THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST
THE BOOK OF REVELATION A Commentary by David J Riggs and John Cripps THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

David Jerome Riggs – Sept 30th 1942 / December 28th 2004
Dedication This work is dedicated to my father in law David J Riggs, who was a mentor, teacher and student of God’s Word. His dedication to serving God to the fullest of his ability and the love that he felt for the truths found in the scriptures are readily acknowledged by everyone that knew him. Tho, discouraged to pursue his desire to preach the plain truths of God’s Word, it never stopped him from simply allowing the power of God’s Word to speak to the hearts of good and honest men. He was not an eloquent speaker, nor was he a big name preacher but the humility that David had as he served our God and our Father – brought glory and adoration and attention to the written word and the power it contained to change the hearts and minds of men. It is in David that I learned that the Word of God can be presented in a very simple yet very deep level that all who heard could and would understand. David Jerome Riggs – Sept 30th 1942 / December 28th 2004 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” – Hebrews 11:4

An Introduction To The Book of Revelation
THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

NEGLECTED & ABUSED The book of Revelation is one of the most neglected and yet one of the most abused books of the New Testament today and in times past. This view point is expressed in various forms by many biblical scholars. "It is regarded as the most difficult book of the New Testament by most Christians. It is the most 'turned back' book. Classes make their way through the New Testament, but when they get to Revelation they 'turn back' to Matthew." --- (Introducing the Book at the End of the Bible, by Ferrell Jenkins. p. 1) "Neglected, misunderstood, and grossly perverted, the Book of Revelation stands quite alone in the New Testament." --- (Revelation - "Victory in Christ", by Robert Harkrider. p. 1)

The Purpose and Theme of the Book of Revelation
Peter warns us that Satan is constantly seeking for those whom he may devour: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1Peter 5:8 Paul warns us that we are to be constantly aware of the evil devices that Satan will use to entrap and snare the children of God: "(13) For such {are} false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. (14) And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. (15) Therefore {it is} no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." 2Corinthians 11:13-15 Since the evidence is overwhelmingly clear, that Satan is in constant conflict with the children of God, the message that is contained in the Book of Revelation is applicable. Though the times have changed and the methods of Satan have taken on a new appearance the basic underlying aim is still the same. Satan wants all that is good to bow the knee unto him. To leave the Creator God and worship at His feet.

As one looks at the plight of the First Century Christians one cannot help but wonder what their state would have been, had such a book as Revelation not been written. In the minds of these Christians the overall result they foresaw must have been that they stood to be defeated and totally eliminated from the face of the earth by Rome who, at this point in time, was well armed and was recognized to be the mightiest army in the world. Against this army stood a small band of Christians who believed in a Risen Savior whose only weapon of war was the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit, cf. Eph. 6:17. How hopeless their plight must have looked to them and to others whom they were trying to persuade to believe. By the year A.D. 95 a Roman Law was proclaimed that it was a crime to be a Christian and that such was punishable by death. Emperor Worship was at its pinnacle and allegiance to the Caesar was demanded of all Roman subjects. It is under these circumstances that this struggle between the church of Jesus Christ and the evil forces of Satan is depicted in the Book of Revelation.

"The one proclaimed its allegiance to the Divine Christ, and the other proclaimed its allegiance to Caesar, who himself laid claim to divine rights. Christ versus Caesar! Who would finally win in the fight that lay ahead?" --- (The Seven Churches of Asia by James M. Tolle. Tolle Publications, Box 13. Fullerton, California p. 5) These two forces were diametrically opposed to one another. Two great kingdoms went out into the world to capture the hearts of men, women, and children. One empire subjected its subjects by physical force while the Kingdom of Christ subjected its followers with the spiritual message of God. The vast difference can be seen in the method of subjection: Roman Empire -- Physical domination with involuntary servitude, threats of death, and destruction if one did not comply. Kingdom of God -- Spiritual domination with a voluntary servitude, with spiritual blessings to all those who would come.

THE COMFORT OF GOD "(1) I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, {who is worthy} to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. The pangs of death encompassed me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, {even} to His ears." Psalm 18:1-6

Our Application Today !!! The message and purpose of the book for Christians living today is basically the same. Though our enemy is not the Roman Empire and paganism, and though we are not subjected to bow the knee to any man by force, the enemy remains the same. Any object that demands that we must have absolute allegiance to it and thus deny the Deity of Christ and His absolute authority is in fact the same conditions under which the book of Revelation was written. Though we may not have the savage persecution of the Roman Empire, the child of God still faces persecution in the form of: (1) reproach and slander (2) cold looks (3) nicknames (4) social ostracism ect. Thus the comfort given in the words of Revelation is applicable today as it was back at the time of its writing.

Our Application Today !!! "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw {some} of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10 "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those {who are} with Him {are} called, chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17:14 The comfort of knowing that through out the trials and tribulations of God's children, the hardships that are endured, and the constant attacks of Satan and His Evil forces against that which is good, is but a small frame in the overall picture. The whole picture depicts Christ and His forces victorious over the forces of Evil and that which is contrary to God and His will.

THE NAME - "REVELATION" The child of God needs to note that the name of the book is "Revelation" and not "Revelations". Although the book is made up of many revelations the book’s name is in the singular. Note this is also true of the Old Testament Book Psalm. The name Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalupsis {ap-ok-al'-oop-sis} which Strong's defines as "disclosure: -appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.“ Thayer defines this as - "an uncovering; 1. prop. a laying bare, making naked" (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by Joseph H. Thayer. Baker book House Grand Rapids, Michigan. 15th printing 1987 p. 62) Vine says of this Greek Word - "an uncovering (akin to apokalupto)", which defined "signifies to uncover, unveil". (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by W.E. Vine edited by F.F. Bruce. Fleming H. Revell Company Old Tappan, New Jersey p. 292) The name Revelation {apokalupsis} classifies the type of literature the writer has used in his effort to uncover the message of God that was revealed unto him.

THE NAME - "REVELATION" "Apocalyptic literature was always relevant to the historical situation of the day. Daniel and Ezekiel were written during the Babylonian exile to comfort the chosen people in their faithfulness and to prepare them for trails, even down to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes and to the Roman Empire. Revelation was written at a time when God's saints were being tried in the crucible called Rome." (Studies in the Book of Revelation by Ferrell Jenkins. p. 1) In the Old Testament there are three inspired Apocalyptic writings ie. Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah. Revelation is the only New Testament book that takes on this style of literature. It is with little doubt that the Christians of the first century were well acquainted with this style of literature and therefore the message possibly did not present to them a problem as it does to many of us today.

Authorship of the Book of Revelation:
Since the author of the book of Revelation does not disclose who he is, apart from the four times he makes reference to himself as John cf. 1:1 ; 1:4 ; 1:9 ; 22:8, it is up to the student to speculate as to which John this might have reference to. It is also safe to assert that the writer of Revelation was a Palestinian Jew, from his usage of the Old Testament and Targums, who also was steeped in the rituals of the temple and in the synagogues. The fact that the very title of the book includes in it the name, John cannot be overlooked. This title "occurs in several MSS, including the Codex Sinaiticus" – (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible. Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts. January p. 797).

"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," Revelation 1:1 "John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne," Revelation 1:4 "I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 1:9 "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things." Revelation 22:8 From these passages and other passages it is safe to assert that the writer of Revelation was: A servant of Christ - 1:1 That he is a Christian, since he refers to himself as a brother and companion in this tribulation - 1:9 That he was a prophet - since he identifies himself as such in 1:3 ; 10:11 ; 22:6-10, 18, 19 ; 22: 9 ,19. That he was exiled because of his testimony of Christ - 1:9

External evidence is that evidence which is gathered from secular writers who many times wrote according to the voice of tradition. As one examines this segment of history one needs to be reminded that the further away from the first century one gets the less reliable the voice of tradition might be. Justin Martyr (A.D ) in his Dialogue with Trypho the Jew (LXXXI) says. "There was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ,who prophesied by revelation," and then refers to the thousand years, the resurrection and the Judgment of Revelation (The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1. p. 240 as quoted by Homer Hailey in his book Revelation an Introduction and Commentary pp ) Irenaeus (A.D ), who had heard Polycarp, a disciple of John the apostle, wrote in his Against Heresies (IV. xx. 11), "John, also the Lord's Disciple says in the Apocalypse," and then quotes profusely from that Book. Having thus identified him as the "Lord's Disciple”.

Irenaeus says later: "In a still clearer light has John, in the Apocalypse, reveled certain things," which the writer proceeds to discuss (V.xxi 1) Ibid., p ) Ibid., p.554) Clement of Alexandria (A.D ) in his treatise, Who is the Rich man that Shall be Saved? (XLII), writes of "the apostle John" who "returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos" after "the tyrant's death." The tyrant is unnamed Ibid.,Vol II, p. 603). Tertullian (A.D ), sometimes called "the Father of Latin Christianity," a voluminous writer, wrote five books Against Marcion. In book III. xxv, Tertullian writes of the Jerusalem let down from heaven. He quotes Paul, who called it "our mother" (Galatians 4:26), and he says, "the apostle John beheld" it, referring to Revelation 21: Ibid., Vol III, p. 342).

GRAMMATICAL EVIDENCE: Word Gospel of John Epistles of John Revelation LOGOS "word" John 1:1 John 1:14 I John 1:1 "Word of Life" Revelation 19:13 "Word of God" NIKAO * "Overcome" John 16:33 7 Times 17 Times ALETHINOS * "true" 8 Times 4 Times 10 Times ARNION "lamb" John 21:15 28 Times of Jesus 1 Time of the Earth Beast

SYMBOLS & NUMERALS IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION
IMPORTANT SYMBOLICAL NUMBERS IN REVELATION ONE : Symbolizes unity or independent existence (not actually used in Revelation, but stands behind several others.) TWO : Symbolizes strengthening, confirmation, redoubled courage and energy. Two witnesses confirm the truth of God --- Rev. 11:3-12. Two wild beasts supporting each other oppose the truth --- Rev. 13:1ff. Note Eccl. 4:9-12 for the strength and power of two. God has a twofold instrument of warfare: The conquering Christ and the sickle of Judgment. These defeat the beasts. Symbolism teaches triumph of good over evil.

THREE: Man found in his primitive home the divines things life could offer --- father love, mother love, filial love. He found God in the interplay of love and kindness in his home. Thus, "3" became the symbol of the Divine. For us today it is easier to see since there are three in the God Hood - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. GOD --- Revelation 1:4 -- ".... Him who is and who was and who is to come,...“ JESUS CHRIST --- Revelation 1:5 -- "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.“ BELIEVERS --- Revelation 1:5c-6 -- " To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (6) and has made us kings and priests...“ THREEFOLD DIVISION OF BOOK --- Revelation 1:19 -- "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.“ THREE EVENTS --- Revelation 4:1 "... and behold, a door {standing} open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard {was} like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."

OCCUPANT ON THE THRONE --- Revelation 4:3 -- "And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and {there was} a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.“ TWENTY FOUR ELDERS --- Revelation 4:4 -- "Around the throne {were} twenty four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.“ OUT OF THE THRONE PROCEEDED --- Revelation 4:5 -- "And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices....“ FOUR LIVING CREATURES CHANT --- Revelation 4:6b,8,9 -- ".... and around the throne, {were} four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. (8) ...saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" (9) Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,“

GOLD CROWNED ELDERS ASCRIBE HIM --- Revelation 4:11 -- "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." THREE WOE TRUMPETS --- Revelation 8:13 -- "And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" THREE FROG LIKE SPIRITS issue from the mouth of : --- Revelation 16:13 -- "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs {coming} out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." THREE PLAGUES UPON BABYLON --- Revelation 18:8 ".... death, mourning and famine...." Three classes of men wail over Babylon's fall : KINGS (vrs 9), MERCHANTS (vrs. 11), SEAMEN (vrs. 17) --- See Ezek. 27.

FOUR : Cosmic number! The world in which men lived, worked, died! Supposed to be the number of creation. Usual reference made to the "four corners of the earth.“ FOUR LIVING CREATURES with four faces --- Revelation 4: “four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature {was} like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature {was} like a flying eagle. And {the} four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH --- Revelation 7:1 -- "After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree."

FOUR ANGELS at river EUPHRATES. They watch --- Revelation 9: "saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind." TRODDEN WINEPRESS --- Revelation 14:20 -- "And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs." a) This is the square of 4 X 100.

FOUR SEALS --- Revelation 6: "Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see." And I looked, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." And another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that {people} should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see. And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth." a) Four horses go forth at the call of four living creatures. EIGHT descriptive EPITHETS touching the wicked : --- Revelation 21:8 --"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." a) 4 X 2 or 2 X 4

FIVE : Number on hands and feet (five fingers and toes). Frequently cut-off or maimed and crippled through disease, accident or warfare! "A perfect, full-rounded man was one who had all his members intact" (Ibid. p.23) "Five doubled to ten --- human completeness". (ie Parents look at baby's hands and feet!) "Whole duty of man" --- Ten Commandments! "Complete authority or power in government" --- beasts with ten horns. Dragon , chp 12 ; First beast, chp 13 ; Scarlet beast chp all have ten horns. TEN : Used in Combinations with other single numbers. sacred number --- Numbers 3 added to 4 = 7 multiplied by 10 Symbolizes God with His Creation is Completeness. this symbolizes ultimate completeness, nth degree.

SIX : A sinister meaning! Six fell short of seven and failed! "The charge that met defeat, with success just in its grasp" --- represented by six (Summers p. 24) This represents doom! Just as 13 does to many today. SEVEN : Combination of perfect world number and perfect Divine number, therefore it was the most sacred number to the Hebrews! "The number of completeness, of perfection, and of dispensational fullness.“ EARTH CROWNED WITH HEAVEN: Seven Churches (2-3) Seven Candlesticks. Seven seals (5-8:1) Seven Spirits (1:4)

Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:16) Seven Stars (1:16) Seven Bowls (15:5-16) Seven Sections to the Book. Seventy members of Jewish Council. Jesus sent out seventy Disciples. Fourteen songs in Revelation (7 X 2) : 4:8, 11 ; 5:9,12,12 ; 11:15,17,18 ; 12:10-12; 15:3,4 ; 19:1,2,5,6-8. The Lamb has Seven horns and seven eyes (5:6), "which denote the almighty power, the supreme intelligence, and the perfect omni-potence and omniscience which He is endowed with" (Moorehead, p. 32). Seven attributes of praise to the Lamb --- (5:12) --- to God (7:12). Chapter six angels and One Like the Son of Man.

TWELVE : 4 X 3. In Hebrew religious thought 12 equals symbol of organized religion in the world. 12 Tribes, 12 Apostles, 12 Gates ,000 equals 12,000 X 12. "The number of final and eternal perfection and duration" -(Moorehead). Note the Celestial City, the New Jerusalem (21:1-22:5) 12 foundations. 12 gates. 12 Angel sentinels and guardians. The city is a majestic cube, 12,000 furlongs being the measure of its form. The tree of life yields 12 manners of fruits and yields them through 12 months of a cycle.

THREE and ONE HALF : Seven cut in half! Symbol of incompleteness. Restless, longings unfulfilled; aspirations unrealized ; world awaiting for something. Men of despair and confusion waiting for peace and light. Rev. 6:4 Two witnesses preached 3 and one half years --- indefinite period. Rev 11:3. Court of Temple trampled by ungodly 3 and one half years. Rev. 11:2 Saints persecuted 42 months. Rev. 11:2 Church in wilderness 1,260 days. Rev. 12:6 & 14. Sea Beast exercises his authority 42 months. Rev. 13:5.

TEN : "the number of secular organization and of power" --- (Moorehead, p. 32). See notes under number five. "Ten joined with seven signifies the perfection of satanic force and worldly dominion. The Beast with seven heads and ten horns is the embodiment of devilish energy, and of apostate, imperial supremacy." (Ibid., p. 32) --- {Notes taken from Revelation Class Taught by Melvin Curry at Florida College 1987) In understanding the imagery of John's Revelation one must also be aware that these are drawn from all of the realms known to man, ie. the heavenly, the spiritual and the material universe. Having looked at the symbols let us now consider the various realms that John draws from.

DEITY God The Father the occupant on the throne: Sparkling white diamond - (jasper) And as a precious ruby - (sardius) --- 4:3. Jesus the Son of God: Is a lamb --- 5:6. The lion of the tribe of Judah --- 5:5. The Root of David --- 5:5. The bright and morning star :16. The Holy Spirit: Seven Spirits. Seven Lamps of Fire. Seven Eyes which are the Seven Spirits of God --- 1:4; 5:6.

SPIRIT REALM The revelations embraces heaven, hades, and the lake of fire (hell). Includes a great Red Dragon. A Serpent (Satan). Angels. Demons. Unclean Spirits. And Souls. There are beasts that come from a variety of places: One out of the Sea. One out of the Earth. The revelation also embraces: Death. And the Resurrection

THE NATURAL WORLD In this aspect the symbols and imagery are drawn from every realm of the natural world. Geology to Astronomy. Reference made to: The Sun. The Sun-Rising. The Moon. The stars. Day and Night. The Air. The earth, earthquakes. Sea and great waters, Rivers and fountains. Clouds, lightening, thunder. Great winds, hail and rainbows. Fire, smoke and brimstone. Of wilderness and an abyss.

EARTHLY KINGDOMS Once again the imagery is drawn from every social aspects of human life. Kings ,Princes and Captains. Bondmen and Freemen. Rich and Poor. The Great and the Servants. Our interests and understanding are challenged by: References to , Nations Thrones. Diadems and Victory Crowns. Keys. A Rod (or Scepter) of iron. Great Swords , two edge swords , Slaughtering swords. A Bow. A Prison. And the wine press of judgment.

CULTURE and SOCIETY There is the ever on going conflict of war present. Armies clash either to suffer defeat and destruction or winning in victory. Chariots and armor. Wars and clashing forces. Plagues and fears. Suffering and Mourning. Also drawn into the scenes are marriage: The Bride and the Groom. The marriage and the marriage supper. Lamps, voices. A thief. A woman in childbirth. Added to these are also: Measuring Reeds. Doors of Admission. Doors through which we see and behold.

RELIGION Most of these images are drawn from the Old Testament Religious system. Prophets and Priests. Altars of sacrifice and the Golden altar. Lampstands. Sacrifice , blood and incense. Synagogue , sanctuary, temple pillar. The ark of the Covenant and trumpets. There are also symbols of the heathen nations which depict the opposite of what is pleasing before God. Seeks to seduce the faithful. Idols and images. Sacrifices to the idols and images. False Prophets. Sorcery. False Teachers: Balaam. Jezebel. Nicolaitans.

LOCALITIES These places which are flashed across the screen to convey ideas: Egypt Babylon the Great. The Euphrates. Sodom. Mount Zion. Harmageddon (Mount Magedo). Specific Localities: The Great City. The Holy City. The New Jerusalem for the New Heaven and earth. Some of these would survive and endure the tests placed upon them, others would be destroyed.

PERSONS These are a array of people from every walk of life, each depicting an idea or telling a story or revealing a truth. A radiant woman. Arrayed in the sources of light. Sun. The moon. And the Stars. A man child born to her. Virgins. A Wife. A Queen. A Great Harlot and her daughters. Those who have committed fornication with the Harlot. Also listed in images are: Children. Servants. Balaam. Jezebel. Gog and Magog --- cf. Ezek. 38:2 -- "Gog of Magog".

DRESS As is the case today, much can be determined by the manner of attire a person has on. Kingly and Priestly garments ; White Robes. Fine Linen ; Sackcloth. Colors used to describe the garments worn: Purple ; Scarlet. PHYSICAL ANATOMY Much of the anatomy of man comes into play of the great unveiling of Christ and Spiritual truth. The Head: Hair, forehead, eyes (and tears), ears. The Mouth: Tongue and teeth. The Heart: Blood, Reins (kidney or loins). The Belly. The hands and the feet. These may be insignificant to the vision but play a supplementary role in the vision.

VEGETATION and AGRICULTURE In this realm the writer introduces both the necessities as well as the luxuries. Grains: Wheat, barley. Fruit: grapes, figs. Products: Wine, oil from olive trees, honey, spices. Natural elements: Trees , wood, palms, grass and wormwood. Equipment of Agriculture. Sickle, winepress and vintage. Harvest and Reaping.

MINERAL KINGDOM Man has always had a fascination with the gleaming beauty of various precious stone and minerals. These precious stones find a place in the visions of Revelation. Gold. Silver. Brass. Sea of Glass. Precious stones: White stone. Jasper. Sardius. Emerald. Pearls and others.

ANIMAL KINGDOM In this section John uses and depicts both the greatest and the lowest forms of animals. Those animals which are friendly to mankind. Calf (or OX) ; Lamb Horses of Various Colors ; Frogs. Those that are unfriendly: Lion ; Bear. Leopard ; Flying Eagles. Vultures ; Wild Beast bristling with Horns. Locusts ; Scorpions and their stings. Serpents ; Sea Beast and "every created thing". All of these pass before in visions in some meaningful and instructive way.

TRADE and COMMERCE Ships: Shipmasters, sailors, mariners. Merchants: Tradesmen ; Craftsmen ; Millstones Trade: Coins ; Goods. Balances used in trade. LITERATURE John is told to write in a book: He writes of a book that is written within and on the book. He writes of a little book. He writes of the Book of Life. John also writes of: Seals ; Alphabet --- (Alpha and Omega). And in Numbers --- Which we have already considered.

MUSIC and MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Music: Both Vocal and instrumental. Plays a part in the: Emotional ; Spiritual ; and Physical life of the human family. Trumpet blasts ; Harps ; Flutes And Choirs. Instruments: Minstrels ; Harps ; Flutes ; Trumpets.

TIME and ETERNITY Various periods are designated: half an hour ; One Hour. 1/3 part of a day. Three days and a half. Ten Days. Twelve Hundred and sixty days. Forty-two months. A Thousand Years. A day and a Night. Then beyond time: Forever and Ever. {Notes Taken from Homer Hailey's - Revelation an Introduction and Commentary p } and Melvin Curry’s Bible Class Study at FC

THE PLACE OF WRITING The place of the writing takes on two distinct questions. Did John Receive the Revelation one place and write in another? Did John write the Revelation in the same place that he received the Revelation. I believe that the answer to the first question is an absolute No! The text tells us that John wrote the things as he was seeing them cf. 1:11 ; 1:19. At certain times he was instructed not to write: 10:4. Three times after this he was instructed to write: 14:13 ; 19:9 ; 21:5. The scriptures clearly show that John wrote while still on the Island of Patmos.

THE PLACE OF WRITING According to some the island of Patmos is a "rocky and uninviting island located about seventy miles southwest of Ephesus, about forty miles from Miletus, and twenty four miles from the shore of Asia Minor.“ One must not confuse the Asia known today as the Asia Minor of the Bible. The province of Asia was a Roman colony in the region that is now known as Turkey. The Island Patmos is about ten miles long and at its widest point about six miles across. There is an area where the sea almost pinches off the Island forming a natural harbor. Tradition says that exiles were sent here to work in the mines. Eusebius, relying on tradition says John, was exiled here during the reign of Domitian.

The Writing on the Isle of Patmos

THE DATE Most probably it was written during the years A. D during the reign of Domitian. The background of the development of the Roman attitude offers strong supporting evidence for the later date. Philip Schaff, who accepts and defends the earlier date (A.D ), has said of John's exile to Patmos and the disputed date, "External evidence points to the reign of Domitian, A. D. 95; internal evidence to the reign of Nero, or soon after his death, A.D. 68."Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. I. page 427.

Outline of Revelation Ephesus, vv. 1-7 Smyrna, vv. 8-11
Part One --- Conflict and Judgment Within and Without the Church - Chapters 1-11 Chapter 1. Christ among the lampstands Chapter 2. Letters to the Churches Ephesus, vv. 1-7 Smyrna, vv. 8-11 Pergamum, vv Thyatira, vv Chapter 3. Letters to the Churches, Continued Sardis, vv. 1-6 Philadelphia, vv. 7-13 Laodicea, vv Chapter 4. The Throne Scene The Throne of God the Almighty Chapter 5. The Lamb and the Book

Outline of Revelation The First Seal, vv. 1-2 The Second Seal, vv. 3-4
Chapter 6. The Opening of the First Six Seals The First Seal, vv. 1-2 The Second Seal, vv. 3-4 The Third Seal, vv. 5-6 The Fourth Seal, vv. 7-8 The Fifth Seal, vv. 9-11 The Sixth Seal, vv Chapter 7. An Interlude Sealing the 144,000, vv. 1-8 The Victorious Multitude, vv. 9-17

Outline of Revelation The Seventh Seal: Prayer and Response, vv. 1-5
Chapter 8. The Seventh Seal and the First Four Trumpets The Seventh Seal: Prayer and Response, vv. 1-5 The First Four Trumpets, vv. 6-12 The Eagle: Herald of Woes, v. 13 Chapter 9. The Beginning of the Woes The First Woe, vv. 1-12 The Second Woe, vv Chapter 10. The Angel and the Little Book Chapter 11. The Vision Continues The Measured Temple and the Two Witnesses, vv. 1-13 The Third Woe--The Seventh Trumpet, vv

Outline of Revelation The Woman, the Dragon, the Man Child, vv. 1-6
Part Two : War and Victory! Chapters 12-22 Chapter 12. The Woman and the Dragon The Woman, the Dragon, the Man Child, vv. 1-6 The Great Spiritual War, vv. 7-12 Persecution of the Woman, vv Chapter 13. The Two Wild Beasts The Beast Out of the Sea, vv. 1-10 The Beast Out of the Earth, vv Chapter 14. Righteous Judgment The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion, vv. 1-5 Angels' Messages and a Voice of Warning from Heaven, vv. 6-13 Twofold Vision of Harvest and Vintage of the earth, vv

Outline of Revelation Chapter 15. The Seven Bowls of Wrath
The Seven Angels Introduced, vv. 1-8 Chapter 16. The Bowls of Wrath Poured Out Bowls Involving Nature, vv. 1-9 Bowls Involving the Moral and Political, vv Chapter 17. The Infamy and Fall of Babylon The Babylon Harlot Identified, vv. 1-6 Explanation of the Mystery of the Woman and the Beast, vv. 7-14 Further Identification of the Harlot, vv

Outline of Revelation Chapter 18. The Fall of the Harlot
Heaven's Decree: "Fallen is Babylon," vv. 1-8 Lament of the Earthlings over Babylon, vv. 9-19 The Voice of Rejoicing, vv. 20 The Silence of the Tomb, vv Chapter 19. Victory Hallelujahs of Victory, vv. 1-10 The Warrior-King: Defeat of the Two Beasts, vv The Warrior-King Revealed, vv The Angel's call to "The Great Supper of God," vv The Decisive Battle and Defeat of Evil, vv

Outline of Revelation Chapter 20. The Thousand Years and the Final Judgment The Thousand Years, vv. 1-10 The Final Judgment, vv Chapter 21. The Eternal Glory "All Things New, " vv. 1-8 The New Jerusalem, vv. 9-27 Exterior of the City, vv Interior of the City, vv Chapter 22. The New Jerusalem, continued Its Life, vv. 1-5 Conclusion: The Divine Witness, vv. 6-21

INTERPRETATION OF THE BOOK
General Methods of Interpretations Futurist-- This view is held by millennial and dispensational groups who consider that it is unfulfilled prophecies about future history. They place chapters 4-19 as just before the coming of Christ, then the millennial reign, 20:1-10; judgment, 20:11-15; then the final state. Most futurists are literalists in their interpretation.

