Lesson #1 Overview The Author: - John the Apostle the son of Zebedee, brother of James - One of the sons of thunder - The one Jesus loved Date of Writing: - Historically it has been held that John had his vision and wrote Revelation around AD 95. - An argument has been put forward that John had his vision and wrote this book around AD 68 during the persecution of the Church by Nero. (It should be noted that several second century sources speak of John being in Ephesus and ministering throughout Asia from about AD 70 to 100. It was during this time that these sources say he was exiled to Patmos by the emperor Domitian who intensely persecuted the Christians.) - We do know that persecution had begun. 2:13 Antipas is named as a martyr for the faith. - We do know that Christians were being imprisoned as John was on Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. (1:9) Style of Literature: Apocalyptic - The Greek word translated as Revelation is apokalysis. It can be translated as Revelation or Apocalyptic. It is a category of literature that is highlighted by dream, visions, imagery and number symbolism. It has a definite interest of end-time events. - Apocalyptic numbers 3 The number of God/Trinitarian; the spiritual world 4 The number of the physical world; north, south, east and west 6 - The number of man 7 The number of perfection; seven days in the first week of creation 10 The number of completion or wholeness; The complete Law is found in the 10 commandments 12 The number of God s people; 12 tribes of Israel; 12 Apostles 3.5, 42, 1260 are all incomplete numbers 1
- Use of apocalyptic numbers Squared and cubed numbers multiply the significance of the number. 12 x 12 = 144 The complete or full set of God s people. 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000 Perfect completion; God s perfect completion 12 x 12 x 10 x 10 x 10 = the perfectly, complete, full set of God s people! A Book of Woe or a Book of Joy? - Revelation is often referred to as a book of woe because of the strong theme of judgment. - Revelation is also referred to as a book of Joy or Hope as we read in 2:10, Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life. - Perhaps we should view it as a book of preparation. A book that prepares us and encourages us to look past the struggles, trials and persecutions that are to come and see the victory of Christ s death and resurrection in His triumphant return. 1. Jesus also spoke of difficult times that would come. To what did He compare them? Why? (Matthew 24:4-8) Theme: Good vs. Evil God vs. Satan Revelation 1:1-7 (Yes, only seven verses! But you ll see) 2. What does the word revelation or apocalypse mean? 3. Who does this revelation belong to? 4. Where did the revelation come from? 2
5. What was the purpose for giving this revelation? 6. How was this accomplished? 7. How did John view this revelation? (vs. 2) 8. Verse 3 contains the first of seven blessings in the book of Revelation. Who is it given to? 9. Who did John address this book to? What symbolism is found in this address? Historical Note Grace and Peace Grace is the Christian version of a Greek greeting. Peace/Shalom is a common Hebrew greeting. Put together, this is a greeting to both Jew and Gentile. 10. Where does Grace and Peace come from? What is meant by this? 3
11. How is Jesus Christ described? What is meant by these terms? (Vss. 5-6a) Jesus is the: A) B) C) D) E) F) 12. To which of the six descriptions of Christ do the following verses apply? A) John 18:37 B) Colossians 1:18 C) 1 Timothy 6:15 D) John 3:16 E) Romans 5:8 F) John 14:6 G) 2 Corinthians 5:21 H) 1 Peter 2:9 I) 1 Peter 1:4 J) Matthew 25:34 K) John 1:29 L) Romans 8:37-39 M) Galatians 2:20 N) Ephesian 2:4-5 O) 1 John 4:9 P) 1 John 4:10 Q) 1 John 4:11 R) Ephesians 2:1 S) Romans 3:23 T) Romans 6:23 4
U) Romans 8:34 V) Acts 7:55-56 W) Revelation 17:14 X) Revelation 5:10 Y) Hebrews 7:25 Z) Hebrews 9:15 13. You just finished a rather exhaustive search through the scripture to see the validation of the six descriptions that John ascribes to Jesus. Each one is profound and has serious implications. Together they point out that our Salvation has been won for us. It is not what we have done to earn salvation; but, that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God and made heirs of the kingdom through Him. Because of this, what does John rightly say should be done? (Vs. 6b) 14. Forever seems to be a very long time. Why would John say forever and ever? 15. Thinking of your answer to the last question, why did John include the word Amen at the end of verse six? 16. John s description of Jesus focused on what Jesus had done or was doing. With his inclusion that all dominion or power belong to Jesus forever and ever, he then transitions to what Jesus is going to do! What will Jesus do? 5
