The Revelation of Jesus Christ

INTRO

Title

“Apocalypse of John” is the title in the oldest of manuscripts.

the term Revelation (Gk. apokalypsis) means to expose in full view what was formerly hidden, veiled, or secret. The majority of Revelation alleges to be a series of visions disclosing unseen realities and future events.

Author

John the Apostle (Rev. 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8).

John was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the Word of God (Rev. 1:9).

Church historian Eusbius claimed that John had been deported to the island of Patmos during the reign of the emperor Domitian.

Date

between AD 68-69 during the reign of Nero or AD 95 during the reign of Domitian. The later date has the support of Irenaeus and Eusebius. The earlier date was widely held in the 19th century, while the latter date gained appeal in the 20th century. Today, the debate continues.

Original audience

the letter is addressed to the seven churches of Asia Minor (present day western Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Internal Situation

The letters to the seven churches reveal that there were strife within the communities. These problems were in the form of false prophets, whose teachings threatened to weaken the community boundaries (Balaam, 2:14, the Nicolaitans, 2:6, 15 and Jezebel 2:20).

Due to local and state persecution, there was a tendency to be complacent and a lack of desire and motivation to remain faithful.

Type of Literature and Style

Revelation cannot be categorized as being one style of literature. The author employs a variety of styles and techniques in order to communicate his message, including apocalyptic, prophetic, epistolary and liturgical styles.

Use of the Old Testament

John draws a great deal from the books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. He often adopts, transforms, and interprets his Old Testament material in ways that makes Revelation a unique book.

Symbolism

The word “show” throughout Revelation always introduces communication by symbolic vision (4:1; 17:1; 21:9–10; 22:1, 6, 8; Beale, The Book of Revelation, 52). Therefore, John is not giving his audience photographs of heaven. Instead, he is communicating a message in symbols and metaphors. Consequently, the beast John encounters in Revelation represents a human force that opposes God rather than a literal creature. It is also noteworthy that in antiquity, even numbers were symbolic. The number seven symbolized perfection. Careful consideration should be given to what each symbol represents. It is possible that the author intended a symbol to have multiple points of comparison.

History of Interpretation

Preterism says most of the events in the book of Revelation occurred in the past. Particularly during the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. They appeal to the verses that say “the time is near” and the dating of Revelation for their support.

Futurism holds that the visions of chs. 6-18 will occur in a period of final crisis just before the second coming of Christ, noting that chs. 19-22 foretell the second coming of Christ with its accompanying events: general resurrection, last judgment, replacement of the heavens and earth by a new heavens and earth. According to futurism, the traumas portrayed in the preceding chapters lead up to the histor-consummating events of chs. 19-22.

Historicism asserts that 6:1-18:24 offers a basically chronological outline of the course of church history from the first century (6:1) until the second coming (19:11), with the sequence of the visions and sevenfold cycles of visions correlating directly to the order of the events or eras they symbolize.

Idealism says the visions of Revelation represent trends and forces, often spiritual and thus invisible, that are engaged in the ongoing warfare of the kingdom of God with the devil’s kingdom of darkness, warfare that continues between the victory won by Christ in His suffering and exaltation and His glorious bodily return. The visions depict not specific events but ongoing and repeated principles and patterns in this spiritual war. The principles are operative throughout the church age and may have repeated embodiments, and the visions provide complimentary perspectives on the same church age rather than a chronologically successive calendar of events.

A mixed approach. Many eclectic approaches to reading Revelation also exist, and the book is usually interpreted using some combination of the preceding approaches. Some elements of the book speak to a future time that has not yet arrived, while some are past events.

A word of caution: No matter which view one takes, patience and humility are needed when one confronts disagreements on these matters. In the meantime, Revelation has broad lessons from which all can profit.

A God given revelation to the Son (verses 1-3).

The revelation of Jesus Christ.

revelation (Gk. apokalypsis) means to expose in full view what was formerly hidden, veiled, or secret. It is an unveiling of God’s plan for the future. This revelation centers around Jesus Christ. It is about Jesus. This book is about Jesus.

Divine source.

which God gave him. the revelation came from God the Father

The purpose

to show his servants the things that must soon take place. the word “servants” (Gk. doulos) means ‘slave.’ It is in the plural, signifying that it is meant for all believers. This revelation is for believers and for their benefit.

“must soon take place.” Preterist claim that this verse means that John is referring to events in John’s time. Specifically the destruction of Jerusalem. This view does not work because the book of revelation does not focus on Israel or Jerusalem.