Continuous--Historical-- This view presents the book as a forecast, in symbols, of the history of the church. This system makes the book prophesy in detail the apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church, then the Reformation. The Philosophy of History-- This interpretation considers the events as not necessarily occurring but as symbolic of forces at work. It is a book setting forth the principles on the basis of which God deals with all men in all ages.

The Preterist (Completed or Past)- This view maintains that the book was written for the people of John's day, fulfilled then, and now has little or no value to us. There are two groups who hold this view; the "right wing" who consider Revelation as inspired and the "left wing" who do not respect it as inspired. The Historical-Background -- This method of interpretation seeks to find the meaning that the book had in the day of its origin. As it was written to the people of that day, it is fulfilled in the events of the first two centuries (some extend it longer) but in this back-ground is seen a message for all time.

The reason The Historical--Background Method Seems best. It met the needs of the people of that day. The Futurist idea is inconsistent with the time element stated in the book; "the time is at hand“ (Rev. 1:3; 22:10); “must shortly come to pass” (1:1; 22:6); “I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20) The Futurist and Continuous-Historical ideas leave Revelation altogether out of relation to the needs of the churches to which it was addressed. They needed spiritual encouragement, and these events were to come to pass shortly in order for God's oppressed people to see His arm revealed and His comfort given in a time of seeming disaster.

It continues to meet the needs of Christians in every age. We should appeal to Revelation in the same manner as we would to the book of Corinthians. Its primary lesson was to correct errors in the day that it was penned, but its truths are valuable for all ages. The book met a need at the time of its writing as it dealt with a historical situation, but its message is applicable to all time. Its message is that of the triumph of the Kingdom of God and of Truth. Satan is destined to complete destruction, and so falls his cause with him.

RULES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BOOK
Rules For Study and Interpretation Remember that Revelation was written by John primarily for the encouragement and edification of the Christians of his own time. Remember that Revelation is written largely in symbolic language, thus it cannot be taken literally. One can ill afford to be dogmatic in interpreting the symbols which are not easily understood.

Remember that Revelation uses O.T. terminology with N.T. meaning. John has used much of the terminology of Ezekiel Daniel, and Zechariah but has adapted them to suit his own message. An understanding of the O.T. prophets, and their use of symbols would be helpful, for over 400 allusions are to Old Testament. For the true meaning of Revelation, one must seek to grasp the visions or series of visions as a whole without pressing the details of the symbolism. Understand difficult passages in the light of clearer passages. Make all interpretations consistent with the teaching of the whole Bible.

Hendriksen comments: "On my desk lies a recently published commentary on the Apocalypse. It is a very "interesting" book. It views the Apocalypse as a kind of history written beforehand. It discovers in this last book of the Bible copious and detailed references to Napoleon, wars in the Balkans, the great European War of , the German ex-emperor Wilhelm, Hitler and Mussolini, the N.R.A., etc. -- Our verdict? Such and kindred explanations must at once be dismissed....Tell me, dear reader, what good would the suffering and severely persecuted Christians of John's day have derived from specific and detailed predictions concerning European conditions which prevail some two thousand years later?" Hendriksen, Interpretation of the Revelation, p. 14.

Caesar Worship "By the time of the Revelation Caesar worship was the one religion which covered the whole Roman Empire; and it was because of their refusal to conform to its demands that Christians were persecuted and killed. Its essence was that the reigning Roman Emperor, as embodying the spirit of Rome, was divine. Once a year everyone in the Empire had to appear before the magistrates to burn a pinch of incense to the god-head of Caesar and to say: "Caesar is Lord." After he had done that, a man might go away and worship any god or goddess he liked, so long as that worship did not infringe decency and good order; but he must go through this ceremony in which he acknowledged the Emperor's divinity...To refuse to burn the pinch of incense and to say "Caesar is Lord", was not an act of irreligion; it was an act of political disloyalty.

Caesar Worship That is why the Romans dealt with the utmost severity with the man who would not say: "Caesar is Lord". And no Christian could give the title Lord to any one other than Jesus Christ.This was the center of his creed....Caesar worship began as a spontaneous outburst of gratitude to Rome..The provincial under Roman sway found himself in a position to conduct his business, provide for his family, send his letters, and make his journeys in security, thanks to the strong hand of Rome..There was an inevitable development. It is human to worship a god who can be seen rather than a spirit. Gradually men began more and more to worship the emperor himself than the goddess Roma..This worship was never intended to wipe out other religions. Rome was essentially tolerant.. A man might worship Caesar and his own god..But more and more it became a test of political loyalty..until it recognized the domination of Caesar over a man's life and soul." Barclay, Revelation, Vol. 1, pages 15-18

The Book of Revelation CHAPTER ONE
THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Outline of Chapter One:
Christ in the Midst of the Seven Golden Lampstands. Chapters 1-3. Key Theme to be Noted ---- "Lo, I am with you always.“ Introduction: 1:1-3. Chain of origin and Communication. God The Father Christ The Son of God. His Angel. His Servant, John. The Reader - possibly the Public Reader of the Day. They that hear and keep the Words. Salutation and Adoration --- 1:4-6. Announcement of Christ's Coming --- 1:7. Christ's Self-designation or designation of the Father --- 1:8. John's commission to write the Revelation --- 1:9-11. The vision of the Son of Man --- 1:12-16. Effect of this vision on John and Christ's Words of comfort and instruction --- 1:17-20.

Verse By Verse Study Of Chapter One:
Verse It should be noted that these three verses are the inspired introduction to the Book. There are a few vital points for us to note in this opening introduction. Firstly to note is the fact that the Title of the book is contained in the first verse ie. (The Revelation of Jesus Christ). One sees that the Revelation shows Christ in two different roles: It reveals Christ in His present Glory, and Christ as executor of Judgment. This revelation did not originate with Christ but rather it was given to Him by God. Christ gave this revelation to His Angel who in turn gave it to the servant John. Angels played a part in giving the law (Acts 7:53 ; Gal. 3:19) and Angels also have a significant role in the book of Revelation. John gave it to those who would read and hear the words and keep the things which are written therein.

Secondly to note is the time period that the book of revelation is dealing with. The expressions, "shortly come to pass" (vrs 1) and "the time is at hand" (vrs 3) along with the verses 6 and 10 of chapter 22, show that the things of the book would not tarry or delay. Also here to be noted is the fact that the book had a definite bearing on the present generation that John was writing to. This type of language also gives the book a sense of urgency ie. imminent possibility that the things which are recorded are going to take place or are already taking place. What needs to be recognized is the fact that although the revelation pertained to the present generation of Christians, its principles and messages apply to Christians of all time.

Thirdly to note is the fact that John tells us in the opening address that the things which are recorded are signified (vrs 1). The term signified means :"the act or process of signifying by signs or other symbolic means" (Webster). From the Greek word [SEMAINO], which Vine's defines as; "to give a sign, indicate, to signify. This term is used three times in the Gospel of John concerning the death of Jesus, cf. John 12;33, 18:32, 21:19. Note this rule of Biblical Study: Normally, a passage of scripture must be understood in its plain and natural sense unless the context demands that it be taken figuratively. The reverse is true in the Book of Revelation: the symbols are to be taken figuratively unless the context demands otherwise. The symbols and figures of Revelation should be understood in the light of the plain passages of the New Testament and should never be made to contradict them.

Fourthly it should be noted that John was to "bare witness". As many commentaries note, this language is characteristic of the Apostle John's writings. Note that John's witness is divided into three sections: (1) bore witness of the Word of God --- which is the gospel (cf. I Peter 1:25). (2) The testimony of Jesus Christ --- all those things which Jesus both did and taught --- (cf. Acts 1:1). Some believe this to be John's previous preaching and teaching of the Gospel. On the other hand this statement could refer to the fact that the revelation was part of the Gospel of Christ. (3) all things that he saw --- John was always careful to point out that he gave a true witness of the things which he wrote (cf. John 19:35 ; 21:24 ; I John 1:1-4).

Some believe that the usage of the term "witness" is a play on words since the Greek term "witness" has become our English word "martyr". Tenney suggests that it is possible that the term "witness" had started taking on the form "to suffer for “since witnessing” for Christ involved great suffering. The one who "bore witness" for Christ would suffer since the Word of God is Light and exposes the things which are done in the dark. It must also be noted that Victory comes after the suffering for the cause of Christ (cf. Rev. 2:10).

Fifthly it should be noted that there is a blessing involved in hearing and heeding the things which are here written. The term "blessed" in (vrs 3) carries both the idea of being "happy" and "being praised or spoken well of.“ This is the same term that Christ uses in Matthew 5:1-13 and is the first of seven "blessed's" found in Revelation. BLESSED ARE ---: 1: "that readeth .... that hear ... and Keep those things.“ 14: "the dead which die in the Lord“ 16: "that Watcheth and keepeth his Garments“ 19: "that are Called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb“ 20: "that hath part in the First Resurrection". 22: "that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy“ 22: "that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life“ Sixth note that there are two aspects of who is blessed here in verse 3. The "he" is probably the public reader of that day as seen in the fact that John changes to the pronoun "they" for the listeners.

Verses 4. The Salutation. The book is addressed to "the seven churches which are in Asia"; these are listed in verse 11 of chapter One. It must be noted that Asia had more than Seven churches as can be gathered from a study of Paul's Missionary journeys in the book of Acts. The salutation takes on both Jew and Gentile terminology. Grace --- (unmerited Divine favor) is the Gentile salutation and Peace --- (tranquility, free from disturbance) is the Jewish salutation. The greetings come from Him which is and was and is to come --- ie. God the Father. This is the same terminology that Moses was told to tell the people in Egypt when questioned on his authority to say and do the things which he was about to do. "I AM". Note also Rev. 4:8); the seven Spirits that are before the throne --- used also in Rev. 3:1 ; 4:5 ; 5:6. This either signifies that there are literally seven spirits before the throne of God or it must be understood in the symbolic language that the number seven represents ie. fullness and complete. With this in mind it possibly could be referring to the complete and all seeing Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ.

Verses 5-6 The Adoration and Identity of Jesus Christ. John's description of Jesus Christ gives the scope of the Ministry of Jesus Christ. There are seven descriptive terms used here of Christ. These are: The faithful witness --- he gave witness of Himself cf. John 8:14 ; Heb. 1:1-3 ; John 18:36-38 ; I Tim. 6:13. The first Begotten of the dead --- first to be resurrected never to die again cf. Acts 26:23 ; Col. 1:18 ; I Cor. 15:20. Prince of the kings of the earth --- rules over all the kingdoms of men with a rod of iron ---- Eph. 1:20-21 ; I Tim. 6:15 ; Rev. 17:14 ; 19:15-16 ; Psa. 2:7-12 ; 110:1-7.

Him that loved us --- cf. Gal. 2:20 ; John 15:9 ; John 13:34. Washed us from our sins --- He is the Savior who gave His blood and offered himself that we might be redeemed that we might be healed from our sins --- cf. I Peter 2:24 ; Heb. 9:14 , ; Acts 22:16. Made us to be kings and priests --- Christ is the founder of the kingdom and the priesthood. --- cf. I Peter 2:5,9 ; Rev 5:9-10 ; Col. 1:13. To Him be the glory and Dominion --- unto Him is the praise and honor, and the rule and sovereignty --- cf. Acts 2:36 ; Rev. 17:14 "for ever and ever" --- for unending or unlimited duration. Note the fact that Angels, authorities and powers have been made subject to Him (I Peter 3:22) and before Him every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:9-11).

Verse 7 The Coming of Christ Some understand verse 7 to be referring to Christ's coming in judgment upon Jerusalem --- cf. Matthew 24:30-34 ; 26:64 ; Luke 21:20-32 ; 23:27-31. However, by the expressions, "every eye" and "all kindreds," it no doubt is a description of the second coming of Christ. He first came as a Savior; however, He is returning as a Judge the second time. For other passages on the second coming see : I Thess. 4:16-17 ; I Cor. 15:51-53 ; Phil. 3:20-21 ; Acts 1:10-11. Note the Term --- "Cometh with the clouds" vrs 7 can be understood in two ways. (1) The judgment of God on Jerusalem ---cf. Dan. 7:13 ; Isa. 19:1 or (2) The Second coming of Christ in Judgment --- cf. Acts 1:9-11. The clouds used here as a metaphorical expression is the means for transporting Deity. This expression is largely rooted in the writings of the Psalms. The term clouds is also largely connected with the sense of Judgment to come --- cf. Zech. 3:9 ; Psa. 97:2 ; Rev. 14:14-20 ; Zech. 10 and John 19:34,37 ; Ezek. 30:3 ; 32:7.

Christ's Self-designation or Designation of the Father This verse probably has reference to the Father as is seen in 1:4. It must however, be noted that clearly through out the book we see this term used of Christ Jesus Himself. As we compare Rev. 1:17 ; 2:8 ; 22:12-13 one can clearly see that the similar expression is used of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These expressions refer to the "eternal existence" of the Father and of the Lord Jesus cf. Phil. 2:6. Verses Nine - Eleven : The writer identifies himself as John, a brother (it is important to note the fact that in relation to Jesus Christ John was a slave or a servant cf. vrs 1, but to his fellow saints he was a brother) and a companion in tribulation. "The word that is used here for tribulation is a word which pictures the grinding of wheat in the mill or the crushing of grapes in the wine press. It is outside pressure which appears at first sight to crush and ruin, but it proves to make the grain (as flour) and the grapes (as wine) to be of greater service. So it was with John and his friends; the persecution appeared to be crushing and ruining, but in reality it was only preparing them for more effective service." Worthy is the Lamb by Ray Summers p

From verse nine we must note that John identifies himself as being a companion to those whom he was writing in three distinct ways: He was a fellow partaker/companion in the tribulation which was upon the Christians of that day. This point is important to note because the writer here proclaims the fact that he is able to sympathize with the saints in this tribulation. He is not one who was free from the suffering but rather was a victim of his religious beliefs also. NOTE the last part of vrs. 9. It must also be noted that the church was suffering persecution from three different avenues: The Jews. The Roman Empire/Government. From Paganism. Note these scriptures for backing of such persecutions: Rev. 2:13 ; 7:14 ; 20:4 ; also see John 16:33 ; Acts 14:21-22 ; II Tim. 3:12.

John was a fellow partaker/companion in the Kingdom of Christ. This one statement proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the JW's and the Millennialists are wrong in their assumption that the Kingdom of God was not in effect at this particular time. Compare these Verses to show that the Kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost. Mark 9:1 --- Kingdom to be present with power. Acts 1:8 --- Power would come when the Holy Spirit came. Acts 2:1-4 - Holy Spirit Came on Day of Pentecost. If Holy Spirit Came then the power came. If power came then the Kingdom came to. Note by comparison these scriptures: Col. 1:13 ; Heb. 12:28.

John was a fellow partaker/companion in the Patience of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the steadfastness/ patience/ perseverance that all men should have especially under times of trails and tribulation. Christ wants all men to be strong under such tribulation. Certainly Christ is our example of how to be steadfast in time of trial and tribulation --- cf. Matt. 4:1-11. Cross Reference these Scriptures: Rom. 5:3-5 ; 12:12 ; James 1:2-4.

John was banished to the isle of Patmos. There are three major positions that are held to on the banishment/exile of John to Patmos. John was on the isle of Patmos as punishment for the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. There is evidence that banishment was a means of punishing Christians for their belief in Christ. Other punishments included being slain and beheaded, property being confiscated ect. Note. Rev. 6:9 ; 20:4. John was on the isle of Patmos in order to proclaim the Gospel. This position is not likely since islands such as Patmos were usually not populated or commercialized at all. John was on the isle of Patmos for the specific purpose of receiving the Revelation. Of the three positions point (1) seems to be the more correct, since the entire book of Revelation indicates that John was able to sympathize with the suffering saints since he himself was also suffering for the cause of Christ.

It must finally be noted that all three of these are to be found in Christ Jesus. The American Standard Version's wording helps one to see this point clearer. Revelation 1:9 "I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience {which are} in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." (ASV) This is understandable from the fact that those who were not in Christ Jesus would be spared the discomfort of suffering and tribulation/persecution that was being placed upon those who were in Christ. These would not be in the Kingdom, however, those who are in the Kingdom would overcome because of the power by which they are kept.

John says that he was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. "I was in the Spirit", Hailey says concerning this statement. "This does not mean that John was in a spirit of worship or meditation or under the spell of a self-imposed ecstasy, but that he was under the power or control of the Divine Spirit.“ Revelation an Introduction and Commentary by. Homer Hailey p. 106 It is clear from other scriptures that this seems to be the most logical explanation of this expression. "In the Spirit" --- "A miraculous vision in which one had contact with God. cf. (Ezek. 3:10-15 ; 8:1-4)“ Studying the Book of Revelation by David. J. Riggs p.4 The fact that visions, dreams and trances were frequently used as mediums by which Divine Revelation occurred cannot be denied. Note these Scriptures : Ezek. 1:1 ; Dan. 2:19 ; Matt. 1:20 ; Acts 2:17 ; 10:3,10 ; 22:17-18. The Apostle Paul speaks of one who had a vision --- II Cor. 12:1-4.

"The Lord's Day", this particular expression is a little more difficult to understand however, it is made clearer by the examination of other scriptures. The expressions "Lord's Day" and "Day of the Lord" should not be confused. These expressions are not equivalent in thought. The Day of the Lord has reference to the second coming of Christ in Judgment upon all. Where as the expression "Lord's Day" seems to suggest and indicate the First Day of the Week or (Sunday).

Note these important passages which seem to suggest that the Lord's Day is the First Day of the Week. Jesus was raised on the first day of the week --- Mk. 16:1-9. Jesus met with His disciples several times on the first day of the week --- John 20:1, 19, 26. All the events of Acts chapter two took place on the first day of the week. First Gospel Sermon. First Converts. Beginning and Establishment of the church and Kingdom. The church assembled on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper --- Acts 20:7. Christians are commanded to give on the first day of the week --- I Cor. 16:2.

Not all commentators are in an agree with this explanation. An extract from Foy E. Wallace concerning this expression: "It is not a reference to the first day of the week, but to the day in which the Lord accomplished these events, as used in Isa. 13:9 in which Isaiah described the destruction of ancient Babylon as the day of the Lord; and in Zech. 14:1 where Zechariah referred to the destruction of Jerusalem as the day of the Lord. The phrase meant the day of events connected with the judgments of the Lord.. Rev. 1:10 it means in day of the rapture into which the Lord placed John --- that he had been transported into the midst of the scenes of the vision as though he was, himself, in the day of their happening." The Book of Revelation by Foy E. Wallace p. 77

The majority of commentaries conclude that this is a reference to the Day on which Christians came together to commemorate the Son of God. Ray Summers makes this observation concerning this day: "Thus on the day of worship when John's heart longed for those Christians who had depended upon him for so long for spiritual comfort and guidance, and while he pondered upon his condition and theirs and the outcome of it all, he heard a voice saying in essence, 'You cannot be with those people but you can send them a message ; it is a message which I will give to you'“ Worthy is the Lamb p. 104 A study of the Greek words found in this phrase lends myself to believe that it is the First day of the Week (Sunday). Note: (kuriakei hemerai) "Lord's Day". The Greek term {kuriakei} occurs only twice in the entire New Testament. Rev. 1:10 and I Cor.11:20 (kuriakon deipnon) "Lord's Supper.“ The significance of this cannot be overlooked.

John hears behind him a great voice as of a trumpet. Just as to why the voice came from behind him is not revealed but a parallel to this is found in Ezek. 3:12. One needs to note that when ever God had something to impart to His people in the Old Testament dispensation, He gathered them by means of a trumpet sound. cf Ex. 19:16,19 ; Lev. 25:9 ; Josh 6:5 ; Isa. 58:1. However, one needs to note the fact that the voice was not a trumpet but rather “as of a trumpet" meaning that it was loud and clear. Trumpet sounding has also been used to sound men into battle as well as to announce the triumph of victory or to call men to attention. It should be noted that the Romans used the trumpet extensively for this purpose.

Secondly to note is the commission given to John. He was to write in a book the things which he would see. He was to send it to the seven churches of Asia. If one notes the order of the listing of these churches you will see that a rough circle is formed which has led many to believe that it is inclusive of all those who are in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though this was first sent to these seven churches, God has persevered this message showing that it is for all who would read and learn from God.

The question must be raised as to who gave John this commission. Some contend that it is the angel of vrs 1. that summoned John's attention since it was by the Angel that these things were given to John. Others contend that since John saw Jesus the Son of God in the midst of the candlesticks when he turned about, that it must have been Christ who spoke and commissioned John. The fact cannot be denied that Christ is the speaker of verses however, it is probable that what is spoken in verse 11 is spoken by the Angel of vrs. 1.

THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA
Revelation 1:12-17 “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last….”

Hearing this voice John turns to see who is speaking to him and sees the first of many visions which are recorded in this book. John first saw seven golden candlesticks/lampstands. These are representative of the seven churches to which the message is addressed. cf. 1:20 ; 2:5c. Note John saw seven distinct candlesticks and not the Old Jewish Candlestick which had seven branches. cf. Tabernacle in the wilderness had one lampstand located on the south end. Solomon's Temple multiplied this to ; five on the one side and five on the other. Some have indicted that this showed the true relationship of congregations to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. Congregations of the Lord's church are to be autonomous and independent of each other only joined together by a central headship, Jesus Christ. The purpose of lampstands is to shed light. In this way the churches are to fulfill their mission by shedding spiritual light. When they cease to shed forth this light the lampstand is removed. Gold was the metal used in the vessels of Divine service.

Secondly John saw one who was in the midst of the candlesticks. This is no doubt a reference to Christ Jesus. Note: Christ is always in the midst of His churches, since He is the Head, the High Priest and the King. What John saw in the midst of the candlesticks is indeed a description of Jesus Christ in His present Glory as triumphant King in Heaven. Though it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend the great glory of this Spirit Being, John tries to give us a glimpse of what Christ and His Reign is like through the usage of symbols. vrs13-16. This description pictures Christ as more than just a tender, loving Savior. Christ is this and more than this; He is clothed with power and Majesty, with awe and terror. From this we see that Christ is Living, Holy, Pure, Majestic, authoritative, omniscient and powerful as He stands in the Midst of His churches.

The following chart gives only a vague picture of what the symbols represent:
"One like unto the Son of man" (vs. 13a) Often used of Jesus in the N.T. indicating His relationship to man and signifying that He was a man; also a Messianic term (Dan. 7:13-14). "Clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (vs. 13b) The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (15:6) indicating high ranking position. "His head and his hairs were white like wool as white as snow" (vs. 14a) White represents purity, holiness (Rev. 3:4-5); descriptive of God (Dan. 7:9). "His eyes were as a flame of fire" (vs. 14b) Bright, penetrating vision; omniscient, infinite awareness, insight.

The following chart gives only a vague picture of what the symbols represent:
"His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" (vs. 15a) Symbolical of strength as pure, hard, metal; He will crush His enemies under His feet (1 Cor. 15:25; Rev. 19:15). "His voice as the sound of many waters" (vs. 15b) Great moving force; omnipotent, all powerful, almighty. "He had in his right hand seven stars" (vs. 16a) The angels of the seven churches (1:20). "Out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword" (vs. 16b) The sword of judgment as in 2:16; 19:15; 2 Thess. 2:8; also used of the Word, Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17 "His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (vs. 16c) As the sun on a clear day at noon, too intense for human eyes to stare at; His majesty and glory.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Two Key Theme to be Noted "Ye Are the Light of the World" THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA
As one looks at the seven letters written to the churches one can see there are certain similarities that can be found. Each of the letters has seven sections to them with the exception of Smyrna and Philadelphia - where there are no sections of condemnation and Laodicea - where there is an obvious absence of commendation. Another of the similarities that can be found is the opening address to each of these churches "Unto the Angel of the church at ", are identical in format. Thirdly one needs to note the sobering thought that the omniscient nature of Christ is revealed in the phrase "I know thy works/toils". One must note that this is absent in the letter to the Laodiceans. The fourth similarity to note is the promise of the reward to "him that overcometh". Lastly to note in the similarities is the invitation of the Lord to the church to "hear the things that the Spirit has to say to them."

Rev. 2:1-7 (Church at Ephesus - Loyal but Lacking)
THE LORD’S INTRODUCTION. The angel was addressed but the church was to hear. Rev. 2:1,7 Christ addressed Himself as holding the seven stars in His right hand. The seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches. Rev. 1:20 Christ is walking among the seven golden candlesticks. These are the seven churches. Rev. 1:20 “Lampstands” well represent the churches because they are “light bearers” to the world. The verse illustrates that Christ watches over His churches and cares for them.

THE SEVEN LAMPSTANDS The seven lampstands (light bearers) are the seven churches. Each church is a light bearer and they individually must hold forth the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world cf. I Tim. 3:15. Also to note that though the churches as a whole are here symbolized as Lampstands, one needs to realize and recognize that individual Christians are also likewise portrayed to be light bearers of the truth, cf. Phil. 2: ; Eph. 5:8. The same word "lampstand" is used in Matt. 5:14-16 ; Mk. 4:21 ; Luke 8:16 ; 11:33.

The Letter to the church at Ephesus 2:1-7.
Commendation: Toil/Labor Patience Can't bear evil men Tried false prophets. Didn't grow weary Hate the work of the Nicolaitians. Condemnation: Left their first love.

COMMENDATION. There were at least three things for which the Lord commended the church at Ephesus (vss. 2,3,6). Their work. There is no place for an idler in the kingdom of God. We all are laborers in the vineyard. Matt. 20:1 Patience - mentioned twice. When work had to be done under trying circumstances, they had endured with steadfastness. Matt. 24:12-13; Heb. 10:36 Defense of truth and purity. In this they were praised for: Not bearing them who were evil, vs. 2. Testing and rejecting false apostles, vs Cor. 11:13-15; 12:12 Hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, vs. 6. Jesus, in His ministry, often condemned the traditions and doctrines of men. Mark 7:9

COMMENDATION. Christ knows their "works and their Labor/toil". Christians must work --- cf. Phil. 2:12 ; James 2:14-26. There is no place for the idle in the Kingdom of Christ -- cf. Matt 20:1. Their efforts need to be "for His name sake" --- cf. Matt 19:29 ; I Peter 4:14. Richard Trent wrote concerning the word "toil" --- "From the Greek 'kopos': Indeed this word, signifying as it does not merely labor, but labor unto weariness, may suggest some solemn reflections to everyone who at all affects to be working for the Lord, and is under his Great Taskmaster's eye."

COMMENDATION. Christ knows their "patience or steadfastness". Acts 2:42 ; I Cor. 15:58. Many times this patience was an outgrowth of trying work that had to be done many times under perilous conditions --- Matt 24:13 ; Heb. 10:36. Patience or Steadfastness comes from the Greek word 'hupomone' which defined by Thayer is: "steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the N.T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings:"

COMMENDATION. Christ knows that they "cannot bear them that are evil“ Christians ought not to have company with those things which are evil --- II Thess. 3:6 ; Romans 16:17 ; II John 9-11 ; I Cor. 5:1-6 ; I Cor 15:33. Tolle notes of this phrase: "Churches today do indeed need to follow the example of the Ephesian church, which refused to tolerate, support, or entertain hospitably in its midst as fellow members of the body of Christ those whose lives were persistently evil."

COMMENDATION. They had put to the test those who were claiming to be Apostles ---- "tried them which say they are Apostles.” Securing the purity of the gospel of Christ can only be done by putting to a test those who claim to be speaking the oracles of God --- Gal. 1:6-9 ; II Cor. 11:13 ; Matt. 15:9. The defense of the truth is an essential part of the work and existence of the church --- I Cor. 5:11 ; II Thess 3:6 , The testing of False teachers is a command of God to all churches -- I John 4:1 ; Rom 16:17-18 ; II John 9-11. "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary." vrs. 3. The Greek word 'kamon' is translated into our english word "weary" and signifies, "become faint from toil." Galatians 6:9 a Scripture that needs to be heeded by every Christian.