17. You probably answered the last question with a simple statement like, Christ will return or He s coming back. To be honest, the answer guide to this lesson answers question sixteen with the three words, Christ will return! Yet, there is nothing simple about His return! What miraculous things will take place when Christ returns? Why are they miraculous? 18. Read 1 st Corinthians 15:52. What miraculous characteristic is added to this description of Christ s return? 19. Challenge Question! How do Revelation 1:7 and 1 st Corinthians 15:52 relate to Genesis 1 and 2? 20. This has probably been the most intensive 19 question Bible Study of seven verses you have ever had. But I d like to take you back to the overview at the beginning of this lesson. After reading the first seven verses of Revelation are you feeling that it is a: A) Book of Woe? Or B) Book of Joy? As you consider your answer, also consider the last word of verse seven, Amen. How does this word influence your answer? 6
Lesson #2 Revelation 1:8-20 1. What is Alpha? Omega? How does this apply to God? 2. Who is the Alpha and the Omega? What else is said about Him? 3. Let s do a little deeper study of these names, titles and descriptions. A) Read Rev. 1:4-5. Who was being referred to as the one who is, was and is to come? How do you know? B) In 1:8, why would the Alpha and Omega, the One who is, was and is to come also add that He is the Almighty? C) The title Alpha and Omega are used two more times in Revelation. Read 21:1-6 and 22:1-16 with an emphasis on 22:13. Who is the Alpha and the Omega in: a) 21:1-6 b) 22:1-16 D) What can we learn from this? (John 10:30) 4. Verses 9-20 are commonly referred to as The First Vision. We will break this vision into two parts. Part I (vss. 9-11) serves as an introduction and command. Part II (vss. 12-20) focuses on what John saw. How does John initially describe himself? Why? 7
5. If you answered the last question by saying that John was emphasizing that we are all part of the family of God you have done well. But, wait, there really is more! The Greek word that John uses for brother is adelphos which literally means from the womb. The emphasis, therefore, is on the shared parent(s). Read John 3:3-7. What key doctrine is John reinforcing by using this term? 6. Not only did John say that he was a brother, he also said he was partner with those he was writing to. How was he a partner? What is meant by this/each? 7. Where was John? Why was he there? What does this tell us about John? (Luke 24:25-27) 8. Consider the answer to your last question. How might you apply this to your life today? 8
9. When did John receive this vision? What was he doing? (John 4:24) What do we learn for this? 10. What was the command that John received? 11. Refer to the map at the end of this lesson and follow the direction given. Challenge Question: Interpret what you see. If you are struggling with this challenge, look back to the notes given about apocalyptic writing in lesson #1. 12. What was the first thing that John records to have seen when he turned to see who was talking to him? 13. What do these seven objects represent? (1:20) 14. What is the next thing that John records that he saw? 15. Read Daniel 7:9-14 (special emphasis on verse 13.) Who or what was John seeing? 9
16. What was this person wearing? Why is this significant? 17. What was the hair of this person like? Why is this significant? (Daniel 7:9) 18. Describe the Son of Man s eyes. What does this represent? (Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3) 19. Describe the Son of Man s feet. What does this represent? 20. Describe the Son of Man s voice. What does this represent? (Ezekiel 43:2) 21. What did the Son of Man hold in His right hand? What are these? (1:20) 22. Describe the Son of Man s mouth. What does this mean? 10
23. What else is described as a two-edged sword? Why? (Hebrews 4:12) 24. Describe the Son of Man s face. What might this symbolize? (John 8:12) 25. How did John react to the sight of the Son of the Man? Why? (Hebrews 10:31) 26. What is meant when the Son of Man/Jesus says: A) I am the first and last? B) The Living One? C) I have the keys of death and Hades? 27. What command was given to John? 11
The Seven Churches of Revelation Beginning with the Church at Ephesus, draw a line connecting the churches in the order that they are given in verse 11 of our study for this week. Then draw a line that connects the last church mentioned with the first. SDG Revelation Lesson #2 Map of the Churches 12
