Apocalypse Now. A Study of Revelation. Ian Brayshaw No part of this text may be reproduced without permission.

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1 Apocalypse Now A Study of Revelation Ian Brayshaw No part of this text may be reproduced without permission. Introduction The word translated as Revelation is from the Greek word Apocalupsis which means an uncovering or a revealing. This study is about uncovering the important truths of Revelation and understanding how we can apply them to our lives today. Revelation cannot simply be a book of the future or it would have no meaning to the many billions of people who live and die before the days in which those events unfold. The Title Apocalypse Now is more than a catchy film reference. It reminds us that the apocalyptic events of the future have significance now. Maybe one day I ll write a book about these things but this is just a study guide. It is most helpful to read it in conjunction with the series of talks on the webpage There are many views about the book of Revelation and some differ widely. There are even different approaches to the way that it should be studied. In this guide and the sermons that go with it I have followed these principles: 1. Revelation is written in order. Some prophetic books of the Bible jump around. They can prophesy about events a few years away and then explain events thousands of years away. I believe Revelation reads as a chronological account. 2. The events of Revelation haven't happened yet. Some people look at history and see some parallels between past events and the predictions of Revelation. The first 3 chapters were written to churches which have already existed and those that will come in the future. I believe that the other events are yet to happen. 3. I don't believe that Revelation answers all our questions. There are mysteries in there that will make sense at the time when the time comes but until then we can only speculate about their meaning. I fully expect to be wrong about some of the things written here. I am only giving you my opinions with my reasons for them. It is up to you to weigh my words and come to your own conclusions. Chapter One The purpose of this book is explained in this chapter: to reveal more about Jesus (v1); to tell Christians what will happen in the future (v1, v11); to bless those who read and keep it (v3). 1

2 Jesus is revealed as impressive in appearance (v 12-16) powerful (v 6-8, 18) having authority (v 18) caring (v 17) eternal (v 8, 18) loving (v 5) self-sacrificing (v 5) returning again (v 7) Christians are revealed as servants (v 1) kings (v 6) priests (v 6) washed clean from sin (v 5) The Church is revealed as a golden lampstand (valuable, a source of light - v20) having Jesus in the midst (v 13) receiving information from Jesus (v1,19) Chapter Two Chapters two and three consist of seven letters that are written to seven churches. The contents of each letter are not only relevant to the church it was sent to. Each letter ends by asking us to hear what the spirit is saying to the churches. Some believe that each church represents a period in history but I find no biblical evidence to support this. Indeed all seven types of church have existed at all times in the history of Christianity. The letters are actually written to the 'angels' of the churches and this may cause confusion. The word in Greek simply means messenger and can mean a heavenly angel or an ordinary human. In Matthew 11:10 the same word is used of John the Baptist and is translated as messenger. The 'angels of the churches' are almost certainly human, because why would John be told to write physical letters to spiritual beings? The messenger to each church probably refers to the leader of each church. Rev 1:20 shows us that the angels (leaders) of the churches are seen as stars in the hand of Jesus. Each letter also contains a promise to the overcomer. Some people believe that these only apply to some special 'super Christians' (who they sometimes call 'the bride of Christ'). However, the Bible reveals that all Christians are overcomers (1 John 5:4). In addition the promise in Revelation 2:11 is protection from the second death, and we know that this promise applies to all Christians (Revelation 20:14-15). Although these promises are for all Christians it is still true that we shall receive different rewards depending on our actions on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10). I believe that overcomer is someone who does not fall away and endures to the end (consider the parable of the sower). 2

3 We can learn lessons from each letter. In particular they help churches to: Identify strengths. We should aim for our church to have the positive things mentioned in each letter. Identify weaknesses. We should check if our church has the negative things mentioned in each letter. Find solutions to the problems. If we find any of the weaknesses we can use the actions commanded by Jesus to help us solve the problems. Ephesus (lost first love). A great church who did a lot of things right. They were particularly commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. There are many theories about who the Nicolaitans were but we cannot be sure. Revelation 2:14-15 suggests that they taught the same things as Balaam (Numbers ch 22-24, 31:16) which included eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality. These sins were common in those times (Acts 15:29, Revelation 2:20). There was a sect in those days that followed that a man called Nicholas. They taught that the more that people sinned, the more of God's grace would come into the world. This meant the followers deliberately did a lot of things wrong so they would have lots of God's forgiveness! This is obviously heresy and it is possible that this sect were the Nicolaitans. The Ephesians are also congratulated for testing the words of some particular Bible teachers and finding them to be liars. We should always be careful to test anything we hear against the truth in the Bible. The problem at Ephesus was that they had lost their first love. They no longer had the same love for God that they did when they first believed. This may have been a consequence of their hard work and perseverance. A Christian who feels they have to strive to keep going is not drawing on God's strength and may lose their love relationship with Him. The solution was simple - repent and go back to the way you were. Smyrna (persecuted). A poor church who were suffering much persecution. They are praised for their works and given no rebuke; why not? There are two possibilities. Firstly the time of persecution may have drawn them so closely to God that they were doing nothing wrong as a church. History shows us that a suffering church rapidly loses all its half-hearted members. The second possibility is simply the compassion of God. Perhaps they had enough to deal with without God rebuking them for their problems at that particular time. As Christians we can be too quick to point out the speck in our brother's eye, whilst forgetting they may have much more serious things to worry about. The action required of them is quite simple. Do not fear. The time of persecution will end. When we go through troubles it is good to remember this advice. Pergamos (compromising). Similar to Smyrna because they also faced persecution (a history book of the time says that Antipas was a Christian killed by being roasted in a bronze statue). Their problem was that they tolerated those who held false doctrine. A time of persecution can sometimes tempt us to get any support that we can, even when it comes from a bad source. They are told to repent. 3