COMMENDATION. They hated the "deeds of the Nicolaitans." vrs 6. Firstly to note is the fact that the Ephesian brethren did not hate the Nicolaitans, but rather the "deeds/ works" of the Nicolaitans. As Christians we ought to count every person as a precious soul in the sight of God. It is certain that Christ died for those who are in need. He is the Great Physician and it is not up to you and I to judge who is worthy of the grace and mercy of the Lord. For certainly every soul that sins is in need of the Saving blood of Christ. There has been much speculation as to what the deeds of the Nicolaitans is. The only conclusive evidence as to what this is has reference to is found in vrs 15. whose deeds and doctrines were condemned without being mentioned. This clearly shows how Jesus' attitude is toward false doctrines and practices.

COMMENDATION. External evidence from Irenaeus makes this description of the Nicolaitans: "The Nicolaitans are the followers of Nicolaus who was one of the seven ordained to the diaconate by the Apostles. They lead lives of unrestrained indulgences. The character of these men is very plainly pointed out in the Apocalypse of John as teaching that it is a matter of indifference to practice adultery, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.“ In a tract entitles "Against Heresies" Tertullian gives essentially the same description of the Nicolaitans as does Irenaeus. The fact that must be noted here is though, we cannot positively identify who these Nicolaitans are, we are sure of the fact that they were wicked men; and the Lord praised the Ephesian brethren for not condoning nor associating with their works, but rather they hated the works as God hated thier works also.

CONDEMNATION. In spite of the praise, Jesus had something against them. They had left their first love. “Lack of works” is a demonstration of “lack of love” or vice-versa, “lack of love” is demonstrated by “lack of works.” The Lord commands them to do their first works. (Vs. 5). It is possible that Ephesus had given up their struggle of maintaining truth. Many disciples drift away into the traditions and doctrines of men, and when they do so, they show they no longer love the Lord. Notice the Lord’s admonition - vs. 5. This shows they were lacking in the works they once had done. Removing the candlestick represents removing their identity as one of His churches. Verse 7 - Those who have the disposition to hear - those who will hear - let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

CONDEMNATION. "They have left their first love" vrs 4. Verse 5. indicates that the congregation had lost its fervor for the spread of the gospel of Christ. They must "do the first works" --- this is a reference to the fact that their early enthusiasm for the worship and progress of the church has waned. This can be said of many congregations today. Some scholars also understand this "first love" to be a reference to the loss of love for one another. James Moffatt renders this verse; "You have given up loving one another as you did at first." vrs. 4. As many scholars have noted the rendering of "first Love" cannot be confined to just a singular meaning for positions of: Lack of love for God as they once did. You have lost your love for God, Christ and all mankind. As noted above lack of diligent fervor to the spreading of the Gospel of Christ. All have been supplied as to the meaning of this "first love."

CONDEMNATION. The basic message of this fault in the Ephesian church can be summed up in saying, that though they were still doing the things which designated them as a sound body of Christ, the methods of doing this had become mechanical and ritualistic. It was done out of a cold heart of duty rather than the glorious privilege that it is. A illustration of this is the wife who no longer loves her husband but goes through the motions in a cold and heartless manner. All congregations of the body of Christ need to be aware of the destructive power of Satan. This certainly is one avenue that all Christians ought to take note of.

CONDEMNATION. To sum up this passage I want to quote William Mitchell, "Does it not often happen in the Christian life that the soul retains earnestness, patience, truth, endurance, a hatred of evil, long after it has left its first love; that its religious service is continued, apparently unaltered, while the spirit that prompted that service is changed for the worse? But though love is altered, there may yet remain a sense of duty."

THE ADMONITION vrs 5. "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen.“ Christ returns the Ephesian brethren to their first works so that they might recognize the fact that what they now had was a corroded and vastly deteriorated love compared with what they had in the beginning. As Christians today we can understand what the Lord here is saying. So many have lost that first love, which drew them to the Saving Grace of God which reached out in every way to help and touch others who were lost and dying. Having after much disappointment a despair become part of the masses who go through the motions of worship because they have to and not because they want to. "Repent" --- turn aside from this behavior and return to what you once had. This certainly can be considered a summons from Christ to cast off the man they now have on them and return again to the beginning. Much the same as to say "turn over a new leaf" or to "start again from scratch.“ Return "Do the first works". A congregation that fails to promote the gospel of Christ looses its purpose for existing.

THE THREAT vrs 5. "I will come and remove your candlestick/lampstand from its place.“ A lampstand supports the light. The light that we hold up is the great Love of Jesus Christ. – John17:21 If we have lost our love how then can we hold up the light of the Love of our Master and draw people to His wonderful body. No congregation who has lost their first love can do this. This was the tragic fate of the Ephesian Church. There has not been any church in Ephesus for ages and the sight of the majestic ancient city now lies in ruin.

THE COUNSEL of the LORD vrs. 7a. The counsel here is intended not only for these members of the Lord's body but to all those who can examine their lives as see the great corroding effect of the loss of their "first love.“ The counsel here identifies that it is the heart that is receptive to receive what the "Spirit of the Lord says unto them.“ It is the heart that is receptive such as that which is described in Matt. 13:8. Such a heart will bear forth fruit and hearken to the admonition of the Lord. THE PROMISED REWARD vrs 7b. They would be granted to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Note the "tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden" Genesis 2:9 is now in the midst of the "paradise of God". Rev 2:7. They will inherit eternal life in heaven. Rev. 22:1-4,14

Taken from Merrill C. Tenney, summarizing the letter to the Church at Ephesus

Outline of this Letter to the church at Smyrna Rev. 2:8-11:
This letter is one of only two letters that does not have a section of condemnation. The Introduction and Address - vrs 8a. The commendation. vrs 9. Their tribulation. Their poverty. And their present situation about being cast into prison. vrs. 10. The Admonition. vrs. 10. The invitation to hear vrs. 11a. The promise of reward vrs. 11b.

Letter to the church at Smyrna Rev. 2:8-11 (The Poor-Rich Church)
The City of Smyrna Smyrna was a great trade city. It stood on a deep gulf which reached thirty miles inland and was about 50 miles to the north of Ephesus. It had a specially rich trade market in wines. Smyrna was an outstandingly beautiful city. It claimed to be the "Glory of Asia as well as the first city of Asia". It was founded about 1000 B.C. by colonists from Lesbos. Shortly before 688 B.C. it was captured by the Ionians, under whose rule it became very powerful and rich. In B.C. Lysimachus as well as Antigonus undertook to rebuild Smyrna on its present site. One of the beautiful buildings that was built in this city was in honor of Homer. Smyrna was one of the many places that laid claim to the birth site of Homer the poet. A theater that seated 20,000 spectators was carved out of the slope of Mt. Pagus.

The City of Smyrna The streets of Smyrna were wide and paved. It was widely celebrated for its schools of medicine and science. Several temples to idol gods are found in this city. The temple of Cybele and the Acropolis, Zeus was worshipped here, joined the palace known as the citadel. In A.D. a temple was erected in honor of Tiberius and his mother Julia. Smyrna was the center for the worship of Dionysis on of the names of Bacchus, originally a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation but eventually became the god of wine. A mock death, burial and resurrection of Dionysis was celebrated annually. These circle of Temples around the summit of Mt. Pagus is one of the reasons the city became known as the "crown city.“ As early as 195 B.C. it had dedicated a temple to the goddess Roma.

The City of Smyrna Politically Smyrna was an important city. It had chosen the right side in all the civil wars. (For this Rome was Grateful). It was ceded in 133 B.C. to the Romans. It claims to be the first in beauty. It claimed to be the first in Caesar worship. It also claims to be the birth place of Homer. Smyrna looked with contempt on the poor and humble Christians and despised them as of no importance. Smyrna had two characteristics which made life for Christians a constant and continued peril. Smyrna was one of the great centers of Caesar Worship. In the days of Domitian, Caesar worship became compulsory. Once a year the Roman citizens would burn a pinch of incense on the altar to the godhead of Caesar. Having done this a certificate was given to all worshipers. Nowhere could life have been more dangerous for the Christian than in Smyrna. For a man to become a Christian was to be considered as an outlaw. To become a Christian in Smyrna was to literally take one's life in his own hands. The second peril was that of the Jewish population in the city.

No authentic information remains as to the time and circumstances of the establishment of the church in Smyrna. It is however believed that it was established from Ephesus and sometime during the ministry of Paul on his third missionary journey. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER: vrs 8b. "The first“ Self-existent being who is the origin of all things cf. John 1:1-3, 15 ; 8:58 ; Col. 1: ; Heb. 13:18. He should be the first with all men. cf. Matt. 6:33. "The Last" - cf. Rev. 22:13. This is representative of His eternal nature. The eternity of Jesus Christ had a very special significance to all the saints in Smyrna. Also represents His dependability. "Who was dead, and came to life:" - cf. Rev. 1:18. The Savior has been through what they were now experiencing. His death, burial, and resurrection are fundamental facts of the Gospel. -- I Cor. 15:1-4 ; Rom. 5:8 ; I Cor. 1:17. His death was the sacrifice for all men’s sins --- Romans 5:8.

THE COMMENDATION --- WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH vrs. 9b. "Thy works" --- This is omitted in the ASV since the majority of Ancient manuscripts omit it. This is a solemn reminder that we are going to be judged by our works and according to the works which we have accomplished in this life. -- cf. Rev. 20:12. "Thy tribulation" --- from Greek Thlipis meaning --- pressing, together, pressure. The source of much of their tribulation are those who "say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." --- Rev. 2:9. There will be tribulation if we live as God would have us live --- cf. Matthew 5:11-12 ; II Tim. 3:12. When we suffer for His cause we have a fellowship with Him --- cf. Phil. 3:10. Paul says Christians should glory in tribulation --- cf. Romans 5:3. Paul gives us a description of what tribulation does --- Romans 5:3-4. James tells us to "count it all joy when we fall into trials and temptation" --- James 1:3-4. The apostle Peter tells us --- cf. I Peter 1:6-7 ; 4:16.

THE COMMENDATION --- WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH vrs. 9b. "Thy poverty" --- this is physical not Spiritual. These had suffered physical poverty. The churches of Macedonia were poor churches --- cf. II Cor. 8:1-5. A probable explanation of their poverty lies in the fact that many Christians had their "property taken for not worshipping the Caesar." --- cf. Heb. 10:32-34 ; Mt. 16:29 ; Lk.14:33. Though they were physically poor and under hardship Christ reminds them that they are rich --- "but thou art rich". --- cf. Lk. 12:16-21 for Christ's teaching on physical riches --- cf. James 2:5 ; II Cor. 6:10 They were rich in spiritual things. The complete opposite was said to a church that was rich physically -- cf. Rev. 3:17-18.

THE COMMENDATION --- WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH vrs. 9b. "Blasphemy“ It would be better to translate this word "slander". The Jews had the ear of those in High places, so they would whisper their slander against the Christians. Examples of this are found in Acts 13:45, 50 ; 18:5-6. The fleshly Jews were no longer God's people -- cf. Rev. 2:9 ; Rom. 2:28-29. They claimed to be God's people but they were of the Devil --- Rev. 2:9. Many today claim the same things but by their actions we can see that they are not of God but rather of the world which is governed by their father Satan. The Lord suffered revile and ridicule at the hands of the Jews also --- cf. Mt. 26:67 ; Lk. 16:14 ; 23:18-25 ; Acts 2:36

THE ADMONITION vrs. 10. "Do not fear what you are about to suffer". Some where going to suffer imprisonment --- cf. Acts 12:3,4 ; 16:23. cf. James 1:12 ; I Peter 1: suffering is a way of sifting out the "chaff“ from the “wheat”. The suffering was going to get worse. --- cf. Mt. 10:22 ; 24:13. The assurance that we have is the fact that the suffering is but for "10 days". Whether this is literal ten days or not cannot be said, but the assurance is that in comparison to eternal life the suffering is but for a moment. cf. James 4:14 ; II Cor. 4:17.

THE PROMISE OF THE REWARD vrs They shall receive their "crown of life." --- cf. I Cor. 9:25 ;II Tim. 4:8 ;James 1:12 ; I Pet. 5:4. Crown here is from the Greek "stephanos" ---literary a victory crown --- cf. Matt. 10:39. In giving even their lives for Christ they gain eternal life. It is said that the priests who served at the festival of Dionysus where all given crowns. They shall not be hurt at the second death --- cf. Rev. 20:14-15. If they were faithful "unto" death (to the point of death; "until" death is expressed in other passages, Matt. 10:22; 24:13), they would be given the crown of life and not be hurt of the second death. For explanation of the second death, cf Rev. 20:13-15; 21:8, and for companion verses on the "crown," cf 1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4.

Outline of the Letter to the church of Pergamos Rev. 2:12-17
The Introduction and Address. --- vrs 12 The Description of the speaker. --- vrs 12 Commendation: --- vrs 13 Dwell where Satan's Throne is. Didn't deny the faith. Antipas killed among them. Condemnation: --- vrs 14-15 Hold to the teachings of Balaam. Hold the teachings of Nicolaitans. Admonition. --- vrs 16 Invitation to hear --- vrs 17 Promise of Reward. --- vrs 17

Rev. 2:12-17 – The church at Pergamos (The Compromising church--Balaam)
The City of Pergamos: The first two letters addressed churches that were located on the sea coast --- Pergamos is inland. It is located some 30 miles Northwest of Smyrna in the territory that is now known as eastern Turkey. It lay in the Caicus valley some miles from the sea. It's acropolis rose 1000 feet between two tributary streams some three miles north of the river Bakyrtchai (also known as the Caicus River in ancient times). Pergamos was a capital city. "When the empire of Alexander the Great was broken up, following his death, Pergamum became the capital of the powerful, wealthy, and independent kingdom of Mysia."

The City of Pergamos: It was the Capital of the Attalid Kingdom/ this names is derived from the King Attalus I ( BC). Its king, (the last of the Attalic Dynasty, King Attalus III) not having an heir willed the Attalic Kingdom into the possession of the Roman Empire (133 BC), thus it had become a part of the Roman Empire by choice and not by compulsion or by military force. With the exception of Pergamum and a few Greek cities, which were given freedom as independent administrative units exempt from paying tribute, all of the Kingdom was placed under the Roman Government. The Romans made it the capital of the province of Asia, and it retained this honor until the year A.D. 130. The city itself was built in three distinct sections: The upper city --- was the northernmost area and was largely the domain of the rich, royal and noble families. Military leaders also lived in this section. The middle city --- further south and down the mountain contained the part of the city that was visited by the common people. It also included sports fields, and temples for the less educated people. The third area across the Selinus River to the southwest, contained the famous Asclepian of Pergamum, a center of the healing arts. A lovely fountain, pool, library, and various temples all can still be seen today amongst the ruins of this city.

The City of Pergamos: At the time of this writing the city had been the capital for some three hundred years. Pergamos had one of the most famous libraries in the ancient world - Approx. 200,000 books. These books were later given to Cleopatra by Mark Anthony. Because of the extensive manufacture of writing material from sheepskin in Pergamum, the name "parchment" (pergamena) was given to this product. "It is interesting to note that the word "parchment" is derived ultimately from the Latin Pergamena Charta, literally meaning "paper of Pergamum", and it is held by certain authorities that parchment was invented in Pergamum for the purpose of transcribing books for its great library." Pergamos was a famous center of religious worship. It was the center of the worship of Asclepius the god of healing. The emblem of Asclepius is the serpent. Tame snakes were kept in the temple. The sufferers were allowed to spend the night in the darkness of the temple, if a snake touched the sick this was held to be the touch of the god himself.

The City of Pergamos: Altars to Zeus, the chief of gods, also known as Jupiter ; To Dionysus, the god of wine; of Athena, the goddess of wisdom as well as Asclepius, the god of medicine was found on the hill behind the city of Pergamum. In 29 B.C. it errected a temple to "Roma and Agustus" and later temples were also erected in honor of "Trajan and Severus". The title "Thrice Neokorus" which it bore, meant that in the city three temples had been built to the Roman Emperors, in which the emperors were worshipped as gods. Participation in such worship became a test of loyalty, and therefore became a frequent ground for Christian martyrdom. Christians would be brought to Pergamum for trial from any northern part of the province. Pergamos had always glorified in the fact that it was the last outpost of Greek civilization. Pergamos was also the center of Caesar Worship. As to the founding of the church here in Pergamum, it is once again speculated that Paul during his stay at Ephesus was its possible origin. However, it must be noted that Pergamum is only mentioned in the book of Revelation. The basis of such speculation and conjecture is only due to the ideas that a place of such great importance would have been visited by Paul.

Outline of the Letter to the church at Thyatira
The Condemnation: vrs 20-21 They fellowship Jezebel (ie. Jezebel is a symbolic name). This sinner suduces the people of the Lord. Hardened heart is displayed by the refusal to repent. This Jezebel called herself a prophetess. She was a false teacher. The Threat. vrs 22-23 Cast her out with those who go along with her immorality. Her children will be killed with death. The Admonition or Encouragement. vrs 24-25 The rest encouraged who did not hold the actions of this sinner. The plead to hear. vrs 29 The Promised reward. vrs 26-28 Power over the nations. And will be given the morning star. Address to the angel of the church. vrs 18a. Introduction of the Speaker. vrs 18b. The Son of God. Eyes like a flame of fire. His feet like fine brass. The Commendation: vrs 19 I know thy works. Their love. Their faith. Their Ministry or service. Their patience and perseverance. Their growth in works.

Thyatira (Another Compromising Church--Jezebel)
It is an odd fact that the longest of the letters to the seven churches was written to the church in the smallest and least important area of the seven towns mentioned. The length of the letter is probably due to the nature of the problems that the Christian's faced in the city. Thyatira was a wealthy city. Located in the Northern part of Lydia. Near the border of Mysia. On the Lycas River. Approximately forty miles southeast of Pergamum. About mid-way between the royal cities of Pergamum and Sardis. The city itself lay in a valley and as such there was no acropolis that adorned the city. The city was surrounded by gentle sloping hills all around. The name Thyatira emerged in history in 290 B.C. as the name of a military center. It had been in the hands of the Romans since 190 B.C. The supreme importance of Thyatira was that it was the gateway to Pergamos, the capital city of Asia. Thyatira was not a center of special religious importance.

Jesus addresses Himself as "Son of God"--indicates His relationship to God and signified that he was God--contrast "Son of man" (1:13). "Eyes like unto a flame of fire"--bright, penetrating vision; infinite awareness and insight; omniscient. "Feet like as fine brass"--symbolical of strength; His enemies will be put under His feet (1 Cor. 15:25) and He will tread upon them with the wrath of God (Rev. 19:15).

It was not a special center of Ceasar worship. The chief deity of the Thyatians was that of Tyrimnos. This god was identified with the Greek god Appollo, who was the god of the sun. A goddess of less importance, yet associated with Tyrimnos, was honored in the Thystiran pantheon. A Temple to Sambethe was also located at Thyatira. At this temple it is said that there was a prophetess who would utter sayings for the deity and imparted them to its worshippers who in turn would accept them as oracles of the deity. It seems that this prophetess had her counterpart in the form of the Jezebel at the Thyatiran church.

Thyatira was a great commercial center. The roads which passed through its valley brought the trade of half the world to its doors. A great center of wool trade and of the dyeing industry. It was from Thyatira that Lydia, the seller of Purple came cf. Acts 16:14. She was Paul's first European convert and was baptized in the river just outside of the city of Philippi. Purple dye was very expensive. Scholars believe that the dye was of a Turkish-red color. Made from the madder-root which abounded in the area. True purple dye was made from an expensive shell fish found in the Meditereanean sea.

Thyarita possesed more trade guilds than any other town of its size in Asia. It would seem that the danger which threatened the church in Thyatira was the direct result of the powerful existence of these trade guilds. No merchant or trader could hope to prosper and to make money unless he was a member of his trade guild. If a trader refused to join his trade guild, he would be in much the same position as a working man would be in today if he refused to join his trade union. In his book Ramsey lists: Wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, tanners, leather workers, dyers, bakers, slave dealers and bronzesmiths.

But, we may well ask why should a Christian of Thyatira not join such a trade guild? The social activities of these trade guilds were intimately bound up with the worship of the heathen gods. These trade guilds would have had common meals together. The meal would begin and end with a cup of wine poured out as a libation and an offering to the gods. Such a meal would almost certainly follow a sacrifice. At these social activities drunkeness and fornication were the accepted things. There was a very real problem here, that faced the Christian of Thyatira. They had to decided whether to make money or to serve Jesus Christ.

Commendation. The church was praised for several good qualities: (1) Works--labor and efforts which were exerted in the spiritual realm (Eph. 2:10). (2) Charity--love, active good will, unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good (Matt. 22:35-40). (3) Service--ministry, work of benevolence, love in action (1 John 3:17). (4) Faith--see Heb. 11:1. (5) Patience--perseverance under difficulties; the ability to endure under pressure (Heb. 6:11-12). (6) Growth--"Thy last works are more than the first" (ASV). Condemnation (vss ). This woman's name could have been "Jezebel" or perhaps she was called this because of her similarity to the Jezebel of the Old Testament--1 Kings 16:31; 18:4; 19:1-2; 21:8-15, She was probably teaching that one could never conquer sin unless he was thoroughly acquainted with its experiences; hence, one must "know the depths of Satan" (vs. 24) to conquer Satan. The word "sufferest" shows that the church was tolerating her works and influence when she should have been withdrawn from.

Warning (vss ). The Lord was gracious in giving her time to repent, but now since she had not repented, He would bring a terrible judgment upon her and her followers. He would (1) "cast her into a bed" (stricken with sickness) and (2) send "great tribulation" (severe affliction) on those that followed her teaching and wickedness. (3) Her children (either her own physical offspring or those taught by her) would come to a violent death (vs. 23). This is similar to what happened to the house of Ahab (Jezebel's husband); they all came to a sudden and violent end (1 Kings 22:34; 2 Kings 9:30-37; 10:7). From observing these three immediate punishments, the churches would know that it is Jesus who not only knows the overt acts, but the secret thoughts, counsels, designs of men's hearts (1 Chron. 28:9; Jer. 11:20; 17:10; 20:12; Acts 1:24), and renders to every man according to his works (Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:25). Exhortation. Upon those who were remaining faithful, Christ would impose no other burden--no other burden than the fight against it and the abstinence from it. (Compare Acts 15:28-29). That which they already had as in vs. 19, they were to hold fast until Christ came to claim the faithful. (See also Rev. 3:11; Heb. 4:14).

Promise. Two blessings are promised to those who overcome: (1) Power over the nations. They will share in Christ's dominion over the nations (Rev. 3:21). The picture of their ruling with a "rod of iron" is symbolical of the certainty of their vindication and triumph with Christ. (See Psalm 2:8-9; Rev. 19:15). (2) Morning star. Christ Himself is mentioned as the morning star in Rev. 22:16. As the morning star rules the heavens (one of the brightest in the heavens) so will the faithful rule with Christ and share in His royal spender and dominion. The star is symbolical of royalty being linked with the scepter (Num. 24:17).

The Book of Revelation Chapter Three Key Theme to be Noted "Ye Are the Light of the World" THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Outline of the Letter to the church at Sardis
The Threat and Counsel. - vrs 2-3. Be watchful, strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Remember how you have received and heard. Hold fast and repent. If you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief in the night. You will not know the hour I will come upon you. The Admonition, Encouragement and Promised Reward. - vrs 5 Those who overcome shall be clothed in white garments. Their names will not be blotted out from the Book of Life. Christ will confess their names before the Father and the angels. The plea to hear. - vrs 6. Those who have an ear. Heed the things that the Spirit says to the churches. Address to the angel of the church. - vrs 1a. Introduction of the Speaker. - vrs 1b. He who has the Seven Spirits of God. And the seven stars. The Commendation. - vrs 1c., 4. "I know thy works.“ You have a few names who have not defiled their garments. These shall walk with Him in white for they are worthy. The Condemnation. - vrs 1d., 2b. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. I have not found your works perfect before God.

Outline of the Letter to the church at Philadelphia
Address to the angel of the church. – vrs 7a Introduction of the Speaker - Description - vrs 7b. He who is "Holy“ He who has the Key of David. He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens. The Commendation - vrs 8-10 "I know your works“ "Have set before you an open door“ "You have little strength/power“ "Have kept my Word and not defiled My name“ The exhortation - vrs 11 "Behold I come quickly". "Hold Fast“ "That no one takes your crown“ The Promise of the Reward - vrs 12 The plea to hear - vrs 13. NOTE: As with the church in Smyrna there is no segment of condemnation of evil in the church at Philadelphia. Instead what we find here is a congregation of the Lord's people who are more richly praised than any of the other seven churches in Asia.

Philadelphia (The Church of the Open Door)
Jesus in this epistle introduces Himself as (1) He that is holy--separate, set apart; characterized by perfection and purity. (See Heb. 7:26). (2) He that is true--steadfast, dependable, genuine, real. Jesus is the "true light" (John 1:9), "the true bread" (John 6:32), "the true vine" (John 15:1), "the true God" (1 John 5:20), and "the faithful and true witness" (Rev. 3:14). (3) He that hath the key of David. This was prophesied of the Messiah (Isa. 22:22). "Keys" bear the idea of opening and shutting; hence, Christ alone has the supreme authority over admission in the kingdom both on earth and in heaven. He opens and none shuts and shuts and none opens.

Commendation. Jesus praises this church for (1) A little strength ("power" ASV)--although they were not as strong and zealous as He wanted, He did see evidences of spiritual life. (2) Kept my word (vs. 8)--faithfulness and fidelity to truth, not compromising with error. They had "kept the word of my patience" (vs. 10)--they followed and upheld the gospel in spite of great opposition. This was endurance such as Christ had and patience as manifested by Him. (3) Not denied my name--those of the synagogue of Satan would often bring Christians before the heathen magistrates when they would not confess Caesar as lord, but in all of this they had not renounced the name of Christ.

Rewards. As a result of their faithfulness, Christ would give them the following blessings: (1) An open door--opportunity to preach to willing listeners (2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Acts 14:27; 2 Thess. 3:1). (2) Enemies exposed and punished (vs. 9). He would in some way make the persecuting Jews realize that the Christians were the ones He really loved. (See also Isa. 49:23; 60:14). (3) Kept from the hour of temptation ("hour of trial" ASV). He either meant that He would free them from the period of great tribulation which would try all Christians (Rev. 6:11; 7:14) or, from the great judgments described in the rest of the book which were to come upon all the world to try non-Christians (Rev. 8:13; 9:20-21). The latter seems to be the one to which He was referring because it was the one that would come upon "all the world" as shown in verse 10.

Exhortation. "I come quickly" either refers to His second coming (e.g., every generation is to consider it as near and that it could happen in their own lifetime, James 5:7-9; 1 Pet. 4:7; Rev. 22:20) or, to His coming in judgment and retribution (e.g., by the plagues in this book). They were to hold fast what they had lest someone robbed them of their reward (Col. 2:18-19; 2 Pet. 3:17-18). For passages referring to the "crown," see 1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4.