Lesson #3 Chapter 2:1-11 Introduction: Chapters 2 and 3 are a continuation of what was introduced to us at the end of chapter one. In these chapters, John is told to write letters to the seven churches or seven lampstands. These letters follow a similar form: The general pattern: 1. A Greeting, To the angel 2. A Title of the Risen Christ 3. A Praise I know 4. Criticism (except Philadelphia and Smyrna) 5. Warning 6. Exhortation beginning with He who has an ear 7. A Promise I will give Sevenfold arrangement: Churches 1 & 7 Very Poor Churches 2 & 6 Very Good Churches 3, 4, & 5 Mediocre In Order: Extreme Poor - Extreme Good 3 Mediocre Extreme Good Extreme Poor 1. Why would Jesus refer to churches as lampstands? Matthew 5:14; John 8:12) 2. Who or what is the angel of the church? As you prepare to answer this question, consider that the Greek word angelos literally means messenger. Also consider what Jesus said in Matthew 11:1-10 concerning John the Baptist and how that might relate to the angel of the church. 13
3. What is the first church that Jesus addresses? What do you know about this city? (Acts 19) 4. How does Jesus identify Himself? Why is this significant? Challenge: What prophecy of Christ does this fulfill? 5. What is the significance of the phrase, The words of..? (Amos 1:6, 9 & 11; 2 nd Chronicles 36:23) 6. Jesus know(s) your works. How do the words toil and patient endurance amplify the meaning of their works? 7. What did the Ephesians not bear? What is the example of this that is given? How did the Ephesians deal with this? What can we learn from this? (1 st John 4:1-6) 8. What did Jesus have against the church of Ephesus? What is meant by this? (John 13:34-35; Matthew 24:12) 14
9. What did Jesus call on the Ephesians to do? What do you notice about this call? 10. What would happen if they didn t heed the words of Christ? 11. The word hate is a powerful word. What did both the Lord and the Ephesians hate? (Warning! Be careful in answering this question. Keep in mind you answer to #8) 12. Again, hate is a powerful word. Early church fathers (Irenaeus and Clement) connected the Nicolaitans to an individual found in Acts 6:5. How might this information help us understand why the Lord hated and why He used this particular reference with the Ephesians? 13. What word of hope was given to the Ephesians? What does this mean? 14. How does Jesus identify Himself in His address to the angel of the church in Smyrna? Why would Jesus identify Himself in this way to this church? (See Historical Note: Smyrna) 15
Historical Note: Smyrna Smyrna was one of the greatest cities in the region. It competed with Ephesus for the title First of Asia. Smyrna had an excellent harbor that was well protected. It was the natural port for the fertile Hermes valley and regions beyond that. It was destroyed in 580 B.C. In 290 B.C. it was rebuilt according to a master plan, making it one of the first planned cities of the time. It had a temple for the worship of the emperor and the first temple for the goddess of Rome. Smyrna supported Rome before it became an empire so it enjoyed great Roman support because of its loyalty. 15. What are the three things that Jesus knows about the church in Smyrna? A. B. C. 16. Let s explore these three things in depth. Look at the first one, tribulation, is it in the singular or plural form? Now look at the historical note. Why might it be written in this way? 17. The second thing Jesus knows is their poverty. What description is added to this? What does this mean? Thinking back to your last answer and the historical note, why were the Smyrna Christians poor? 18. How is synagogue of Satan tied to the slander the Christians of Smyrna faced? 16
19. What did Jesus reveal was coming to the church of Smyrna? 20. Why would God let this happen? (1 st Corinthians 10:13) 21. Apocalyptic Literature Test! What is meant by the phrase for ten days you will have tribulation? 22. Many theologians identify the second half of verse ten as the theme of the book of Revelation. What is meant by: A) Being faithful unto death? B) Crown of life? C) I will give? 23. What is the second death? What is the first death? 17
Notes 18
Lesson # 4 Chapters 2:12-3:6 In our last lesson, we saw how Christ s address to the seven churches follows a seven-point pattern and a seven-fold arrangement. We then studied His address of a very poor church, Ephesus, which was followed by Smyrna, a very good church. This week we will study the three mediocre churches of Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardis. 