4 Thyatira (personality problem). Another great church who are lavishly praised. Their problem concerned a particular person. She may have been called Jezebel or this may have been symbolic of the biblical Jezebel (1 Kings 16-21) who was a wicked woman. The Jezebel of this chapter is described as a false prophetess and she appears to have lured some Christians into false doctrine. Church problems can often be caused by people with strong personalities who rebel against the leadership. In this case the church leadership had been weak and allowed things to go too far. God had given Jezebel time to repent but she had refused, now God was sorting things out. Notice that in extreme cases God will take direct action! Those who committed adultery with her may refer to both the sexual act and being unfaithful to God. Her 'children' (who are to be killed) almost certainly means her followers, not her offspring. The only action required of Thyatira was to hold fast. They had enough problems dealing with their situation and God was placing no other burden on them. Chapter Three Sardis (dead). This church had the reputation for being alive but in reality was dead. Once again people were being fooled by the outward appearance, but God could see the truth under the surface. The services may have seemed lively with spiritual gifts in evidence. These gifts, however, are not a sign of maturity (1 Corinthians 13:1-2). Verse 4 implies that most of the church members were involved in sin and their lively appearance was a sham. It is quite easy to appear close to God, to sing loudly, to raise our hands and attend lots of meetings. In reality we know the truth about our walk with God. We must be honest with ourselves and Him. They were warned to repent and if necessary so should we. Philadelphia (faithful). This is the best of the churches and God has nothing to rebuke them for. They were small and weak but that doesn't matter because it is God who provides strength for achievements (2 Corinthians 12:9). As a result of their faithfulness, obedience and refusal to deny Jesus they were being granted an open door. An opportunity from God that no one could take away from them. As we remain faithful and obedient we too will receive our unstoppable opportunities. Laodicea (lukewarm). This is the worst of the churches and God has nothing good to say about them. An unbeliever is cold to God but at least they're not lying to Him. God would rather a person was cold than they claimed to know Him but then did nothing to change their way of life. The Laodiceans had a completely false impression of themselves. They felt wealthy and in need of nothing. The truth was they were miserable, poor, blind and naked. In our materialistic world it is all too easy to think we can solve problems without God. It seems easier to rely on money for status and happiness than a God we cannot see. In reality the material world has nothing but short term solutions that lead to bigger problems later. The solution is to be zealous for God, to be eager to spend time with him and hold onto our first love. God's attitude to the Laodiceans may seem harsh but it was an attitude of love (v 19). He was waiting at the door of their lives, wanting to be a part of the church. This is always His attitude to us when we drift away from Him. 4

5 A summary of the 7 churches 1. Ephesus worked hard, lost first love. 2. Smyrna stand fast, don t fear persecution. 3. Pergamos don t compromise. 4. Thyatira led astray by strong personality. 5. Sardis - dead (in sin). 6. Philadelphia small isn t weak, open door. 7. Laodicea Lukewarm, materialistic. Interlude 1 - Worship In focusing on the detail of the next two chapters we can miss the key theme of worship. In the presence of God the angels cry Holy, Holy, Holy. The kingly elders submit all their authority to God by casting their crowns before him and falling on their faces. They say of God and the Lamb that they are worthy to receive glory, honour, power, riches, wisdom and strength. That means that they want to give God their glory, honour, power, riches, wisdom and strength as worship. They worship through posture, music, song, prayer (bowls of incense). If we understood the majesty and holiness of God might our worship be a bit different? Chapter Four - The Majesty of God The door. This seems to have been the way for John to get into heaven. Some speculate this indicates the rapture but it is unlikely. The throne. John sees an amazing being seated on a throne. This has to be God in His fullness (Revelation 3:21). John cannot give an accurate description because he didn't have the words to explain what he saw. That is why he says God appears to be made of gem stones. 24 elders. It is impossible to be certain who these people are. They are most likely to be humans who have died and gone to heaven because they have thrones and crowns (although angels are often seen to be wearing white, they don't have crowns or thrones). The disciples may be included in this group (Matthew 19:28, Luke 12:30). They may also include other notable biblical characters such as Abraham. Seven spirits of God. We know that there is only one Holy Spirit but the Bible refers to the seven spirits (or eyes) of God on several occasions (Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6, Zecharaiah 3:9, 4:10, 2 Chronicles 16:9). There are two possibilities. The literal explanation is that there are seven angels who are particularly charged with seeing what is happening on the earth. The problem with this is that God already knows everything happening on the earth (Psalm 139) so what would He need the angels for? The alternative is that the seven are symbolic of the one Holy Spirit. Seven was thought to be a special number that signified completeness: 5

