1. PROJECT 4:4 REVELATION THE END OF THE BEGINNING

2. INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION The name of the book (which is singular) comes from the Latin word “revelare” which means “to draw a cover off of” The name of the book (which is singular) comes from the Latin word “revelare” which means “to draw a cover off of” The Roman Catholic Bible names the book “Apocalypse”, which is taken from a Greek term which is a compound word that means “a revealing” The Roman Catholic Bible names the book “Apocalypse”, which is taken from a Greek term which is a compound word that means “a revealing” Hence, the very name of the book carries the idea that some matters are going to be made known or “revealed” Hence, the very name of the book carries the idea that some matters are going to be made known or “revealed” Chapter 1:1--The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John Chapter 1:1--The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John

3. Four Principle Theories of Interpretation PRETERIST PRETERIST (from a Latin word meaning “past”). This interpretation carries the idea that everything addressed in the book happened in the first century, and that nothing of the following 1900 years is addressed.

4. Four Principle Theories of Interpretation HISTORICAL HISTORICAL (from an English word meaning “history”). According to this way of interpreting the book, Revelation covers the era from the beginning of the church until the end of time. Most advocates of this view see the vast majority of the scenes of Revelation taking place in the first century and again at the end of time, with only limited scenes of anything in between.

5. Four Principle Theories of Interpretation A variant of this view is the RECAPITULATION THEORY, which give a more balanced spread of the scenes across history—not necessarily continuous history, but cyclical. This view gives special significance to some of the symbols used in the book. A variant of this view is the RECAPITULATION THEORY, which give a more balanced spread of the scenes across history—not necessarily continuous history, but cyclical. This view gives special significance to some of the symbols used in the book.

6. Four Principle Theories of Interpretation FUTURIST FUTURIST According to this view, virtually all the events of the book are yet to occur. Great significance is given to the number seven, starting with the letters to seven churches, symbolizing seven periods of church life that will happen in the seven years immediately prior to Christ’s return.

7. Four Principle Theories of Interpretation SPIRITUALISTIC SPIRITUALISTIC According to this interpretation, everything is the book is symbolic, describing the final victory of God over all His foes. Hence, the book is portraying principles, not history. It represents the unfolding of ideas, not events.

8. A Suggestion For How To Read The Book It might be easier to read and to understand if one approached it as though they were watching a movie. More emphasis should be given to the action, or movement, taking place than to the actual symbols themselves. This would help one to see the “direction” of events God is revealing. If we can conclude that the book is a picture of the ultimate victory of God over evil, then seeing this movement will help us appreciate the battles which must be fought along the way. It might be easier to read and to understand if one approached it as though they were watching a movie. More emphasis should be given to the action, or movement, taking place than to the actual symbols themselves. This would help one to see the “direction” of events God is revealing. If we can conclude that the book is a picture of the ultimate victory of God over evil, then seeing this movement will help us appreciate the battles which must be fought along the way. Note Revelation 6:9 with 20:4 Note Revelation 6:9 with 20:4

9. Revelation Scene by Scene Chapters 1 – 3 Chapters 1 – 3 Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Chapters 4 – 5 Chapters 4 – 5 Scene of Worship Scene of Worship Chapters 6 – 11 Chapters 6 – 11 Opening of Seven Seals of the Little Book Opening of Seven Seals of the Little Book Chapters 12 – 14 Chapters 12 – 14 A Life and Death Struggle of a Woman, a Child, a Dragon, and Two Beasts A Life and Death Struggle of a Woman, a Child, a Dragon, and Two Beasts Chapters 15 – 16 Chapters 15 – 16 Seven Plagues Seven Plagues Chapters 17 – 19 Chapters 17 – 19 The Fall of Babylon The Fall of Babylon Chapters 20 – 22 Chapters 20 – 22 Victory and What It Means Victory and What It Means

10. Authorship Revelation has almost universally be attributed to the apostle John. Few serious scholars question his authorship. He inserts his name into the book in 1:1,4,9; 22:8. Revelation has almost universally be attributed to the apostle John. Few serious scholars question his authorship. He inserts his name into the book in 1:1,4,9; 22:8. John was evidently exiled to Patmos during the tenure of Domitian (81-96 A.D.) Domitian’s successor, Nerva (who was Caesar for less than one year) permitted John’s release and return to Ephesus in 96 A. D. Apparently John lived in Ephesus for almost two years, dying of natural causes (old age) in 98 A. D., during the reign of Trajan. John was evidently exiled to Patmos during the tenure of Domitian (81-96 A.D.) Domitian’s successor, Nerva (who was Caesar for less than one year) permitted John’s release and return to Ephesus in 96 A. D. Apparently John lived in Ephesus for almost two years, dying of natural causes (old age) in 98 A. D., during the reign of Trajan.