1. How does Jesus identify Himself to church of Pergamum? What does this mean? (Hebrews 4:12) Compare this to 1:16 & John 1:1-3 Historical Note: Pergamum Pergamum was willed to Rome by its last king in 133 B.C. This led to its becoming the capital of the Roman province of Asia. With its great administrative importance, it also became the home of an enormous library with more than 200 parchment scrolls. In fact, our word parchment is a derivative of the word Pergamum. The city had three temples for the worship of the emperor. Outside of the city stood a hill which was the site of a multitude of other pagan temples. However, temples for Zeus, Dionysus and Athene were found inside the city. People came from all over the world to be healed by the god Asclepius (the god of medicine and healing) whose temple was at Pergamum. As a result, Pergamum has been described as the Lourdes of the ancient world. (For Catholics, Lourdes is the world s most beloved shrine. It was there that the virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a young 14-year old girl.) 2. Jesus said, I know where you dwell. How did He describe Pergamum? Why? 19
3. What does Jesus commend the in Pergamum for? 4. Who was Antipas? How did Jesus describe Him? Challenge-Why is this such a powerful and honorable description? (1:5) 5. Jesus had a few things against the church of Pergamum. What were these? Vs. 14 Vs. 15 6. What is Christ s answer for those few things He had against the Church? What does this mean? (Consider 2:12b) 7. What would happen if the church of Pergamum did not heed Christ s advice? 20
8. What is meant by hidden manna? (John 6) 9. What is meant by the White Stone? 10. What is the significance of having a new name written on a white stone? (2 nd Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 62:2) 11. How does Jesus identify Himself to the church of Thyatira? What is the significance of these identifications? Where else in the Bible is such a description found? 21
Historical Note: Thyatira It is interesting to note that Thyatira is the smallest of the seven cities/churches that Christ addresses and yet the letter to it is the longest. This in itself, reminds us that the values of God differ from those of men. Thyatira was a commercial center and was known for its trade guilds that represented wool-workers, linen-workers, makers of outer garments, dyers, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave-dealers and bronze-smiths. Thyatira was particularity known for its wool-dying. 12. Considering the historical note on Thyatira explain the connection between Acts 16:14 and Revelation 2:18 with the city of Thyatira. 13. What does Jesus say He knows about the Thyatiran Church? Explain each. 14. Contrast Ephesus, a very poor church with Thyatira, or mediocre church. 22
15. Who was Jezebel? (1 st Kings 18-21) What was she known for? How does this relate to Thyatira? 16. What was the problem with Jezebel and her relationship with the church of Thyatira? 17. What is the good news of verse 21? The bad news? (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8; 145:8; 1 st Timothy 2:4; 2 nd Peter 3:9) 18. How is Jezebel s judgment tied to her sin? 19. What is meant by her children? What will happen to children? What would stop this? 23
20. What would be learned from Christ s judgment of Jezebel? How is this tied to Christ s description of Himself in verse 18? 21. How do we balance or find commonality between Christ s words, I will give to each according to his works and the words of Ephesians 2:8-9? 22. What is meant by the deep things of Satan? 23. What does Christ call on the Thyatirans to do as it relates to these deep things? Why? 24. What is meant by the phrase, rule them with a rod of iron? 25. What is the morning star? (Revelation 22:16) 24
26. How does Jesus reveal or describe Himself to the church in Sardis? What does this mean? 27. What was the reputation of the church at Sardis? The reality? Historical Note: Sardis Sardis was a very active commercial city that was known for its great wealth. The trouble for cities of great wealth is that they often see themselves as blessed and become complacent. 28. What did Jesus call on the church of Sardis to do? Why? What does this reveal about the church? 29. How did Jesus know that the church of Sardis was dead? (Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 3:8) 30. What had the people received and heard? What were they to do with this? 31. How are Christ s words, I will come like a thief, a vivid warning to the church of Sardis? 25
32. Where did Christ find hope in Sardis? 33. What is the: White garment? Book of Life? 34. What is the good word to those whose names are in the book of life? 26