6 7 branches to one candlestick in the tabernacle/temple 7 days is one week 7 of each clean animal on the ark 7 seals 7 trumpets 7 bowls 7 days of marching round Jericho (7 times on last day) Sprinkle blood 7 times for atonement (Lev 16:14) The idea of the Holy Spirit as seven eyes would indicate perfect vision of what was going on. Some commentators feel there is a significance in the sevenfold nature of the Holy Spirit revealed in Isaiah 11:2. (The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord) Crystal sea. This large flat area of crystal sounds very similar to a vision that Ezekiel had (Ezekiel 1:22-28, 10:1) and Moses (Exodus 24:10). It seems that the floor of the throne room is made of something like glass. 4 living creatures. Again, these sound very similar to the creatures in Ezekiel's vision. In Ezekiel we know that the creatures are Cherubim (Ezekiel 10:3). We see that their jobs include carrying the throne of God (Ezekiel 1:22, Psalm 18:10) and guarding the tree of life in Eden (Genesis 3:24). Statues of the Cherubim are mentioned many times in the Old Testament and are always associated with the presence of God (e.g. 1 Kings 6). Although very similar to the living creatures of Revelation, there appears to be a significant difference. The creatures in Ezekiel have four wings (Ezekiel 1:6) but these have six (Revelation 4:8). To confuse matters further Isaiah 6:2 mentions the Seraphim who do have six wings but are not described in much detail. There is no other mention of the Seraphim in the Bible. It is therefore difficult to come to any firm conclusion. We can say that there are a variety of angelic beings with different names and different appearances. All of them are involved in worshipping God but may have other duties as well. We cannot pinpoint the exact nature of the four creatures in Revelation. The similarities between John and Ezekiel's visions would confirm to believing Jews that he is seeing the same God as the Old Testament. Chapter Five - The Scroll and the Lamb The scroll. This refers to a roll of paper which had seven seals. The type of seal is not explained but at that time it was common to use a blob of wax which was imprinted with a pattern while it was still soft. The fact that there are seven seals may indicate that it is a Testament as wills were sometimes sealed this way (two Roman emperors, Vespasian and Caesar Augustus left wills with seven seals). The exact contents of the scroll are not revealed but it seems likely that it contains instructions about what will happen in the end times. 6

7 The Lamb. There is a lot of symbolism in these verses. It is plain that John saw a lamb but it is referred to in many ways so that the truth about Jesus is revealed. He is the Lamb because He was a sacrifice for sin and because of His gentleness. He is the Lion of Judah because He is strong, powerful and majestic. He was of the house of Joseph who was directly descended from David and Judah. This is why he is the Lion of Judah and the Root of David (also indicated in Isaiah 11:1, 10 because Jesse was David's father). The lamb looked as though it had been slain because Jesus sacrificed His life for us. The trinity is indicated here because the Father was on the throne, the Lamb was in the midst of the throne (v6) and the spirit of God was symbolised by the horns and eyes of the Lamb. The song. The four living creatures and the twenty four elders sing a song. There is much debate about whether verses 9-10 talk about 'us' or 'them' and different versions of the Bible say different things. My limited understanding of Greek and original texts means I don't know which is more accurate. If it is 'us' then the twenty four elders are definitely Christians and the four living creatures may just be joining in with them as they sing. If the correct translation is 'them' then we have no further clue as to who the elders and the living creatures are. For some further information on the debate look at st-person-us-or-3rd-person-them/ Every creature praises. Although a human is technically a creature (in other words a living being that has been created) we can assume that v13 does not include unbelievers. If it seems strange that animals should praise God remember two things. Firstly that they would be using their own form of language. Secondly even stones can cry out (Luke 19:40). Interlude 2 Tribulation and rapture The Bible prophesies of a time of great trouble (Dan 12:1-2, Matt 24:21) which happens near the end of the world. Christians often call this 'The Great Tribulation'. The word 'Rapture' doesn't occur in the Bible. It means "to be carried off" and the same root word (from Latin) is similar to that of a raptor (bird of prey) carrying off the food it has caught. In Christianity 'Rapture' has come to mean the time that Christ returns and carries away the Christians (1 Thes 4:15-18). Jesus tells us that it will be like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:20-36). In both these cases the righteous are taken to safety on the same day that judgement begins to fall. This implies that the rapture will happen before the real tribulation begins. In understanding our best response to these events we should focus on how Jesus taught on the subject. The main passage is Matthew chapters Jesus spends 37 verses explaining what will happen and then 56 verses explaining what our response should be Be ready, expect it (parable of wise and foolish virgins). Even though you don t know when it will happen, live every day as if the rapture is coming that night. Use the resources that you have been given (parable of talents). 7

