Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1. Introduction united states conference of catholic bishops. Sep 08, 2016 the book of revelation is one of the most difficult books to interpret. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature.
Welcome to this series on the book of revelation where ill be breaking down each chapter, verse by verse, to help you understand gods word, and to. Aug 31, 2016 welcome to this series on the book of revelation where ill be breaking down each chapter, verse by verse, to help you understand gods word, and to prepare you for the times that are written. Jesus christ is the divine author of this revelation 1. The imagery and symbols come mostly from daniel and ezekiel, so that an understanding of this material is necessary if the modern reader is to correctly interpret the book of revelation this is why we studied the book of daniel first. We touch on themes of the apocalypse and apolyptic literature. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic.
Study revelation in the context of its historical and biblical setting, not todays news headlines. Mar 01, 2014 oakview bible fellowship bible studies are held in oakbay subdivision in noblesville, indiana. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work.
Revelation introduction 1 of 3 conservative bible study. John, the writer of the book of revelation, sets out to tell his readers something vital about the paradox of the days and years ahead. John wrote these words 2000 years ago, and there is good reason to believe that some of his prophecies were fulfilled already in the first century a. The value of studying revelation to many, the book of revelation is a closed book. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage, hope, and praise. Jul 31, 2018 this commentary is a good choice for pastors and bible study leaders as an introduction to the study of the book of revelation.
The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. More than one bible teacher has taken a class from matthew through the book of jude, only to return to the book of matthew rather than face the unusual teachings of the book of revelation. Revelation is a glory book and requires a glory heart to receive it. Introductory remarks in this series of articles we will examine the book of revelation. And the book of revelation will complete the revelation of. We must be willing to let the book of revelation speak for itself. Introduction some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. Introduction to the book of revelation series video 1. But god designed this book for a very different purpose.
Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. An introduction to the book of revelation, date of writing, who the author is, different views, glossary of end times terms. The book of revelation is the most controversial book in the bible. The book of revelation introduction the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servantsthings which must shortly take place. From earth we can look into the sky and see a rainbow, but only half of it. All of the great eschatological end times themes of the bible run to the book of revelation like traintracks to one central hub. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. This does not mean that it is not inspired, or not true. Background information as to the setting, conditions, and purpose for the writing of the book of revelation by john the apostle. A commentary on the book of revelation introduction. The book of revelation contains one of the few passages in the scriptures that describes the premortal war in heaven see revelation 12. The book of revelation, often called the book of revelations, revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation, or simply revelation, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words or the apocalypse, is the final book of the new testament, and therefore also the final book of the christian bible.
John addressed the book of revelation to the seven churches that are in asia, namely ephesus. See, the author was banished for being a christian which was illegal back in the good old days of the roman empire. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. The book of revelation is surely true, but not historical narrative, not meant to be taken literally. This book is an unveiling of the lord jesus christ and a revelation of his authority, power, and preeminent. Verse 1 opens the book with the words, the revelation of jesus christ. Revelation intro to revelation biblica the international bible. Although there is some debate, the author is probably the apostle john. Throughout history the book of revelation has been much understood and neglected.
As the new testament opens with the four gospels relating to the first coming of christ, so the book of revelation closes the new testament with the general theme of the second coming of christ. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. Revelation introduction scofield reference bible commentary. The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal. The introduction and historical background alone are worth the price of this book. The impact this book has had on human history and culture is hard to calculate. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. The book of revelation closes with the bright and morning star, which is a figure of christ at his coming to take the church out of the world.
The kingdom of god is near revelation 1 the seven churches of revelation revelation 23 the throne room of god revelation 4 and 5 end times disaster and deliverance revelation 616 babylon and the new jerusalem. Introduction to the book of revelation series video 1 youtube. Each year it publishes the nations leading prophets. We touch on themes of the apocalypse and apolyptic literature, the end times, eschatology, the millennium, tribulation, satan, the antichrist, final judgment, and the new heavens and the new earth. Because the book is complex, there are many interpretations as to its meaning. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in. This book is the best commentary on the book of revelation that i have read. Revelation introduction, the passion translation tpt. Some fellow named dickens seems to have borrowed that theme several centuries later. Oh, sorry, we were just trying to guess what youll be thinking after you finish reading the book of revelation. The genre itself is screaming this point to us if we will only hear it. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. Held by many postmillennialists who believe that the world is getting better and this will usher in the kingdom of christ. So, when it comes to end time prophecy, the book of revelation is the most important.
An introduction posted on april 17, 2019 posted by. John, identified as one who bore witness to the word of god, and to the testimony of jesus christ 1. In a sense, the apostle john is merely a witness or observer of the visions and sayings that we find. It is the first book that many new to the bible want to study, while it is often neglected by mature. Introduction to the niv study bible go to revelation. The book of revelation is exciting, powerful, dynamic, and more than meets the eye. The first part of the book discusses among other things, the date this book was written, symbolism, interpretations, theme and purpose of the book. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john. Christians down through the ages have known that christs return is presented in scripture as imminent, but.
The book of revelation is one of the most difficult books to interpret. Introduction to revelation bible book of revelation. It can be more to us than merely an unveiling of events to come. While the book of genesis tells how paradise was lost, revelation tells how paradise will be regained. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. Revelation 1 the passion translation tpt johns introduction. Probably more than any book in the bible, revelation requires oodles of historical and theological knowhow. Introduction to revelation bible exposition commentary. The book of revelation should encourage us today just as it did christians living in the seven cities of asia. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of. Revelation was written by the apostle john in about 96 c. The national enquirer is the nations most read newspaper.
Someone has dubbed the book of revelation, the prophetic grand central station of the bible. Book of revelation lesson 1 introduction john, the writer of the book of revelation, sets out to tell his readers something vital about the paradox of the days and years ahead. The author tells us that his visions concern the events that will happen soon 1. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john nlt. Poythress, 2002 the purpose of revelation many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. The three major divisions of revelation must be clearly held if the interpretation is to be sane and coherent. Disciple lessons from the book of revelation is an 8lesson, interative internet bible study series. He clearly made it known by sending his angel to his loving servant john 2 i, john, bore witness to the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ3 a joyous blessing rests upon the one who. John, son of zebedee, was the beloved disciple who also wrote the fourth gospel and 1, 2 and 3 john. A tale of two cities revelation 1722 the meaning of revelation for our work.
Is it really something that we can agree to disagree on, as is commonly believed those who are of this persuasion are ignorant of how the new testament is indispensably completed by this revelation of jesus christ. John was commanded to write concerning three classes of things revelation 1. He was persecuted because of his testimony of jesus christ. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. And the book of revelation will complete the revelation of christ. Revelation has caused major divisions between denominations, churches and families. A promise of blessing is made in the very first chapter of the book to those who read and hear the words of this prophecy. This is the books real title, not what the greeks titled it, apokalypsis ioannouthe revelation of john. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church leader who was well. Apr 17, 2019 the book of revelation is one of the most fascinating and remarkable pieces of literature ever written. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st.
This commentary is a good choice for pastors and bible study leaders as an introduction to the study of the book of revelation. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e. Is it really something that we can agree to disagree on, as is commonly believed. Oakview bible fellowship bible studies are held in oakbay subdivision in noblesville, indiana. An introduction to revelation for regular people by vern s. The rapture is the hope of the new testament, just as the revelation of christ was the hope of the old testament. Introduction to the book of revelation its current significance. This partly has to do with the nature of the book since it is written in apocalyptic style. An introduction to the book of revelation christopher l.
The book of revelation is called t he revelation of jesus christ, and yet it is treated by so many as a side issue or a secondary matter. Revelation is important because it is the last divinely inspired bible book that was written. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which. The book of revelation is one of the most fascinating and remarkable pieces of literature ever written. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage. It has inspired countless paintings, music, architecture, hollywood blockbusters, and literature. A story about a guy who claims to receive a message from god about the end of the world. The book of revelation is a letter revealed to man named john, who was on the island of patmos, off the coast of asia minor. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate 3. The greek word for revelations is apokalupsis which literally means unveiling or taking off the cover a we are meant to understand the book of revelation. I like to think of the book of revelation like a rainbow. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Furthermore, he said it would come as a destruction upon the whole earth isaiah 28. The book of revelation an introduction scripture revealed.
Mar 19, 2019 the book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible society. Bible commentary on revelation introduction book introduction revelation. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. While debated by some, he was most likely the apostle john, brother of james, and author of the gospel of john and three epistles. Yet, if we go up in a plane we can often see an entire rainbow as one big circle. A commentary of the book of revelation bible truth. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. As the new testament opens with the four gospels relating to the first coming of christ, so the book of revelation closes the new testament.