Lesson #5 Chapter 3:7-22 In our last lesson, we explored Christ s address to the three mediocre churches of Asia. In this week s study, we return to a very good church Philadelphia and close with a very poor church Laodicea. 1. How does Jesus identify Himself to the church of Philadelphia? What is meant by this description? Historical Note: Philadelphia Philadelphia was known as the gateway to the East. It was founded in 140 BC as a missionary center for the Hellenistic/Grecian way of life by Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum. It was a prosperous city because it was at the crossroads of three major trade routes and was a flourishing grape growing region. 2. What does Jesus say He knows about the church at Philadelphia? What is meant by this? (Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8; James 1:22-25) 3. What is meant by the phrase, an open Door? Vs. 7 & 12-1 Cor. 16:9-2 Cor. 2:12 - Col. 4:3 - Rev. 4:1-27
4. You are probably wondering exactly what the open door really is at this point in your study. There are two distinctly different but possible answers. Or, perhaps they are both correct. Consider what Jesus says about this door, which no one is able to shut. Which definition(s) of open door fits this description? Why? 5. What is meant by little power? (Keep Philippians 4:13 in mind as you answer this question. It tells you what it can t mean!) 6. In spite of having little power, what two things does Jesus commend the church in Philadelphia for? What is meant by each? 7. What is meant by the synagogue of Satan? Does this synagogue exist today? 28
8. How could a true descendant of Abraham not be a Jew? (John 8:39-59) 9. Who are the true Jews or descendants of Abraham? (Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6-8) 10. What is the lie of the non-jewish Jew? 11. What will happen to the non-jewish Jew? Why? 12. The phrase My word of patient endurance is very interesting. The literal reading of the Greek is the word of my steadfastness. What is Christ referring to? (2 nd Thess. 3:5; Heb. 12:1-2) The Word is what is translated as My Word or My Command. What is this word or command? 13. What is the promise to the Philadelphians who patiently endure? What is meant by this? 29
14. Who would experience the hour of trial? How does this relate to those who dwell on the earth? 15. What is the purpose of the hour of trial? What does this indicate about God? 16. Verse 11 begins with a challenging phrase, I am coming soon. That was spoken almost 2,000 years ago. How do we reconcile this? 17. Hold fast what you have. What did they have? 18. What is the crown that the Philadelphians had? How could someone seize it? 19. Verse 12 begins with the phrase the one who conquers. What is meant by this? How does it relate to being a pillar? (Eph. 6:12-13) 30
Contextual Note: A Pillar Our Lord s reference to the faithful as being a pillar would have had special meaning to the believers in Philadelphia. Much like the people of California in modern times, the people of Philadelphia were very familiar with earthquakes. Strong, unshakeable pillars set on firm foundations were necessary to keep the roof of a building from collapsing in an earthquake. Christ uses imagery that the Philadelphians and us could both understand and appreciate. 20. What two names would be written on those pillars? What does this mean or signify? 21. What is the new Jerusalem? How does this impact our understanding of eschatology (the study of the end times) and the Jerusalem of present day? (John 14:2-3) 22. Why would Jesus need His own new name? 23. With verse 14 we see Christ s final address to a church. Following the pattern that has been set, Laodicea is a very spiritually poor church. How is Jesus the Amen? 31
Historical Note: Laodicea Laodicea was at the intersection of three important roads or trade routes. As such, it was one of the richest commercial cities in the empire. In Laodicea, we have the picture of God s church in an affluent society. Laodicea was also known for its banking industry and clothing made of black wool. Laodicea also had the premier medical school of the time. 24. Besides the name of Amen, how does Jesus identify Himself? Why? 25. What did Jesus have against the church in Laodicea? 26. What did this characteristic of the Laodicean church bring about in Christ? 27. In what three ways did the people of Laodicea see themselves? 28. How did Christ see them? (Remember, He is the faithful and true witness!) 32
29. What did Jesus counsel them to do? (Challenge! Answer this question in one word.) 30. What would happen if the church of Laodicea followed Christ s counsel? 31. What does God do with those He loves? 32. What is His purpose in doing this? 33. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. What does this door open to? (Luke 12:34-36) Contextual Note: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Behold could be literally translated as Here I am! Christ s knocking at the door is not a simple rap, rather, the tense of the verb indicates a continual knock or banging on the door in hope of a response. 34. Notice the change in verse 20. This letter is addressed to the whole congregation in Laodicea; but, Christ shifts to saying, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door What is the significance of this change? 35. I will come into him and eat with him and he with Me. How is this literally fulfilled? 33