8 Help others. If the rapture happened tonight then would you be happy with the way you lived life today? Chapter Six - Six Seals Four Horsemen. There has been much controversy over the identity of these riders, especially the first. Some say the white rider is Jesus because he has a crown and because Revelation 19:11 describes Jesus in a similar way. Others suggest that it is the Antichrist. He is imitating Jesus with the white horse and the crown, but is carrying a bow instead of a sword. The problem with either of these interpretations is the identity of the other three. If the first rider is a particular person then presumably so are the other three. The last one was called 'Death' and Hades followed him. Hades is like a waiting place where unbelievers go to be judged, and there is no other record in the Bible that death is a person. Death is a condition meaning that life has ended. This strongly indicates that the four riders are not beings but a symbol that God shows John to help him understand something. This is not certain, however, and the riders may be some sort of spiritual being (angels or demons). Although their identity is uncertain their purpose is not. They have control over a quarter of the earth and can kill with sword, hunger, death (plague) and animals. This does not necessarily mean that a quarter of the earth actually die. It could mean that a quarter of the earth experiences great suffering. This time does not have to be part of the 'Great Tribulation' since a quarter of the earth is already experiencing these things today. This could even indicate the events of Revelation have begun! Fifth seal. This seal does not bring any suffering but draws our attention to something in heaven. The souls of some people who had been killed for their faith are seen under the altar. They are crying out for the earth to be judged and are told it will be a little longer. Sixth seal. A series of great signs take place. The sun turning black may indicate an eclipse (there will be 224 solar eclipses this century, 68 of them total). The sky receding like a scroll could be a huge cloud of dust/smoke travelling across it. This could also darken the sun and give the moon a reddish appearance. There is a great earthquake and this can also trigger volcanoes which produce clouds of ash and smoke. The stars falling from heaven could be meteor showers. The darkening of the sky would make it appear as if some of the stars had fallen because many of them would no longer be seen. At the sixth seal the world seems to recognise that God is bringing judgement (v16-17). I think that this is the most likely moment for the rapture to happen (this possibility is considered further in chapter seven). 8

9 Chapter Seven - Two Groups 144,000. These must be Jews because we are told which tribes they come from. It is true that Christians can be considered part of Israel but not as part of individual tribes. They were sealed on the forehead and this represented a sign of ownership and protection from God (Revelation 9:4). The list of tribes has two points of interest. Firstly it misses out Dan and Ephraim. The most likely explanation of this is the terrible idolatry of these tribes (1 Kings 12: Bethel was in Ephraim, Hosea 4:17). The problem that Dan would present is prophesied as far back as Genesis 49:17. The second interesting thing about the list is the inclusion of Levi and Joseph. Levi were not usually considered a tribe because they were separated to God and did not inherit any of the promised land (except cities). It is right that their descendants are included in this list of sealed Jews. Joseph was not considered to be a tribe because he had two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) whose children both became tribes. In Revelation Manasseh is included but Ephraim is not. The inclusion of Joseph as a tribe may be to allow a few of Ephraim, who were not involved in idolatry, to be included in the 144,000. The tribe of Joseph may also represent people who have converted to Judaism but are not officially from any of the tribes. Although these 144,000 are Jews they are also followers of Jesus (Revelation 14:4-5). They must get saved after the rapture because if they were already saved they would go to heaven when the rapture occurs. This does not mean that only 144,000 Jews will get saved after the rapture. It does suggest that only a select 144,000 get sealed and are spared the suffering of the tribulation. Revelation 14 tells us they are all virgins and are without fault before the throne of God. We are not told much about what they do but we can assume they will be witnessing. The multitude. These are definitely humans from the earth (v9) who are now in heaven (v15-17). They are Christians because they have robes washed white by the blood of the Lamb (v9,13). They have come out of (the) great tribulation (v14). Who are the multitude? There are two obvious possibilities. They are the saints who have been raptured from the earth, or they are a second rapture which happens to people who get saved after the first rapture takes place (sometimes called the rapture of the tribulation saints). I think the idea of the second rapture is wrong because there is no verse of scripture to suggest it is true. Indeed the evidence suggests that the removing of the tribulation saints takes place around Revelation 14: If the multitude in chapter seven are tribulation saints then who are the multitude in chapter fifteen? This means the people in Revelation 7:9-17 are most likely to be those that take part in the rapture. It says that they come from great tribulation and this may seem to cause a problem with my interpretation. We know that Christians do not go through the Great Tribulation (consider the examples of Lot and Noah) so if these are the raptured saints, how could they be said to come out of great tribulation? We can see that compared to the events of the next few chapters the tribulation has barely got started. Indeed it is impossible to define exactly when the Great Tribulation (as opposed to a time of great tribulation) actually starts, or even how long it lasts. I would place the most likely time of the rapture at the start of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12. Up to this point only a quarter of the earth has been affected by the seals. There also seems to be some event that makes the people of earth recognise that God is at work, and the happenings are not natural 9

