Book of Revelation Chapter 7 Sealing of the Bond-Servant
Book of Revelation Week Date Topic 1 11 Mar 15 Introduction 2 18 Mar 15 Prologue, Greetings, Doxology, and Vision: Chapter 1 3 25 Mar 15 To the Seven Churches: Chapter 2 4 01 Apr 15 To the Seven Churches: Chapter 3 5 08 Apr 15 The Throne In Heaven: Chapter 4 6 15 Apr 15 The Scroll and The Lamb: Chapter 5 7 22 Apr 15 The Seals: Chapter 6 8 29 Apr 15 144,000 Sealed: Chapter 7 9 06 May 15 The Seventh Seal and Trumpets: Chapter 8-9 10 13 May 15 The Angel and the Little Scroll: Chapter 10 11 20 May 15 The Two Witnesses: Chapter 11 12 27 May 15 The Woman and the Dragon: Chapter 12 13 03 Jun 15 Summary of the Quarter Look Ahead at Chapter 13-22
In our previous class Chapter 6 The book that the Lord holds is identified as a revelation exposing the redemption of mankind from their sin that they too may have victory over sin and death Chapter 6 reveals John s vision of the Lamb (Jesus) opening six of seven seals With great anticipation, the Lamb opens the seven seals, oneby-one With each seal, voices from the creatures and beings around the throne begin to speak, each delivering a different message, building up to Chapter 7 The book that the Almighty held within his right hand reveals man s salvation and the consequential hardships associated with such a life For fear that the Christian get too disheartened over his trials he was to know that not only do Christians suffer but all men in general suffer; Those; however, who place their hope in Jesus Christ will never be disappointed
This week s study Chapter 7 We learn about the role of angels in delivering the punishment of God Sealing of the bond-servants of God and that some of the righteous would still perish in conflict but will be rewarded in heaven Learn of the 144,000 and the great multitude The 144,000 is thought to be those faithful under the Old Covenant The great multitude are those faithful under the New Covenant Learn about the great tribulation as personified in the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome
Year of the four emperors 69 A.D. Nero ruled from 54-68 A.D. Most of Rome is destroyed by a fire in 64 A.D. Christians confessed to the crime, but it is not known whether these confessions were induced by torture Began the first Roman-Jewish War in 66 A.D. In 67, Nero dispatched Vespasian to restore order Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D. A civil war followed Nero s death The social, military, and political upheavals of the period had empire-wide impacts Four emperors ruled in succession Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian in 69 A.D. Galba s Praetorian Guard killed him in the Forum Otho committed suicide Vespasian s loyalists tracked down and killed Vitellius The first Roman-Jewish war ends in 70 A.D. with the Temples destruction
Bond-Servant The apostles Paul, Peter, and James used the word to describe one is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master. Many prominent individuals of the Old Testament were referred to as servants. God spoke of Abraham as His servant (Genesis 26:24; Numbers 12:7). Joshua is called the servant of the Lord (Joshua 24:29), as are David (2 Samuel 7:5) and Isaiah (Isaiah 20:3). Even the Messiah is called God s Servant (Isaiah 53:11). In all of these instances, the term servant carries the idea of humble nobility. Being God s servant is an honorable position. Jesus taught that the greatest in God s kingdom would have to become the servant of all (Mark 9:35).
Four Angels (7:1-3) In 7:1-2, the number four is predominant Four angels restraining the forces of destruction Four corners east, north, west, and south Four winds signifies the coming of God from all directions, often indicates His wrath (Moses in Ex. 10:13 and Babylon in Jer 18:17) Also, a fifth angel (Jesus Christ) is seen Rising from the sun (see Eph 5:13-14) Having the seal of the living God used to mark the righteous He cries out to the four angels who were given power to destroy the earth and sea Tells them not harm the land, sea, or trees (faithful servants - see Jud 9:8-15) sealing of God s servants
Four Angels (7:4-9) 144,000 were sealed (7:4) Varying beliefs about what this means JWs, literal and figurative Futurists, 144,000 Jewish evangelists come to Christ at the rapture, they will preach Christ during the tribulation A more obvious historical approach There are 144,000 Jews listed The 144,000 is a fixed number (although symbolic as well) These are thought to be those Jews who lived faithful lives prior to the cross (verse 7:9 will expand our knowledge) We read about those sealed from various tribes Dan and Ephraim are missing, but Joseph is listed (why?)
Multitudes (7:9-12) The great multitude which no one could number are those who are added to Christ after the cross All tribes and people (not the 144,000, not exclusive to Israel) From every nation, all tribes, and languages These two groups (144K and great multitude) represent the Old and New Covenant, Jew and Gentile (look at Mal 1:11) They praise God and the Lamb along with the angels, four living creatures, and the elders They fall prostrate Praising God in unison
White Robes (7:13-17) Those clothed in white robes (7:13) Tribulation readings (Matt 24:15-25; Dan 12:1-4) It is the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and those mentioned survived the suffering, they are faithful Commentators differ on whether they are dead or alive after the suffering, but are serving God either in heaven or currently serving in the church They have obeyed the gospel and remained faithful to Christ in spite of the intense persecution and a time of great tribulation They are before the throne of God Physically, it represents a period of great tribulation being over Spiritually, it is the end of hunger and thirst as promised by Jesus (John 6:48)
Summary Chapter 7 We learn about the role of angels in delivering the punishment of God Sealing of the bond-servants of God and that some of the righteous would still perish in conflict but will be rewarded in heaven Learn of the 144,000 and the great multitude The 144,000 is thought to be those faithful under the Old Covenant The great multitude are those faithful under the New Covenant Learned about the great tribulation as personified in the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome