Lesson 1 of the Book of Revelation:
Lesson 1 of the Book of Revelation:Lesson 1 of Revelation: THE WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY OF REVELATION:
Blessed is he that readeth, qnd they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:3,
What is the book of Revelation?Commentary's
Revelation stands out as one of the most unique books in the New Testament because it is written as apocalyptic literature. In this type of biblical writing, God's hidden plans are revealed through visions, symbols, and images. Many times in the past and present, the book of Revelation has been used to understand the signs of the end times.
First and foremost, Revelation is about Jesus Christ. Over and over, Jesus stands at the center of John's visions. Jesus is the slaughtered, crucified Lamb who saved mankind from sin and death, and he is also the conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. It is he who breaks the Seven Seals (Revelation 5—8). “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.” (Revelation14:1) and, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation19:7). Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. In the end, Jesus is the victorious King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the light who illuminates his people's lives forevermore, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14); And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23); And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (Revelation 22:3).
Who wrote Revelation?
Though John is identified as the writer of Revelation in the very first verse, what is written is "the revelation from Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:1). Revelation and the gospel of John share some common elements, suggesting that the same person wrote both books. But Revelation's Greek writing style is different from John's other writings, leading some scholars to think that a different John wrote Revelation. However, the belief that the apostle John wrote Revelation has a long tradition in church history, stated as early as the second century by church fathers Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and others.
John wrote Revelation on the Greek island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The Roman officials at that time were persecuting Christians because they feared the message of Christ would interfere with the worship of their pagan gods. John was sent into exile on the island of Patmos because he would not back down from sharing "the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. 1:9).
When was Revelation written?
Some scholars believe that Revelation 11 predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, meaning the book 'was written before AD 70, when the Romans destroyed the temple. But most scholars think that Revelation was written in the AD 90s because the cities of the seven and the issues that come up in Revelation fit more with the last decade of the first century, when Christians faced persecution under Emperor Domitian.
Who was Revelation written to?
The primary audience is seven churches in seven cities in the Roman province of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. 'The wider audience for the book is all of God's people who hear the words of Revelation (Rev. 22:18, 21). It is especially for Christians who are facing persecution, giving them hope and assurance that:
1. Christ offers them hope and strength in the midst of their current hardship.
2. In the future, God will destroy the powers that are causing their suffering.
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WHAT IS “APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE" ?
Apocalyptic writings in the Bible reveal God's hidden plans through visions, symbols, and images. The word apocalypse comes from a Greek word meaning "unveiling" or "uncovering." It is this word in Revelation 1:1 that is translated in most English Bibles as revelation. In biblical times, apocalyptic writings often came out of periods of intense suffering and persecution. These writings included messages of judgment and hope for a coming restoration. The book of Ezekiel, many of Daniel's prophecies, and the book of Revelation are apocalyptic.
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Why was Revelation written?
Like many of the later New Testament letters, Revelation was written to churches facing persecution and the danger of false teaching. Through John, delivers two important message to believers in these churches.
He warns them not to give to the sinful culture around them even if it means lives will be easier.
He tells them to stay away from teachers who aren't explaining the truth about Christ.
What is the message of Revelation?
Victory: John's visions communicate that believers will ultimately be saved from their enemies. Christ the Lamb opening the scroll's seals, angels announcing God's judgment, and the appearance of the new heaven and new earth reassure them that
god is in control and has a plan to recue all His people.
Hope: The Final two chapters are about the hope all believers have in a future kingdom. One day they will enter the new heaven and new earth, where Christ will reign in glory, and they will worship Him perfectly. There will be no more sin, death, or crying. The Lord will reign forever in the great new Jerusalem in all it's beauty.
Key Verses:
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:17-18.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:3-4.
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