10 disasters (Revelation 6:15-17). The end of chapter six and start of chapter seven finds John looking at the earth so it is understandable that he doesn't see the multitude until his attention is drawn back to heavenly events. The description of heaven. Verses tell us a little about what heaven will be like. This will be further discussed in chapters Chapter Eight - Seventh Seal, Four Trumpets The seventh seal. The silence in heaven is probably for the consideration of the appalling events that are about to follow. With the breaking of the seventh seal the scroll is now open. Whilst the Bible doesn t say what s written in the scroll the implication is that it has the instructions for the events that are about to unfold. The first four trumpets. 4 trumpets herald destruction from heavens Hail and fire destroy ⅓ trees, all grass. Burning mountain hits sea destroying ⅓ sea creatures and ⅓ ships. Star falls polluting ⅓ of fresh water many die. ⅓ of light blacked out. The events of these trumpets are quite straightforward. It may seem surprising that the falling star in verses can contaminate a third of the drinking water. In fact it is possible for an asteroid bearing poisonous metals to explode on impact releasing toxic dust into the atmosphere. This would fall to the ground wherever it rained. A similar effect was observed when the Chernobyl nuclear plant blew up in There are still parts of the Lake District and Wales where there is radioactive contamination because it rained heavily after the Chernobyl accident. Three Woes Foretold (v13) 1st Woe is fifth trumpet. 2nd Woe starts with sixth trumpet and ends at Rev 11:14. 3rd Woe starts with seventh trumpet and presumably includes all the events up to the end. Chapter Nine - Fifth and Sixth Trumpets The star from heaven. This must be an angel (or fallen angel) because it is described as a 'he' and is able to use a key. The bottomless pit. Also called the Abyss. This appears to be a prison for spiritual beings. It is also mentioned in Revelation 11:7, 17:8, 20:1-2, Luke 8:31, 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Jude 6. It is also referred to in 2 Peter 2:4 where it is translated from the Greek word Tartarus. There is apparently a head demon in the pit who is called Abaddon and Apollyon (Revelation 9:11). This does not necessarily mean he has authority in the bottomless pit because the demons in there are chained. It is 10

11 possible that this demon has something to do with the Antichrist who also appears to come from the bottomless pit (Revelation 17:8). It is difficult to be certain if Abaddon is the same being as the star in verse 1. The locusts. There are two possibilities. Some people speculate that these represent some kind of mechanised warfare (tanks or aeroplanes). It is more likely that they are spiritual beings (demons) because they: emerge from the bottomless pit. have a leader who is described as a (fallen) angel (v11). cause intense pain 5 months for but can t kill (v5). have a strange appearance (v7-10). don t harm plants (v4). Although John sees what they look like, it is likely that they will invisible to people. As physical beings we do not see the spiritual realm unless granted a special discernment or vision. To most people it may appear to some kind of disease that sweeps the earth which causes intense pain for around 5 months but doesn t kill. However, there is a suggestion that they could be using some form of chemical or biological warfare which doesn't cause death. Whatever they are, they are unable to harm those who have the seal of God (v11). The sixth trumpet. This causes the release of four powerful spiritual beings. They are called angels but it is likely that they are evil and hence can be called demons. Their job is to kill a third of mankind. The sudden introduction of an army of 200 million suggests that the demons are responsible for it. These horsemen are more likely to represent mechanised warfare than the demons of the fifth trumpet. They kill. They have armour. Their mouths produce fire, smoke and brimstone (think of the sight of a gun firing). They have tails like serpents whose head can kill (machine guns?). Those who ride them have things like breastplates (turrets?). It is interesting that John sees them as horsemen. When the Native American Indians first saw steam engines they called them 'iron horses' even though they looked nothing like a horse. The phrase translated 'two hundred million' does not have to be taken literally. It means "double myriad" or 'twice as many as a huge group.' The 'multitude' in chapter 7 is a single myriad. However it is worth remembering that in China alone there are three hundred million men aged between 15 and 44. The effect of 6 trumpets. After all this mankind still won't repent (v20-21). These verses give us an insight into why these terrible events are happening. For hundreds of years God has set aside judgement and punishment to allow everyone to freely repent and receive forgiveness. Now, as the end approaches, God is revealing His power and the depths of His anger against wrongdoing in the world. Everyone who would accept God s love and forgiveness has already gone to heaven by this point. Now God is giving people another chance to repent, but this time as a way to escape judgment. 11

12 Chapter Ten - The Little Book This chapter is essentially separate to the rest of Revelation. It really only concerns John as he is the only one who knows the seven thunders and he is the one given the word to prophesy. The little book. This is called the little book to distinguish it from the sealed book/scroll in Revelation five. John is told to eat it. This may seem strange but remember this was a vision. The book will have contained the words for John to prophesy to the nations. The story is very similar to the one found in Ezekiel chapters two and three. The word was sweet on the mouth but bitter in the stomach. This may represent the goodness of receiving God's word but his sadness at understanding the events he is now going to prophesy about. The seven thunders. We know very little about them. It suggests that there are a whole load of events that will happen at this time that we know nothing about. When we are trying to understand Revelation it is important to recognise that we don t have the whole story. All we can really say is that John was meant to know what they were, but we are not. Interlude 3 Daniel s Seventy Weeks The seventy weeks (or sevens) are mentioned in Daniel 9: Each seven is a period of seven years (see below for proof). Although only the last week refers to events of Revelation it is amazing to understand the prophecy of the first 69 sevens. Verses reveal that from the issuing of the command to rebuild Jerusalem until the anointed one is cut off will be 69 sevens or 483 years. The command to rebuild Jerusalem was in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1) which secular historians take to be around 445 BC. If they are right then we would predict the death of the Messiah to be 483 years later (38 AD). Secular historians believe the crucifixion to have happened in 30 AD which is only eight years out (a tiny 1.6% error). I think it more likely that it s the historians who got the dates wrong, not God! The fact that the prophecy of the first sixty nine weeks was so accurately fulfilled should encourage us that the seventieth week will also happen. In the 70th week An evil prince shall make a covenant for one week. In the middle of the week he shall end the sacrifice, set up abomination of desolation (v27). The same time in Dan 12:11 is 1290 days or 3½ years. If half a week is 3½ years then the full week is 7 years each week is 7 years. This shows that at the end of the world something big will happen with the temple. Some people label this period of time The Great Tribulation but that is not necessarily very helpful. There will certainly be a Great Tribulation but whether it refers to the whole of the period from the first seal, the whole of the seven years, the second 3½ years, or all the time up to the end isn t specified. In the next 3 chapters we will see some of the events prophesied to happen during Daniel s seventieth seven. 12

