The Book of Revelation— Part one
7.19.23
Write the things that you have seen, and the things that are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
With the book of Revelation, we have the conclusion and consummation of the Bible as God’s revelation to man. Ultimately, every theme introduced elsewhere in the Bible finds its fulfillment and resolution in this great book.
Revelation harkens back to the OT. There are well over 500 references to the OT in its pages. It begins as a message to the churches, but after chapter four, it is a Jewish book, dealing with the nation of Israel once again and the Kingdom that God has promised to them.
John the Apostle was on the Island of Patmos, which was off the western coast of Asia Minor (1:9). God came to him giving him great visions, and he bare record of the Word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all the things that he saw (1:2).
The style of this book differs from John’s Gospel and his epistles, but this is accounted for by the prophetic nature of the Revelation. In the Gospel of John, his focus was on salvation with the goal that his readers might put their faith in Jesus (John 20:31). In his Epistles, he wants his readers to be sure of their salvation (1 John 5:13). In the Revelation his interest is in having his readers ready for Christ’s return (Revelation 22:20). It could be said that our Lord is first presented as a Prophet, then as a Priest, and finally as a King!
This was quite likely the last book of the Bible that was written. The Roman Emperor, Domitian (81-96 AD) was in control. His reign was harsh and believers everywhere were under persecution. John himself had been banished to the mines on the Isle of Patmos. He wrote this perhaps in 95 AD when he would have been close to ninety years old.
The Book is properly called ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Jesus is the center of the Book. It is quite easy to lose sight of this in the midst of all of the epic and mysterious things that are presented.
The book is ‘apocalyptic’ in nature. This simply means that it reveals or unveils that which would otherwise remain hidden or unknown. This unveiling is done supernaturally, by the Spirit of God.
There are many symbols in the book. Yet, just because John used symbolism does not mean that the events and people are not real—they are real! Some symbols are clearly interpreted (1:20- the seven candlesticks are the churches), others are interpreted by the OT (2:7-the reference to the Tree of Life), and still others are shrouded in mystery (2:17- the hidden manna and white stone). The rule of thumb is to interpret things literally, unless the context demands otherwise. We must be careful not to let our imaginations run wild.
Again, if we fail to see the Son of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the slain and risen Lamb, then we have failed in our reading and study of this great book. We must be careful not to study prophecy merely out of idle curiosity, but that we might know and serve our wonderful Savior more dearly and clearly.
This book is of such import, that we will need to take another week to look at it. Perhaps take some time to read through the Book of the Revelation, and stay tuned for part two.