A few things to consider: 1. One day with the Lord is as a thousand years (2 Pet. 3:8). Meaning, God’s time table is different. In a sense, two days has elapsed since Christ resurrection and ascension. 2. biblical prophecy is marked with this sort of tension. In Isa 40-66 God promised a new exodus from Babylon. At which time a new creation will dawn, the Spirit will be given and all of God’s promises will be fulfilled. But it didn’t happen that way. 3. we need to remember that the last days have arrived with the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:16–17; Heb. 1:2). The last hour has now come (1 John 2:18), and thus the end is imminent, and has been for two thousand years. These events refer to God’s final phase of His victorious war on evil. By such reckoning it is the last hour (1Jn. 2:18).

Mediated through an angel.

he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. Christ made it known to John by way of mediation through an angel. We see this elsewhere in this book Rev. 22:16

Revelation 22:16 ESV

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

A Promised blessing.

verse three is one of seven blessings in the book of revelation. see also Rev. 14:13

Revelation 14:13 ESV

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Revelation 16:15 ESV

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)

Revelation 19:9 ESV

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 20:6 ESV

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 22:7 ESV

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Revelation 22:14 ESV

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

Given the significance of numbers in Revelation, and especially the import of the number seven (fifty-five occurrences), it seems significant that there are seven blessings. The sevenfold blessing probably signifies completeness and fullness in the blessing promised. The contents of the blessings all relate to future reward promised to believers, to bliss they will experience after a period of testing.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy. believers are blessed, happy if they read the words of this prophecy. In the 1st century church, members of the church read aloud the book of revelation.

and blessed are those who hear. believers must not only read the words of this prophecy but they must also hear the word. they must give attention to the word.

and blessed are those who keep what is written in it. Reading and hearing alone do not bring blessings. Believers must also keep, guard, protect, the words of this prophecy. This book isn’t just information but calls upon believers to act and to persevere to the end.

This book is also prophetic. It isn't limited to apocalypse but is also prophetic in nature. We could say that the book is prophetic-apocalyptic.

The reason to heed this message

for the time is near. The reason believes should heed to this message and obey it is because the time is near. time (Gk. kairos); time; season. LTW: time, season, appointed time. The things that are soon to take place are apart of God’s plan--appointed time! Believers should read, hear, guard and protect this message because God’s appointed time to fulfill all His purposes are reaching its climax. Rom. 13:11

Romans 13:11 ESV

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

Salutation verses 4-5.

John’s audience.

John, to the seven churches that are in Asia. The historical character of John’s writing is apparent from the reference to Asia, a Roman province in the western part of what is today Turkey. Emperor worship was quite common during the first century in the province of Asia, and hence, as we shall see, John’s message was directed to concrete circumstances in the life of the churches. Still, the number seven seems to have symbolic import as well, for the message ultimately isn’t limited to the seven churches but applies to all churches throughout history.

Grace and peace is a Trinitarian work.

Grace and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. As typical, we find a grace wish extended to the readers. We see here that all three persons of the Trinity are involved in giving grace and peace to the church.

Grace and peace from the Father.

First, we see that Grace and peace come from the Father. Grace here refers to God’s gracious favor granted freely from the abundance of His love. Peace refers to a right relationship with God as a result of God’s grace.

God’s reign in history

who is. John alludes to Exodus 3:14, where the Lord reveals his name to Moses by declaring, “i am who i am.” In Exodus Yahweh discloses himself as the everlasting God who reigns over heaven and earth, and as the covenant God faithful to his people and his promises to them (cf. Ex. 6:3–8). Isaiah particularly picks up on the “I am” formula from Exodus (e.g., Isa. 41:4, 10; 42:8; 43:3, 5, 10, 11, 25). Isaiah emphasizes Yahweh as Israel’s Creator, Lord, and Savior in a situation where Israel fears it will never be liberated from exile but instead will be swallowed up by Babylon forever. So too John in Revelation calls attention to the greatness of God. He “is”—i.e., he reigns over the world and the church, even though the Roman Empire contests his lordship.

who “was”. he has always been the sovereign Lord of history. There has never been a time he was not mighty God of the entire creation.

who is to come. He is the “coming one”—he is coming to establish his rule over the world in a new and decisive way.

Grace and peace from the Holy Spirit.

“from the seven spirits who are before his throne.” Grace and peace aren’t only from the Father but are also from the “seven spirits who are before his throne.” The phrase “seven spirits” occurs three other times in Revelation (3:1; 4:5; 5:6). Some doubt this is a reference to the Holy Spirit, since Jesus possesses the seven spirits (3:1) and the burning torches are also called the seven spirits (4:5). Some think the reference is to the seven angels of God or to seven archangels, for the word “spirit” often refers to angels. I will argue that each instance is actually a reference to the Holy Spirit. In this verse, a reference to the Holy Spirit is particularly persuasive. It is difficult to see how grace and peace can come from anyone but God himself. It is also quite striking in reading the NT that grace and peace are never said to come from a human being; we never read of grace and peace coming from the apostle John or Paul or anyone else. Nor do we ever find grace and peace coming from an angel or an exalted person from the past, such as Moses or Elijah. Grace and peace always come from God himself, and thus it makes most sense to see the “seven spirits” here in 1:4 as referring to the Holy Spirit.