13 Chapter Eleven - Two Witnesses, Seventh Trumpet Measuring the temple. It is difficult to be sure of the meaning of this. The court is left out of the measuring because the gentiles will trample it for forty two months. The fact that the holy place was measured suggests that they will not trample it during that time. We know that the abomination of desolation will be set up in the holy place during the last three and a half years before the end (see notes on chapter thirteen). We seem to have a clue that the events of chapter eleven are in the first half of Daniel's seventieth week. A further difficulty to understanding this passage is the fact that the temple was destroyed in 70 AD and the practice of sacrificing animals ended with it. Some people believe that this means the temple must be rebuilt before Jesus returns again. However, prayers have taken the place of animal sacrifice and these take place in synagogues. There are many synagogues in Jerusalem, the largest of which is called The Great Synagogue. It is possible that the references to the earthly temple could just as easily apply to The Great Synagogue. Two witnesses. These are also mentioned in Zechariah 4: They appear to be human rather than angels because they can be killed (v7). We do not know their identity. Some people suggest Moses and Elijah are likely possibilities because they perform the same sort of miracles and Elijah's return is prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. Others suggest Enoch and Elijah because they didn't die. Whoever they are, we know their purpose. They witness on the earth for 1260 days (three and a half years). Since they are mentioned in the same section as verse two it is likely that they witness during the time that Jerusalem is trampled by the Gentiles but the Holy Place is left untouched. It is even possible that the witnesses are the reason the Holy Place is undefiled because we know they have power to kill their enemies. The statement that 'fire comes from their mouths' may not be literal. It could be similar to the way Elijah called fire from heaven. They are opposed by the 'beast that ascends from the bottomless pit' which eventually kills them. Their bodies are seen by the whole earth for 3½ days (which is only possible since the introduction of satellite communications). This beast is either Abaddon (Revelation 9:11) or the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1-8, 17:8) though it is possible that the demon Abaddon lives in the Antichrist's body. Seventh trumpet. The sounding of the seventh trumpet proclaims the next great phase of the end. It is blown around three and a half years before the end but represents all the events over that time. It is in these times that the mystery of God is finished (Revelation 10:7) and the dead will be judged (v18). Chapter Twelve - The Woman, Child and Dragon The woman. This almost certainly represents Israel. Israel is sometimes referred to as a woman (Ezekiel 16:8-14, Hosea 2:14-20). The symbol of sun, moon and twelve stars indicates Israel because of Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9 (Joseph being the twelfth star). She gives birth to one notable child (v5) and other children who are persecuted by the Devil (v17). The child could be Jesus, the church or the 13

14 144,000. Whichever of these is correct the woman could still represent Israel because all of them originated from the Jews. The woman flees to the wilderness. Matthew 24:15 also predicts that those in Judea will flee into the mountains at this time (the mountains and wilderness can refer to the same place because wilderness simply means an uninhabited area). The fact that she is helped for three and a half years is mentioned twice. Once in verse six and again in verse 14. In the latter case it says 'a time and times and half a time.' If the word 'time' means year then this can be interpreted as 1 year + 2 years + ½ a year = 3½ years. This phrase is also mentioned a lot in Daniel. The two mentions of the three and a half years may be talking about the same time or two separate periods. The male child. The main clue to child's identity is in verse five - who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. This could refer to Jesus (Revelation 19:15) or any group of Christians (Revelation 2:26-27, 20:4-6). In verses five and six we are told the child goes up to heaven and Israel flees into the wilderness for 1260 days. This period of three and a half years probably refers to half of the seven year tribulation period. This means that if the child is Jesus there is at least a two thousand year gap between verses five and six. This is possible but unlikely. Another possibility is that the child is the church. Again this requires a gap because the church have already been raptured and are in heaven years before Israel flees into the wilderness. The third and most likely explanation is that the child is the 144,000 Jews sealed in Revelation seven. We know they go to heaven at some point because they are seen again in chapter fourteen. They could have been on earth during the time of the witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12) but now be gathered up to heaven because the witnesses are gone. At this point it would be sensible for Israel to flee into the wilderness (v6) because the Antichrist is about to be revealed and the abomination of desolation set up (Revelation thirteen). The dragon. The dragon represents Satan as is clearly stated in verse 9. He is first seen in heaven and draws a third of the stars onto the earth. This is probably describing his rebellion with the other angels who became demons. The battle in heaven (v7-12) may be another reference to the fall of Lucifer or perhaps, since he has only a short time left (v12), it may describe an attempt by Satan to retain his place in the spiritual heavenlies. The dragon tries to persecute the male child. This was true whether the male child refers to Jesus or the 144,000. He also persecutes the woman (v13) and the rest of her offspring (v17). The rest of the woman's offspring. This is most likely to mean any Jews on the earth who follow Jesus. They must have been saved after the rapture or they wouldn't be here. They may have been converted by the preaching of the two witnesses and the 144,000. The 144,000 may be included as part of these offspring depending on who you believe the male child to be 14

