The book of revelation

Transcription

1 by Rev. Kevin Giles {part 1 of 6} The book of revelation Study 1 Introduction Revelation Chapters 1-3 Christians tend to be both drawn towards the Book of Revelation and repelled by it. We would all love to know what it is all about and yet the well-nigh impenetrable symbolism and visionary language makes it impenetrable and mystifying. Many Christians are also very wary of the book because the only people who seem to be confident as to what it means are dismissive of living in this world and serving Christ in practical ways. They are dogmatically sure that what is happening around us today is predicted by this book and the end is near. What they assert the author is saying seems far-fetched and imaginative. A little information about the book is the first step in understanding it: It is Apocalyptic Literature In style and content the book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature just like the Book of Daniel, Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 and much of Mark chapter 13. The Greek word apokalypto which appears in verse 1 means to uncover, to reveal, to disclose what was hidden. Such literature is full of symbolism, numerology, angelic heavenly figures and cataclysmic outcomes. Many of the symbols and numbers are perplexing but some are not. For example, the number seven used 55 times indicates perfection or completion (as in 7 days of creation). There are thus 7 churches, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 persecutions, 7 plagues. And thus the famous 666 (Rev. 13:18) reflects less than the perfect three times over. It should also be noted that John himself speaks of his work as a prophecy (verse 3), a word from the Lord. A prophecy may predict the future but more commonly it given for the upbuilding and encouragement and consolation (1 Cor. 14:3) of God s people in the present. It Arises Out Of Persecution and Suffering as a Believer Such literature arose in very difficult times for Jews and Christians. It is the product of persecution, suffering and martyrdom. Things are so bad on earth, the writers of such literature believe, that only God coming down from heaven can put things right. They write to encourage believers to be faithful and persevering, setting their hope on the future when God will intervene in power to punish the evil doers and reward believers in a transformed heaven and earth. We are not exactly sure when the Book of Revelation was written, but it was certainly late in the first century when the Roman state and the Emperor were persecuting Christians.

2 The wicked Emperor is either Nero or Domitian identified as the anti- Christ. In symbolic terms Rome is called Babylon (Rev. 14:8, 16:19 etc). Rome is the counterpart of the ancient pagan city, Babylon, ruled by Nebuchadnezzar who also opposed and persecuted God s people. It Extensively Draws On the Old Testament Although there is not a single direct quote from the Old Testament, the Book of Revelation is filled with allusions to events, symbols and persons in the Old Testament. One estimation is that there are 348 reflections of what is found in the Old Testament. This means that often the symbolic language and ideas in Revelation are explained by reference to the Old Testament. Interpretation We are told that what is revealed is revealed by an angel to God s servant called John (Rev. 1:2). Most scholars do not think this is the apostle John, the author of John s Gospel and the three little epistles of John because the language, style and theology is so different. All we know for sure is he was called John and he was on the Island of Patmos off the coast of what we know today as southern Turkey. The question of how to understand/interpret the book of Revelation is a question at two levels. A. How to understand the book as a whole what is it all about? And, B, how to understand individual verses or chapters rich in symbolism? On the first matter there are a number of schools of thought: 1. The most common view is that the Book of Revelation has its sole focus on the first century. John is speaking to his contemporaries about what he thinks is to take place in the next few years. It speaks to Christians that at that time were suffering awful persecution mainly from the Roman state but also from hostile unbelieving Jews. They were being pressured to worship the Roman Emperor who is identified as the anti-christ. 2. Some have argued that the Book of Revelation maps out human history from the first century to the coming of Christ. The Roman Empire and its demise, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Napoleonic Wars, the First World War, the rise of Hitler etc are all cryptically anticipated. This means that the book only had limited relevance to first century Christians. 3. Another view is that the book is exclusively concerned with the end of the age; the time just before Christ returns. This view has had great appeal, especially among American evangelicals in the last hundred years who have thought the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 heralds the last days. The great problem with this position is that in every age some have thought they are living in this end time period and thus have thought the Book of Revelation is cryptically speaking of events happening around them. They cannot all be right!