Grace and peace from the Son—the faithful witness.

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness. Grace and peace also come from the Son. The faithful witness. Christ is the faithful witness who lived his life in obedience to the will of the Father. Here it the words are used as an encouragement for believers to be the same.

the firstborn of the dead and ruler of kings on earth. this signifies his sovereignty and his rule and reign. just as the king in the Davidic line is identified as “firstborn” (Ps. 89:27). also alludes to Christ being the firstborn from the dead. Many like Lazarus was raised but they died again. Christ was the only one who conquered death and the grave 1 Cor 15:20 Col. 1:18.

1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Colossians 1:18 ESV

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Doxology (vv5b-6).

Praise to Christ for His redeeming work.

To him (Christ) who loves us. The word “loves” (Gk. agapao); involves a deep level of affection and intimacy. It is a verb, present voice, and is active. Showing that Jesus is the one loving us and He is doing so NOW in the present. No matter what we are going through, we can take encouragement in God’s love to deliver us.

freed us from our sins by his blood. Christ blood was the ransom price that freed us from our sins.

Christ freed us for a purpose.

made us a kingdom and a priest to his God and Father. John alludes to Ex. 19:6 where God promised that Israel would be a kingdom and a priest to God. Israel failed in their role as a kingdom and a priest. The promises made to them were fulfilled in Christ.

Exodus 19:6 ESV

and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

Christ has made believers a kingdom who enjoy God’s reign and will one day reign with Christ in the future. Rev. 5:10

Revelation 5:10 ESV

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 20:6 ESV

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

As priest, believers have intimate access to God. 1 Pet. 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

All glory belongs to Christ.

to him be glory, dominion forever and ever. Christ alone is worthy of our praise, for He is our redeemer.

The coming kingdom verses 7-8

“Behold” John begins with the word behold to direct the readers attention to what he is about to say.

he is coming with the clouds. John alludes to Daniel 7:13-14 where one like the “Son of Man” comes to receive a kingdom from God. God grants the Son a kingdom in which he will reign and will be worshipped, and all his purposes will be fulfilled. He is coming with the clouds. Clouds here being the clouds of glory!

Daniel 7:13–14 ESV

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

every eye shall see him. His return will be visible to the world. In Revelation John often applies OT prophecies in a new way, and he clearly does so here, for Jesus comes not to God in the clouds but to the earth. We know that coming to earth is in view, since “every eye will see him” and “all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him” at his coming. John has put together Daniel 7:13 with Zechariah 12:10, and the latter text clarifies that the coming here is to earth. Such a combination of Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10, however, did not originate in the book of Revelation. We see this phenomenon already in the teaching of Jesus: “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30).

all the tribes of the earth will wail on on account of him. those who are still in their sins will experience grief when they see Christ come in his glory. the word wail in Greek means to mourn.

Even so. Amen. John concludes by saying “Amen” which means, “so let it be.” The salvation of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked are both a matter of joy in Revelation, the latter not because of vindictiveness but as a matter of justice. The coming of Jesus means the coming of the kingdom, the removal of everything defiling and evil upon the earth, and the inauguration of a new creation, perfect and beautiful. The natural response, the only healthy response, to such a new creation is yes and amen. This is John’s way of affirming the petitions of the Lord’s prayer. Yes and amen to the kingdom coming, yes and amen to God’s will being done on the entire earth.

I am Alpha and Omega, says the Lord. This section ends with a statement of God’s sovereignty. God refers to himself as “Alpha and Omega” a reference to the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet. The point here is that God reigns over all of history. From beginning to end and everything in between.

John then reiterates the words said of God in 1:4: the one who is, who was, and who is to come. He is mighty God in every moment faced by those who belong to him. There was never a time he was not supreme Lord over all, and there is no chance that history will spin out of his control. He is coming through his Son, Jesus Christ, to bring in the kingdom.

Conclusion

The book of Revelation is about Jesus Christ, his redemptive work and His plan to one day fulfill His promises to His people. Because He is sovereign and rules history, we can take comfort in the fact that Christ will do everything this book says He will do for His people. Our responsibility is to follow His example; to remain faithful and steadfast until the end.