36. How could the Laodiceans, or us, sit with Christ on His throne? (Romans 8:17) 34
Lesson #6 Chapter 4 Contextual Note: After this I looked Chapter 4 begins with this simple phrase. It should be noted that this phrase, along with its variant after this I saw is always used as an introduction to a new vision in Revelation (7:1&9; 15:5; 18:1; 19:1). This is John s second vision of Revelation following the vision of the Son of Man in 1:9 3:22. Word Study: Behold/idou The Greek word idou, translated behold, is an imperative, active and middle voice participle (that s a mouthful!) that modifies both the noun, I, and the vision that John sees before him. It literally means before my very eyes, and emphasizes that John really saw and participated in the vision. This is the difference between a vision and a dream. A vision is real while a dream is imagination. 1. What did John look at and behold? What is the significance of this? (John 10:9ff.; John 1:51; John 14:1-6) 2. Where else in scripture do we see heaven opened? What was the result? 3. What is meant by the first voice? Why would it sound like a trumpet? 35
4. What was the impossible command of this voice? What was the answer to making the command possible? What message can we take from this? (Acts 1:8; Philippians 4:13) 5. What was the purpose of John going up into heaven? 6. Consider your answer to the last question. Did it contain the word must? Why is this an important word? 7. What did John see? What is the importance of this? 8. What is meant by the appearance of jasper and carnelian? 9. What is a rainbow that has an appearance of an emerald? What was the shape of this rainbow? 10. What is the significance of 24 thrones? (Hint: Think of how the number 12 is used in the Old and New Testaments.) 36
11. Why would the elders on these thrones wear: A) White robes? (3:4; 6:11; 19:8) B) Golden crowns? (1 st Peter 2:9) 12. What came from the throne? Why? Numerical note: 24, 3, 7 With this chapter, we begin to see the use of numbers that are very symbolic. 24 2 x 12 12 is the number of God s people. Two 12 s is God s people of the Old and New Testaments or Covenants. 3 is the number of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 7 is the number of perfection; the time it took to make a perfect world. 13. What is being represented by: A) The seven torches of fire? B) The seven spirits of God? 14. What was before the throne? What could this mean? 1 st Kings 7:23 Job 26:12 15. Describe the 4 living creatures. Why would there be four? 37
16. What do these creatures do? Why? 17. The four creatures never cease to say: A) Holy, Holy, Holy Why? B) The Lord God Almighty Why? C) Who was and is and is to come Why? 18. How is this song described in verse nine? Why? 19. How do the 24 elders respond to the worship? Why? 20. Consider the message of the song of the 24 elders. Why is God worthy to receive glory, honor and power? How might this effect modern doctrine? Suggestion perhaps we should memorize Revelation 4:11 and begin to sing this song. After all, it is part of what must happen. We should probably know the words to the songs we will be singing in heaven. Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. 38
Lesson #7 Chapter 5 1. What did John see in verse one? Where was this? Word Study: in/epi The Greek word epi has been translated as in here in the first verse of chapter five. This preposition is almost always translated as on or upon and probably should have been translated this way. The image changes when we read on the right hand or upon the right hand versus in the right hand. It paints a picture of God grasping the scroll in His hand. Upon the right hand creates an image of God s hand being open with the scroll upon it. In essence, it is an invitation for all to look and see it; as well as, being an invitation to come and open it. 2. Describe the scroll that John saw in verse one. Is there any symbolism in its description? If so, what symbolism is seen? 3. Who or what is the strong angel? His message? What is the relationship between the two? 39
