Revelation has caused major divisions between denominations, churches and families. In addition to daniel and revelation, scholars have found 14 jewish and 23 christian documents of this type. 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. Sometimes people read the book and become frightened at the various figures that are used and the terror. A major part of the planned structure of the book of revelation is seven literary units, which parallel each other to some extent e. A brief introduction to the book of revelation youtube.
Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. The best rule of thumb for interpreting the symbols and visions of revelation is to relate them to common teachings of the bible and to obvious events in our own world. The introduction and historical background alone are worth the price of this book. A consideration of the author, the date of composition, and the people addressed, and the purpose of the book is of utmost importance if one expects to understand it properly. Jesus christ is the divine author of this revelation 1. 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. Introduction to the book of revelation by naji mouawad in this lecture we first state what revelation is not. This book is an unveiling of the lord jesus christ and a revelation of his authority, power, and preeminent role in the fathers plan of. While it is tempting to look at examples within the book of revelation about. We give numerous examples that showcase these principles. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. It was also written to insure the reader that christ would not abandon his church and in the end would totally save her. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church leader who was well known to the seven churches of asia minor, and a. While debated by some, he was most likely the apostle john, brother of james, and author of the gospel of john and three epistles. 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. I like to think of the book of revelation like a rainbow. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. Poythress, 2002 the purpose of revelation many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. The book of revelation cannot be adequately understood except against the historical background that occasioned its writing.
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. Dionysius was one of the first to record information denying that the book was written by john the apostle. This is the first of seven blessings in the book of revelation re1909. Revelation introduction scofield reference bible commentary. An introduction to revelation for regular people by vern s. Oh, sorry, we were just trying to guess what youll be thinking after you finish reading the book of revelation. Revelation introduction, the passion translation tpt the. Held by many postmillennialists who believe that the world is getting better and this will usher in the kingdom of christ. The greek word for revelations is apokalupsis which literally means unveiling or taking off the cover. He has more than ten years of experience teaching the bible in small group settings, leading volunteers, and running. 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.
In it, i explore different chapters of the book, and look at issues arising in our reading, starting with questions of genre what kind of writing is this. It is another prophetic book of the bible, even as daniel, ezekiel and isaiah are prophetic books. In particular, jesus outline of coming events in his olivet discourse matthew 2425 provides a blueprint for the visions of revelation. John, identified as one who bore witness to the word of god, and to the testimony of jesus christ 1. This is the books real title, not what the greeks titled it, apokalypsis ioannouthe revelation of john. God is ready to unveil this book to those who are ready to embrace it, eat it, and live fully in the splendor of christ. Sep 08, 2016 the book of revelation is one of the most difficult books to interpret. 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. John addressed the book of revelation to the seven churches that are in asia, namely ephesus. Some fellow named dickens seems to have borrowed that theme several centuries later. The first part of the book discusses among other things, the date this book was written, symbolism, interpretations, theme and purpose of the book.
The value of studying revelation to many, the book of revelation is a closed book. Eusebius repeatedly ascribes the book to john, 12 as does tertullian. The book of revelation concludes the bibles story of salvation history. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The book of revelation contains one of the few passages in the scriptures that describes the premortal war in heaven see revelation 12. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john1 b. The triune god takes back his world by judging satan, demons. Mar 01, 2014 why study the book of the revelation revelation 1. The chief example in the old testament is daniel 712.
Christopher scott is small groups pastor at rocky hill community church in exeter, ca. The proper study of any book begins with survey of its background. The introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. 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. It cannot be denied that it has confused many people. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john.
The three major divisions of revelation must be clearly held if the interpretation is to be sane and coherent. Like daniel and other apocalypses, it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis. God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. Revelation introduction, the passion translation tpt. But god designed this book for a very different purpose. 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. Background information as to the setting, conditions, and purpose for the writing of the book of revelation by john the apostle.
There are also many schools of thought to be taken into account. Introduction to the book of revelation by mike mazzalongo posted. In a sense, the apostle john is merely a witness or observer of the visions and sayings that we find. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. A story about a guy who claims to receive a message from god about the end of the world. Discover the basics of the book of revelation with the esv study bible from crossway. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of. Revelation book 2, the cover of which is labeled book of revelations and which has often been referred to as the kirtland revelation book, was obtained for use in ohio shortly after revelation book 1 was taken from ohio to missouri. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. 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. For the time is near when these things will happen. Introduction united states conference of catholic bishops. The introduction proper revelation title of the book.