11. Subject or Purpose Two key verses: Two key verses: Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John” Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John” Revelation 22:6 “And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.” Revelation 22:6 “And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.” Since these are matters which must soon take place, whatever the purpose of the book, it must be something that will meet a need present in that day. Since these are matters which must soon take place, whatever the purpose of the book, it must be something that will meet a need present in that day. Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. “ Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. “ Obviously John is urging the reading of this letter to the seven churches of Asia. The thought that the “time is near” places a sense of urgency in getting this message out. Obviously John is urging the reading of this letter to the seven churches of Asia. The thought that the “time is near” places a sense of urgency in getting this message out.

12. An Overview of the Book It is made up of four series of seven “revelations” with a break between number six and seven in the last three. It is made up of four series of seven “revelations” with a break between number six and seven in the last three. 1.)Seven Churches and the letters they received 2.)Seven Seals 3.)Seven Trumpets 4.)Seven bowls of wrath It ends with a powerful scene of victory of the lamb over all evil It ends with a powerful scene of victory of the lamb over all evil

13. The Pattern (1.)The first six seals (chapter 6) (2.)The interlude (chapter 6) (3.)The seventh seal (chapter 8:1) (1.)The first six trumpets (8:2 – 9:21) (2.)The interlude (10:1 – 11:14) (3.)The seventh trumpet (11:15 – 18) (1.)The first six bowls of wrath (15:1 – 16:12) (2.)The interlude (16:13 – 16) (3.)The seventh bowl of wrath (16:17 – 21)

14. Keys to Understanding Revelation Rome and the First Century: Rome and the First Century: For many years, Rome had expanded it borders by great military might and numerous impressive victories. At the time of the birth of Christ, Rome ruled the world, a position it held for more than six centuries. As it expanded its borders, it encapsulated many diverse nations. Rome allowed its tributaries much latitude as far as being self governing (at least, to a degree), but did exact heavy tolls through oppressive taxation. Because of its approach to those it captured, differing nations and civilizations were able to maintain their own nationalistic identity. That created its problem for Roman rulers. These conquered nations never fell in love with Rome, and Rome struggled to maintain their loyality. For many years, Rome had expanded it borders by great military might and numerous impressive victories. At the time of the birth of Christ, Rome ruled the world, a position it held for more than six centuries. As it expanded its borders, it encapsulated many diverse nations. Rome allowed its tributaries much latitude as far as being self governing (at least, to a degree), but did exact heavy tolls through oppressive taxation. Because of its approach to those it captured, differing nations and civilizations were able to maintain their own nationalistic identity. That created its problem for Roman rulers. These conquered nations never fell in love with Rome, and Rome struggled to maintain their loyality.

15. Caesar Worship One of the chief ways Rome sought to bring the various nations together was through religion. They built the Pantheon to house all the major gods of the conquered nations, along with their gods. Over time they began to elevate fallen Caesars to the level of deity, giving them a place with the gods of all the nations. While this was not taken seriously in the early days of the empire, by the end of the first century emperor cult worship had become obligatory on all peoples. One of the chief ways Rome sought to bring the various nations together was through religion. They built the Pantheon to house all the major gods of the conquered nations, along with their gods. Over time they began to elevate fallen Caesars to the level of deity, giving them a place with the gods of all the nations. While this was not taken seriously in the early days of the empire, by the end of the first century emperor cult worship had become obligatory on all peoples.

16. Emperor Nero Nero was a madman. He began a persecution of Christians in and around Rome in the last year of his emperorship (68 A. D.) This was the first known “official state” persecution of the church. Recognized for his insanity, this persecution did not last long (thank goodness!!). Yet after it ended, Christians still did not receive the level of acceptance they had prior to Nero. Nero was a madman. He began a persecution of Christians in and around Rome in the last year of his emperorship (68 A. D.) This was the first known “official state” persecution of the church. Recognized for his insanity, this persecution did not last long (thank goodness!!). Yet after it ended, Christians still did not receive the level of acceptance they had prior to Nero.