4. What was the response to the angel s challenge? (vs. 3) Why? 5. Carefully read verse 4. How did John respond to actions/inaction of the first three verses? Why? What does this tell us about the scroll? Word Study: Weep/Klaio (klah -yo) This Greek word is much more than crying or weeping. By definition it is any loud expression of grief especially in mourning the dead. The fact that John couples this with the Greek word polus, which means abundant or great, reveals that John was overcome with the greatest level of grief. Such grief is what a person who is condemned for all eternity experience. John was greatly distraught. 6. After reading and digesting the importance of the word study look up John 13:21-30 and John 19:26-27. How is John described in these verses? Now, think about John s reaction to seeing God the Father Almighty with the unopened plan of salvation sitting in the palm of His hand. If John, Christ s disciple, the one who followed Jesus to the cross and received the responsibility to care for His mother Mary feels such grief, how would someone who has rejected Christ feel if he found/finds himself in the same position? 7. What message did the elder have for John in verse 5? Why? 40
8. How is the individual who could open the scroll described? Why? Who is this individual? 9. Again, we must look carefully at what John wrote. According to John, why did the Root of David conquer? What does this mean? 10. Read 1 st Corinthians 15:12-19. How does this relate to the first 5 verses of this chapter? 11. The elder said, behold or look and see. What did John see in verse 6? What is unique about the position of the Lamb? What is the significance of the following objects/symbols? A) The Lamb (John 1:29) B) The seven horns C) The seven eyes 41
D) Sent out into all the earth 12. What did the Lamb do? Why? 13. What was the reaction to this? Why is this very significant? (Luke 4:8) 14. Explain how the golden bowls of incense can be the prayers of the saints. (John 14:6; 14:13; 15:6) 15. According to the song of verses 9 and 10, why is Jesus worthy to open the scroll? 16. What does it mean to be ransomed? Why is this an appropriate term for what Christ has done? 17. Who has He ransomed? 18. How are we: A) A Kingdom? B) Priests? C) Going to reign on earth? 42
19. What is meant by myriads of myriads? 20. What is the sevenfold (perfect) tribute that is given to the Lamb? 21. All creation joins in and sings: To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! Who is being worshipped? What does this reveal to us? 22. How do the four living creatures respond to the worship offered up by all creation? Why? 43
Notes 44
Lesson #8 Chapter 6 Chapter six builds on the events of chapter five. There we saw God, the Father, with a scroll in His outstretched hand. No one was worthy to approach Him and open the scroll that has seven seals with seven layers to it until The Lamb/Jesus comes. In chapter six, Jesus begins to unroll the scroll one seal/section at a time. With each section/broken seal, John is given a new vision. 1. As the Lamb opens the first four seals, John is given a vision that has a horse and a rider in it. This is similar to the visions that Zechariah had in Zechariah 1:8-10 and 6:1-8. Who were those horses/horsemen? 2. Read through the first eight verses of chapter 6. How do these four horses and their riders differ from those in Zechariah? What do these four horses, together, represent? 3. What command was given prior to each of these visions? Who was being spoken to? 4. What did the first rider have in his possession? Where did these come from? 45
What color was the first horse? How does this relate to the rider? What does this horse and rider represent? Now we go back to the first question in this series of questions. The rider had a bow and a crown was given to him. What is the message of the bow and the crown? 5. What did the second horseman have in his possession? Where did this come from? What color was the second horse? How does this relate to the rider? What does this horse and rider represent? What is the message of the second horse and rider? 46
6. What did the third horseman have in his possession? Where did this come from? What color was the third horse? How does this relate to the rider? What was a denarius? (Matthew 20:2) How does the denarius relate to a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley? What is meant by do not harm the oil and wine? 7. The fourth horse and rider differ from the first three. How? What color was the fourth horse? How does this relate to the rider? 47
What was given to this rider and horse? What is meant by this? these? 8. The first four seals and the visions that accompanied them all had to do with happenings on earth. With the fifth seal we are given a view into heaven and what is happening there. What is the first difference that you see with the opening of the fifth seal when compared to the first four? Why is there this difference? 9. John sees an altar in heaven. What kind of altar was this? How do we know this? (This is a challenging question. Here s a hint What were two types of altars in the temple? What was the purpose of each?) 10. What was under the altar? Why? What is meant by this? 48
