Introduction to Revelation

Introductory Matters Date written: 95 AD, thus the last book of the NT canon. Date written: 95 AD, thus the last book of the NT canon. Genre: Epistolary (beginning and ending) and Prophetic. Genre: Epistolary (beginning and ending) and Prophetic. Author: The Apostle John, from the Isle of Patmos. Author: The Apostle John, from the Isle of Patmos. Part of Jesus inner circle of disciples. Part of Jesus inner circle of disciples. Writer of a gospel and three epistles. Writer of a gospel and three epistles. Apostolic overseer of the churches in Asia Minor. Apostolic overseer of the churches in Asia Minor.

Ephesus: Christian Center of the Roman Empire

Seven Churches of Revelation

Different Interpretive Approaches to the Book Preterist – This view maintains that the book describes first century conditions in the Roman Empire. Christ’s “coming with the clouds” in chap. 1 is not a literal coming to earth, but a judgment that came upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Preterist – This view maintains that the book describes first century conditions in the Roman Empire. Christ’s “coming with the clouds” in chap. 1 is not a literal coming to earth, but a judgment that came upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Continuous-historical – This view treats the book as a panorama of church history from John’s time until the Second Advent, finding correspondences between the 7 churches and various epochs in church history. Continuous-historical – This view treats the book as a panorama of church history from John’s time until the Second Advent, finding correspondences between the 7 churches and various epochs in church history. Idealist – This view maintains that Revelation depicts the eternal conflict between good and evil in every age, and that the details should not be pressed. Idealist – This view maintains that Revelation depicts the eternal conflict between good and evil in every age, and that the details should not be pressed. Futurist – This is the best approach if one is committed to a literal hermeneutic. It views the book as focusing on the last periods of world history, culminating with the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Futurist – This is the best approach if one is committed to a literal hermeneutic. It views the book as focusing on the last periods of world history, culminating with the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Major Themes in Revelation The Return and Glory of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) The Return and Glory of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) The Old Testament The Old Testament Of the 404 verses in Revelation, 278 make some allusion to the Old Testament. Books drawn upon include Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Psalms. Of the 404 verses in Revelation, 278 make some allusion to the Old Testament. Books drawn upon include Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Psalms. The Wrath of God The Wrath of God The Future Work of God The Future Work of God Judgment Judgment Establishment of His Kingdom Establishment of His Kingdom Blessing of His People Blessing of His People

Purpose Statement for Revelation John records the revelation given to him by Christ to rebuke believers concerning sin and to encourage them to hold fast until Christ comes, describing the events that will precede and follow that coming. John records the revelation given to him by Christ to rebuke believers concerning sin and to encourage them to hold fast until Christ comes, describing the events that will precede and follow that coming.

Outline of Revelation Part One: “The Things Which You Have Seen” (1:1-20) Part One: “The Things Which You Have Seen” (1:1-20) Introduction (1:1-8) Introduction (1:1-8) Vision of the Glorified Christ (1:9-20) Vision of the Glorified Christ (1:9-20) Part Two: “The Things Which Are” (2:1 – 3:22) Part Two: “The Things Which Are” (2:1 – 3:22) Message to Ephesus (2:1-7) Message to Ephesus (2:1-7) Message to Smyrna (2:8-11) Message to Smyrna (2:8-11) Message to Pergamos (2:12-17) Message to Pergamos (2:12-17) Message to Thyatira (2:18-29) Message to Thyatira (2:18-29) Message to Sardis (3:1-6) Message to Sardis (3:1-6) Message to Philadelphia (3:7-13) Message to Philadelphia (3:7-13) Message to Laodicea (3:14-22) Message to Laodicea (3:14-22)

Outline of Revelation Part Three: “The Things Which Will Take Place After These Things” (4:1 – 22:21) Part Three: “The Things Which Will Take Place After These Things” (4:1 – 22:21) Visions of the Father and the Lamb as the Source of Judgment (4:1 – 5:14) Visions of the Father and the Lamb as the Source of Judgment (4:1 – 5:14) Vision of the Seven-Sealed Scroll (6:1 – 19:6) Vision of the Seven-Sealed Scroll (6:1 – 19:6) Seven Seals of Judgment (6:1 – 8:5) Seven Seals of Judgment (6:1 – 8:5) Seven Trumpets of Judgment (8:6 – 11:19) Seven Trumpets of Judgment (8:6 – 11:19) Explanatory Prophecies (12:1 – 14:20) Explanatory Prophecies (12:1 – 14:20) Seven Bowls of Judgment and Rejoicing over the Fall of Babylon (15:1 – 19:10) Seven Bowls of Judgment and Rejoicing over the Fall of Babylon (15:1 – 19:10)

Outline of Revelation The Closing Visions of John (19:11 – 22:5) The Closing Visions of John (19:11 – 22:5) The Coming of the King of Kings (19:11-16) The Coming of the King of Kings (19:11-16) The Great Supper of God (19:17-21) The Great Supper of God (19:17-21) The Binding of Satan (20:1-3) The Binding of Satan (20:1-3) The Thousand-Year Kingdom (20:4-10) The Thousand-Year Kingdom (20:4-10) The White-Throne Judgment (20:11-15) The White-Throne Judgment (20:11-15) The New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-8) The New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-8) The Holy City (21:9 – 22:5) The Holy City (21:9 – 22:5) Epilogue (22:6-21) Epilogue (22:6-21)

Daniel’s 70 th Week and the Seven- Sealed Scroll 3 1/2 Years Beginning of Birth Pangs Great Tribulation Abomination of Desolation Rapture of the Church Return of Christ to the Earth

The Seventh Seal

Next Week: Revelation 1