17. Emperor Domitian It was Domitian who pressed the “divine empirical rights of the Caesars,” naming himself dominus et deus (Latin for “Lord and God”), demanding that all subject of the entire kingdom worship him. He sold this to the senate on the grounds that if one worshipped him, he/she would be loyal to the empire. Conversely, one who did not worship him was considered to be guilty of treason, bringing on himself the penalty of death. It was Domitian who pressed the “divine empirical rights of the Caesars,” naming himself dominus et deus (Latin for “Lord and God”), demanding that all subject of the entire kingdom worship him. He sold this to the senate on the grounds that if one worshipped him, he/she would be loyal to the empire. Conversely, one who did not worship him was considered to be guilty of treason, bringing on himself the penalty of death. Not hard to see the conflict this will create with Christians, is it? Not hard to see the conflict this will create with Christians, is it? (Oddly, Jews were exempted from this decree, due to their long recognized monotheism, but Christians were held accountable to it.) (Oddly, Jews were exempted from this decree, due to their long recognized monotheism, but Christians were held accountable to it.)

18. Persecution Rome seems to have turned all its fury onto Christians, subjecting them to economic sanctions, personal ridicule, arrest, torture, and death. It was a hard time to profess faith in Christ! Many who began this faith journey were strongly tempted to give it up. Hence, there was a compelling need for encouragement to those called upon to suffer for their faith. Rome seems to have turned all its fury onto Christians, subjecting them to economic sanctions, personal ridicule, arrest, torture, and death. It was a hard time to profess faith in Christ! Many who began this faith journey were strongly tempted to give it up. Hence, there was a compelling need for encouragement to those called upon to suffer for their faith.

19. Apocalyptic Literature If already under intense scrutiny, to write a “straight up” message would be self defeating. Truth, and encouragement, needed to be communicated, but needed to be given in a way that would not further jeopardize its recipients. Hence, the Spirit chose to use a style of writing known at the time to communicate this message. If already under intense scrutiny, to write a “straight up” message would be self defeating. Truth, and encouragement, needed to be communicated, but needed to be given in a way that would not further jeopardize its recipients. Hence, the Spirit chose to use a style of writing known at the time to communicate this message. Apocalyptic literature, unique to the Hebrews, surfaced some three hundred years before the Revelation. It was designed to portray God as being in control and bringing about His ultimate purpose through men. Apocalyptic literature, unique to the Hebrews, surfaced some three hundred years before the Revelation. It was designed to portray God as being in control and bringing about His ultimate purpose through men.

20. Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature It portrays dark times in history. It portrays dark times in history. It personifies good and evil It personifies good and evil It prophecies the outcome of its struggle It prophecies the outcome of its struggle It delivers its message through visions It delivers its message through visions It employs common symbols (used through apocalyptic literature) It employs common symbols (used through apocalyptic literature) It masks it author (Revelation differs here from other apocalyptic writings) It masks it author (Revelation differs here from other apocalyptic writings) It typically presents its message as “sealed” to present day readers but for future generations to discover (another difference—Revelation 22:10) It typically presents its message as “sealed” to present day readers but for future generations to discover (another difference—Revelation 22:10)

21. Common Symbols Numbers: Numbers: 2=something strong 3=the divine number 4=the earth/world 6=imperfection7=perfection10=completeness 12=organized religion Colors: Colors:white=purityred=bloodblack=death

22. Final Thoughts We don’t need to shy away from a study of Revelation. So many have found it “too difficult” to understand, and hence have not spent much time reading it. Remember what chapter 1 and verse 3 says!! We don’t need to shy away from a study of Revelation. So many have found it “too difficult” to understand, and hence have not spent much time reading it. Remember what chapter 1 and verse 3 says!! Studying the book can help us avoid the pitfalls of fanciful prophecies and theories. A basis understand alone will help us see that the mention of a bear (13:2) does not equate to Russia, nor does a dragon (12:3) mean modern day China. Studying the book can help us avoid the pitfalls of fanciful prophecies and theories. A basis understand alone will help us see that the mention of a bear (13:2) does not equate to Russia, nor does a dragon (12:3) mean modern day China.

23. Final Thoughts (cont) Speculative theories that are drawn entirely from Revelation are universally untrue! To separate this book from its historical context would allow one to prove ANYTHING! Speculative theories that are drawn entirely from Revelation are universally untrue! To separate this book from its historical context would allow one to prove ANYTHING! The fact that we might not be able to understand the entire book does not mean we cannot understand any of the book. It does not even mean we cannot get the primary meaning from it! The fact that we might not be able to understand the entire book does not mean we cannot understand any of the book. It does not even mean we cannot get the primary meaning from it!

24. Final Thoughts (cont) This book give great hope to all who are struggling with evil. God will be victorious over Satan, and all who stand with Him will be saved. This book give great hope to all who are struggling with evil. God will be victorious over Satan, and all who stand with Him will be saved.