3 4. Yet another view is that the Book of Revelation is a symbolic portray of the conflict between good and evil; between the forces of God and the Devil. It is timeless, non-historical account of this struggle, holding out the hope that God will ultimately triumph. 5. The best and most convincing overall understanding of the book takes up the key insights of position 1 and 4. The book was written to address Christians in the first century, yet it contains principles that apply in every age. The letters to the seven churches illustrate this interpretative understanding of the book of Revelation. Each of these letters were written to churches in the first century that are accurately described who were facing specific challenges and opportunities, yet Christians in every age can hear God addressing them. If this is the way to understand this book then we should not seek to find hidden references to what is going on in our world or get so engrossed in the colourful imagery, the symbolism and cryptic language that we miss the main theme of the book. It is this, take hope, Christ will triumph and his people will be saved. In Christ we are more than conquerors The question of the interpretation of specific verses and chapters will be addressed as we study the book in what follows. However I need to say at this point that from 6:1 to 20:15 the motifs of persecution, judgement and salvation recur in each section and become more intense. However, because events in each episode are repeated it would seem the sections are not to be understood in chronological sequence but in terms of recapitulation. Each episode is speaking of the same period of time. Structure The best way to outline the whole book is to divide it up as the book itself suggests. 1. Chapters 1-3. Introduction and the letters to the seven churches. 2. Chapters 4-5. A vision of heaven. 3. Chapters 5 to 8:5. The 7 seals. 4. Chapters 8:6-11:19. The 7 trumpets. 5. Chapters 12 to 14:20. The 7 signs. 6. Chapters 15 to 16:21. The 7 last plagues 7. Chapters 18 to 20. The triumph of the almighty God 8. Chapters 21 to 22. A vision of new heaven and a new earth. Given that the author is first of all addressing believers in his own age, it follows that the opening of the 7 seals, the blowing of the 7 trumpets, the 7 signs, and the 7 plagues are not to be understood literally and sequentially but as symbolic and pictorial words of hope to believers now suffering and feeling alone.

4 Study Group Suggestions The following studies involve three elements, reading the chapters set for the study aloud, using the notes to help in understanding what John writes, and discussing the questions given at the end. I suggest one person be invited to read a whole chapter aloud. People reading a verse or two, often from different versions, going around the group, does not allow anyone to sense the grandeur and colour of these visions. Revelation Chapters 1 to 3 Read Revelation 1 Chapter 1 both introduces the book and the letters to the seven churches. Verse 1: Note what is said concerns what is about to take place it is not far off. Verse 4: The 7 Spirits, an expression also found in 2:7, 17 etc. It seems the Holy Spirit is in mind, the perfect spirit of God. Read Revelation 2-3 These letters were addressed to seven historical churches (Christian communities) in seven cities in southern Turkey which can be visited today. The letters bear a common structure. 1. A greeting. To the angel of the church at. John addresses the angel of the church which could refer to the guardian angel of the church but as he equates the angel and the church this is difficult. Whatever the answer he is clearly addressing church as people in a given place on earth. 2. A pictorial description of the Christ who speaks. E.g. These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life (2:8). 3. A commendation. E.g. I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich (2:9). (This is missing in the letter to Laodicea). 4. A criticism. E.g. But I have a few things against you (2:14). 5. A warning. E.g. Repent and wake up, I will come like a thief (3:3). 6. An exhortation. Let everyone who has an ear listen 7. A promise. I will give you the crown of life (2:10).

5 Discussion Questions 1. Of what interest is the book of Revelation to you? (Everyone present should be encouraged to answer briefly). 2. Do you think Christians are living in a time when the state seems to be intent on undermining Christianity and making things difficult for Christians? What evidence do you have for your conclusion? 3. Do you sometimes feel really in need of encouragement because the going is so hard? Read one of the seven letters to the churches. I suggest the letter to Laodicea because it is so relevant for the church today in the West but you can chose another. Discuss the following questions: 4. Does the commendation in any ways fit our church? 5. Does the criticism fit our church in any way? 6. Is there a warning we should heed? 7. What do I hear Christ saying to me personally in this letter?