Preparation for the Journey Into the Spiritual

Introduction

What does the word Revelation even mean?

It comes from the Greek word, apokalypsis. Which means “revelation; means to uncover/unveil.” This already gives us a clue into what Revelation is all about. We often are quick to associate Revelation with the world ending and tribulation. But is that the main purpose for Revelation? I would argue no, Revelation is to unveil more of the spiritual realm to us and God’s power in it. Our study through Revelation will be an unveiling of what the spiritual realm is truly about.

Who wrote Revelation and where?

John on the Island of Patmos. In a sense he was in a sense of tribulation. Think of the comfort Revelation could have brought him during this time. He was in exile for his faith and more than likely in slave labor. During the time of John’s exile Domitian, who did not have a good reputation for how he treated people in general. Had political rivals killed. Taxed Christians and Jews extra, had Jews killed for claiming David as an ancestor. Killed Jewish sympathizers. And he enjoyed being called master and god. So Revelation was written in a time of great trial. God did not give John Revelation with an intent to scare him or to fill him with dread, but to offer comfort and peace.

What is the best commentary on Revelation?

The Bible. Revelation is a deep read with lots of symbolism. The best thing to do as we come to complex passages in this book is to first ask is this part referencing an OT passage. If so what does that passage say and what do we know about it.

So three things to keep in mind as we go through Revelation:

Revelation is the unveiling of the Spiritual (Developing a more spiritual warfare view on the world).

Revelation is to give us peace rather than fear as we face tribulation.

Revelation gets more clarity as we look at OT passages referenced throughout it.

Must Soon Take Place

Hebrews–Revelation Comment

The book of Revelation isn’t merely information; it shouldn’t be confused with a prophecy chart. The book calls upon its readers to act, to heed the message conveyed, and we shall see the focus is on the call to persevere to the end.

When we think about Revelation time comes to mind. Time periods is a debate all around Revelation. And in the end time becomes a distraction from the purpose of Revelation. We get caught up in debating what is meant by must soon take place. When will the events of Revelation transpire. Yes it is important to discuss what John meant by must soon take place. Their are roughly 12,000 words in the book of revelation but we devote the majority of time debating the precise meaning of 4 words. We are zooming in on one verse out of 404 verses.

Trying to break things down to a specific date, is unbiblical.

Acts 1:7 ESV

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

Some other NT Scriptures on end times is seen in Matthew.

Matthew 24:5–8 ESV

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Matthew 24:36 ESV

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Matthew 24:44 ESV

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

So we cannot know a date, so are we being a good steward of our time by trying to figure out something scripture has made very clear we cannot figure out? So a good way to know a false teacher is someone who says they are able to predict end times.

So if we are not able to predict an end date from stuff such as verse 1 when it says, “things that must soon take place” what are we suppose to take from it?

Live with an attitude of preparation and expectation.

Be prepared for when things go bad and for when your life ends.

Live with an expectation of God to be victorious and to move in a mighty way.

How Will This Study Bless You

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words”

One it is a straight up blessing to get in the word. The word helps align our lives with God. This study is going to help you be better prepared for spiritual warfare and trials.

Why does this passage talk about aloud? One so others can hear. Scripture brings us together spiritually. Also reading can help in grain it better in our minds.

“Blessed are…who hear”

Their is a blessing in giving our attention. it is easy to read through and not really let our hearts hear the word

“Blessed are…who keep”

We can read and hear the word, but the true blessing comes when we apply the words to our lives. We can read and hear but the evidence of the word having an impact is us keeping the word.

Hebrews–Revelation Comment

TABLE 9.4: The Seven Blessings in Revelation

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it …

1:3

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.

14:13

Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on …

16:15

Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

19:9

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.

20:6

Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.

22:7

Blessed are those who wash their robes.

22:14