the book of revelation, saint john the divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order a prophetic vision for the end of the world. Understanding the book of revelation is a timely book as we approach the twentyfirst century. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. While understanding revelation isnt necessarily trivial, it has to be accessible provided that we go about it properly and prayerfully. 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. How accurate are the descriptions of these seven cities mentioned in the book of revelation according to archaeology and history. Bring your questions and join us for 10 weeks beginning wednesday, january 10, 2018. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. Nov 19, 2018 keys to understanding the book of revelation.
This is the reason that a knowledge of the rest of the bible is imperative to an understanding of the book of revelation. Summary in the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. John the divine in some translations of the bible without comparing what it says to the rest of sacred scripture, can be a confusing experience. Revelation 5 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. In revelation the message is that god is coming to judge and to redeem, and that the powers of evil and empires will clash before god establishes the fullness of his kingdom. Jan 02, 2020 in these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like. It provides ultimate assurance of salvation in christ. 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. Understanding the book of revelation a systematic study in.
But recognizing this comes from understanding how to read this kind of. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 1. The word apocalypse means unveiling and thats exactly what the book of revelation isit is a prophetic book that discusses the unveiling of what is going to happen in the nearing end times and what will come with the final revelation of jesus christ. Sexual energy and christ consciousness christianity and the. There are two general ways to understand the book of revelation.
A 21st century interpretation of the book of revelation. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. As such, it has been the target of attacks by those who are afraid of its startling message that. The only exceptions are those trumpets that introduce events beyond human understanding, and even they affect human beings physically. The bible indicates in revelation that seven trumpets will sound before the end of. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. In this sense the word apocalyptic has a slightly broader meaning, and it. The reason most commentaries fail to enlighten the books contents is because they violate one or more of the three basic principles of sound biblical interpretation.
In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. The book of revelation closes its awful description of the judgments which are coming upon the earth by inviting to the sinner, come to christ, and, after one reads and understand the book of revelation, he too will close the book and invite the sinner to, come, and receive, jesus christ as you savior. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. Five of the seven trumpets that signify the end of the age have come to pass. 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. This book of the revelation tells what is in that scroll. Understanding the book of revelation berean research institute. A word list at the end explains words with a star by them. Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. Keys to understanding revelation the book of revelation. Understanding why john wrote revelation helps both teacher and student. The interpretation of these canonical texts, which include parables and much of the book of revelation, as containing references to sexual energy opens us to the very real possibility that jesus knew of the importance of sexual energy for higher spiritual attainment and that he taught this truth when he walked the earth and in his post.
Understanding the book of revelation, published in 2012 by unity books so the battle that was first waged in heavenin consciousnessis now being fought in the tangible world. Reading it straight through in one, two, or three settings is very helpful because you will see connections. Mcconkie 19151985 of the quorum of the twelve apostles uses a questionandanswer format to explain the background and teachings of the book of revelation. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading understanding the book of revelation. Understanding revelation study 1 circumstances of revelation p. The book of revelation is a revelation, the revelation of jesus christ 1. An easyenglish bible version and commentary 2800 word vocabulary on the book of revelation.
The first is called the beast from the sea who is given his power by satan himself. Understanding the book of revelation john mark ministries. Even modern scholars approach revelation in several different ways. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. In fact i dont think its possible for us to have a large enough understanding of who jesus is.
Mcconkie of the council of the twelve one of our most fascinating exercises in scriptural interpretation is to study the book of revelation, to ponder its truths, and to discover. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. This commentary has been through advanced checking. But skip heitzig, the dynamic senior pastor at calvary of albuquerqueone of the nations largest churchesis eager to bring clarity to the mystery of revelation and share why its an important, relevant, and exciting book to explore. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. The book of revelation employs symbol after symbol, many of them deeply mysterious. Understanding who is the actual author of the revelation and understanding the critically important theme, the centerpiece of the book, is vital. It is vital to realize that these chapters are given in the order that they were seen not necessarily in the chronological order of their fulfillment. Are the seven seals of the book of revelation unfolding. According to some, and i am relieved that it has only been a few, covid19 is proof that the plagues of the book of revelation, in particular the seven seals of revelation 6. These are found in chapter one, entitled a strategy for seeing. Feb 23, 2020 edgar cayces amazing interpretation of the book of revelation.
The vision which opens the book and the verse that organizes it. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. And we do not yet understand many things that god has said. 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. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming.
How to understand the book of revelation without feeling. So, having briefly examined the passages for which you requested that i clarify my position, i would suggest looking into the book of revelation now and carrying these understandings with us. Some of it remains secret, for example what the thunders said. If you are a follower of christ, this book is for you. Yet it has a clear message for all who would devote themselves to its pages. Understanding the book of revelation 3 book series kindle. 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. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. Revelation is one of the most debated books of the bible. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by rose. It is a series of prophecies dealing with the conflict between good and evil christ and satan.
And sometime read it alongside one of the better commentaries. The book of revelation is a revealing of jesus christ in glory. Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most. Understanding the book of revelation, pamphlet ebook. Understanding the book of revelation by elder bruce r. Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation.
It is calculated that there are over five hundred references or allusions to the old testament in revelation and that, of its 404 verses, 278 contain references to the old testament. You can understand it, because god knows how to communicate to you. Revelation to john, also called book of revelation or apocalypse of john, last book of the new testament. The revelation of john, a servant of god, which was given unto him. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ.
You thought revelation was about the end of the world. 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. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this enigmatic work. 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. 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. Is there a formula for understanding the book of revelation.
When the apocalyptic, epistolary, and prophetic nature of revelation are considered in harmony, they yield a meaningful understanding of the book in its original setting and an enduring application for today. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. The new view, therefore, began to argue that none of the events described in the book of revelation after chapters i.
At the time john wrote revelation, a power struggled raged within the christian. Thank you for the bible study question, is there a formula for understanding the book of revelation bible question. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. The book of revelation doesnt mean what you think theres more to understanding this ancient book than you realize. Before describing the manner of this visitation, john identifies the power now. Revelation 12 provides an overview of three major players in the world today and their impact on endtime events. Without these keys, many have bogged down into either arguments about whether the lords day vs. He also describes revelation as a window to gods plan for the world, having spent many years studying this book as a chronological presentation of gods revelation in jesus. 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. We will see that the book of revelation was also sealed with seven separate seals. 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. The opening vision of jesus, for example, por trays him with white hair, fiery brass feet, and a sword flashing out of his mouth.
617 1249 1366 516 1321 236 439 1481 307 501 304 319 1206 280 390 633 1629 1197 254 1407 305 264 582 981 1604 1290 338 1002 704 160 1142 471 362 1232 1518 130 49 1498 1498 1095 725 506 1130 1023 764 686 655 1439 863 498 557