Introduction
to Revelation
Background from the NT: Revelation
A.
Key to Understanding
1.
Written by the Apostle John while under exile on the Isle of Patmos,
under the reign of Domitian (AD 81 - 96). John was probably the last living Apostle by this time.
2.
Revelation is an unveiling of hidden things, and brings closure to many
Bible truths.
a)
Genesis -- humanity in the garden paradise, Revelation -- humanity in
an eternal paradise
b)
Genesis -- the beginning of sin, Revelation -- the end of sin
3.
Revelation is the only book of the Bible that promises a special
blessing to those who read it and "hear" it
(v 1:3, 22:7)
4.
The Golden Rule of Bible Interpretation: unless otherwise indicated,
use a literal translation. (e.g.,
"I saw…" versus
"I saw as it were…" )
5.
The movement of events is chronological, except for chapters 12 and 17.
6.
The placement of events is important to identify.
Some things occur in heaven, others occur on earth.
7.
Four potential modes of interpretation
a)
Preterist -- the idea that everything described has already happened,
beginning around AD 70.
b)
Spiritualized -- the idea everything written here can be viewed as
allegory or metaphor
c)
Historical -- the idea that these were events that have taken place
throughout the history of the Church
d)
Futurist -- the view that this is a body of prophecy yet to be
fulfilled
8.
Key verse to understanding Revelation:
(v 1:19)
a)
Write what you've seen
b)
Write what is now
c)
Write what is to happen later
B.
Major Divisions of the Book
1.
The Church Age ( ch 1 - 3 )
a)
Introduction
b)
Jesus Christ of the Churches
c)
Christ's message to the Seven Churches
2.
The Tribulation Period ( ch 4 - 18 )
a)
The Seven Seals -- 1st Qtr of the Trib
b)
The Seven Trumpet Judgments -- 2nd Qtr of the Trib
c)
Visions from Heaven
d)
The Seven Bowl Judgments --
2nd Half of the Trib
3.
The Future ( ch 19 - 22 )
a)
The Marriage
b)
The Second Coming
c)
The Millennial Kingdom on Earth
d)
Judgment of Unbelievers
e)
New Heaven and New Earth
f)
Jesus' last words
The
Church Age
A.
Jesus Christ of the Churches
1.
John's two-part description of Jesus
a)
First, in his introduction (v 1:4-8)
Described as "him which is,
was, and is to come", "faithful witness", "first begotten of
the dead", "prince of kings", "he who loved us",
"who washed us of our sins", "who made us kings and priests
before God", "Alpha and Omega"
b)
Then, in his vision (v 1:10-18)
Described as having a "great
voice, as of a trumpet", "I am Alpha and Omega", "one like
unto the Son of Man", "garment down to his foot", "golden
girdle", "head and hair white", "eyes like flame",
"feet like molten brass", "voice like a huge waterfall",
"holding seven stars", "two-edged sword from his mouth",
"bright as the sun", "was dead but is now alive", "hold
the keys of hell and death", he tells John to "fear not"
2.
Jesus tells John in his vision: write the mystery
(v 1:19-20)
a)
He gives the meaning of the seven stars
-- the angels of the churches
b)
He gives the meaning of the seven candlesticks -- the churches
themselves
c)
Note that He's holding the stars, but is surrounded by the
candlesticks
B.
the Seven Churches
Dual meaning can be inferred from
the description of the churches to follow.
These were actual churches existing at the time of John's writing (about
AD 96+), but their characteristics
can also be applied historically to what we know about the church age over the
last 2000 years. It is also
possible to apply these characteristics to various churches today.
1.
Ephesus -- apostolic (AD 30 - 100) -- the early church (2:1-7)
a)
Praise: hard work, perseverance, not tolerant of wickedness, hating
Nicolaitans
b)
Rebuke: forsaken their first love
c)
Instruction: repent, get back to the basics, overcome
2.