15 Interlude 4 - Daniel's vision of 4 beasts (Dan 7) This is explained in Dan 7: Daniel sees a vision of 4 beats which represent four kingdoms which are to come. It also links in with the 'statue dream' in Daniel 2, and 'the Ram and the Goat' vision of Daniel 8. The key for us is to understand the fourth kingdom which is different to the rest (v19). The 10 horns are kings (v24) so the kingdom could be one geopolitical organisation with 10 heads of state. The little horn is another ruler, different to the rest (v24), which is greater than the others (v20). He subdues 3 of the other rulers (v24). He speaks against the most High and will persecute the saints for 3½ years (v25). This king will have his authority taken away at the end of the world when God's kingdom comes (v26-27). Since this prophecy relates to the end times we should look out for this kingdom and its key ruler in Revelation. Chapter Thirteen - Two Beasts Beast from the sea. This represents the Antichrist. The word 'antichrist' means a person who is against Christ. The Bible tells us that there are many antichrists (1 John 2:18, 2 John 7), there is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3), but also there will be one particular antichrist. The Antichrist is mentioned in many portions of the Bible but not often by name. He is symbolised as many things but 2 Thessalonians 2:2-12 strongly suggests that he will be (or at least look like) a man. The appearance of the beast (like a leopard, bear and lion) link it to Daniel s vision of beasts in Daniel chapter 7. He rises from the sea but this probably just indicates his human origin (Revelation 17:15). He is healed of a seemingly fatal wound which suggests he can do miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9). He speaks blasphemies and is given authority over the world (even Christians) for 42 months (Revelation 13:5-7, Daniel 7:25, 9:27, 12:6-12). After these three and a half years he will be defeated by Jesus and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20) Seven heads. This is plainly some form of symbolism. They are seen on the dragon (Revelation 12:3), the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1) and the scarlet beast (Revelation 17:3). There are many possible interpretations and I would find it impossible to say which is the right one. I will put forward one theory, mainly to show that the heads and horns could have some significance. I will begin by assuming that they have a similar meaning for each of the three beasts. In Revelation 17 we are told that the heads represent both hills and kings. As hills they are telling us about geography (see notes on chapter seventeen) but as kings they are talking of history. Verse 10 says that five of the kings are already past. One is currently king and the seventh is yet to be king. The idea may be that Satan is particularly associated with 7 kingdoms (e.g. Nazi Germany's persecution of the Jews). Five of these will already have past, one is ongoing at the time of the revelation and one more is yet to come. Revelation 17:11 also reminds us that the Antichrist will reign and therefore be an eighth king. Ten horns. These also represent kings or kingdoms. At the time of the prophecy they don't exist, but they will have come into power by the time of the Antichrist (Revelation 17:12). We also gain some insight into the horns from Daniel 7:

16 Daniel sees a fourth beast with ten horns which he specifies are kings (v24). This tells us that there will be some sort of organisation containing 10 countries. The Antichrist will come from one of these countries and he will take control of three of them (v24). All ten will then support him (Revelation 17:13). It is possible that the Antichrist will be a Jew (Daniel 11:37) but this doesn't mean that Israel is one of the ten because Jews can come from any country. The ten will also ruin Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17:16) and make war on the Lamb (Revelation 17:14) probably at the last battle. We don't know which countries these will be. When I became a Christian most people were convinced it was the European Community because it had 10 members. We now know this isn't true because many other countries have joined. It may turn out to be something like a G10 summit. Beast from the earth. This represents the false prophet (Revelation 16:13, 19:20). The fact he comes from the earth probably means just the same as the first beast coming from the sea. Daniel 7:3 and Daniel 7:17 talk about the same beasts but one verse says they came from the sea and the other says they came from the earth. The false prophet also does miracles (v13-15). Some people refer to Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet as the unholy trinity. The devil is a spiritual being like God the Father. The Antichrist is a physical embodiment of the devil and this is similar to Jesus being the physical embodiment of God. The false prophet does miracles and draws attention to the Antichrist. The Holy Spirit does miracles and draws attention to Jesus (John 16:13-14). The image of the beast. This is also called the abomination of desolation and is referred to in several places in scripture (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11, Matthew 24:15). One of the difficulties about understanding prophecies about these events is that they refer to as many as three similar, but separate, events. First is the attack of the Syrians around 190 BC. led by Antiochus. He stopped the sacrifice and set up heathen emblems in the temple. Secondly there is the Roman attack which destroyed the temple in 70 AD. Lastly there are the events of Revelation which we know take place at the end of the world. Each of the prophecies in Daniel 7-12 could be referring to any or all of these possibilities. However he does give enough detail that we know some of them must be talking about the end times. Since most of the accounts of the abomination of desolation occur in Daniel, how can we believe that it is the image of the beast? Let's look at what we know about the abomination. It is detestable to God (that's what abomination means). It makes things desolate (in other words it has power to lay waste or kill). It is built (Daniel 12:11). It is seen in the holy place (Matthew 24:15). It happens at the same time that the daily sacrifice is stopped (Daniel 9:27, 12:11). It is between 1150 and 1335 days before the end (Daniel 8:14, 12:8-12). The image of the beast is a statue of the Antichrist and therefore is an abomination and is built. It has the power to kill (Revelation 13:15) and so can make desolate. It is set up around the time of the Antichrist which is 1260 days before the end (Revelation 13:5). There is nothing else in Revelation that fits the information about the abomination of desolation. Anyone who refuses to worship the beast and the 16