Promise. (1) "Pillar in the temple" (a permanent blessing) and (2) "he shall go out no more" (will have no reason to go out, will not be forced out). (3) Will write upon him: (a) Name of God--signifies identity and divine recognition; (b) The name of the city of God--new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-2, 10); (c) My new name--shall wear Christ's own new name (Rev. 19:12), shall be identified to share in the glory of Christ (Col. 3:4; 1 John 3:2). Thus, these inscriptions upon the one who overcomes identifies him as belonging to God, to the new city, and to Christ the Redeemer.

Outline of the Letter to the church of Laodicea:
It must be noted that of all the letters written to the churches of Asia, this is the only one that does not have any commendation. The letter is a harsh condemnation for a church that has become lukewarm in all its actions. Address to the Angel of the church at Laodicea. - vrs 14a. Introduction and Description of the Speaker. - vrs 14b. The Amen. The Faithful & True Witness. The Beginning of the Creation of God. The Condemnation of Evil. - vrs 15-17 Neither cold not hot, but lukewarm. Wretched. Miserable. Poor. Blind. Naked. The Counsel: vrs 18-19 Warning. Exhortation. The Promise of Reward. - vrs 20-21 Will grant to sit with me in my Throne even as I am set down with my Father in His Throne. The Invitation to Hear. - vrs 22

Laodicea (The Rich-Poor Church)
The City: This city of Laodicea was the largest of the three cities {Laodicea; Colosse; Hierapolis} found in the broad valley area {Lycus valley} on the borders of Phrygia. Approx. 90 miles East of Ephesus, and between forty and fifty miles southeast of Philadelphia. The city was situated approx. eleven miles west of Colosse and six miles south of Hierapolis. cf. Col. 4:13,16. The city lay at the meeting of the Lycus Valley and the Maeander. The city was called Diosopolis and Rhoas until it finally was named in honor of Laodike\Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II ( B.C.), who rebuilt the city. Laodike\Laodice poisoned Antiochus II the Seleucid King.

The City: Destroyed in A.D. 60 by and earthquake, but refused help in the rebuilding of itself. Tacitus writes that the Roman Senate at that time gave large sums to devastated Asian cities, but records with surprise that Laodicea refused such aid. "It rose again, with no help from us." This attitude is found in the church - cf. 3:17. "Rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius." The city was completely destroyed by the "Mohammedan invaders, and is now the scene of utter desolation." City is now known by the Turk's as "Eski-hissar" or "Old Castle".

The City: In 190 B.C. Laodicea became the center of Hellenic culture, reaching its peak at this time when it was made a Roman Province. The city was famous for its great wealth and for its banking abilities. "Cicero traveled that way in 51 B.C. on his way to the provincial governorship of Cilicia, and the fact that he cashed drafts in Laodicea shows that the city had outgrown neighboring Colossae and was already a place of financial importance & wealth." The city was well known for its producing black wool. This wool was the basis of the Textile industry centered in both Colosse and Laodicea. This trade was in existence well up into the 19th. Century. Various garments from Laodicea are listed in Diocletian's price fixing edit of A.D. 300.

Another important fact about Laodicea is that of its eye ointment. Approx. 13 miles from the cities boundaries, a school of medicine was found. The names of the physicians appeared on coins as early as the principate of Augustus. It is stated that it was possibly the medical school of Laodicea that developed the eye powder known as "Phrygian". cf. 3:18 It is guessed that this power was probably made up from dried mud of the Hierapolis thermal springs. Which when mixed with water it formed a Kaolin poultice, which was an effective remedy for inflammation.

The City: The population of this city was comprised of a great number of Jews. This great Jewish population is said to have its roots in the transferring of Jewish families by Antiocus II ( B.C) to the territories of Lydia and Phrygia. Two years after the earthquake the governor of Asia refused to allow the contribution to go to the Temple fund in Jerusalem. Jews were useful citizens who brought money and trade to every city in which they settled. A great stadium was built in A.D. 79 and dedicated to Titus, who became emperor in that year. It must be noted that an inscription found reads as follows, "Nicostratus, paid the cost out of his own resources.“ The language of Rev. 3:16 might have shocked the audience to whom it was addressed, however, some feel that this has reference to the mingling of the cold streams and the hot thermal springs which were chemically-impregnated causing a lukewarm mixture which was nauseating.

The City: From the letter written to the Colossian brethren, it seems to indicate that their is a church in existence already in Laodicea - approx. A.D. 60. Col 2:1 we are not sure whether Paul here is saying that he had never been to Laodicea. However, in 4:15 it indicates that Paul knew the brethren their personally. An Epistle to the Laodicians is mentioned in 4:16 however, it has long been lost or as according to Ussher it is the same letter that was written to the Ephesian brethren. The apocryphal "Epistola ad Laodicenses" is a late and clumsy forgery. Once gain it is assumed from Luke's statement in Acts 19:10 that the church had its beginnings during the stay of Paul in Ephesus. Epaphras might have been the first to preach there since he was from the nearby city of Colosse - cf. Col 1:7; 4:12.

In this last epistle Christ identifies Himself as: (1) The Amen--something which is established and positive; hence, indicates the stability of Jesus (see Heb. 13:8). (2) The faithful and true witness--He declares the exact truth as seen; His testimony is absolute and trustworthy. (3) The beginning of the creation of God. The word for "beginning" as used in the New Testament means (a) "primacy in regard to time" that is, the commencement of a thing; (b) "primacy in regard to rank and authority"--it is often translated "principality" as a concordance will show. Jesus was not the first part of God's creation (Jehovah's Witnesses' teaching on this verse), but was the head and prince of God's creation. He created all things and sustains all things (Col. 1:15-16; John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2, 10-12).

Condemnation. The condition of this church was indifference and lukewarmness (having a knowledge but no zeal, inactive and unconcerned). Christ wished that they would be one way or the other--cold or hot. When individuals become cold and completely fall away and make wrecks of their lives, they can be reached easier than the self-conceited lukewarm. The lukewarm are most difficult to reach and are a great hindrance to the cause of Christ because they influence others to be like themselves. The Lord showed His attitude toward this condition in verse 16 and His feelings toward it are no less today. They said they were rich and had need of nothing (thinking their wealthy physical condition provided for or resulted from their spiritual condition, Luke 12:16-21), but in reality were wretched, poor, blind, and naked (their actual spiritual condition in the eyes of Christ).

The picture of Laodicea well describes many churches today. They enjoy a comfortable building, have a respectable social standing in the community, and live in material prosperity unequalled before their time. Their religion requires neither sacrifice nor effort and they feel perfectly satisfied in their own self-sufficiency. It is sad that they do not realize that their lukewarm condition is an abomination in the sight of the Lord.

Exhortation. They were summoned to purchase of Christ: (1) Gold refined by fire (tested works, 1 Cor. 3:13-15; 1 Pet. 1:7) that they might be rich; (2) White garments (clothed with purity, not stained with sin and indifference) to cover their nakedness; (3) Eyesalve to anoint their eyes ("salve to put on your eyes" NIV) (insight and realization) that they might come to realize their miserable condition. The Lord demanded of them fervent zeal and immediate repentance. His sharp rebuke to them (and to all who are lukewarm) was a result of His love for them (vs. 19). (Compare Heb. 12:5-11). Christ stands on the outside seeking entrance and all can have His approval, comforts and blessings by letting Him in. To open the door to Christ is to obey His word, and to sup with Him is to dine with Him in spiritual communion and fellowship.

Promise. He that overcomes or he that is victorious in living the Christian life will sit with Christ as He did with His Father--will share in His glory and dominion (Rev. 2:26-28)--shall reign with Him for ever and ever (Rev. 22:3-5). He who has an open mind and receptive heart, let him listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Through the seven short epistles we gain clear insight regarding the conditions of the churches existing at that time. In the light of these, how do we stand as a church today?

The Book of Revelation Chapter Four The GREAT THRONE SCENE – Key Theme to be Noted – “God the Father is the central figure THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE CHAPTERS 4-5
The main theme of chapters 1-3 was "Christ in he midst of the seven golden lampstands." We were given a glimpse of the glorious reign of Christ (ch. 1) and of the seven churches as Christ saw them (chs. 2-3). Chapters 4-7 deal with the throne scene and the loosing of the seven seals. In chapter 4, God the Father is the central figure. He is symbolically described as the center of all things as He rules on His magnificent throne. This chapter marks the beginning of the visions that continue in sequence through the rest of the book.

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE –Chapter 4:1-11
After these things (referring to what he saw in chs. 1-3), John sees a door standing open in heaven. (Compare Ezek. 1:1; Matt. 3:16). As he was looking, a voice as of a trumpet spoke to him again as in Rev. 1:10. The voice tells him to come up and he will be shown the things which must come to pass hereafter, that is, in the future after the vision

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE – 4:1-11
Immediately, he beheld a throne set in heaven and the one sitting on the throne looked: like jasper (clear as crystal, Rev. 21:11) and sardine (red) stones and there was an emerald (green) looking rainbow about His throne; these things emphasize God's magnificence. For other descriptions of His throne, see Psalm 89:14; 97:2-3. Isaiah and Ezekiel also had visions of the throne (Isa. 6:1-5; Ezek. 1:26-28; 10:18-22). There are four things common to all: the throne, the glorious one sitting on the throne, the gem-like things round about the throne, and the living creatures.

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE – 4:1-11
John sees round about the throne twenty-four thrones on which twenty-four elders sit arrayed in white garments, wearing crowns of gold. These are mentioned several times throughout the book--4:4,10; 5:5,6,8,11,14; 7:11,13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4. These are probably the redeemed of the Old and New Testaments, holy and victorious (Rev. 3:21; 7:9, 13-14). The redeemed of the O.T. are represented by the twelve patriarchs and the redeemed of the N.T. by the twelve apostles thus making twenty-four. (Compare Rev. 21:12-14).

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE- 4:1-11
The lightnings, voices, and thunders (vs. 5) remind us of God's descension on mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16-18; Deut. 5:22-24) and probably symbolizes the terror and severity of God which in turn should produce reverence and awe in man (Heb. 12:18-29). Regarding “the seven Spirits of God” (vs. 5), see Rev. 1:4 and the notes on that verse. The sea of glass (vs. 6) is probably only drapery to beautify the scene; later, those who are victorious stand on it (Rev. 15:2).

The four beasts ("living creatures" ASV) in vss. 6-8 are not to be confused with the "beasts" of chapter 13. They resemble those revealed in Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:4-14; 10:14-15, 20-22). The first was like a lion (noble), the second like a calf or young ox (strong), the third had a face as a man (wise), and the fourth was like an eagle (swift); hence, they were like the noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest of earth's creatures.

Each of the four living creatures had six wings (swiftness--can move as lightning to carry out God's will) and were full of eyes round about and within (watchfulness--nothing escapes their vision). These are probably the cherubims (sometimes called "seraphims," Isa. 6:1-3) which are high ranking angels of some sort (see Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 10:20). In other words, so great is the throne that even the all-glorious and holy cherubims arrange themselves around it in reverence and awe.

All the beasts and elders which John saw began to glorify God (vss. 9-11). The four living creatures vocalize (they do it without rest, constantly, vs. 8) a psalm of glory, honor and thanks (vss. 8-9) and the twenty-four elders paid homage and reverence to the One on the throne and express adoration because of the creation (vss ). As we study these signs and symbols here and elsewhere we need to focus our attention on the central thought and not on the intricate details. As in the parables of Jesus, the details are only drapery to enhance the central thought of the story.

Thus, the meaning of fourth chapter is that the One who sits on the throne of heaven with all His grandeur and splendor is due all glory, honor and praise from all of His creatures which He made. They all are and were created for His pleasure (vs. 11); they were planned in His mind and were brought forth for His purpose, and they should render the praise and thanksgiving due Him, and should stand in reverence and awe before Him.

THE GREAT THRONE SCENE- Chapter 4:1-11
William Blake The Four and Twenty Elders Casting their Crowns before the Divine Throne circa Pencil and watercolour on paper, 354 x 293 mm Presented by the executors of W. Graham Robertson through the National Art Collections Fund 1949 This watercolour evokes imagery from the Book of Revelation, Chapters 4 and 5. St John witnesses the glorious vision God, surrounded by a rainbow. Around his throne are twenty-four elders dressed in white and 'four beasts full of eyes before and behind'. The deity holds 'a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals'

The Book of Revelation Chapter Five The GREAT THRONE SCENE Key Theme to be Noted – “Christ the Lamb is the central figure THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

The victorious Christ is the central figure of chapter five. In the Father's right hand was a book (a sublime and awesome one) written within and on the backside (a complete one, no more room for writing) which was sealed with seven seals (an obscure one, its contents unrevealed). The breaking of the seals indicates the revealing and executing of the purpose and plan of God as it relates to man on earth as disclosed in the chapters which follow.

The strong (mighty and powerful) angel proclaimed with a great voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" John weeps when he discovers that no one in the entire universe was found worthy to open the book or to look thereon. No doubt he thought that revelation was halted and the future development confronting the church would be unknown. However, one of the elders said to him, "Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof."

The Lion represents the ruling one (Gen. 49:9-10); He was a descendant of Judah (Heb. 7:14), the Root of David (Isa. 11:1,10; Rom. 15:12; Rev. 22:16). He "hath prevailed"--has overcome, conquered and achieved the victory over sin, Satan and death (1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14-15) and, therefore, is worthy to open the seals of the book.

John had been told of a "Lion" when he looks he sees a "Lamb." Jesus is both; He is as a lion in majesty and might and as a lamb in meekness and lowliness. The sacrificial Lamb obtained the eternal redemption (John 1:29; Acts 8:32-35; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). He was in the midst of the throne (a central figure; He is the central figure of redemption) and stood as a slain lamb (on Him the slaughter marks were visible and though He had been slain was now standing and living).

He had seven horns (fullness of strength and honor; horns are the chief weapons and ornaments of the animals which possess them; hence, they came to signify strength and honor). He had seven eyes (the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, vs. 6). Probably this is speaking of the fullness of His own Spirit which is sent forth through His Word and which dwells in the hearts of those who receive and retain it, John 6:63; 14:23).

Jesus came and took the book out of the Father's hand; He alone has the authority to reveal and execute the plan and purpose of God. When He had taken the book, the four beasts (4:6-8 - high ranking angels, the cherubims or seraphims) and the twenty-four elders (4:4 - the redeemed represented by the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles) fell down (in worship--see vs. 14) before the Lamb. Each of them had harps and golden vials (bowls) full of odors (footnote, "Or, Incense"). There can be no question as to what the golden bowls full of incense represent (vs. 8b; see also Rev. 8:3-4; Psalm 141:2)

The harps (also mentioned in 14:2 and 15:2) do not justify instrumental music in worship as some claim. "That which proves a lot proves too much!" If this verse justifies instrumental music, it also justifies burning incense, and 6:2-8 justifies riding horses in worship and 7:9 justifies wearing white robes and carrying palms to worship. The harps are to be taken figuratively as are all the other symbols in Revelation. Here in 5:8, being connected with the prayers of the saints, they perhaps represent the songs of the saints.

When the book was taken by the Lamb--the one who was slain, but prevailed--three songs of praise were raised in adoration. The first (vss. 9-10) was a new song (never before was there a song of its kind). It was a song of redemption and was sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. The new song was a glorification of the victorious Christ who had brought redemption to His people. He had redeemed ("didst purchase" ASV) them to God "by his blood" (Rev. 1:5; Eph. 1:7) out of "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Dan 7:13-14). He "madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth" (5:10 ASV; see also Rev. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:5,9). They have the highest positions and offices attainable on earth because of Him.

The second song (vss ) was sung by an innumerable host of angels (one hundred million, and thousands of thousands) and was a song of exaltation and praise to the victorious Lamb of God. Angels have an important role in the book of Revelation. Angels have always had intense interest in man (Luke 15:10). They desired to look into God's plan of redemption (1 Pet. 1:10-12) and through the establishment of the church could see it (Eph. 3:9-10). In verse 12 they mention seven things of which the Lamb is deserving. He is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise for all that He has done and will do for us.

The third and final song (vs. 13) was sung by all creation (by every created thing; the point here is not that the animals will literally do it, but if they could, this is what they would do). (Compare Psalm 148 wherein the whole creation is invoked to praise God). They said, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne (the Father) and unto the Lamb (Christ) for ever and ever." Thus, God and Christ were worshiped, honored, and praised by this great anthem that John heard in his heavenly vision of God's throne. Unto God and Christ be the blessing, honor, glory, and dominion for ever and ever for their work in creation and redemption.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Six THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

THE BEGINNING OF THE LAMBS REVELATIONS
In chapter six the Lamb begins to open the seven seals of the book. The seals consist of the four horses, the martyred saints under the altar, and the great earthquake. The seventh seal is a transition to the seven trumpets. As the seals are opened, one by one the living creatures as with a voice of thunder (a mighty voice) cry "Come" (as in the ASV) and the horses and their riders come forth. The "thunderous call" was either to the horsemen to come forth (as indicated by the ASV) or to John to come and see (as indicated by the KJV). Scholarship tends to point to the former as more nearly correct.

THE REPETITION IN REVELATION
Each seal becomes more and more severe as John proceeds with the vision of the opening of the seven seals. The seven trumpets in chapters 9-11 and the seven last plagues in chapters follow the same pattern. The trumpets appear to be more severe than the seals and the last plagues appear to be more severe than the trumpets. I understand all of these to be the same occurrences all of which describe a series of judgments which God brought upon the wicked of John's day.

Rev. 6:1-2 - First Seal--Conquest
The seals consist of the four horses, the martyred saints under the altar, and the great earthquake. The horsemen are not named by John (except for 6:8) and we think it best to let it go at that. The emphasis is on the "mission" of the riders as seen by the color of their horses and the description of their purpose. Nearly all of the commentaries identify the first rider as Christ. However, Christ is pictured as the opener of the seals and it seems strange for Him to be quickly changed and pictured as a rider. Furthermore, if Christ is the first rider, who are the others? The first horseman seems simply to represent "conquest" for he came forth conquering and to conquer. A white horse was often ridden by the ruler or general after he had conquered. The bow was a military weapon of that day and the crown was a sign of victory (also royalty). The first horse, therefore, symbolized one of the forces which was to bring about the downfall of the enemies of God's people. The Christians were to see in it a sign of victory.

Rev. 6:3-4 - Second seal--War (Not the Decline and Apostasy of the Church)
The second rider's horse is red and to him is given "to take peace from the earth" and cause men to kill one another. There was given him a great sword (the power and means to carry out his mission) which, added to the other details, identifies him as "war.“ War is the bloody means of carrying out conquest; thus, it was only natural that the red horse would follow the white. Many times in the Old Testament war was God's means of judgment against the wicked and so it appears to be here.

Rev. 6:5-6 - Third Seal--Famine (Not the Condition of the Church in the Middle Ages)
Christ opens the third seal and John hears the third living creature say, "Come." John sees a black horse with its rider having a balance (an instrument for weighing) in his hand. "A measure of wheat for a penny" ("shilling" ASV; a common day's wages, Matt. 20:2) implies great scarcity; to eat bread by weight refers to a condition of economic hardship (Lev. 26:26; Ezek. 4:10, 16-17). The expression, "And see thou hurt not the oil and the wine" shows either that these first plagues were not as extensive as those yet to come or, that some would be excluded from the affliction (see Rev. 3:10; 7:3; 9:4). The black horse and its rider, therefore, represents famine or economic hardship.

Rev. 6:7-8 - Fourth Seal--Death (Not the Persecutions of the Apostate Church of Rome)
The pale horse is the symbol of death; the rider's name was "Death" and "Hell" followed with him. This shows that these were not actual persons, but forces. The word "Hell" here is the Greek word "Hades" which is the abode of the dead, the realm of disembodied spirits (Luke 16:19-31; Acts 2:27-31). In this instance, there was power ("authority" ASV) given to them (or "him" KJV footnote) over the fourth part of the earth (not a complete destruction). They had authority to kill with the sword, hunger ("famine" ASV), death (or "pestilence" ASV footnote), and the wild beast of the earth. John's figures are very much similar to God's judgments against the wicked in the Old Testament (Ezek. 5:12, 16-17; 14:21). The next seal (6:9-11) which is different from the rest (no rider) shows the reason for the judgments--because they were killing the children of God.

Rev. 6:9-11 - Fifth Seal--Cry for Avenging (Not those Killed by the Apostate Church of Rome
When the fifth seal was opened, John saw the souls of the slain (martyrs, see 2:13) underneath the altar. The blood was poured out at the base of the altar (Lev. 4:7) and here we have under the altar the martyrs whose blood was poured out for Christ. They were slain (slaughtered in sacrifice) for (because of or by reason of) the Word of God (that which they had received and proclaimed) and the testimony which they held (their open profession and witness in word and life). In 12:11, John states that they overcame "by" ("because of" ASV) "the word of their testimony" and that "they loved not their lives unto the death," that is, they were willing to give up their lives rather than deny the faith. The sacrificial souls cried, "How long (the bitter persecution had continued for some time and they asked God how long it would be before He counteracted), O Lord, holy and true (see 3:7) dost thou not judge (determine and pronounce a judgment) and avenge our blood (not revenge, but vindication of their death) on them that dwell on the earth (the unregenerate earth-dwellers responsible for the saints' death)." They earnestly cried for the avenging of their blood through a just God. This thought represents the purpose and design of the book. The following chart are the verses (NKJV) which show that the avenging of the martyrs is a theme which ties the book together.

THE MARTYRS OF JESUS Revelation 2:13 – I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Revelation 6:9-11 – When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 7:13-14 – Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 16:6-7 – For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due. And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."

THE MARTYRS OF JESUS Revelation 17:6 – I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. Revelation 18:24 – "And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth. Revelation 19:2 – For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. Revelation 20:4 – And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The "little season" was the period of persecution and tribulation through which the church was then passing. It is parallel to the time Satan came down in great wrath "because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (12:12). The "short time" of Satan stops when he is defeated and bound for a thousand years (20:1-3); likewise, the "little season" of the martyred saints ended when their complete vindication came (as disclosed in the latter part of the book).

Rev. 6: Sixth Seal--Severe Judgment of the Wicked of John's Day (Probably not the Second Coming of Christ) The opening of the sixth seal probably gives a glimpse of the great judgment which was to come upon the persecuting force in John's day to avenge the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Remember, the persecuting force in not identified until the 13th chapter. The descriptions of the earthquake, sun, moon, and stars add intense fear, terror, and terribleness to the picture of the coming judgment. The Old Testament is filled with similar judgments which meant the end of the world for the nations involved. Notice the following for similar thoughts regarding each verse: vs Isa. 13:9-13; 29:6; 50:3; Jer. 4:19-26; Ezek. 32:7; 34:12 vs Isa. 34:4b; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:12-16 vs Isa. 34:4a; Ezek. 26:15, 18; 27:35

Rev. 6: Sixth Seal--Severe Judgment of the Wicked of John's Day (Probably not the Second Coming of Christ) All classes of men of the earth will meet this judgment (chapter 7 reveals that the faithful will be excluded). Whether, king, prince, chief captain, rich, strong, bond or free, they shall try to hide when the judgment of Christ comes and shall say to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us." See also Hosea 10:8; Isa. 2:19; Luke 23:28-30 wherein similar statements are made and refer to God's judgment upon particular cities. The expression shows that the wicked will be filled with terror as their doom comes. Verse 17 further shows that the great day of His ("their" ASV--God and Christ) wrath has come. (See also Isa. 13:9; Joel 2:11, 31; Zeph. 1:14-15). Nahum asked a similar question (as in 17b) regarding God's judgment that was about to come upon Nineveh (Nah. 1:6). The answer implied in both is, "No one." Thus, the sixth seal most likely represents the judgment which would come upon the earth in order to avenge the blood of the saints. It gives assurance to the saints that God would avenge their cause.

THE SERIES OF SEVENS The Pattern of 4 + 3
The first 4 of each are presented as a unified sequence of 4 – followed by a less unified sequence of 3. Seals 1 – 4 = 4 Horsemen modeled on Zech. 1:7-11; 6:1-8 Trumpets 1 – 4 = Affect on the earth, sea, fresh waters, heavenly bodies. Bowls 1 -4 = Affect on the earth, sea, fresh waters, heavenly bodies.

THE SERIES OF SEVENS The Pattern of 4 + 3
The Intensification: in the scope of judgment unleashed by the next two of each set: Seals 5-6 = ¼ of the earth Trumpets 5-6 = 1/3 Bowls 5-6 = All Then there is the THEOPHANY: Concludes with physical phenomena heralding both the appearing of God, (cf Ex. 19:16-19) and the eschatological earthquake. Seal 7 Trumpet 7 Bowl 7 The Interludes 7:1-17; and 10:1-13; and 12:1-15:8. Special attention needs to be paid to these interludes.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Seven THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 7:1-8 --- The Interlude
Between the sixth and seventh seals is an interlude (an interruption in the scene) that involves all of chapter seven. The seventh seal will be opened in chapter eight. In chapter six we saw the saints under the altar (9-11) and a terrible judgment coming upon the earth which was closed with the question, "Who shall be able to stand?" (12-17).

Rev. 7:1-8 --- The Interlude
In view of this one might ask, "Will the saints on earth be able to stand and what will happen to the souls under the altar?" John's interlude (a vision of two parts) answers these questions. The saints on earth are sealed and those martyred are before the throne of God. Thus, the first part of the interlude is to permit the sealing of the saints in order that they will be able to endure the afflictions set forth in chapter six. The judgments seem to be altered so that they will not hurt God's children.

Rev. 7:1-8 The four angels standing at the four corners (used to designate the four directions) were holding the four winds of the earth: (the four winds of judgment--conquest, war, famine, and death--as in 6:1-8 and as seen from the word "hurt" in 7:2-3). (Compare Jer. 49:36-38; 51:1-2). They were given to hurt the earth and the sea, but another angel ascending from the sun rising (from the direction of the morning light; suggest a message of cheer and encouragement), having the seal of the living God, said, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”

Rev. 7:1-8 The seal symbolizes ownership and consequent protection. (See Ezek. 9:6; 2 Tim. 2:19; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30). Hence, God's people will not be affected by the forthcoming judgments as will the people of the world. (See Rev. 9:4). In verses 5-8 Ephraim and Dan are not mentioned among the listing of the twelve tribes. Levi (who received no land inheritance) and Joseph (his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are normally listed) are included in the list. Perhaps Ephraim is not listed because it introduced calf and Baal worship (1 Kings 11:26; 12:25-33) and Dan left its habitation and inheritance and went into idolatry (Judges 18). No one can be certain as to why they were omitted.

Rev. 7:9-17 After these things (he now reveals the second part of the interlude scene), John sees a great multitude which no man could number out of every nation and from every tribe, people and tongue. Jehovah's Witnesses try to teach that these are the saved who inherit the earth and the 144,000 are those who receive heaven. However, the 144,000 are those on earth who are sealed and the great multitude are those souls with God who had come out of the great tribulation (6:9; 7:13-14).

Rev. 7:9-17 Furthermore, the expression, "before the throne" is used both of the great multitude (7:9) and later in the heavenly setting of the 144,000 (14:1-5). The white robes of the great multitude are symbolical of holiness, and justification (3:4-5; 6:11; 7:14), and the palms suggest a joyful, festive occasion (Lev. 23:40; John 12:13). They cried with a loud voice saying "Salvation to our God, who sitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb" (an expression of praise and gratitude to both God and Christ for the salvation provided). They are followed by angels who fell before the throne on their faces and worshiped God with a sevenfold praise similar to that given to the Lamb in 5:12. The angels stood around the throne, as well as the elders (4:4) and the four living creatures (4:6-8), which again shows that this occurred in heaven and is not something that is to occur on earth.