Revelation 89 speaks of gods judgment on earth, taking us to the end of daniels 70 th week. Introduction to the book of revelation jesse hendley. This testimony of justin is referred to also by eusebius. Its a magnificent promise in the introduction to prophecies about deceptive religion and oppression of gods people and the terrible consequences he has in store. The historicist sees the symbols in the book as setting out in broad outline the history of western europe, stretching down to the second coming of christ.
Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. In the book of revelation book of revelation, introduction to revelation, revelation. The book of revelation is an example of apocalyptic literature, a type of jewishchristian writing that flourished especially between 250 bc and 150 ad. Although there is some debate, the author is probably the apostle john.
Revelation intro to revelation biblica the international bible. An introduction to the book of revelation, date of writing, who the author is, different views, glossary of end times terms. Yet it is widely neglected in the church and almost entirely avoided from the pulpit. The book itself suggests that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the roman authorities. Bible commentary produced by tow project the book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. We touch on themes of the apocalypse and apolyptic literature. An introduction to the book of revelation christs kingdom. The book of revelation was not given to predict history, but rather to show the cycle of struggle and faith that the church was undergoing then and would constantly face throughout history. Revelation introduction commentary commentary critical. John was commanded to write concerning three classes of things revelation 1.
Disciple lessons from the book of revelation is an 8lesson, interative internet bible study series. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. The book of revelation an introduction and commentary. Revelation is a glory book and requires a glory heart to receive it. It claims to be on a par with the prophecies of the old testament, and it is. When reading the book of revelation, it is important to understand the authors, setting, and intent. The book of revelation is the most controversial book in the bible. The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal. Introduction to the book of revelation by naji mouawad qorbono.
In this video i give you an overview of who wrote the book of revelation, who he was writing to, the date of the letter, an outline of the book, key. Hendley revelation the book of the revelation is a tremendous book. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. Introduction to revelation bible exposition commentary. Introduction to the book of revelation partners needed discovering scriptures to nonprofit radio broadcasting worldwide you can make donations through paypal by sending money to peterjohnparisis. 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.
The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. Introduction to the book of revelation of st john esoteric. Yet, if we go up in a plane we can often see an entire rainbow as one big circle. The latest video in the st johns timeline project is my hour and 20minute introduction to the book of revelation. The prominent theme of the book certainly concerns the conflict with evil in. An introduction to the book of revelation christopher l. It too was used for preserving and later publishing revelation texts. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible society. Revelation is the only book with a promise of blessing to readers 1. Its major themes include jesus christ s role in carrying out gods plan, the hand of god in earths history, the second coming of jesus christ and the destruction of evil, and the promise that the earth will. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Mar 14, 2020 the symbols of the book of revelation. A tale of two cities revelation 1722 the meaning of revelation for our work.
Jan 25th 2014 background information as to the setting, conditions, and purpose for the writing of the book of revelation by john the apostle. At the same time, it is a thoroughly christocentric story, with jesus christ as the exalted one who defeats satan and wins heaven for his followers. From earth we can look into the sky and see a rainbow, but only half of it. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1. Dec 26, 2018 introduction to the book of revelation partners needed discovering scriptures to nonprofit radio broadcasting worldwide you can make donations through paypal by sending money to peterjohnparisis. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in. Nov 07, 2017 the latest video in the st johns timeline project is my hour and 20minute introduction to the book of revelation.
Contains 22 chapters, 404 verses and 12,000 words 1. While the preterist confines the entire book of revelation to the first century period in which it was written, the historicist interprets it as a forecast of the course of history. Our bibles carry the title of the book as the revelation. Introduction to the book of revelation by naji mouawad. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. Revelation introduction sermons the experience community. Revelation is important because it is the last divinely inspired bible book that was written. Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate 3. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage, hope, and praise. An introduction to the book of revelation i ferrell jenkins temple terrace, florida. A fascinating piece of scripture as well as an extraordinary piece of literature, its interpretation has affected our theology, art and worship, and even international politics.
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