1. PREPARING TO STUDY THE APOCALYPSE OF JOHN By Noel Platt

2. NURTURE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Be humble Be humble Be prayerful Be prayerful Be patient. Be patient. Nurture a love for the truth Nurture a love for the truth Be aware of your preconceptions Be aware of your preconceptions Be prepared to ditch some well cherished beliefs. Be prepared to ditch some well cherished beliefs. Be critical & examine things for yourself Be critical & examine things for yourself Be prepared to STUDY. Be prepared to STUDY.

3. USE THE RIGHT TOOLS Have available: Have available: A good Bible Concordance A good Bible Concordance Various Translations of the Bible Various Translations of the Bible NIV, Amplified Greek Interlinear, Authorised Version, KJV etc. NIV, Amplified Greek Interlinear, Authorised Version, KJV etc. A range of Bible commentaries A range of Bible commentaries For a range of views. For a range of views.

4. EMPLOY THE RIGHT METHODS Find out how people have understood the Apocalypse in the Past. Find out how people have understood the Apocalypse in the Past. Are these views satisfactory? Are these views satisfactory? Understand the book in it’s historical context. Understand the book in it’s historical context. What was the original historical situation? What was the original historical situation? What was the book’s original audience? What was the book’s original audience? What were the problems to be addressed? What were the problems to be addressed?

5. THE RIGHT PRE-READING THE OLD TESTAMENT: THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis 3 –The account of the fall of man. Genesis 3 –The account of the fall of man. Exodus 7 -16 –The Plagues of Egypt and Exodus from Egypt. Exodus 7 -16 –The Plagues of Egypt and Exodus from Egypt. Psalm 2 Psalm 2 Ezekiel 1-3, 9, 38-42, 47 Ezekiel 1-3, 9, 38-42, 47 Daniel 7, 12 Daniel 7, 12 Zechariah 4-6 Zechariah 4-6 Mal 3, 4 Mal 3, 4

6. THE RIGHT PRE-READING NEW TESTAMENT: NEW TESTAMENT: Matt 20:17 -28:20 especially Matt 24. Matt 20:17 -28:20 especially Matt 24. Mark 13 Mark 13 Luke 21 Luke 21 John 11-13, 18-21:5 John 11-13, 18-21:5 2 Thes 2 2 Thes 2 Heb 12:14-26 Heb 12:14-26 1 John 1 John 2 John 2 John Jude Jude Revelation Revelation