Rev. 7:9-17 One of the elders speaks asking John, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they?" John did not know, but he was certain that the elder knew. The elder answered, "These are they which came out of the great tribulation..." The "great tribulation" here is the one that took place under the world wide persecution (not fully identified until the 13th chapter) in John's day. It was "world wide" because this great multitude with the white robes were of "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" (vs. 9).

Rev. 7:9-17 They are the same ones with "white robes" who cry for the avenging of their blood (6:9-11). They had been put to death for their faith, had gained the victory, and are now before the throne. They had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. By Christ's blood the saint is washed from his sins (Rev. 1:5), redeemed (Rev. 5:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19), given remission of sins (Matt. 26:28), has constant cleansing as he continually complies with the conditions (1 John 1:7-9), and is able to overcome (Rev. 12:11).

Rev. 7:9-17 Verses describe the blessings the victorious received. They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple. God shall "dwell among them" (KJV), "spread his tabernacle over them" (ASV); they have His protection and receive His blessings. They possess peace and joy; every want is given and every sorrow is healed. The Lamb shall feed them ("be their shepherd" ASV) and guide them to fountains of water of life.

Rev. 7:9-17 Since these have just come out of the great tribulation, we conclude that these are the blessings the faithful receive after death in the place of comfort (Luke 16:22-26), paradise (Luke 23:43), in the presence of Christ figuratively (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8). They here await the end of all things at which time they will be raised (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:52-53; 1 Thess. 4:13-18) and at which time they will receive the new heaven, and new earth, and the heavenly Jerusalem, or the holy city (2 Pet. 3:10-14; Rev. 21 & 22).

The Book of Revelation Chapter Eight THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 8:1-5 - Seventh Seal (Prayer and Response)
As the seventh seal was opened there was a great silence in heaven. Silence in the Old Testament indicates prelude to judgment and that God was about to act (Zech 2:13; Zeph. 1:7). This silence here in Revelation makes the vision more impressive. The seven angels which stood before God were each given a trumpet. They will later in sequence sound their trumpets and great plagues will come forth. The "censer" (vs. 3) was a vessel that was used for holding incense while it was being burned (Lev. 16:11-13). The "incense" which was to be offered "with" the prayers of the saints no doubt stands for the intercession with prayers (made both by the Holy Spirit and Christ, Rom. 8:26-27, 34). The prayers of "all" the saints are mentioned here as opposed to only those under the altar in 6:9-10.

Rev. 8:1-5 - Seventh Seal (Prayer and Response)
The "smoke" which ascended up before God (vs. 4) indicates that the prayers were acknowledged, heard and received at the throne (similar to the phrase, "sweet smelling savor," Gen. 8:21; 2 Cor. 2:15; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 4:18). The angel filled the censer with fire from the altar and cast it upon the earth and there followed voices, thundering, lightning’s, and an earthquake. This indicates the fierceness and terribleness of the judgment sent from God. (Compare Rev. 6:12; 11:19; Isa. 29:6; Joel 3:14-16). It represents the suffering inflicted upon the wicked because of the cry of the saints. The thought here, therefore, is that God hears the fervent prayers of his struggling and afflicted people and causes His judgments to go forth against their enemies.

Rev. 8:6-7 - First Trumpet affects the Land (Plagues)
Some make the distinction of the seven seals and the seven trumpets between verses 5 and 6. Others say that the seven trumpets make up the seventh seal. A distinction between the two verses seems to give the book a better balance. The seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. Trumpets were used for alarming and warning of approaching danger (Amos 3:6; Ezek. 33:1-6). They are often mentioned in God's messages of doom against the wicked (Hosea 5:8-9; Joel 2:1-2; Zeph. 1:15-16). Similarly, here in Revelation the trumpets represent partial judgments upon the wicked and serve as warnings of greater judgments to follow. The first judgment affects the earth bringing plagues on a third of the ungodly world. The hail and fire mingled with blood remind us of the plagues or judgments which were brought upon the Egyptians (Exodus chs. 7-12).

Rev. 8:6-7 - First Trumpet affects the Land (Plagues)
The judgments both in the days of Moses and John had the same effect on the people. Remember, though, that in Revelation we are dealing with symbolical expressions ("signified it by his angel unto his servant John," Rev. 1:1). In Moses' age the judgments were brought about by miracles; in John's age they were caused by natural forces. These plagues were brought on the wicked to cause them to repent: (9:20--this is a key verse to the correct interpretation of the trumpets) and to avenge the blood of the saints (6:9-10; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2).

Rev. 8:8-9 - Second Trumpet affects the Sea (Natural Calamities)
The second angel sounded and it affects the sea. This judgment brings great upheavals in society, which will aid in the destruction of the persecuting force (compare Jer. 51:25-26, a judgment against the Babylonian Empire and Ezek. 38:18-23, a judgment against Gog). It is not to be taken literally that a third of the sea became blood and that a burning mountain was cast into the sea, but God is working through natural calamities. This brought economy collapse and great upheavals in their society which in turn destroyed their power as a dominating force which in turn brought freedom from tribulation (martyrdom) for the saints. To show how these plagues could at the same time not hurt the saints, see Psalm 46:1-3; Isa. 54:10; 61:1-3; 2 Thess. 2:16-17.

Rev. 8:10-12 - Third Trumpet - Inland waters (Upheavals in Society, Bitterness of Life)
Isaiah's description of the fall of the king of Babylon aids in an understanding of the third trumpet. He said, "How are thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer ("O day-star" ASV), son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations." (Isa. 14:12; see Isa. 14:4-23 especially vss. 4 and 12). Thus, Isaiah used similar language concerning Babylon when it was destroyed. The fall of the star named "Wormwood" (vs. 11) caused a third part of the waters (inland waters) to become wormwood (a bitter plant which came to stand for bitterness, Jer. 9:15; Lam. 3:19) and many men died as result of the waters. Thus, the third trumpet symbolized calamity and destruction which brought bitterness of life, distress, sorrow, and death.

Rev. 8:12 - The Fourth Trumpet affects the Heavenly Bodies (Severe Judgement)
The things mentioned in verse 12 are identical with those in other passages which symbolize judgment from God (Isa. 13:10-11; Jer. 15:9; Ezek. 32:7-8; Amos 8:9; Joel 2:1-2). Hence, the heavenly bodies "darkened" symbolized judgment from God. The term "third part" (used in the first four and sixth trumpets) shows that it was only a partial judgment at this time. The first four trumpets can be defined as judgments of natural calamities brought on the wicked. Historians tell us that natural calamities played an important role in the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Although the Roman Empire has not been specifically introduced as of yet, (it is not mentioned by name in the entire book), as we proceed farther in our study, it will become more and more evident that the plagues in the book were those brought against it.

Rev. 8:13 The angel ("eagle" ASV; some ancient manuscripts have the word "eagle") flies through the midst of heaven (in mid heaven where it is visible to all) and gives warning that the last three trumpets, each represented by a "woe" (9:12; 11:14), are to be worse than the first four trumpets. The angel (or eagle) flying through the midst of heaven represents a swift message. The "inhabitors of the earth" represent the world of the unregenerate--those who have not washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb--those without the seal of God in their foreheads (7:3; 9:4, 20-21). The trumpet plagues were against the inhabitants "of the earth" (vs. 13, 9:4, 20-21) and which demonstrates that they were world wide and not just localized against Jerusalem or the nation of Israel. The following chart again shows (NKJV) how the book is tied together in all of its scenes.

THOSE WITHOUT "THE SEAL OF GOD" HAVING "THE MARK OF THE BEAST"
Revelation 8:13 – Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound! Revelation 9:4 – They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Revelation 13:16-17 – And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 14:9-11 – Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

THOSE WITHOUT "THE SEAL OF GOD" HAVING "THE MARK OF THE BEAST"
Revelation 15:2 – And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. Revelation 16:2 – So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Revelation 19:20 – Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 20:4 – And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Nine THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 9:1-11 - Fifth Trumpet--Locust (Uneasiness, Worry, Uncertainly)
In this chapter we begin a study of the three woe trumpets. These will be more severe than the first four (corresponding to what was said in 8:13). The fifth angel sounded and John sees a star fall from heaven to the earth. The star becomes personified for he receives the key to open the bottomless pit. This star is probably not Satan as most commentaries state, but is the angel which has the "key" of the bottomless pit (see Rev. 20:1). The bottomless pit ("pit of the abyss" ASV) as seen from other verses is the abode of the devil (Rev. 17:8; 20:1-3).

When he opened the bottomless pit, a great smoke ascended from it and out of the smoke came forth locust and they were given power like that of scorpions. From the time of Moses locusts have been instruments of divine judgment (Ex. 10:3-6; Deut. 28:38-42; 1 Kings 8:37; Joel 2:1-11, 25). Here they are commanded to hurt only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. In the book of Revelation we have: Those who have the seal God on their foreheads (7:3-8). Those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (9:4). Those who have the mark of the beast (13:16-17, 14:9,11; 16:2; 19:20). Those who did not have the mark of the beast (15:2; 20:4).

Verse 5 shows that the locust did not have power to kill but only to torment five months. The "five months" (mentioned also in vs. 10) shows that the judgment was for a definite period of time and that it was not a complete judgment. Regarding verse 6, see Job 3:21; 7:15; Jer. 8:3 which are more examples of some wishing to die. These locust, therefore, represent forces which caused those who were not Christians to receive intense worry, uncertainty, and uneasiness. An example of this would be the threat of collapse of economy, a long line of corrupt rulers, and invasion of outside forces. These things do not affect the Christians, but to the ungodly, it brings torment. In this connection, see Psalm 46:1-3; Isa. 54:10.

Verses 7-10 give an eight-fold description of the locust. The "as it were" phrase indicates imitation, not genuine. Many of the expressions are similar to Joel's figurative description of locust which came in his day--see Joel 2:1-11, 25. They were shaped like horses prepared for battle (powerful); had crowns of gold on their heads (victorious); faces like men (humanistic); hair like women (beautiful); teeth like lions (devouring);

breastplates of iron (impregnable); wings that sounded like many chariots running to battle (forceful); and tails like scorpions (destructive). In verse 11, the Hebrew word "Abaddon" means "destruction" and the Greek word "Apollyon" means "destroyer." Again, this is not necessarily Satan, but is probably an angel so named. Please see 1 Cor. 10:10 where God is spoken of as the destroyer. Here it is not Satan's forces at work, but God's against the children of Satan.

Rev. 9:12-21 - Sixth Trumpet--Men Are Slain (War and Invasion from Other Lands)
The sixth angel sounded and John heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God. This is where the prayers of the saints had been presented (8:3-4) and their cry at this time was for the avenging of their blood (6:10-11; 18:20; 19:2). The voice tells the sixth angel to loose the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates. The time fixed by God for them to be loosed had come; thus, they will now do their destructive work. The number of the army of the horsemen was a great complete number. Notice the vivid description given concerning them. The horses had heads as of lions, and fire, smoke and brimstone proceeded out of their mouths. The horses also had power in their tails like serpents that could hurt men. By their three-fold power they killed a "third part" of men. For a vivid description of the war-horse, see Job 39:19-25.

Rev. 9:12-21 - Sixth Trumpet--Men Are Slain (War and Invasion from Other Lands)
The sixth trumpet or second woe, therefore, describes the unleashing of armies that bring destruction to a third part of those without the seal of God in the foreheads. These probably were the Parthians in the East--from the land of the Euphrates. As always, John's use of the term "Euphrates" is figurative and not literal. God's forces of vengeance against the persecutors (the theme of the book, 6:9-11; 7:13-17; 13:7-8; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4), where held in restraint at their border until a time determined by Him. The destruction of the enemies of God's people would shortly come to pass. The theme of the book is not "God's determined punishment on Israel" as some try to claim. If that is the theme of the book, where are the verses which indicate it?

THE REFUSAL TO REPENT We have before us now two of the major things which played a part in overthrowing the persecuting force: natural calamities and external invasion. God used these various means not only to avenge His people but also to bring the ungodly to repentance (vss ). These things help the Christians to see that their enemies will never triumph over Christianity. Still after these six "plagues" (a key word to the correct interpretation of the book--see 16:9; 18:8; 22:18), they refused to repent, but continued in their evil: idolatry, murders, sorcery, theft, fornication. This again aids in understanding which persecuting force the plagues were primarily against. The Roman nation at that time was idolatrous, but the Jewish nation was not. Since they would not repent, the only thing left for them is the heavier judgment of God. The trumpets do not refer to the end of the world as some think. No one will be given opportunity to repent when the Lord comes (2 Thess. 1:6-9).

The Book of Revelation Chapter Ten THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 10:1-7 - The Mighty Angel and the Seven Thunders
At this point we have an interlude between the sixth an seventh trumpets or the second and third woes as there was between the sixth and seventh seals. John sees another strong angel coming down out of heaven arrayed with a cloud. Notice the vivid description of this angel. He was clothed with a cloud and a rainbow was upon his head (clad with radiance and splendor) and his face was as it were the sun and his feet as pillars of fire (bright and glorious). He had "a little book open" in his hand (vs. 2), unlike the one in ch. 5. He sat his right foot upon the sea and his left foot on the earth (of immense size--indicating that his message was for all people of the world). This glorious vision indicates that it is one of importance.

The angel cried with a great voice (indicating an important message that should be heard) and seven thunders uttered their voices (this is the first time we are introduced to these). John was about to write, but was told to seal up the things the seven thunders uttered and do not write them. The seven thunders, therefore, represent the things in the far distant future that are sealed and unrevealed. God saw fit not to reveal any details about how He would be working in the many years that lie ahead. We understand that God is still working in the affairs of men; He still hears the prayers of the saints. However, it is not up to us to try to pin-point just how God is working through His providence today.

The mighty angel swore by the Creator (indicating an everlasting decree) that there should be time ("delay" ASV; NKJV) no longer. The souls under the altar had cried, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (6:10) Delay would be no longer! The angel added, "In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall began to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."

Thus, the seventh angel will finish or complete the mystery as declared to the prophets. The seventh trumpet (11:14-19) fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament, the last of which reached to the destruction of the Roman Empire (Dan. 2:36-45; 7:1-28). The things which occurred in those early years of Christianity (about 100 A.D. to 250 A.D.) as revealed in the book of Revelation are the important length which fills up the whole of God's revelation.

Rev. 10:8-11 - The Little Book in the Angel's Hand
John again hears the voice. It tells him to take the book which is open in the hand of the strong angel. The little book "open" suggests things revealed or known (not "sealed" as was the seven thunders). John went and told the angel to give him the little book. The angel told John to take it and eat it and his belly would be made bitter but it would be as sweet as honey in his mouth. It happened exactly as the angel instructed. The angel followed by saying to John "Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings."

It is easy to understand what took place, but hard to comprehend what the figure represents. What is the little book? What is the bitter and the sweet? The angel said that John would again prophesy. We have learned that the Old Testament prophecies would be fulfilled with the seventh angel. Thus, the little book no doubt represents the prophecies that John would yet utter (vs. 11) in the remainder of his book (chs ) which includes things nowhere else revealed, i.e., the loosing of Satan for a little season.

The sweet represents the pleasant reaction of John as he received the Word of God. The bitter represents the reaction of his preaching to his hearers--the sorrow and woe it would bring upon them. Jeremiah and Ezekiel had similar experiences. Ezekiel was shown a roll of a book and was told to take and eat it and when he did, it was sweet as honey in his mouth (Ezek. 2:8-3:3). Jeremiah said, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." (Jer. 15:16). Thus, when they received the Word of God it brought them much joy; however, as they later taught it among the people, it brought many bitter results (Compare Jer. 20:7-9).

The Book of Revelation Chapter Eleven THE REVELATIONS: Part One THE HORSEMEN THE TRUMPETS THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 11:1-2 - Measuring the Temple
In the interlude we are introduced first to the strong angel with the little book in his hand. Next, we witness the measuring of the temple. John is given a reed like a measuring rod and is told to measure the temple, altar, and worshipers. Remember, these are visions which John saw. It was not the literal temple that he was to measure, and it was not the literal city of Jerusalem that was to be trodden underfoot for a literal forty-two months.

There are only two visions mentioned in the Old Testament wherein something was measured. There was a complete measuring of the temple with all its holy ordinances in Ezek. 40: which was designed to cause the Israelites to make a separation between the holy and the common (see Ezek. 40:20; 43:10-11; 22:26). There was a measuring of Jerusalem in Zech. 2:1-5 (after the captivity, Zech. 1:1) and was designed to show that God would preserve and protect His suffering people.

Thus, the measuring of the temple in Rev. 11:1-2 was to separate and protect His people, and is parallel to the sealing of the 144,000 in chapter 7. They were sealed and measured for the same purpose. The temple (sanctuary) represents the spiritual temple, God's dwelling place or habitation among men (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; 1 Tim. 3:15). The temple is to be measured but the outside court was to be left out. The temple (Christians or the church) would receive divine recognition and protection, while the outer court (the wicked or the world) would not.

John added that "the holy city," later called, "the beloved city" in Rev. 20:9 (again, the church, Heb. 12:22; Gal. 4:26) would be trodden under foot by those outside the court. In other words, the Christians or the church would be trodden under foot or persecuted by the world, but not touched in their relation to God. THE HOLY, BELOVED CITY Revelation 11:2 – But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city under foot for forty two months. Revelation 20:9 – They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.

This period of persecution would last forty-two months--the same length of time for the event of 11:3; 12:6, 14, and 13:5. This is the same amount of time Daniel said the fourth kingdom (the Roman) would persecute the saints (Dan. 7:21-27). The literal city of Jerusalem would be "trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24) which meant that it would have its "end" (Luke 21:9; Matt. 24:6,14). John's "holy city," however, would be trampled under foot only for a limited time. The following shows that the events of 11:2,3; 12:6; 13:5,7 and Dan. 7:13-15 all referring to the same time period:

42 months - The holy city trodden – Rev. 11:2 1,260 days - The two witnesses prophesy – Rev. 11:3 1,260 days - The woman is fed in wilderness – Rev. 12:6 Time and times and half a time - 3 and ½ years - The beast would continue...was granted to make war with the saints and over come them – Rev. 13:5,7 Time and times and half a time - 3 and ½ years - The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom...the saints would be given into his hand – Dan. 7:23,25

Rev. 11:3-13 - The Two Witnesses
The third part of the interlude involves the two witnesses. "Two" symbolizes strength (Eccl. 4:9-12). The early missionary journeys were accompanied two by two. We see in these verses the symbol of the strength of the early apostles and prophets bearing witness of the gospel. This same testimony continued in the Word held and proclaimed by the saints. They gave a powerful witness for 1,260 days (again, the same time as in 11:2, 12:6, 14; Dan 7:21-26) clothed in sackcloth (a coarse sack fabric which was worn by ancient people in time of mourning); thus, they were prophesying through a time of affliction or persecution.

Verse 4 says, "These are the two olive tree, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.“ This explanation of the two witnesses seems to be drawn from the vision in Zechariah 4. The angel that talked with Zechariah asked him saying, "Do you not know what these (the two olive trees) are? (Zech. 4:13) The angel said, "These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth."

In the context of chapters 3 and 4 of Zechariah, Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor were God's anointed ones. It was through those offices that He was blessing Israel at that time. The "two witnesses" of Rev. 11 perhaps is referring to the apostles and prophets. The terms "they will prophesy" (vs. 3) and "their testimony" (vs. 7) no doubt refers to the testimony that was borne during the time of persecution (Rev. 6:9; 12:11,17; 19:10; 20:4). Here again is a chart which shows that many of the terms in the book tie all the scenes together. It will become more evident as we proceed, that this fact is important in helping to obtain the correct interpretation of the book.

THE TESTIMONY OR WITNESS OF JESUS Revelation 1:2 – Who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to all things that he saw. Revelation 1:9 – I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 6:9 – When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 11:7 – Now when they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:17 – And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 20:4 – And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Through their testimony, the two witnesses had great power and strength (vss. 3, 5, and 6). They had power to devour their enemies and to prevent rain (as did Elijah) and power to turn water into blood and afflict the earth with every plague (as did Moses). All of this showed that the restraining force of the civil authorities were not able to destroy the early work of witnessing and preaching the gospel.

However, the testimony must meet its opposing strength. The beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit (the beast, the instrument that Satan used to overcome the saints, is not here identified; it will be identified in ch. 13 as the Roman Empire; see also 17:8) shall make war against them, and shall overcome and kill them (see 13:7). Their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city (called "Babylon" and "the great whore" and will later be identified as the city of Rome, 14:8; 16:19; 17:5-6,18; 18:2, 10, 16, 18, 19, 21, 24; 19:2).

Sodom (ungodliness) and Egypt (bondage to sin) are the things that put the Savior to death. These opposing characteristics, the same ones that put Jesus to death, seem to overcome. (Note: If one makes the expression, "where also our Lord was crucified" literal, why doesn't he also make the "beast," "bottomless pit," "their dead bodies," and "they ascended to heaven" literal?)

In applying the scene to the Christians of that day, it seemed to them that Imperial Rome would be able to destroy Christianity. Indeed, the influence and spread of Christianity was stopped by the great persecution. Its believers had been slaughtered; its voice was silenced. Their dead bodies were a gazing-stock (not literally) as the wicked rejoiced over them.

However, Rome had not thought of the power of God. After three days and half (meaning a short time) the breath of life from God entered into them. The cause of Christianity will always eventually triumph. The church is restored to its power and influence. Great fear fell on the earth dwellers as the two witnesses came alive and went up to heaven. In that hour there was a great earthquake (symbolizes a judgment from God) and a tenth part of the city fell and seven thousand people died. Those who remained in the city were terrified and gave glory to God.

The witnessing or the preaching of the gospel had great force at first, but there soon arose a terrible persecution and many of the Christians were killed. The witnessing seemed to be stopped. However, the strong witness of God will eventually triumph though bitterly opposed.

The two witnesses being raised and taken into heaven indicates the revival of the gospel cause. John's vision compares with Isaiah's vision of the figurative resurrection of Israel from Babylonian exile (Isa. 26:13-19), and with Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezek. 37:1-14) in which the prophet described the resurrection of Israel from the grave of their captivity. Ezekiel's and John's visions contain several similar expressions, but Ezekiel's referred to the return of Israel from exile, and John's to the victory over the heathen persecutors. Also, remember that the kingdom was never to be destroyed, but was to be proven that it is an everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:21-27; Rev. 11:15). The purpose of John's words was to give comfort and encouragement to the suffering saints of his time as well as to suffering saints of any age.

Rev. 11:14-19 - The Seventh Trumpet
Remember that when the seventh angel sounded the mystery of God which was declared to the prophets would be finished (10:7). When the seventh angel sounded, there were great voices in heaven saying, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord, and his Christ." (Vs. 15). This is precisely as Daniel the prophet declared (Dan. 2:44-45; 7:21-27). Thus, the seventh trumpet or the third woe represents the last judgment against Rome which will finish the words spoken by the prophets, will bring victory for the saints, and will demonstrate that the kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.

The song of thanksgiving is sung by the twenty-four elders (probably the redeemed of both Testaments; see comments 4:4). They gave thanks to God because (1) "Thou hast taken to the thy great power, and hast reigned." He has demonstrated His reigning strength indicating that Christians have nothing to fear. (2) "Thy wrath is come" (see Rev. 16:19 for an example of His wrath against the great city). (3) "And the time of the dead, that they should be judged" (probably God's judgment against the spiritually dead rather than the final judgment--as in Dan. 7:26-27). (4) "Thou shouldest give reward" (probably here the reward of deliverance from persecution and avenging the blood of the righteous dead). (5) "And shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth" (the wicked at that time who were killing Christians). It is possible that the above is referring to the final judgment; however, it seems far better to give the book a consistent interpretation rather than repeatedly changing from John's day to the end of time. Each set of seals, trumpets, and bowls of wrath cover the same period of time. Each set concerns God's judgment against the wicked from beginning to end, and each set is more severe than the preceding one.

The opening of heaven to show the ark of the covenant shows that God keeps covenant with His people. Although the church is in a tremendous conflict with the world, and it appears that the church will loose, God will keep His covenant--the church will be victorious. Also, at the same time (as vs. 19b shows) God's judgment of impending doom and disaster is reserved for the wicked (see also Isa. 29:6). By way of summary, we have studied regarding the seven churches (chs. 1-3), the seven seals (chs. 4-7) the seven trumpets (chs. 8-11), and now, the seven figures (chs ).

In Summation: By way of summary, we have studied regarding:
The seven churches (chs. 1-3), the seven seals (chs. 4-7) the seven trumpets (chs. 8-11) Next we will study the seven figures (chs

The Book of Revelation Chapter Twelve THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 12:1-2 - First Figure - The Glorious Woman (The Faithful Remnant)
In this section we have an altogether different vision, but it deals with the same period of time that we have already studied. We do not step out of that era into another. We get a glimpse of the actual struggle at work between God and Satan. God uses His forces (Christ and His followers) and Satan uses his (evil governments and false religions). In chapters seven majestic figures or personages are involved in the intense conflict: (1) the woman, (2) the great dragon, (3) the man child, (4) Michael, (5) the sea beast, (6) the earth beast, and (7) the Lamb with the 144,000.

John says, "And there appeared a great wonder (footnote: "Or, sign"; chapters are highly symbolical) in heaven" (as seen from heaven's viewpoint). First, he sees a woman of glorious appearance. She was clothed with the sun (glorious and exalted) and had the moon under her feet (dominion). She had on her head a crown of twelve stars (victorious). Also, the radiant woman being with child "cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered" (vs. 2). This woman probably does not represent the Jewish nation or the virgin Mary, but the spiritual remnant through which the Messiah would come. This view is sustained by Micah who said, "Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies." (Micah 4:10).

The one brought forth by the daughter of Zion would "be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) Micah also added, "Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:3-4) This woman gloriously arrayed represents more than just the Patriarchical and Mosaical remnant. After bearing the man child she came to symbolize all of those "who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (vs. 17). Paul said, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom. 11:5).

Rev. 12:3-4 - Second Figure - The Great Red Dragon (Satan, 12:9; 20:2)
John sees another wonder in heaven--"a great red dragon." He is pictured as a dragon to demonstrate his monstrous nature. Notice his vivid description: he had ten horns (symbol of power) and seven crowned heads (dominion). The crowns ("diadems" ASV) were worn by royalty (hence, a symbol of authority). The dragon's tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. He was of immense size, power, and fury. Also, he stood before the woman to devour (to eat up greedily or ravenously, to seize upon and destroy) her child as soon as it was born. Thus, from the time in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15) to this point in the conflict, the dragon has stood ready to destroy the Seed when He would come. The dragon, of course, is Satan, the old serpent, the devil (vs. 9; 20:2).

Rev. 12:5-6 - Third Figure - The Man Child (Christ)
The man child no doubt represents Christ. He is the one who was to rule the nations with a "rod of iron" (Psalm 2:6-9; 110:1-7; Rev. 19:11-16). He was "caught up" to God not for protection but to establish His rule. (See 1 Pet. 3:22; Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23 Rev. 3:21). Dan. 7:13-14 says, "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." One short verse (Rev. 12:5) covers the entire time from Christ's birth to His crowning in heaven.

Rev. 12:5-6 - Third Figure - The Man Child (Christ)
The woman receives divine protection during the time of the dragon's persecution (vs. 6, 13-14). Five verses describe the same period of time--11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5. The faithful remnant (represented by the woman) would not be destroyed but would be protected and aided by God.

