The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Visions, prophecy, and politics in the book of revelation kindle edition by pagels, elaine. The book of revelation is the only book of the bible with a promise to the reader, why. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. Every time something big happens in the news, especially if it involves the middle east, it seems a new set of books, reinterpreting the book of revelation, is published. It will prepare you for the rest of the material contained here. The author names himself as john in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. To listen to each lecture online, simply click the link. Commentary, interpretation and historical perspective on each book and each verse of the bible. Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. Three angels broadcasting network 3abn 3,376,226 views 58.
The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called. The book of revelation is the only book in the bible, that i know of, that has a blessing associated with it for those who will read itnot once but twice. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. Revelation explained part 1 jesus unveiled revelation. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Thus, it occupies a central place in christian eschatology.
Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. But there are basic principles which, like the warning in revelation 8. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning presentday christian communities of the snares that. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. 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 deeply religious person fully convinced that the christian faith would soon triumph over the demonic forces at work in the world. 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. One of the more eerie parts of the book of revelation includes four figures riding horses. A vision of god on his throne in heaven revelation 4. With the firm belief that we are now entering into the tribulation period,i am publishing a series of studies of the book of revelation,that difficult to understand road map that shows exactly where we are headed,using the easy to understand contemporary english version cev bible that has been created by the american bible society.
Revelation speaks of things that are already history. Coronavirus is preventing churches in china from honouring the christian sabbath, something the book of revelation predicted before the end. Take a look at the basic structure of the book of revelation. The book of revelation is johns record of that vision revelation 1. You and your family are a blessing beyond description to us and so many others. The first blessing is in the first chapter of revelation in verse 3. The book of revelation, the last book of the bible, has fascinated and puzzled christians for centuries. Very important we note this and realize we cannot study revelation in the same way we study the book of romans. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it.
He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. So if this book is revealing something, what exactly is being revealed. Exploring the book of revelation, prophecy, and apocalyptic literature. Thomas aquinas believed in two types of individual revelation from god, general revelation and special revelation. The greek word apocalypse is translated revelation. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. The full title of the book which i quote is the following. John was a christian leader of jewish origin who was in exile on the roman prison island of patmos. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. Asia in this book is part of the country that we now call turkey. The name of the book, revelation, is a translation of the title in the original new testament greek, apocalypsis the origin of the other name by which the book is now known, the apocalypse. The images that are seen in the book of revelation are explained by the author. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the. Although the book of revelation addresses the christian church of the time when it was written, towards the end of the first century ad, some of its.
The book of revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the new testament canon. In general revelation, god reveals himself through his creation, such that at least some truths about god can be learned by the empirical study of nature, physics, cosmology, etc. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. 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. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Revelation is a lens that puts the entire bible into focus. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. What does the book of revelation say about covid 19. Revelations mark of the beast exposed 22 revelations ancient discoveries duration.
Understand the purpose, key themes, and symbolism of the most fascinating book in the bible with the book of revelation for dummies, an easytounderstand guide that will help you grasp the enduring messages of revelation and apply them to your life. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Each letter, as proclaimed by jesus and recorded by john the apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Overview of the book of revelation introduction revelation 119. The book of revelation an expositional commentary on cd. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. For instance, the lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes, that took the book from god is christ because the image of the lamb appears as if it was. Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols.
Im a pastor, seminarian, collectorofbooks, and lover of all things revelation. The biblical truth about blessings and curses unlearn the lies. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. The following chart can help you sort out these respective viewpoints. There are many images found in the book of revelation and these images are explained by the writer with much detail. Only christ is qualified to remove the seven seals and open the book to understanding. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. It is, therefore, no surprise when the reader begins to get the impression that the book of revelation is a very dark, mysterious book that is difficult, if not downright impossible, to understand but to many peoples. I still thought revelation was about the end of the world, right. And so we can gather that revelation isnt just predicting the future, but also had relevancy to the 1 stcentury christian church. To jerry and sherry roberts thank you for your faithful friendship and love for our lord and my family. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. Christian short film the days of noah have come duration.
Then go into each of the twenty two chapters of the book of revelation one by one. Much intrigue has built around these four characters featured in revelation 6 that iconic art, books, and even movies such as xmen apocalypse have capitalized on these four horsemen of the apocalypse these four horsemen appear to symbolically portray four disastrous occurrences that will take place. If you hang around long enough, youll quickly realize my theological perspective but just to make it easy, ill lay out the basics here. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1.
A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some. The beast, the false prophet, who has the number 666, the antichrist, is overthrown with judgments and plagues. It is only when we start to overallegorize it or to force its interpretation according to our preconceived ideas or doctrines about the end. 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. A commentary that many have found very helpful is the message of revelation. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Revelation the dragon pursuing a woman, from the bamberg apocalypse. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. The greek term denotes an unveiling or uncoveringthus, a revelation. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online.
Core christianity the book of revelation is not about. Ozark christian college joplin, mo number of lectures. This booklet contains vital understanding that will forever change your outlook on the future. The exact meaning of the millenium, the 1,000 year reign that john speaks of in revelation 20, is a centuriesold debate in christian circles. The book of revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in asia minor modernday turkey revelation 23. Four horsemen of the apocalypse meaning in revelation. Revelations battle of armageddon and the seven last plagues. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. Perspectives on the millennial kingdom the exact meaning of the millenium, the 1,000 year reign that john speaks of in revelation 20, is a centuriesold debate in christian circles. Many scholars believe that the beast of revelation 17. A series of visions, each one leading into the next. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols.
The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Great prophecies in the book of revelation show how and when these catastrophic events will occur. The book of revelation explained in under 5 minutes. Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a basic guide to bible prophecy. If youre befuddled by the book of revelation in the bible, dont fret. Part of book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. But the christians of asia minor were familiar with the old testament and the apocalyptic writings. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading revelations. Pack staggering events foretold in your bible will shock the whole world.
Messages from jesus to the seven congregations revelation 1. Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy. One problem comes from the different interpretations concerning the meaning of the millenium. I dont believe that in fact i regard that as an irresponsible use of scripture in direct defiance of johns warning at the end of this book, not to add anything to his words. You will understand what revelation says about the past, present, and future, and how it relates to the. Christians in the first few generations saw the descriptions of. The general history of the christian church, from her birth to her final triumphant state in heaven, chiefly deduced from the apocalypse of st. Each page of scripture is from the king james bible, and is immediately followed by the meaning of that scripture. Special revelation is the knowledge of god and spiritual. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. It wont be long before someone is publishing an end times book, showing how revelation prophesied covid 19 and how it is a sign of the end. The book of revelation explained in under 5 minutes youtube.
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