17 statue is killed (if they're caught). People may not be expected to worship in the sense that we worship God. It may be in the sense of a personality cult or a dictatorship. Matthew 24:15 tells us the statue will be in the temple. Mark of the beast. The false prophet makes almost everyone receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. Without this mark people are unable to buy and sell which makes things extremely difficult for them. Many who stay true to Jesus will be executed (Revelation 20:4). The mark of the beast is described in three other ways (v17-18). It is also the name of the beast, the number of the beast and 666. There is enormous speculation about what the mark may be. Pets can now have a computer chip implanted under the skin which can be read by a handheld machine. All bar codes appear to have three spacers which look like the pattern for a six. It is also interesting that we are told to calculate the number (or name) of the beast. The Jews written language could use letters to represent numbers (we could use the system A=1, B=2...Z=26). It could be that the total of the letters in the Antichrist's name add up to 666. The mark of the beast is mentioned later in the book. Those who receive it will feel God's anger (Revelation 14:9-11, 16:2). Interlude 5 Summary of my opinion of the events of the seven year period A world leader (the first beast) will arise, who will later be revealed as the antichrist. He will have an assistant/pr guy (the second beast/false prophet). Jerusalem will be occupied by non-jews but they won t go into temple and will allow sacrifices and prayers to continue. Two witnesses will speak against the world leader and explain to everyone what is happening. At the midpoint the two witnesses are killed. Their bodies are left in the street for 3 days but then they will have a physical resurrection and then go to heaven. The temple is occupied and the prayers and sacrifices stopped. At some point the 144,000 Jews go to heaven. The remaining Jews flee to the mountains. A statue of the world leader is set up in the temple and everyone is told to worship it or be killed A new economic system is set up which requires people to accept the mark of the beast in order to buy and sell. Chapter Fourteen - Two Harvests 144,000. These must surely be the same 144,000 Jews who were sealed on their foreheads in chapter seven. They are standing on Mount Zion. There is a small chance that this is the literal place which is a hill in Jerusalem. It is more likely that it refers to heaven because they are in the presence of the throne and the elders (v3). Hebrews 12:22 clearly says that there is a heavenly Jerusalem with Mount Zion. 17

18 Angel's announcements. The first one carries the gospel indicating it is not too late to be saved (as long as the person hasn't received the mark of the beast). We could ask ourselves why is God causing all these terrible things to happen on the earth. I suggest that He is giving everyone a final chance to turn to Him. With all the Christians gone in the rapture, the two witnesses preaching and the fulfilment of so many prophecies it should be clear that God really exists. However believing that God exists is not enough for salvation (even the demons know God exists). People must turn to Him in faith. During the Tribulation, faith will be demonstrated by refusing the mark of the beast. Many people will become martyrs but their reward is eternal life. The second angel speaks of the fall of Babylon. This will be considered in more detail in chapters seventeen and eighteen. The third angel warns of God's judgement on those who do receive the mark of the beast. Those who keep the faith are told they must be patient at this time and it will be a blessing to die. Conditions on earth at this time must be very severe for God to say such a thing. Two harvests. The first harvest is gathered by Jesus (one like the Son of Man with a golden crown) and there is no record of judgement upon the crop that is reaped. This probably symbolises the deaths of Christians over the remaining time before the battle of Armageddon. Some (or all) of them are seen in heaven in Revelation 15:2. The second harvest is gathered by an angel (v19) and the crop of grapes is trampled in the winepress of the wrath of God. The blood forms a river about 180 miles long with a depth of around 5 feet. I think this is unlikely to refer to a particular event since elsewhere in Revelation it describes the cause of people's deaths. It probably symbolises the deaths of unbelievers over the remaining time including the battle of Armageddon. There are obvious parallels here with the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-43). Jesus explains that there will be a harvest by the angels in the end times where those of the kingdom, and those outside of the kingdom, will be separated. One group will go to heaven and the other to judgement. The amount of blood sounds impossible but I calculate that if all the human blood in the world were poured into a river it could be 180 miles long, 5 feet deep and 200 feet wide. Chapter Fifteen Martyrs appear in Heaven and Seven Angels Prepare Some of those who have been killed for refusing to worship the beast are seen in heaven. It is interesting to see their reaction. They do not moan and complain at all the have been through. They do not consider God to have been harsh. In fact we see the opposite. They sing Great and marvellous are Your works, Just and true are Your ways. They recognise that God has been just in his dealings with them. They are grateful that they had an opportunity to come to faith by refusing to worship the beast and accept his mark. We may feel that the judgements described in Revelation are extremely harsh, even brutal. Yet God has withheld any judgment and punishment for hundreds of years and there is only this relatively short period of disaster (around 7 years). The perspective of those who live through it is not that God has been brutal, but that He has been great, marvellous, just and true! The chapter also describes the preparations for the final outpourings of God's wrath. This will be in the form of seven bowls (containing plagues) which will be poured out by angels. 18