Rev. 12: Fourth Figure - Michael (The Archangel, Jude 9; The Prince of the People of Israel, Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1) John sees a war in heaven. He sees Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon and his angels. The great dragon and his angels are cast out (they are defeated). This represents the spiritual battle that was going on in John's day because verse 11 says that they (the saints who had been martyred) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. "The word of their testimony" is the same "testimony" or "witness" under consideration throughout the book (1:2,9; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11; 12:17; 19:10; 20:4). The expression, "They loved not their lives unto death" means that they were willing to give up their lives. They are the same "martyrs of Jesus" described throughout the book (2:13, 6:9-11; 7:13-17; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4). Thus, the martyred saints in John's day had a part in this victory over Satan

Rev. 12: Fourth Figure - Michael (The Archangel, Jude 9; The Prince of the People of Israel, Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1) In verse 10, when Satan was defeated, John said that he heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ: for (or "because") the accuser of our brethren is cast down..." This does not mean that the kingdom was established at a later date than the day of Pentecost (Jehovah's Witnesses' teaching on this verse), but those things (salvation, kingdom, etc.) were completely realized when Satan's forces were defeated. In other words, the victory at that time over Satan and his forces demonstrated that the kingdom was indeed an everlasting kingdom. This is the same as taught in 11:15 and the same principle as in 10:7 (completing the prophets), and precisely as Daniel had said in Dan. 7:21-27.

Rev. 12: Fourth Figure - Michael (The Archangel, Jude 9; The Prince of the People of Israel, Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1) Those above in heaven were to rejoice because Satan had been cast down, but those below on earth were to beware because Satan had but a short time before his forces would be completely defeated. The blood of the martyrs was quickly to be avenged but in the mean time Satan would try to hurt and kill as many Christians as he could. The "short time" of Satan and the "little season" of the martyrs are the same (see 6:11). In 20:1-3, Satan's short time ends which means that the martyrs' little season ended, and also that during the thousand years, Satan's extensive power to put Christians to death would be taken away.

Rev. 12:13-17 In verse 13 Satan persecuted the woman (he would destroy her if he could) but in verse 14 she is given divine protection. She was given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness and there be nourished during the time of persecution. The expression "bore you on eagles wings" was used in the O.T. as a symbol of divine aid (Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11-12). Again, the period of time given in verse 14 is the same as 11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5 and Dan. 7:25 ("time" one year, "times" two years, and "half a time" half a year -- 1,260 days, 42 months, or 3 ½ years). This represents an indefinite period of time through which the spiritual remnant would undergo persecution.

Rev. 12:13-17 The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a river after the woman. This stream that the devil cast out is probably a great line of falsehood against God's people (false charges, malicious reports, etc.) and the earth swallowed it. This helped the righteous instead of destroying them. As long as the faithful drink from the fountain of divine truth and the world from the river of Satan's lies, a separation between them will remain. It is only when Christians begin to compromise with Satan's falsehoods that tragedy results. The devil was furious with the woman when he saw that he failed to sweep her away with his flood and, thus, he turns to make war with the remnant ("rest" ASV) of her seed who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus.

Rev. 12:13-17 The dragon had been defeated in his effort to devour the man child who was caught up to God and His throne. He had failed to sweep away the woman when the earth swallowed up his river of lies. Made furious by these two defeats, he now turns to persecute the woman's other offspring (the New Testament remnant, the saints). These saints are assured victory in Christ. We, too, can have victory through Christ (Rom. 8:31-39).

The Book of Revelation Chapter Thirteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 13:1-10 - Fifth Figure - The Sea Beast (The Roman Empire)
In chapter thirteen we are introduced to two beasts. One came up out of the sea (vss. 1-10) and the other out of the earth (vss ). Notice the awesome description of the first. He has seven heads (symbolizing seven kings, 17:9-11). He has ten horns (ten kings of the ten provinces, 17:12-13) and ten crowns (not identified by John). Upon his heads are names of blasphemy which depicted the evil claims and assertions connected with emperor worship. He was liken unto a leopard with feet as a bear and a mouth as a lion. One of his heads had a deadly wound but it was healed. This is probably referring to the death of Nero, the first emperor who persecuted the church, whose policy of persecution was revived by Domitian. The world rendered homage to the dragon who had given his authority to the beast for to them this power seemed absolute and invincible.

In Daniel, chapters 2 and 7, the iron kingdom or the fourth great beast is the fourth ruling world empire. This kingdom would be in rule when the church would be established (Dan. 2:43-44). There are many similarities of the beasts of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13. Both came up out of the sea (evil world governments arising from society, Dan. 7:3; Rev. 13:1). Daniel's fourth beast was more fierce and terrible than the rest (Dan. 7:7); John's beast had characteristics that made up Daniel's three previous beasts (Rev. 13:2). Daniel's beast spoke words against the Most High (Dan. 7:8, 25); John's spoke blasphemies against God (Rev. 13:1, 5-6). Daniel's beast devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet (Dan. 7:7, 19), and the world thought that none was able to war against John's beast (Rev. 13:4).

Both had ten horns (Dan 7:20; Rev. 1:1) and made war with the saints and overcame them (Dan 7:21, 25; Rev. 13:7). Both had authority over the earth dwellers (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:8) for an indefinite period of time (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:5). Daniel also strongly emphasized that in spite of the efforts of the beast, the saints would possess the kingdom which would prove it to be an everlasting kingdom (Dan. 2:44; 7:18, 25-27). John likewise teaches the same (Rev. 11:15; 12:10).

There is no other such parallelism to John's vision found elsewhere in the Scriptures. Therefore, that the beast of Daniel 7 (the fourth world government from Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 7:23; also Dan. 2:36-45) and Revelation 13 are the same and they represent the Roman Empire. We have now positively identified the persecuting force in the book of Revelation. As we have shown repeatedly by various charts, all of the book is tied together as a unit. Thus, the whole of the book reveals the destruction the Roman Empire and the persecuting forces against the Righteous of God.

A WORLD WIDE DESTRUCTION OF THE PERSECUTORS "Inhabitants of the Earth"–"Those without the seal of God" Revelation 8:13 – And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" Revelation 9:4 – They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Revelation 11:10 – And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 11:18 – The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.

A WORLD WIDE DESTRUCTION OF THE PERSECUTORS "Inhabitants of the Earth"–"Those without the seal of God" Revelation 13:8 – And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:12 – And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. Revelation 13:14 – And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. Revelation 14:15-16 – And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. Revelation 14:18-19 – And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

A WORLD WIDE DESTRUCTION OF THE PERSECUTORS "Inhabitants of the Earth"–"Those without the seal of God" Revelation 16:2 – So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Revelation 17:2 – With whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Revelation 17:8 – The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Revelation 19:2 – For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.

The beast received its authority from the dragon (Satan, Rev. 12:9; 13:2). The devil is using the Roman Empire represented in the emperor to war against the saints. Satan and his forces will be defeated. The blood of the saints will be avenged, and their kingdom will be proven to be everlasting. This is the theme and purpose of the book. Concerning "the book of life" (vs. 8b), compare Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; Luke 10:20, and regarding "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (vs. 8c), see Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:20. It was not that Christ actually died before the foundation of the world or that individuals were chosen then (see ASV on vs. 8), but it was God's plan before He made the world that Christ should die and those in Christ be chosen.

Rev. 13: Sixth Figure - The Earth Beast (False Religion--Later Called the False Prophet, 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) John sees another beast coming up out of the earth. The next force that the devil uses is false religion which is paganism and emperor worship. False religion in that day was backed by the government. The beast out of the earth had two horns like unto a lamb (appearance harmless) and he spoke as a dragon (like the devil himself--his lies appear as the truth). What could appear more harmless than a religion? The devil in the same manner uses his religions to war against the saints today. The earth-beast exercised all the authority of the first and caused all the earth-dwellers to worship the first. In other words, this beast backed by the power of the government, insisted that all worship the state symbolized in the emperor

Rev. 13: Sixth Figure - The Earth Beast (False Religion--Later Called the False Prophet, 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) This was emphasized under Domitian, in whom the deadly wound was healed. Regarding the "deadly would healed" (vs. 12b) and "the wound by a sword, and did live" (vs. 14b), see 13:3. Those of the earth followed this beast as they did the first one (vss. 8, 14). They followed him because of the great wonders ("signs" ASV) which he performed. The true witnesses had power over fire by which to devour their enemies (11:5); thus, the false prophet imitates this power with pseudo-wonders and signs in order to deceive the world. Verse 14 establishes that these signs were not genuine but were deceptions. There is a lesson here for those of today who like to rely on their so-called miracles (see also 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Matt. 7:22-23).

Rev. 13: Sixth Figure - The Earth Beast (False Religion--Later Called the False Prophet, 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) The earth-beast causes the people to worship the first beast and to make an image to him (vss. 12, 14). He had power to give life (footnote: "Gr. breath") unto the image of the beast. Paganism which had control over it subjects caused people to worship the image. Also, he caused those who would not worship the image to be killed (he introduced martyrdom of the saints on a large scale). The power of death for those who refused to pay homage to the emperor rested in the religious hierarchy which in turn was backed by the power of the empire. Through the hierarchy Christians were put in the position where they had to either confess Christ or Caesar as Lord; therefore, choosing Christ meant choosing death.

Rev. 13: Sixth Figure - The Earth Beast (False Religion--Later Called the False Prophet, 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) Also, the beast sought to cause all (no exceptions--from the highest official to the lowest slave) to receive the mark of the beast (again, he imitates God's action, 7:3; 9:4; 14:1). As God's seal placed on the foreheads of the saints was not literal but figurative of his recognition of his own, so the mark of the beast is symbolic of those officially belonging to Satan. Later, those with the mark of the beast receive the wrath of God (14:9-10; 16:2; 19:20). Those who did not receive the mark of the beast were refused the privileges of buying and selling (vss ). This is a well-known fact in Roman history in the time of Domitian. Images were set up to make worship of the emperor easier and those who refused to worship the image were refused the privileges of buying and selling in the market places. Thus, those with the mark of the beast were those who yielded to the idolatrous edicts of the Roman emperor.

In Conclusion John shows in verse 17 that the mark of the beast (the first one), the name of the beast and the number of his name are all the same. In verse 18, he shows that the number of the beast (666) is the number of a man. In other words, he is identifying the first beast for us; it represents a man (the emperor of the Roman Empire). Thus, the forces of evil are engaged in battle with the forces of righteousness. The dragon, identified as the devil, uses the force of the Empire embodied in the emperor, and the forces of false religion, embodied in paganism and emperor worship. These appeared in that day as the conquering power over Christianity.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Fourteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 14:1-5 - Seventh Figure - The Lamb On Mount Zion (Christ)
John turns from the scene of the beasts to the Lamb (Christ, John 1:29; Rev. 5:6) standing on mount Zion. We receive comfort and assurance when we realize who will be victorious (compare Rev. 17:14). Mount Zion is used in the Scriptures of physical Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:6-7--where it is first mentioned), the church (Heb. 12:22-23), and here for heaven or divine headquarters.

The hundred and forty-four thousand are the perfect number of the redeemed with Him. They have a name written on their foreheads--the name of His Father (some ancient manuscripts have, "having his name, and the name of his Father," see ASV). The redeemed are singing a new song which only they could learn (a special song that the redeemed will sing; no others can take part in it). It sounded like many waters, great thunder, and harpers harping on their harps (indicates volume and rhyme). These are they which were not defiled with woman (morally pure and free from spiritual fornication--idolatry). They follow the Lamb wherever he goes (absolutely faithful to Him). These were purchased to be the first fruits (they were the first--indicates others will follow--all can be of that number, James 1:18). In their mouth was found no guile (see 1 Pet. 3:10) for they were without fault before the throne of God (see Jude 24).

These no doubt are the rest of those who were to come out of the great tribulation (6:9-11). They are "before the throne" as was the great multitude who had come out of the great tribulation (7:9, 13-17). The term "before the throne" is probably used figuratively of the place of comfort or paradise in Hades. These are those that live and reign with Christ (20:4). They were sealed with the Father's name in their foreheads (7:3; 14:1). They were the holy city that had been tread under foot (11:2). The beast had made war with them and overcame them (13:7). They are now safe with God and thus sing a new victory song. The scene of the seven figures ends with verse five rather than at the end of the chapter. The rest of the chapter (vss. 6-20) prepares for the coming bowls of wrath.

Rev. 14:6-13 - The Announcement of the Coming Judgment
John sees another angel (this introduces a new scene; the last one of this sort is in 20:1) flying in mid heaven who had eternal good tidings or eternal gospel of God's victory. These good tidings call them that dwell on the earth to worship and praise God for the hour of His judgment is come (compare Jer. 1:16; Mal. 3:5; Rev. 18:8-10). The time of avenging and punishment has come; the forces of the devil must fall. Another angel followed saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen..." This is the first mention of "Babylon" but we have already been introduced to "that great city."

The outcome of the battle is announced before the battle is fought (compare Isa. 46:10; 48:3). Babylon, that which was evil and repulsive to God's people, will fall. The fall of Babylon represents the fall of "that great city" (11:8,13; 14:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10,16,19,21; 19:2) the main one responsible for the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (17:5-6; 19:2). It had made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication (vs. 8) which means that it had caused the nations to commit spiritual fornication (see 17:2; 18:3,9) which along with her would cause them to drink of the God's wrath (see 14:10; 16:19).

THAT GREAT CITY Revelation 11:8 – And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Revelation 11:13 – In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand men were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 14:8 – And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Revelation 16:19 – Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Revelation 17:18 – And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 18:10 – Standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, "Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come." Revelation 18:16 – And saying, "Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!" Revelation 18:19 – And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, "Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate." Revelation 18:21 – Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore." Revelation 19:2 – For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.

Christians were not to give in to the force of Rome even if it caused their death. The third angel (the first is in vs. 6 and the second in vs. 8) declares that if anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark, he shall be under the wrath of God. This again shows that John is still dealing with that same age. The whole book is tied together in this fashion. The cruel persecution may be uplifted for a while when one submitted to the beast, but it is far better to endure.

The torment prepared for one who worships the beast is much more horrible and it is eternal. He will receive "the wrath of God ...without mixture" (nothing added; thus, wrath in full force) and "fire and brimstone ... forever and ever" (eternal punishment, eternal death). Concerning "the mark of his name" (vs. 11), see 13:17-18. The Christians realize these things (e.g., the wicked persecutors will fall; eternal fire awaits those who worship the beast) and have patience and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (vs. 12; similar to 13:10).

Those that die in the Lord have rest (vs. 13; Heb. 4:9-11), but those what worship the beast have no rest (vs. 11; Mark 9:43-48). To die in the Lord should be the goal of everyone on earth (see Num. 23:10b; Psalm 116:15). Regarding "their works do follow them," see 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Tim. 6:19.

Rev. 14:14-20 - The Time For The Judgment (Against the Wicked in John's Day) Has Come
John sees a white cloud with one sitting on it like unto the Son of man (Jesus, Rev. 1:13; Matt. 3:12; 13:36-43; Dan. 7:13). On His head is a golden crown (king and ruler) in His hand was a sharp sickle (the carrying out of divine judgment). God uses the victorious Christ to reap the earth. Another angel (the fourth) comes out of the temple (from the presence of God; where the throne is, 16:17) crying to Him who sat on the cloud, "thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap..." The earth was ready for harvesting; it was ready for the judgment. The harvesting was as good as done when the announcement was made (vs. 16). The Son of man has the power to carry it out (19:15).

This divine judgment is brought directly from God.
Rev. 14: The Time For The Judgment (Against the Wicked in John's Day) Has Come The next verses (17-20) add light to the scene as the earth is put in the winepress of the wrath of God. This divine judgment is brought directly from God. Another angel (the fifth) comes out from the temple ("Or, Sanctuary" footnote, ASV; from the same place as the one in vs. 15) having a sharp sickle and another (the sixth) comes out from the altar (where the prayers were offered, 6:9; 8:3-5) and tells the one with the sickle to gather the clusters of the vine for they are fully ripe. The grapes were cast in the winepress of God (compare Isa. 63:1-6; Lam. 1:15; Joel 3:11-16; Rev. 16:19; 19:11-21).

The city (vs. 20a) is probably the holy city or spiritual Jerusalem (see 11:2) and, thus, excluding it from the judgment. Ten furlongs are equal to one mile (Smith's Bible Dict., p. 813); thus, blood flowed for 160 miles and was even unto the horses' bridles (several feet deep). This tremendous amount of blood symbolized a thorough, complete judgment on the earth (the wicked of that time).

Therefore, verses reveal that God was about to bring an end to the Roman Empire and Roman paganism. This will be made even more evident in John's remaining words through chapter 19. The finality of the judgment against the beast and false prophet is described in the words, "cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (19:20), thus, destroyed, never to rise again. Bear in mind that though John's words had specific application, the principles still apply today. God yet rules in the kingdoms of men and will bring His judgments against all evil governments and wicked nations.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Fifteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 15:1-4 Another sign in introduced--seven angels having seven last plagues. These are the last judgments which God brought upon the wicked of that day. First, however, we have a brief interlude as the redeemed--those who came off victorious from the beast--sing praise to God. The sea of glass was introduced in the throne scene in 4:6. Those who had obtained victory over the beast (the martyrs) are before the throne of God (the same as in 7:9-17 and 14:1-5). The sea of glass "mingled with fire" perhaps symbolized the fire of God's judgment on the beast or the persecutions by which the saints were purified.

Rev. 15:1-4 Their having harps of God symbolized their praise and adoration to God. The victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. When Israel stood on the banks of the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh and all his army drowned, Moses sung a song of victory (Ex. 15). Likewise, the victorious saints when standing on the sea of glass sing a song of exaltation and praise to God for His works, justice, and holiness.

Rev. 15:1-4 Much of the language given in the praise is parallel to expressions found in the Psalms. (Compare Psalm 89:9; 111:2; 139:14; 145:17). Much comfort and joy was brought to the suffering saints on earth when they beheld this glorious and triumphant scene.

Rev. 15:5-8 After these things (after the interlude of praise) the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened (meaning God will now reveal His righteous works and keep His pledge of vindication) and the seven angels that had the seven plagues came out. They came out from the temple (where the throne is, 16:17) which means they came out from the presence of God. They were clothed in pure and white linen (some ancient manuscripts have "stone;" see ASV and its footnote) and having their breasts girded with golden girdles (such as was worn by the glorified Christ; see 1:13). Their appearance represents the fact that they are glorious messengers of God.

Rev. 15:5-8 One of the four living creatures (cherubims, 4:6-9) gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials ("bowls" ASV) full of the wrath of God. The bowls are of gold; they are used in the service of God. All of the instruments of the temple in the Old Testament were of pure gold. They are "full of the wrath of God" indicating God will not tolerate the wicked any longer; the time for their judgment has come. The temple was filled with the glory of God and no one was able to enter it until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed (vs. 8).

Rev. 15:5-8 This corresponds to the times when the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34-35) and the temple were completed (1 Kings 8:10-11). The fact that none were able to enter until the seven plagues were finished shows that the wrath of God was altogether full. There would be no room for intercession now. The bowls were ready to be emptied; the judgment has come. The word "plagues" (vss. 1, 6, 8) is a key word to the correct interpretation of the bowls of wrath of chapter 16.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Sixteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 16:1-2 - The First Bowl (Sickness)
We have been well prepared for these judgments, e.g., announcement of judgment (14:6-13), the time of judgment is come (14:14-20), the seven last plagues introduced (15:1-8). The angels are sent and the judgments of the wrath of God come upon the earth (on those who worship and serve the beast, vs. 2; on the persecutors, vs. 6). There are many similarities between these and the trumpet plagues (8:7-9; 11:15-19). Like the trumpets, they represent woes upon the wicked and, like the trumpets, a part of their symbolism is parallel with the Egyptian plagues.

Rev. 16:1-2 - The First Bowl (Sickness)
However, there is marked difference between the bowls and the trumpets. The trumpet judgments were calls to repentance (9:20-21); the bowl judgments are the final means of punishment to avenge the blood of the saints (16:5-7). The first was executed and it became a noisome and grievous sore on those that had the mark of the beast. It affected the physical nature of the wicked making them sick. It was not until the fifth trumpet that "men" were directly affected, but here in the bowls of wrath they are grievously smitten from the first. For some literal examples of God doing this, see Deut.28:27; Acts 12:23.

Rev. 16:3 - Second Bowl (Affliction in Their Society)
The second angel caused the sea to be changed into blood and every living creature of the sea died. In the seals if affects a fourth part (6:8), in the trumpets a third part (8:8-9) and here it affects all. This shows that the seals and trumpets are partial in their nature and served as warnings to the oppressors of God's people. In contrast, the bowls of wrath are complete and final. As in the Old Testament (Isa. 57:19-20; Zech. 10:11), the sea here probably represents restless human society which brought afflictions on God's people. This second plague, therefore, probably symbolized another great upheaval in society which brought bitterness of life and affliction to the wicked.

Rev. 16:4-7 - Third Bowl (Natural Calamity)
The third bowl of wrath affected the inland waters and they became blood. This happened literally in the Egyptian plagues (Ex. 7:17-21), but here it is figurative of grievous plagues on that society. An angel proclaims this to be a righteous judgment of God for they had poured out the blood of the saints and prophets. Those who had the mark of the beast (vs. 2; see also 9:4; 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4 – and those who shed the blood of the saints and prophets (vs. 6; also 2:13; 6:9-11; 7:13-14; 12:11; 16:6-7; 17:6 18:24; 19:2; 20:4 - are the same individuals and, thus, identifies the persecuting force as the Roman Empire.

Rev. 16:4-7 - Third Bowl (Natural Calamity)
The Roman Empire had caused the blood of the martyrs to be poured out and now, figuratively speaking, they must drink blood (they must reap the consequences of their evil and receive a just recompense of reward). One out of the altar (where the prayers were offered, 6:9-10; 8:3-4; 9:13) declared that God's judgments are true and righteous (vs. 7). He punishes the wicked in accordance with their sins. (See also Psalm 97:2-3; 89:14). Verses 5-7, along with 6:6-11; 7:13-14; 12:11; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2 (chart "The Martyrs of Jesus") are key verses in understanding the theme and purpose of the book of Revelation.

Rev. 16:8-9 - Fourth Bowl (Fire and Famine)
The next bowl was poured out upon the sun bringing fiery heat upon the wicked scorching them. This perhaps represents destruction by natural fire (see Ezek. 23:25, 47) or destruction by great famine and drought (see Deut. 28:22-24; Joel 1:14-20). The wicked did not repent when scorched with great heat; rather, they blasphemed God because of it. The word "blaspheme" means "to rail at or revile" (Vine), "to speak of or address with irreverence, to revile, to utter blasphemy" (Webster). Thus, even the scorching heat of God's wrath did not melt their obstinate hearts; instead, they added two other sins to their wicked lives. They blasphemed the name of God who had power over these plagues, and they had no change of mine or life to give God the glory due Him.

Rev. 16:10-11 - Fifth Bowl (Internal Decay)
The fifth poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast and his kingdom was darkened. When a great nation like the Roman Empire is about to fall, the wicked loose all courage in despair. A hopeless and darkened condition in political affairs and the threat of the complete collapse of government brought intense worry, despair, and pain to the wicked. They gnawed their tongues for pain and blasphemed God because of it and did not repent of their works. Again, instead of recognizing and acknowledging their own pride, stubbornness of heart, and rebellion against God as the cause of their condition, they blasphemed the God of heaven and refused to repent. We cannot be dogmatic as to what these calamities actually were, but we know they represent acts of God against the wicked in order that God's cause might be vindicated.

Rev. 16:12-16 - Sixth Bowl (External Invasions)
When the sixth is poured out, there is a picture of the preparation for war. Euphrates being dried up to make the way of the kings easy gives the picture of external invasions and wars (similar to the 6th trumpet, 9:13-21). Three unclean spirits like frogs came out of the mouth of the dragon (Satan, 12:3,9), the beast (evil government, 13:1-10), and the false prophet (false religion, 13:11-18).

These are spirits of devils working their falsehood and deception (false miracles, vs. 14; 13:13-14) to prepare the kings for the battle (vs. 14). These kings, different from the ones in vs. 12, are probably the kings of the provinces as in 17:12-14. This war is said to be the battle of the great day of God Almighty (vs. 14) in the place which is called in the Hebrew, Armageddon (vs. 16). Armageddon (also called "the valley of Jezreel") is the famous Hebrew battlefield. Barak and Deborah, Gideon, King Saul, and Josiah are some of those who fought there. (See Judges 5:19; 2 Kings 23:29-30).

Armageddon (also called "the valley of Jezreel")

Regarding the expression, "the great day" (vs. 14), see Joel 2:11; Zeph. 1:14. Armageddon, therefore, to the Hebrews is where the righteous and the wicked engaged in battle. At this great battle God will intervene and the enemies of the saints will be destroyed. It seems to be a far-fetched view to think that the battle of Armageddon will be a literal, universal war that will occur just before the second coming of Christ.

Verse 15 contains one of the seven beatitudes in Revelation (see also 1:3; 14:13; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). We should be ready, watching and waiting at all times because Jesus will come as a thief (not in the sense of unnoticed, but unexpected). Those who do not keep their garments, being unprepared, will stand naked before God. Concerning "coming as a thief" see Matt. 24:43-44; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3), and regarding "keepeth his garments" see Rev. 3:4; 19:8. Consequently, in the midst of the scene of the gathering army and decisive battle, verse 15 stands as a warning and exhortation to the saints not to be deceived or led astray by what is taking place.

Rev. 16:17-21 - Seventh Bowl (Severe Judgment)
The forces of evil cannot defeat the cause of righteousness. The seventh is poured out and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven from the throne saying, "It is done" (the series of plagues are now completed). Also, there were voices, thunders, lightnings, and great earthquake. In the seventh seal there were voices, thunders, lightnings and an earthquake (8:5) and in the seventh trumpet there were these same four, to which was added "and great hail" (11:19). The descriptions in verse 18 of the greatness of the earthquake and of the great hail (vs. 21) shows that this was a more intense judgment than before.

The great city (city of Rome, 11:8,13; 14:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10,16,19,21; 19:2 – see slides on "That Great City") was divided into three parts: (was broken up) and great Babylon came in remembrance before God (God remembered to punish her for her sins, 18:5; compare 1 Sam. 15:1-3) Babylon stood in the minds of God's people of the Old Testament as a world power against God and His people. The "Babylon" of God's people in John's day was Rome.

Concerning verse 20, a similar removal of islands was pictured in the sixth seal (6:14). Ezekiel likewise described the fall of Tyre by saying, "Now the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure." (Ezek. 26:18). Later, by the Holy Spirit John repeats Ezekiel's descriptions when he describes the fall of the great city (ch. 18). Great hailstones, "every one about the weight of a talent," (about a hundred pounds) were cast from heaven upon the wicked and they blasphemed God because of the plague.

God intervened in this way literally to help His people in the Old Testament (Joshua 10:11); however, in Revelation we understand it to be figurative of a great sweeping plague of destruction. (Also see Psalm 18:6-17). Once again, instead of repenting, the wicked blasphemed God because of the plague (see also vss. 9, 11). God's efforts to soften their hearts resulted in their complete hardening. This shows that John's vision was not one of the final judgment because in that day men will not have opportunity to repent or rebel.

The following chart shows that all the bowls of wrath were against the same individuals:
THE "BOWLS OF WRATH" AFFECT WHOM? First Bowl: Upon the men who had the mark of the beast. Third Bowl: For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets. Fourth Bowl: Because of these plagues they blasphemed God. Fifth Bowl: On the throne of the beast. Because of their pain and sores they blasphemed God. Sixth Bowl: The dragon (Satan, 12:9), the beast (Roman Empire, 13:1-10), and the false prophet (false religion that supported the Empire, 13:11-18) gathered the kings of the earth to the battle of that great day of God. The battle in the verses is against those of the beast and the false prophet. See also 17:12-14. Seventh Bowl: The great city, Babylon, was remembered before God to punish her. Because of the plague of hail, they blasphemed God. "Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and morning and famine." (18:8).