11. How did these saints address God? What does this/these mean? 12. What was their question of the Lord? What does this mean? 13. How did God respond to their question? What is meant by this? (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:21-22; Revelation 19:8) 14. What is meant by, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been? 15. What did John see when the sixth seal was opened? 49
16. Who hid themselves? Why? 17. Consider the phrase, the wrath of the Lamb. Lambs were not and are still not considered to be dangerous animals. Why would the wrath of this Lamb cause such fear? (John 1:1-4) 18. What is meant by their wrath? 19. Look ahead to Revelation 14:10. What is said about God s wrath in this verse? 20. Read Hebrews 10:31. What does this verse say about God s judgment? 50
Lesson #9 Chapter 7 1. Chapter seven introduces us to a literary style or device that John uses through-out the book. John s visions consistently come with seven components such as the seven seals. When revealing the purpose or meaning of the seven, John begins with the first six and then follows with an interlude. In chapter six, six of the seven seals were opened. Chapter seven is the interlude. It is a view into heaven and shifts the focus from the calamity the six seals bring to the earth to the salvation of God s people. It appears that this vision is meant to answer the question that ended the previous chapter. What was that final question? 2. What does John see at the beginning of this chapter? What is the symbolism or meaning of this? 3. What specific task was given to the four angels? 4. What is meant by the four winds of the earth? (Jeremiah 4:11-12; 49:36) 5. What three things are the angels to protect from the wind? What is meant by these? 6. John sees another angel ascending from the rising sun. What is meant by this? 51
7. Consider your last answer as you read the following three scripture passages. How do they relate to your precious answer? Genesis 2:8 - Ezekiel 43:2 - Matthew 2:1-2- 8. What did this angel have that the other angels did not have? Why is this important? 9. What was the message this angel brought to the four angels? 10. Verses 4 through 8 have been the focus of much eschatological discussion and conjecture. Using the following number, try to come up with what is meant by the 144,000 who were sealed. One - is the number of uniqueness; the One True God. Two - the number of separation; on day two, God separated the land from the seas. Three - the number of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit Four - the number of the earth; North, South, East and West Six - the number of man; man was created on the sixth day Seven - Perfection, the things of God; Creation took seven days Ten - Completion or wholeness; the Ten Commandments are the complete Law of God. Twelve - the number of God s people; 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 apostles. So, what do you come up with? (Hint: when numbers are multiplied together their meaning is both joined and enhanced) 52
11. What tribe is missing from the list in verses 5-8? Why might this be? (Judges 18:30; 1 Kings 12:25-33; Jeremiah 8:16) 12. Some people claim that these passages are to be read literally and that only 144,000 people will truly be saved and live with God eternally. There is an old saying and rule for interpreting scripture that says, let scripture interpret scripture. Using chapter seven, how can we refute the teaching that only 144,000 people will be saved? Some people say that this passage teaches that only 144,000 Hebrew people will be saved. How can we refute this? 13. Review Question: What is the significance of the white robes and palm branches? 14. Notice what John says about those before God s throne and the lamb, they were clothed in white robes. He does not say they were wearing robes. What s the difference? 15. How does salvation belong to God and to the Lamb? 16. How do the angels, the four living creatures and the elders respond to the sound of the song those in the white robes sing? 53
17. What does Amen mean? Why is it the appropriate response of the angels, four creatures and elders? 18. The seven-fold doxology sung by the angels, four creatures and elders is very similar to the praise of the Lamb in 5:12. Why is this significant? 19. What question was posed to John? His response? 20. What is the great tribulation? 21. We now come to a great Biblical truth. Why are the robes of the saints white? 22. Verses 15 through17 reveal some of the realities of heaven to us. What do we learn about heaven in: Verse 15? Verse 16? Verse 17? 54
23. Where did Jesus Himself speak of living water? What is living water? 24. What did Jesus say about being a shepherd in John 10? 55