Thus, involved in the seven plagues are things which led to the downfall of Rome., e.g., natural calamity, internal decay, external invasion. The plagues were not designed to satisfy curiosity about the future. They were designed to set forth the ultimate triumph of righteousness over the evil forces which oppose it. This was the message to the Christians of Asia Minor. It assured them of the certain victory of Christianity over Rome.

Though Rome controlled the world, though it looked supreme and in-destructible, and though it appeared as if it would conquer and destroy Christianity, God brought it to its doom and it received its ultimate judgment. In a similar manner today, the book assures us of the certain victory of Christ's cause over the forces of Satan, and though Satan is using different forces today to war against the church (Catholicism, Denominationalism, Evolutionism, Humanism, Materialism, Apostate Church, etc.), the outcome will be the same.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Seventeen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 17:1-7 The following charts shows that "Babylon the great" can only be the city of Rome: She has made all nations (14:2), the inhabitants of the earth (17:2) drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. She receives God's wrath which is in keeping with the theme of the book--bringing vengeance or judgment on the persecutors (11:18; 14:5-6; 15:4; 16:5-7; 17:1; 18:8-10; 19:2). She sits on many waters (17:1), rules over many peoples (17:15,18). Jerusalem did not rule over many peoples when John wrote revelation. She had caused a world-wide corruption (14:2; 17:2; 18:3,9; 19:2). She had corrupted the "inhabitants of the earth"--the same ones who had the mark of the beast, the persecutors, on whom the plagues came (6:8; 8:13; 9:4; 13:8,12,14; 14:15-16, 18-19; 16:2,14; 17:2,8; 18:3,9,11,23; 19:2,19).

Rev. 17:1-7 She had committed fornication with the kings of the earth (17:2; 18:3,9) and had reigned over them. Jerusalem did not reign over the kings of the earth when John wrote Revelation. The kings of the earth where the ones making war with the Lamb when John wrote revelation (17:12-14; 19:19). They had already been call to the battle by Satan's forces, the beast (the Roman Empire 13:1-10) and the false prophet (false religion that supported the Empire 13:11-18) as shown in the sixth bowl (16:12-16). She was sitting on the beast (17:3) which means she was supported by the Empire. The kings of the earth gave their power and authority to the beast (17:13). They had committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her (18:8).

Rev. 17:1-7 She was drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus (17:6; 19:2). Again, this is in keeping with the purpose and theme of the book. To bring avengement to the martyrs of Jesus (Rev. 2:13; 6;9-11; 7:13-14; 12:11; 16;6-7 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4). These are the martyrs at the time when John wrote. There is no indication that Jerusalem ever martyred Christians on such a large scale. There is no indication that Jerusalem had such a great abundance of luxuries during the time of John (18:3-24). The mariners, those having to do with the sea, also bewail the city's fall. As shown in the book of Acts, connected with Rome and the Roman Empire was a great fleet of ships (some very large, Acts 27:37). Jerusalem at the time of John's writing did not have such.

Rev. 17:1-7 In chapter 17 one of the seven angels, more or less, says to John, "Come over to another stage and see in detail what you have just witnessed in the quick fall of the city in the seventh plague." Thus, in chapters we picture the final destruction of Rome which had already been foreshadowed in 6:12-17; 14:8; 16:19. There are many key verses in chapters which when applied to the previous chapters give the correct interpretation of the entire book. Here Rome is pictured as a great whore ("harlot" ASV; see 17:5-6; 19:2) that sits upon many waters (rules over many peoples, 17:15,18).

Rev. 17:1-7 The kings of the earth (rulers of the provinces, 17:12-18) had committed fornication with her and the earth-dwellers were made drunk with the wine of her fornication (see 14:8 and comments). The rulers of the provinces had purchased Rome's favors (pleasures and rewards) by promoting her objectives and yielding to her whims. Also, she had seduced the wicked of the earth with the strong drink of lust, pleasure, and power and they were intoxicated by it and likewise submitted to her idolatrous demands.

Rev. 17:1-7 One of the seven angels that had the seven bowls carried John away in the spirit into the wilderness that he might see the judgment (the judicial verdict of condemnation and punishment) of the great harlot. He sees a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast (this beast is the same one which emerged from the sea, 13:1-10) full of names of blasphemy (names that rail or revile against God) having seven heads and ten horns (see vss. 7,9,12,16, and 13:1). She was arrayed in purple and scarlet (color of royalty), and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls (symbol of luxury and splendor).

Rev. 17:1-7 Thus, the harlot (the city of Rome, 17:18), arrayed in splendor and royalty, was supported by the beast (the Roman Empire). She dressed as would a well-favored harlot to entice kings. By her dress (she thought she was a queen, 18:7), she covered up her true harlot's character and thereby deceived and seduced the kings and the inhabitants of the earth. She had in her hand a golden cup which was full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication ("full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication" ASV). These are the unclean things of her idolatry--the evils that had come out of her emperor worship and persecution.

Rev. 17:1-7 Upon her forehead a name was written, "Mystery" (once hidden, but now openly exposed), "Babylon the Great" (anti-divine; here it symbolized Rome; see also 14:8; 16:19; 17:18), "the Mother of the Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" (the main one responsible for idol and emperor worship, evil and persecutions). She is never called an adulteress for she was never the bride or wife of the Lamb; thus, she is not the apostate church of Rome. She was drunk (saturated) with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus--a key thought through the book, 2:13; 6:9-11; 7:13-14; 12:11; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4 – see charts "The Martyrs of Jesus". She delighted in putting the saints to death.

Rev. 17:1-7 As John looks on her, he is filled with wonder and amazement. However, the angel said unto him, "Wherefore didst thou wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath seven heads and ten horns." (vs. 7). Thus, some things in the book, e.g., concerning the beast, are a mystery (hidden) up to this point, but will now be revealed. Verses 8 through 18 are the angels' explanation of the mystery of the woman and the beast.

Rev. 17:8-18 The beast shall ascend out of the bottomless pit (from Satan's domain, 20:1-2) and go into perdition (into destruction, utter ruin). The beast as shown by the details in 17:3,7-18 (see also 19:19-20) is the same one in 13:1-10 and, thus, symbolizes the Roman Empire. The beast "was, and is not, and yet is" (also, "his deadly wound was healed," 13:3,12). The Empire had an appearance of going down after the rule of Nero, but was built up again to its full persecution power under Domitian. The heathen world wondered at the progress and history of the Empire. The Christians, however, knew that it was doomed. Names not written in the book of life "from the foundation of the world" simply means that God determined that a certain class or group would not have their names in the book of life and He decided this before He founded the world.

Rev. 17:8-18 The angel again reveals some things for the wise (vs. 9; 13:18). The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits and there are also seven (a full number) kings (vs. 10a). The seven kings formed the basis of the Empire. It is difficult to determine the exact names of the seven emperors represented here. Since John did not name them, it is best to take the number as symbolical representing the whole series of emperors. Their number would remain "seven" (often used as a complete number) no matter how long the actual list happened to be. John said that five of these kings had fallen, one ruled then, and another was going to rule a little while (vs. 10b).

Rev. 17:8-18 The point he emphasizes here is that the emperor line had only a short time to continue before the emergence of the eight who would be destroyed. He said that the beast that was, and is not (the one of vss. 7-8), even he is the eight (thus, the beast symbolizes a king or emperor) and is of the seven (embodied the seven; probably Domitian who through cruel persecutions, the whole of the emperor system found its completion in him). Also, He would go into perdition (God would soon destroy him and his Empire).

Rev. 17:8-18 The ten horns are ten kings who would receive authority as kings one hour (for a short time) with the beast (vs. 12). These were the rulers of the provinces--the ones who committed fornication with the harlot (14:8; 17:2;18; 18:3,9), and the ones who had already been called to the great battle (16:14). They shall war against the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them (see also 19:17-18), for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings (vs. 14), and they that are with Him are called (2 Thess. 2:14), chosen (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2), and faithful (Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:2). These are those saints that overcame with the Lamb (12:11; 14:4); they are already "with" Him and shall live and reign with Him (20:4). The ten kings have one mind to give their authority to the Roman Empire (vs. 13).

Rev. 17:8-18 They no doubt did this in order to receive benefits and rewards, but actually they hated Rome, and the time would come when they would play a part in her destruction (vs. 16). (Compare Ezek. 16:37-41). God had put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. God has often used men and nations to carry out His purpose (2 Chron. 20:23; Hab. 3:6; Ezek. 30:24-25). These kings would give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled (until the short time spoken by John was completed (17:10; 12:12; 6:11), and until that which was spoken by the Old Testament prophets was fulfilled (see 10:7). After that short time, God would fulfill His words of judgment against the harlot and the beast. Verses 15 and 18 identify the woman and the waters and aids much in the interpretation of the book (see charts "'Babylon the Great' Which city is it?").

The Book of Revelation Chapter Eighteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 18:1-8 Another angel which had great power ("authority" ASV) came down from heaven and the earth was illuminated with his glory (indicates his greatness and the importance of his message). He announces with strong voice, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..." As announced and foreshadowed in earlier visions (14:8; 16:19), the final destruction of Rome has now come.

Rev. 18:1-8 It is now become the habitation of devils ("demons" ASV; see 9:20; 16:14) and the hold (a place of guarding, a prison for detention) of every foul ("unclean" ASV) spirit, and a cage ("hold" ASV) of every unclean and hateful bird. Its overthrow was like that of ancient cities which became dwelling places for all types of doleful creatures (Isa. 13:19-22; 34:11-15).

Rev. 18:1-8 Concerning "the wine of wrath of her fornication" see 14:8; 17:2 and the comments on 14:8. The nations of the earth had followed her lascivious ways, yielded to her seductive practices, and had engaged in her "wrath" (in persecuting Christians). The kings of the earth had committed fornication with her (had made idolatrous political and economic alliances to purchase pleasures, power and prestige).

Rev. 18:1-8 The merchants (first mentioned here; their involvement is discussed in vss. 11, 15) had waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies ("wantonness" ASV; refers to her desire to heap up riches and luxuries). Thus, the angel explains the "fornication" more fully. It is seen all over the world today as men seek to gain pleasure, wealth, and power through unethical, immoral and unscrupulous means.

Rev. 18:1-8 The people of God were summoned to come out of her that they would have no fellowship with her sins and would not receive of her plagues. A complete separation from her sins was necessary to escape her plagues. Her sins had reached even unto heaven (see also Jonah 1:2) and God had remembered her iniquities (see also 16:19). God was going to render to her double (the phrase indicates a balancing of the scales); thus, the punishment was commensurate with the guilt.

Rev. 18:1-8 Verse 7a adds to the thought revealed in verse 6; the judgment was to be in accord with her sin. The word "deliciously" ("waxed wanton" ASV) again refers to her desire for pleasures, luxuries and riches. She had great pride even as the old Babylon (Isa. 47:7-9) and as ancient Tyre (Ezek. 28:2). Therefore (because of these things) in one day (very suddenly) shall here plagues come upon her for strong is the Lord God who judges her (the guarantee of her end rests on the power of God). The plagues mentioned in verse 8--death, mourning, famine, fire--shows the proper interpretation of the bowls of wrath of chapter 16.

Rev. 18:9-19 Nineveh, represented as a harlot, received its glory through conquest (Nahum 3:1-7). Tyre, a harlot, relied on its trade and commercial aspects (Isa. 23; Ezek ). Babylon, a mistress, was a city of pleasure and conquest (Isa. 13 and 14). However, the great city of Rome represented all of these evils for she was made up of all. Rome represents all that is lustful, seductive and enticing. Verses give a picture of how the destruction of the great city affected those on earth. Three groups stand by to bewail and lament her fall: kings (vss. 9-10), merchants (vss a), and mariners (vss. 17b-19).

Rev. 18:9-19 The kings of he earth (identified as the kings of the provinces, 17:2, 12-18; 18:3) who had enjoyed pleasures, luxuries and riches through whoring with the great harlot, bewail and lament her fall. Helplessly they stand afar off (because they fear her torment) and bewail the sudden destruction of the city. Like many of the world with selfish sorrow and tears, these kings are mourning because of their own loss.

Rev. 18:9-19 The merchants also weep and mourn because their opportunity to make riches is taken away. Verse 12 and 13 list 28 things of luxury in which they traded. "Thyine wood" according to Smith's Bible Dictionary was wood from a small cone bearing tree related to the pine valued for it beauty. The "souls of men" probably refers to "persons of men" as in Ezek. 27:13-14; e.g., mercenaries, horsemen, or special hired servants for particular services. In verse 14 all those things of extreme luxury would be found no more at all when God brought His plagues upon her. The merchants (as all rich men do) were weeping and wailing because their riches were quickly taken away. The things in verse 16 with which the great city was clothed are the same in which the harlot was arrayed (17:4); thus, again confirming the identity of the two. All three groups say, "Alas, alas," (meaning "Woe, woe;" an expression of bitter grief) bewailing the destruction of "that great city" (vss. 10, 16, 19).

Rev. 18:9-19 The mariners (those having to do with the sea; Rome had a great fleet of ships, some very large, Acts 27:37) also bewail her fall. They cast dust on their heads (a sign of great mourning, Joshua 7:6; 1 Sam. 4:12; Job 2:12) and weep and wail--again, because their riches are quickly lost. Like the others, their grief was through selfishness. They were grieving over their own loss and not because of the destruction of Rome. Trade and commerce in and of itself is not evil but good when used for the welfare of humanity. However, when used for selfish luxury and the gratifying of fleshly lusts, it becomes wicked and embodies sins of all kinds.

Rev. 18:20-24 The heaven, the holy apostles and prophets (some ancient manuscripts add, "and ye saints" are told to rejoice because God had avenged them on her ("for God hath judged your judgment on her" ASV). This is another of the key verses which shows the theme and purpose of the book. (See also 6:9-11; 16:6-7; 19:2). The great city shall be cast down as a millstone (literally, "millstone turned by an ass;" thus, a stone of great size used to grind grain; it is the same word used in Matt. 18:6) thrown into the sea and three types of sound would be heard no more at all in her: of music (22a), of business life or industry (22b), and of the home (23). The same kind of symbolism was used in reference to ancient Babylon's destruction (Jer. 51:63-64; 25:10).

Rev. 18:20-24 The sounds of amusement, business, and the home would no more be heard in her because: (1) "Thy merchants were great men of the earth" (also said of Tyre in her destruction, Isa. 23:8-9; here it has reference of Rome's quest for luxuries and riches; it was founded on these and her merchants became rich through them, 18:3). (2) "For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived" (this, too, was said of Tyre, Nah. 3:4; it has to do with her witchcraft by which she beguiled the people into wickedness and idolatry). (3) For her martyrdom of the saints and conquering of peoples (vs. 24). This is another key verse to the proper understanding of the book. It was the reason for her utter destruction (19:2).

Rev. 18:20-24 Compare these Old Testament passages with the following verses: vs. 2 …………. Isa. 21:9; 13:21; Jer. 50:35; 51:37 vs. 3 …………. Isa. 47:15 vss. 4-5 …….. Jer. 51:9 vs. 6 …………. Jer. 50:15, 29; 51:49 vs. 7 …………. Ezek. 28:2-8; Isa. 47:7-8; Zeph. 2:13-15 vs. 8a ……….. Jer. 50:13 vs. 8b ……….. Jer. 50:34 vss 9-10 ……. Ezek. 26:16-17 vss a … Ezek. 27:33-36 vss. 17b-19 … Ezek. 27:25-32 vs. 20 ………… Jer. 51:48 vs. 21 ………… Jer. 51:63-64 vss ….. Jer. 25:10 We see that the same language of chapter 18 was used against various cities of the Old Testament era and conclude that chapter 18 is speaking of God's doom and destruction upon the city of Rome.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Nineteen THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE WAR & VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 19:1-10 After these things John hears a great voice of many people in heaven saying, (1) "Alleluia." The word "Alleluia" (praise ye Jehovah) is found four times in this chapter (vss. 1,3,4,6)--the only passage in the New Testament where it is mentioned. (2) "Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God." (Compare 12:10). He alone is due all honor and praise because He saves His own and brings the wicked persecutors to destruction. (3) "For (or "because;" the reason for their praise) true and righteous are his judgments" (see Psalm 89:14; 97:2; they are genuine and just) and

Rev. 19:1-10 (4) "For (second reason) he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication." She corrupted the earth (brought moral decay upon the whole earth) by her deceptions and enticements. (5) "And (third reason) hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." The prayer of the souls under the altar has now been answered and their blood has been avenged--the theme and purpose of the book (2:13; 6:9-11; 7:13-14; 12:11; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4). (Compare Deut. 32:43). Her destruction is complete and final--the same punishment all the wicked receive (vs. 3; 14:11; 19:20).

Rev. 19:1-10 Verse 4 is the last mention of the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures (see 4:4-10; 5:5-8,11,14; 6:1-7; 7:11,13; 14:3; 15:7). The "throne" (vs. 5) is mentioned 38 times in Revelation and keeps before us the presence of God. Concerning the expression, "Praise our God, all ye his servants and ye that fear him, both small and great," see Psalm 134:1; 135:1. This is one of the many verses in the Bible which shows that men should fear God (see also Eccl. 12:13; Luke 1:50; 12:4-5; Acts 10:34-35; Col. 3:22; 1 Pet. 2:17). John heard as it were the voice of a great multitude (all the saved sing in unison) and as many waters (a great forceful sound such as a mighty waterfall) and as the voice of mighty thunderings (a great loud forceful sound) say, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." The word "omnipotent" means "almighty, all powerful" and occurs only here in the KJV, but the same word in the original Greek manuscripts occurs in 2 Cor. 6:18 and in eight other verses in Revelation (1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:15; 21:22) where it is translated, "Almighty."

Rev. 19:1-10 The marriage of the Lamb represents the church receiving heaven. The faithful of the church will make up the heavenly city, the bride, or the Lamb's wife (21:2, 9-10). The church's relationship to Christ now is that of a wife but in the same way Mary was betrothed to Joseph before they came together (Matt. 1:18). Paul said, "...I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (2 Cor. 11:2). Thus, the responsibility of the church now is to make herself ready. The faithful saints in John's day had thus prepared themselves.

Rev. 19:1-10 In sharp contrast to the attire of the harlot (gaudy, luxurious apparel of the world, intending to seduce by worldly splendor), the wife of the Lamb was to array herself in fine linen, clean and white ("bright and pure" ASV) which is the righteousness ("righteous acts" ASV) of the saints. Those who are called to the marriage supper (vs. 9) are the ones who accept the call of the gospel (Luke 14:15-24; Matt. 22:1-4, 9-10). Those who reject the gospel will never taste of that supper (Luke 14:24; Matt. 22:5-8) and those without a wedding garment (who did not make themselves ready by righteous acts) will be rejected (Matt. 22:11-14).

Rev. 19:1-10 Evidently John became so overwhelmed by the great voices and visions that he looses control and falls down to worship the angel that signified those things to him and told him to write them (see also 22:8-9). However, the angel (assuming it was an angel in vs. 10; we are not told here but we are in 22:8) said to John "See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." He should not worship him because (1) He is a fellow servant (Heb. 1:13-14); (2) God is the one to be worshiped (Matt. 4:10); (3) The whole spirit (life-principle) and design of prophecy is to give the witness and testimony of Jesus. In other words, it was to glorify Him and His work (John 16:14), not angels (Heb. 1:4) or anyone else.

Rev. 19:11-16 Next, we see a picture of the glorified Christ.
He is riding a white horse (a victorious warrior). He is called Faithful and True (3:7, 14) and in righteousness He doth judge and make war (Isa. 11:4). His eyes are as a flame of fire (1:14; 2:18; penetrating vision) and on His head are many crowns ("diadems" ASV; He is King over all realms). He has a name written that no one knew but Himself (He alone knows the full significance of Himself and His names). He is arrayed in a garment dipped ("sprinkled" ASV) with blood (compare Isa. 63:3) and His name is called, "The Word of God" (revealed only by John; see John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1).

Rev. 19:11-16 The armies which are in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. These are either angels (12:7) or saints (17:14)--probably the saints who are living and reigning with Him (20:4). These are those who war against evil with Him and are victorious with Him. Fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints (19:8). Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword (not the Word here, but the sword of righteous judgment--see vs. 21) that with it He should smite the nations and He shall rule them with the rod of iron (Psalm 2:7-12), and He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.

Rev. 19:11-16 We picture the winepress as one stomps the grapes with his feet, and so it is with Christ as He brings judgment upon the wicked. (Compare Isa. 63:1-6). Christ also had the names, "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" (see also 17:14) on His vesture and on His thigh. Thus, in summary, we have Christ presented in His fullness as Warrior, Witness, Judge, Conqueror, Savior, Creator, Ruler, King, and Lord.

Rev. 19:17-21 John sees an angel standing in the sun and with a loud voice calls the fouls that fly in the midst of heaven (here, carrion eating birds--buzzards, vultures, condors) to come and gather themselves together to the supper of the great God (e.g., flock to the battlefield where God had provided you much flesh to eat). This reveals that the battle was over; the judgment of God had been completed. The kings of verse 18 and 19 are the same ones of 16:13-14,16; 17:1-2, 12-18; 18:3,9 which again shows that the "great city" and the "beast" are the same persecuting force. With regard to verse 18, compare Ezek. 39:17-23. The verse shows that no class of men involved in the persecution of the saints would escape God's righteous judgment. Following are charts on the "Kings of the Earth" which again shows how the book is tied together in all of its scenes.

Rev. 19:17-21 KINGS OF THE EARTH
Revelation 16:13-14,16 – And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty...And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Revelation 17:1-2 – Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Revelation 17:12-14 – And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have– received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.

Rev. 19:17-21 Revelation 17:18 – And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. Revelation 18:3 – For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. Revelation 18:9 – And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning. Revelation 19:18-20 – That you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great. And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Rev. 19:17-21 The beast (the Roman Empire 13:1-10; persecuting world government) and the kings of the earth (the kings of he provinces) gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the throne (Christ) and against His army (probably saints, martyrs as in vs. 14), but He conquers them (17:14) and, thus, the beast was taken and with him the false prophet (the earth beast--false religion, paganism) that worked the miracles and deceived those (13:11-15) who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image (13:16-18; 14:9, 11; 16:2).

Rev. 19:17-21 Both of them were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (into the eternal place of punishment, 20:14-15; 21:8). Consequently, these enemies of Christ are eternally destroyed. Satan would never use these particular instruments to war against the saints again. In verse 19 the "remnant" (KJV) "rest" (ASV) were slain with the sword of Christ. These were the rest of the enemies of Christ in John's day who had not taken part in the evil government or the false religion, but did not have the seal of God in their foreheads (compare 7:3; 9:4). All the fouls were filled with their flesh (this completes the symbolism of verses 17-18); thus, all the enemies of Christ are defeated.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Twenty THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 20:1-6 This chapter mentions the "millennium" or the "thousand years" ("millennium" is the Greek word for "thousand"). It is mentioned 5 times in verses 2-6 and is mentioned nowhere else in Bible. It is the great proof text of the millennialist. We will endeavor to determine what these verses mean as well as what they do not mean. There is no need to force a change in time here (that is, to leave the period under consideration by John). False teachers want to bring in the second coming at verse 1; however, John is still dealing with the events which occurred in his day. He is speaking of individuals who lived during his time and not of some who live far out in the future.

Rev. 20:1-6 John said that he saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key (he had authority over it; probably the same angel as in 9:1, 11) of the bottomless pit (where the beast came from, 11:7; 17:8) and a great chain in his hand, and he bound Satan for a thousand years. The "thousand years" is not to be taken literally any more than are the "key," "bottomless pit," and "great chain." A literal chain cannot bind a spirit being. Like the other numbers in Revelation, the "thousand" has a symbolical meaning. The number suggests fullness and completeness (compare Deut. 7:9; 1 Chron. 16:15; Psalm 50:10; 90:5); hence, it is the full and complete number.

Rev. 20:1-6 In verse 3 Satan was cast into the bottomless pit, shut up and sealed, so that he could "deceive the nations" no more until the thousand years were fulfilled. The term "deceive the nations" is used often of Satan and his efforts in Revelation (12:9; 13:13-14; 18:23; 19:20; 20:3,8,10). He deceived the nations and among other things caused them to kill the saints.

Rev. 20:1-6 After Satan is loosed again for a short time (20:3, 7), he comes forth to deceive the nations again (20:8). It is certainly true that Christ bound Satan at His death (Luke 10:18; John 12:31-32; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2: when Christ provided remission of sins, Satan lost his power over man); however, here Satan was put down or bound when God brought an end to the Roman Empire (the meaning of Rom. 16:20). Thus, during the thousand year period Satan would not have control over the nations as he once had and, consequently, will not have power to cause the saints to be slaughtered as he once did.

Rev. 20:1-6 In verse 4 John showed that those who had died for their faith were living and reigning with Christ. It does not refer to some living and reigning far out in the future such as in the premillennial idea. Prophetic speculators are very good at leaping over the prophecy's immediate application and applying it far out in the future. John saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus (the martyrs of his day, 2:13; 6:6-9; 7:14-17; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2) and they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. John showed that it was the ones who "did not worship the beast...neither received his mark" etc., (again, those of John's day, 13:16-17; 14:9-10a; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20). Thus, these souls--the ones who had been martyred in John's day--were the ones living and reigning with Christ.

Rev. 20:1-6 Premillennialist have a marvelous time with verse 5.
They say it teaches that there will be two resurrections--one at the second coming in which the saints will be raised to reign with Christ, and a second after the thousand years wherein the wicked will be raised. This contradicts plain passages--John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15. Furthermore, it has another trump after the "last trump" (1 Cor. 15:52), days beyond the "last day" (John 6:44), and time beyond "the end" (1 Cor. 15:24). The Premillennialist misunderstanding of verse 5 resulted from their misunderstanding of verse 4. They have verse 4 out in the future and naturally would place verse 5 out in the future.

Rev. 20:1-6 However, the "rest" of verse 5 are the ones mentioned in 19:21. They represent those who were slain even though they had not taken part in the evil government or false religion. Thus, they were like the good moral man. Although they did not accept the beast or the false prophet, they could not partake in reigning with Christ because they did not have the seal of God in their foreheads. Good moral deeds are not enough; one must obey the gospel and become an active part of the New Testament church. Therefore, in verse 5 John is simply saying that these, the remnant or the rest of verse 21, did not live and reign with Christ through the thousand year period.

Rev. 20:1-6 The latter part of verse 5 goes better with verse 6.
The verses could have been divided that way. What is the first resurrection? It is when the faithful one dies and goes to be with Christ. On these the second death has no power.

Rev. 20:1-6 What is the second death?
John tells us plainly in 20:14-15 and 21:8. What is the second resurrection? It is when our bodies will be raised at the second coming of Christ. We must conclude, therefore, that any who have the seal of God (have obeyed the gospel) and have overcome (have been faithful until death) will have part in the first resurrection and will reign with Christ unto the end. (See also Rev. 7:14-17; Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8).

Rev. 20:1-6 The premillennial theory from verses 4-6 is as follows:
"At the second coming, Christ is coming back to the earth to reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem with all the saints for a thousand years.“ It is very strange that millennialist can see all of those things in a text which mentions none of them! Old time gospel preachers often put the premillennial theory on the black-board and then erased the things that are not found in the verses. For example, it says nothing about the second coming (they erased it).

Rev. 20:1-6 It says nothing about Christ coming back to the earth (no passage anywhere in the N.T. teaches it--they erased it). It says nothing about the throne of David (erased). It says nothing about Jerusalem (erased). It says nothing about all the saints reigning (only that souls reigned--erased). The only thing left is the thousand years and, thus, the millennialist's great proof text does not teach their doctrine at all. It does not touch on it nor give the slightest hint about it.

* SAINTS REIGNING ON EARTH ???
Saints Meet The Lord “At the Second Coming, Christ is coming back to earth to reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem with all His saints for a thousand years- Rev 20:4-6??? Pre-Millenialism Or Second Coming Revelation Rapture Church Age Kingdom Age * DAVID’S THRONE??? * CHRIST ON EARTH ??? * JERUSALEM ??? * SAINTS REIGNING ON EARTH ??? THE 1000 YEARS “Great Tribulation” “Battle of Armageddon” “Jews Return to Palestine

Rev. 20:7-10 In these verses we can’t determine the duration (the exact length no one knows, Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32) of the thousand year period. After the thousand years Satan is loosed for a short time (vss. 3 and 7). He makes war again and is immediately cast down into he lake of fire and then comes the judgment. The thousand years, therefore, precedes the second coming of Christ in which He will come to judge (2 Tim. 4:1; Matt. 25:31-32). It is not to begin at the second coming but will end at the second coming. Consequently, the reign of the saints for a thousand years began with the faithful martyrs of John's day and remains until the second coming of Christ.

Rev. 20: 7-10 When Satan is loosed just before the final judgment, he comes forth deceiving the nations as he had done before. DECEIVES THE NATIONS Revelation 12:9 – So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 13:13-14 – He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. Revelation 18:23 – And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore. And the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.

Rev. 20: 7-10 Revelation 19:20 – Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 20:3 – And he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:8 – And will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. Revelation 20:10 – And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Persecution of Christians
The First Persecution, Under Nero, A.D. 67 The Second Persecution, Under Domitian, A.D. 81 The Third Persecution, Under Trajan, A.D The Fourth Persecution, Under Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, A.D The Fifth Persecution, Commencing with Severus, A.D The Sixth Persecution, Under Maximus, A.D The Seventh Persecution, Under Decius, A.D The Eighth Persecution, Under Valerian, A.D The Ninth Persecution Under Aurelian, A.D The Tenth Persecution, Under Diocletian, A.D. 303

Rev. 20:7-10 Satan makes a world-wide gathering of an innumerable host, Gog and Magog, to war with the saints. Ezekiel's Gog (a chief prince) and Magog (the land over which Gog ruled) represented a wicked nation who were the enemies of God's people (chs. 38 and 39). As has been often shown, many terms and figures in Revelation have their symbolism in the Old Testament. Thus, John prophesies that toward the end of this time there will be a great host gathered and led by Satan, and he and his allies will make one last furious effort to destroy the church.

Rev. 20:7-10 This means that persecutions and martyrdom will be revived (or will be more intense than in John's day) in that last great conflict. However, as Satan and his allies compassed the camp of the saints, and the beloved city (the church; see 11:2 and comments)--as they are about to completely destroy it--fire comes down out of heaven and devours them. This represents the second coming (2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Pet. 3:7-10) for the scenes that follow are the judgment (Rev. 20:10-15) and the final states (chs. 21 and 22).

Rev. 20:7-10 The devil that deceived the nations is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone; thus, his deception is forever ended. He is "tormented" (in anguish and pain) "for ever and ever" (eternally; the length of the torment and the duration of God's existence are the same, 4:9) in the place prepared for him and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

Rev. 20:11-15 John now sees a vision of the final judgment--the next thing which occurs immediately after the second coming of Christ (see also 2 Tim. 4:1; Matt. 25:31-33). John sees the great white throne and Him who sat on it, and from His face heaven and earth vanished (Heb. 1:10-12). All the dead both small and great stood before God to be judged.

Rev. 20:11-15 The books were opened:
(The books of the Bible, Rom. 2:16; James 2:12; John 12:48) and another book was opened (the book of life, Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8) and the dead were judged out of those things written in the books according to their works (2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:13-14). All the dead will be judged by the Scriptures in accord with their works.

Rev. 20:11-15 The sea (probably refers to the bodies buried in the sea) gave up the dead that were in it, and death (the separation of soul and body, James 2:26; here it probably refers to the bodies buried in the earth) and hell ("hades," the place of disembodied spirits, Luke 16:22-26) gave up the dead that were in them (the spirits came out of hades to be judged).

The Teachings of The Scriptures – Inspired by God
The Second Coming Of Christ UNDER THE NEW LAW – DOCTINE of CHRIST Heaven Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Great Gulf John 5:28-29 – all the dead raised Acts 24:15 – Only one Resurrection John 6:44 – Raised in the Last day 1 Cor. 15:52-53 – Bodies Changed Matt. 25:31-46 – Judgment will occur 2 Tim. 4:1 – Judged at His Coming Jude – Judgment on all Rev. 20:12 – All Stand before His Throne Pentecost A.D. 33 Hell

THE WORD of GOD ON WHAT HAPPENS AT THE SECOND COMING of CHRIST
World Of Light Physical D E A T H Heb. 9:27 On Earth – James 1:14-15 Born Innocent Man Is Tempted Man Drawn Away Lust Conceived Brings Forth SIN DEATH (Both Physical And Spiritual) Eccl. 12:7 Psalm 90:10 Gen. 35:18-19 and 1 Kings 17:21-22 James 2:26 Add To Your Faith 2 Peter 1:5-11 Added To The CHURCH OR THE WATERS of BAPTISM THE CHANGE From Mortal To Immortal 1 Cor. 15:52-53 CONFESS REPENT BELIEVE HEAR World Of Darkness

HADES – The Unseen World
Those on Earth 2nd In Order The second coming marks the end of all things on this earth. 2 Pet. 3:10 Christ will bring the spirits of the righteous dead with him. 1 Thess. 4:13-14 Paul continues -- 1 Thess. 4:15-16. (vs. 16; 1 Cor. 15:22- 23). SE C O N D C O M I N G HADES – The Unseen World 1st In Order OF C HRI S T SAINTS IN PARADISE The bodies of the wicked will be raised. Acts 24:15 resurrection of BOTH the just and the unjust. Wicked will receive the resurrection of dam-nation. John 5: Thess 1:7-9 - Wicked who are alive on this earth when the Lord comes THE GREAT GULF UNRIGHTEOUS & DISOBEDIENT TORMENT Luke 16:19-31 Those on Earth 2nd In Order

PENDING WRATH of GOD JUDGMENT FINAL THE GREAT SEPARATION HELL HEAVEN
Matt. 25:34,46; John 5:29; John 14:2; 1 Cor. 15:52-53; 2 Cor. 5:1; Col. 3:4; Heb. 11:10; 1 Pet. 1:4; Pet. 1:11; 3:13. JUDGMENT FINAL Rev. 20:11-15 ETERNAL THE GREAT SEPARATION Matt. 5:22; 13:43,50; 22:13; 25:30,41,46; Mark 9:45; 16:16; 2 Thess. 2:12; John 5:29; 2 Thess. 1:9. HELL

The Second Coming Of Christ
The Resurrection The Final Judgment A.D. 33 Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Heaven Great Gulf In the LAST AGE NOW – 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb 9:26-28 In the KINGDOM NOW – Col. 1:13-14; Heb 12:28; Rev. 1:9 New birth puts one in the Kingdom – John 3:5 Conversion puts one in the Kingdom – Matt. 18:3 Lord’s Supper eaten in the Kingdom – Luke 22:29-30 Christ Is REIGNING NOW – Matt. 28:18; 1 Peter 3:22 Was to be given the Throne of David – Luke 1:31-33 Was raised to Sit on David’s Throne – Acts 2:30 ; Eph. 1:20-23 Would be PRIEST while on His Throne – Zech. 6:13; Heb. 8:1-5 Hell

Rev. 20:11-15 In other words, all the dead with both body and spirit came forth and stood (vs. 12: Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10) before the throne to be judged (also see John 5:28-29). Death (physical death; the last enemy to be destroyed, 1 Cor. 15:26) and hades (the temporary place of spirits) were cast into the lake of fire (destroyed; they would no longer be needed; they would no longer have their control over man). The casting into the lake of fire is the second death (see also 21:8). At the judgment all those not found in the book of life (vs. 15) and all the wicked (21:8) will be cast into the lake of fire.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Twenty One THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 21:1-4 The wicked are cast into the lake of fire but the righteous receive their glorious state. John sees a new heaven and new earth, which is the new and glorious state of the righteous (compare 2 Pet. 3:10-13). The present earth on which we now live will pass away. Peter says it is stored up for fire (2 Pet. 3:7, 10). Isaiah's new heaven and new earthy looked unto the New Testament order (Isa. 65:17-25), but Peter's and John's new heaven and new earth looks unto the new order which follows the Christian age. In verse two John uses many terms which refer to heaven: "the holy city" (22:14, 19) "new Jerusalem" (3:13) "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (the glorious state of the church, 21:9-11). This is that city which was looked for by the godly men of old, "which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Heb. 11:10, 13-16).

Rev. 21:1-4 The saints in this new order will be in fellowship with God (vs. 3). The verse emphasizes that God will actually be present with them (see also 21:22; 22:3). Under the Old covenant God met with His people in the tabernacle. In the eternal home the entire city is the tabernacle (dwelling place) of God.

Rev. 21:1-4 His presence remains with His people forever.
God will be their protection and comfort (vs. 4). This verse emphasizes that there will be no sorrowful things there: "not tears, "no death" (see Luke 20:34-36), "no sorrow," "no crying," "no pain" (no sicknesses of any kind) for all those things of this world will be completely taken away.

Rev. 21:5-9 He who sat upon the throne (God the Father, 4:2, 9) said "Behold, I make all things new." The first things (the things of this world now) will pass away and all things will be new. He said to John, "Write: for these words are true and faithful" (they are sure and dependable, right an trustworthy, certain and reliable). He said, "It is done" (it is as good as accomplished); "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (denotes His eternal existence; used here of the Father as shown by the context; also used of Jesus, 1:17; 2:8; 22:13).

Rev. 21:5-9 Also, He said, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely" (see Matt. 5:6; John 4:13-14; Rev. 22:17). He added, "he that overcometh shall inherit all things" (see Matt. 25:34; 1 Pet. 1:4), and "I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (see 1 John 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1). In contrast, the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The second death is the eternal separation from God (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48). Thus, in contrast to the saints' heavenly inheritance, the wicked suffer the second death in eternal torment.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Verses 9 through 22:5 give a beautiful description of heaven. It is not a description of the church on earth now (as some claim), but a description of the church in its glorious state in heaven. One of the angels which had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues (15:1) said to John, "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." This is the that great city, the church in its glorious state in heaven (21:2, 10). The angel carried John away in the spirit (thus, it will not be this way literally, but it is a vision describing it in physical terms; it will be like this) to a great and high mountain, and showed him that great city (21:2; 22:14, 19), the holy Jerusalem (3:12; 21:2) descending out of heaven from God (this was the one that John saw after the first heaven and earth passed away, 21:1-4).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Verses 11 though 21 describe the exterior make up of the city (looking at it from the outside); verses 22-22:5 describe the interior of the city. Verse 11 shows the glory of the city; the glory of God and the Lord was the light thereof (21:23; 22:3-5). The city is made glorious by the glory of God which fills it. Verse 12 suggest the absolute and perfect security of the city (as cities in ancient times were fortified by great high walls).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 It had twelve gates, three on each side (vs , 21, 25) and an angel at each gate (divine guardians or ministering spirits). The gates had the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel written on them. Thus, the righteous of the Old Testament will have part in it. Twelve foundations implies durableness (it has a strong foundation). The names of the twelve apostles written thereon suggests that the saved of the New Testament will have part in it. This corresponds to the 24 elders (4:4) who stand for the redeemed of both Testaments represented by the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles. Thus, the redeemed of the Old and New Covenants are united in the heavenly city (see also Heb. 9:15; 11:40).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 In verse 15 the angel had a reed (normally a plant stem similar to bamboo but grows in water as bull-rushes, but here a golden one) to measure the city, the gates and the wall (he will give measurements, descriptions of it). Verses 16 and 17 suggests the enormity of the city (it is of huge, immense size). The city lies foursquare (is as a cube) and is 12,000 furlongs (one furlong equals 660 feet; thus, it was 1,500 miles wide, high, and long. The wall was 144 cubits (one cubit was approximately 18 inches; thus, the walls were about 216 feet thick). This suggests safety and protection. John said that these measurements were "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel" (vs. 17b). In other words, they were no different from that of man and within human understanding though given by an angel. The angel had used man's standards of measurement, but it was to be symbolically applied.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Verses 18 and 19 suggest the value of the city (of great wealth and richness). W.E. Vine says of "Jasper," "A Phoenician word, which seems to have denoted a translucent stone of various colors, especially that of fire, Rev. 4:3; 21:11,18,19." (p. 273). The city was of pure gold (e.g., its street, vs. 21) but gold unfamiliar to us for it was like unto clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished (decorated, adorned, ornamented) with all manner of precious stones. There are many uncertainties regarding the identities and colors of the precious stones of verses 20 and 21, but that which they typify is not lost--the exquisite beauty of the holy city.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 In verse 21 John resumes his discussion of the gates (vs. 12) describing each as made of one huge, massive pearl. The street (all streets from each gate evidently are joined together to make up one street) of the city was pure gold and, again, unlike any known to us for it was like transparent glass. It transcends the beauty of any metal known to man. In all these things God seeks to impress upon us the splendor of being a part of that glorious city. As mentioned above, verses 22-22:5 describe the interior of the city. There is no temple in the city for the entire city is the house of worship.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 The tabernacle of God is with men (21:3).
The promise of 3:12 is now completely fulfilled. The celestial city has no need of the sun or moon for God and Christ are the light thereof. It is illuminated by the brightness of the glory of God (21:11); there is not night there (21:25; 22:5). There is only one eternal day, for God and the Lamb are its light. The nations ("peoples," 21:3; the saved out of all nations) shall walk in the light of it (shall share in God's glory) and the kings (those that reign for ever and ever, 22:5) bring their glory into it.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 The gates of the city shall not be shut at night (as in ancient times for fear of invasion) because there shall be no night there. They shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. All the glory and honor sought or achieved by the redeemed shall be brought into it; all the true good out of the nations (Christians) shall be brought into it. All the glory and honor that exists will be inside the holy city; all dishonor and shame shall be outside.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 There shall in no wise (an emphatic negative; "shall by no means" NKJV) enter into it anything that defiles (Greek, "common" and means "unclean, filthy, or corrupt"), or works abomination (doing things that are detestable, loathed or hated), or makes a lie (telling lies, being dishonest, believing or practicing false doctrine) shall enter the city, but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life (see Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 22:19).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 In verses 22:1-5, John describes the provisions provided in the city. Three basic things are necessary for sustaining life on earth, water, food, health. This scene symbolizes the provisions for all of these. Jesus promised the water of life (John 4:14) and there we will have it in fullness. The pure river of water of life is that which sustains that new life. The latter part of verse one emphasizes that eternal life comes from God and Christ, the fountainhead of all life. The tree of life was forfeited and lost in the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:9; 3:22-24), but will be regained in that holy city (see Rev. 2:7). Notice that the idea is not just one single tree for it was on either side of the river.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 It is used collectively (as was "street" vs. 12) to represent all the trees that lined the river. The tree of life bears twelve manner of fruits ("twelve crops of fruit" ASV footnote) and bears each month. This emphasizes that the needs of the saved will be completely and absolutely provided there. They will have constant and perfect abundance. The leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations (for the healing of the nations of them which are saved, see 21:24a). Again, another beautiful expression showing that all needs will be completely and perfectly provided there (see also 21:4).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Concerning the phrase, "There shall be no more curse," see Gen. 3:16-19. The throne of God and of the Lamb are together (Jesus sat down with His Father in His throne, 3:21) and it shall be thus in the heavenly city. His servants shall serve Him there (vs. 3); thus, the saints will serve God in heaven. It won't be like their service here for they have physical weaknesses and handicaps here, but there they shall serve Him with a perfect service for all weaknesses will be removed.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 No man has seen God at any time (John 1:18), but in the holy city they shall see Him even as He is (see 1 John 3:2). The inhabitants of the city are identified as "the saved" (21:24), "those written in the Lamb's book of life" (21:27), "his servants" (22:3), "those with his name in their foreheads' (22:4). The phrase "name in their foreheads" was mentioned repeatedly throughout the book (7:3: 9:4; 13:16; 14:1,9; 17:5; 20:4) and was a contrast of Christians (those sealed bearing the name of God) with the earth-dwellers who followed this evil world (those of Satan bearing the mark of the beast).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Regarding verse 22:5a, see 21:11, 23, 25.
There is no night in the celestial city; there is one eternal day, for God and the Lamb are its light. The redeemed shall reign "for ever and ever" (one of the terms used for eternity; literally, "to the age of the ages"). Those who had part in the first resurrection reigned for a thousand years (20:6), but in that great city they reign forever and ever. The term shows conclusively that verses 21:1-22:5 refer to the church in its eternal glory and not to the church in this present age. Verse 5 completes the description of the holy city. Consider the following summation of the celestial city:

Rev. 21:9-22:5 (HEAVEN) The light of it is the glory of God and the Lamb, 21:11,23,25; 22:5. It has a great high wall, 21:12, It has twelve gates on which are written the names of the twelve tribes, 21:12-13, 21, The wall has twelve foundations on which are written the names of the twelve apostles, 21:14, The city was made like a cube and it measured twelve thousand furlongs (1,500 miles), 21:16. The walls measure 144 cubits (approximately 216 feet thick) and were made of jasper, 21:17-18. The city was pure gold (e.g., its street) as transparent glass, 21:18, 21.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 (HEAVEN) There is no temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, 21:22. Glory and honor are brought into it, 21:14, 26. There shall be nothing unclean in it, 21:27. The holy city has a pure river of water of life, 22:1. It has the tree of life, 22:2. In the city is the throne of God and the Lamb, 22:1, 3. The inhabitants of the city are those who are saved, His servants, those who are written in the Lamb's book of life, and those who have His name in their foreheads, 21:24, 27; 22:3-4. They shall see His face and reign forever and ever, 22:4-5.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 Therefore, we have a beautiful figurative description of God's redeemed dwelling with Him in eternal bliss. It is a glorious picture of a spacious, perfect, durable, valuable, beautiful, marvelous city where the saints will dwell with God and the Lamb forever. The following charts show that 21:1-22:5 cannot be referring to the church that is now on this earth.

Rev. 21:9-22:5 (NOT THE CHURCH THAT NOW IS)
To picture heaven fits the sequence of the book. Verse 4 – Uses future terms for a better world where the painful experiences of this world will not be. Verse 5 – "He who overcomes" - He who gains the ultimate victory will have these things (see 2:7, 11, 17, 26-27; 3:5, 12, 21-22). The word "overcome" is used in Revelation in the sense of the ultimate victory, even as Christ "overcame" (3:21). Verse 8 – A contrast is made: eternal torment versus eternal life. Verses – The righteous of the O.T. have part in it. They were not in the church. Some of the details are not compatible with the church; ex. "twelve gates" (vs. 21), "shall be no night there" (22:4).

Rev. 21:9-22:5 (NOT THE CHURCH THAT NOW IS)
Verse 22:2 – The "tree of life" (that by which man could live forever, Gen. 3:22-24) is in it. It is not in the church. Verse 3 – "There shall be no more curse" All men and women are still under the curse; i.e., "In pain you shall bring forth children," "Cursed is the ground for your sake" (Gen. 3:16-19). Verse 4 – "They shall see His face" (See 1 John 3:1-3). We see Him only through the eye of faith now, but there faith will be reality. Verse 5 – "They shall reign forever and ever" (lit. "to the age of the ages"). We are not reigning eternally now. Thus, the verses cannot apply to the church. In verses 3-5, John used the word "shall" several times which declares by the inspiration of God that these things are yet future.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Twenty Two THE REVELATIONS: Part Two THE VICTORY THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

Rev. 22:6 - 9 We now have the epilogue (the conclusion and the closing of the book). He (refers back to one of the angels which had the seven bowls, 21:9) said unto John, "These sayings are faithful and true" (dependable and sure, reliable and certain, trustworthy and right). He said that the Lord God (equivalent to the term "Jehovah God") of the holy prophets ("of the spirits of the prophets" ASV; He endued the prophets with His Spirit to proclaim His message, Deut. 18:18; 2 Pet. 1:21; Acts 1:16; 1 Pet. 1:11) sent His angel to show the things which must shortly be done ("shortly come to pass" ASV). The term "must shortly be done" and its equivalents is used four times in Revelation (1:1, 3; 22:6, 10) and reveals that God would soon bring the plagues against the wicked to avenge the blood of the saints.

Rev. 22:6 - 9 To interpret the book so as to embrace the unfolding of events through centuries to follow, is to make the term meaningless. The expression, "Behold, I come quickly" in view of its immediate context probably refers to His aid to the saints then (see also 3:9-11), but verses 12 and 20 most likely refer to His second coming (see also Heb. 10:36-37; James 5:7-9; 1 Pet. 4:7). The sixth beatitude (seven in all in Rev.) announces a blessing on the one who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book. This repeats the principle set forth in the first beatitude (1:3) and emphasizes the importance of obedience to the commands in Revelation. The same importance is attached to all the Word of God (see James 1:25; Heb. 5:8-9).

Rev. 22:6 - 9 The apostle John now adds his own personal testimony.
These are the things which he saw and heard (they are his true record, his eye-witness testimony, not hearsay or fictions stories). (Compare John 19:35; 21:24; 1 John 1:1-4). Again, evidently John was carried away and fell down before the angel which showed him these things (see also 19:10). He may not have done this twice, but only repeated again what he once did. The angel rebukes him because: He is a fellow servant of John's, of the prophets, and of them who keep the sayings of John's Revelation (see Heb. 1:13-14). God is the one who is to be worshiped (Matt. 4:10); all adoration, praise, and devotion belong to Him.

Rev. 22:10-15 The angel said to John, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book (do not close or hide these things to the readers) for the time is at hand" (the time for God's avengement is immediately near). He who is unjust ("unrighteous" ASV), let him be unjust still, and he who is filthy, let him be filthy still (vs. 11). In other words, let him alone (Matt. 15:14; 7:6; Hos. 4:17) because the last warning has been given. The only thing left for them is receiving their wages and just recompense of reward. The Lord is coming quickly to render to each one according as his work is (Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:25). The thought of the Lord coming quickly is similar to: "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8), "The end of all things is at hand" (1 Pet. 4:7) and "For yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb. 10:37). The time is short when compared to eternity.

Rev. 22:10-15 The terms "alpha and "Omega" are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and correspond to our "A" and "Z." It, along with the other phrases, denotes Christ's eternity or everlasting existence. It identifies Him with absolute Deity. (Compare Heb. 1:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; John 17:5). Entering the city, where one is entitled to partake of the tree of life, is accomplished by doing God's commandments (vs. 14).

Rev. 22:10-15 Some ancient manuscripts have, "Blessed are they that wash their robes" in the place of "Blessed are they that do his commandments.“ Both are synonymous and necessary to obtain the eternal blessing. Outside the city are those who do not keep His commandments. They will not be given the right to enter into that marvelous city. Notice how they are described in verse 15; those who do not keep His commandments fall into these categories.

Rev. 22:16-21 Jesus, the off spring of David (Matt. 22:42-45; Isa. 11:1,10; Rom. 1:3-4; 15:12), the bright and morning star (a reference to Venus, the forerunner of light, harbinger of day, beautiful and brilliant--see 2 Pet. 1:19) has sent His angel to testify these things to the churches. The Spirit (through the gospel) and the bride (the church) say, "Come." Let him who hears (the individuals) say, "Come." The invitation is extended to all how will accept its terms, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Sinners have always been invited to come (Isa. 55:1-3; Matt. 11:28-30). It is appropriate and praiseworthy that in the last words of the holy Scriptures is the invitation of salvation.

Rev. 22:16-21 If anyone adds to the prophecies of this book, God will add to him the plagues written in it; e.g., famine, morning, and death (18:8) and the lake of fire (19:20; 21:8). If anyone takes from it, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things written in the book. This warning was given to reveal what will happen if one adds to or subtracts from the book of Revelation. However, this is a general principle that applies to any book of the Bible (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Prov. 30:5-6; Gal. 1:6-9). One can be guilty of adding to the Word not only by rewriting or changing it, but also by teaching something as if it came from the Word when it did not.

Rev. 22:16-21 Jesus who testified these things says He will come quickly. This perhaps could refer to His aid to the saints then (1:3; 3:11; 22:7,10), but most likely refers to His second coming (see vs. 12 and comments). John's answer, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" suggests submission and desire. We should strongly desire His help (Heb. 4:16) and with all submission patiently wait for it (Rev. 13:10; 14:12) and, likewise, we should desire His coming (2 Cor. 5:2-3) and submissively wait for it (Matt. 24:42-47; 2 Pet. 3:10-12). The final benediction is: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all." No greater blessing could be wished or granted to the faithful. "Amen." So be it!

In Conclusion The book of Revelation was designed to give encouragement and hope to the suffering and dying saints of John's day. They were assured of a glorious victory in the midst of bitter and cruel persecution. Their enemies were destined to destruction. The blood of the righteous dead would shortly be vindicated. If they would keep the faith unto the end, they would live and reign with Christ and inherit eternal bliss. Similarly, through John's words we share with them the strength, power and help to overcome. We are assured of victory through the conflicts of life, and are moved toward greater faithfulness as we view that marvelous, heavenly city prepared for us by God and the Lamb.

Bibliography Introducing the Book at the End of the Bible, Ferrell Jenkins Revelation – “Victory in Christ”, Robert Harkrider The Seven Churches of Asia, James M Tolle – Tolle Publications, Box 13 Fullerton CA 1968 Thayer’s Grrek English Lexicon of the New Testament, Joseph H Thayer – Baker Book House Grand Rapids Michigan 15th Printing – 1987 Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine edited by FF Bruce, Fleming H Revell Company Old Tappan, New Jersey 1981 Studies in the book of Revelation, Ferrell Jenkins Hastings Dictionary of the Bible, edited by James Hastings, DD Hendrickson Publishers Peabody Massachusetts, 1989 Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol 2 Edited by Walter A Elwell, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids Michigan 1989 Revelation – An introduction and Commentary, Homer Hailey, Baker Book House Grand Rapids Michigan 1987 The Anti Nicene Fathers – Vol 1, 2, 3, 4 Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language, Lexicon Publications inc, NY 1988 Eusebius Ecclesiastical History, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids Michigan 1991 Worthy is the Lamb, Ray Summers Broadman Press Nashville Tn 1951 Notes taken from Melvin Curry at Florida College – 1987 Hendrikson, An Interpretation of the Revelation William Barclay, Revelation . Vol 1 The Book of Revelation, Foy E Wallace Studying the Book of Revelation – Bible Class Notes from David J Riggs The Interpretation of St John’s Revelation R C H Lenski; Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis Minnesota 1943 & 1963 Barnes Notes on the New Testament, Albert Barnes Vol 14; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids Michigan reprint of the edition Revelation a Message from Patmos, Weldon Warnock Notes on Revelation, Jimmy Tuten (Originally from Donald Townsley as it appeared in the Gospel Guardian Vol Commentary on revelation, Merrill C Tenney

THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

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THE THREE “C’s” OF REVELATION – Rev 2:10 CONFLICT COMFORT CONQUEST

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