Smyrna -- persecuted (AD 100 - 313) -- terrible Roman persecution
(2:8-11)
a)
Praise: having affliction and poverty, yet are rich
b)
Rebuke: None
c)
Instruction: don't be afraid, be faithful
3.
Pergamos -- state sponsored (AD 313 - 590) -- Constantine
(2:12-17)
a)
Praise: holding forth despite the activities of Satan
b)
Rebuke: slipping into worldliness and Nicolaitanism
c)
Instruction: repent,
overcome
4.
Thyatira -- papal (AD 590 - 1517) -- the Pope as intercessor (2:18-29)
a)
Praise: love, faith, service, perseverance
b)
Rebuke: idol worship, false teaching
c)
Instruction: hold on to what you've got until My return
5.
Sardis -- reformed (1517 - 1790) -- Martin Luther and the Protestant
Reformation (3:1-6)
a)
Praise: good deeds
b)
Rebuke: dead in their good deeds
c)
Instruction: wake up,
obey, repent
6.
Philadelphia -- missionary (1730 - 1900) -- modern evangelism (3:7-13)
a)
Praise: deeds, kept My word
b)
Rebuke: None
c)
Instruction: overcome,
hold on to what you've got until My return
7.
Laodicea -- apostate (1900 to now) -- slipping into lukewarm, feel-good, watered-down, "I'm
Okay, You're Okay" post-modernism (3:14-22)
a)
Praise: None
b)
Rebuke: lukewarm, think they're rich, but they're wretched
c)
Instruction: seek what
really matters
The
Tribulation Period
Background from the NT: Revelation 4
A.
Come up Hither
Chapter 4 begins with a scene
transition. Whereas John was before
"in the Spirit" and turned to hear the voice of Jesus in His testimony
to the seven churches, he is now shown "in the spirit" an image in
Heaven. "Spirit" is used
two different ways in these two verses, one implying a state of communion with
the Holy Spirit, another implies an altered state of consciousness.
(compare 1:10 to 4:1)
1.
A door is opened in Heaven and he is immediately transported there.
John describes a scene of worship.
They're worshipping who He is, what He's done, and what He will do:
a)
God became man to save us from sin (Phil 2:6-8)
b)
The revelation of God through the Son (John 14:9)
c)
The Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29)
d)
The Lion of Judah who returns in power (Rev 5:5)
2.
The significance of this passage is that it is transitional in nature.
We go from history/present day into "things which must be
hereafter." John is now witnessing the future.
B.
The Rapture of the Church
Although the Rapture is not
specifically taught in the book of Revelation, it is reasonable to use Ch 4 as a
model for understanding how and approximately when it will happen.
1.
Similarity between verses 1-2 and other verses describing the Rapture
(1 Thess 4:13-18, John 14:1-3, Rev 3:10, 1 Corr 15:51-52)
2.
Prior to this sequence, the Church is mentioned.
After this sequence, the Church is not mentioned again.
3.
Subsequent language in chapters 4-18 is more closely identified to the
body of Israel, rather than the Church. The
Church age is the "time of the Gentiles", whereas the Tribulation
period is the time of "Jacob's Trouble"
4.
Taking all this together as a whole supports the concept that the
Church will not be present on earth during the Tribulation, but will be
removed from the scene prior to its beginning.
C.
The Rapture versus the Second Coming
1.
The chronology of the Second Coming occurs after the tribulation
period, in Rev 19
2.
The Rapture describes Christ coming in the air to gather his own.
The Second Coming describes Christ's return to earth WITH his own (the
Church)
3.
No judgment occurs on earth at the Rapture. At the Second Coming,
Christ judges the remaining inhabitants of earth.
4.
There are no signs given for the Rapture.
There are many signs given for the Second Coming.
5.
The time of the Rapture is unknown. The time of the Second Coming can be fixed
6.
The Rapture will be a time of great joy, whereas the Second Coming will
be a time of mourning.
Tribulation:
the First 21 Months
Background from the NT: Revelation 5 - 6
A.
The Seven-Sealed Scroll
1.
who is worthy to open it? (5:2-4)
a)
no man is found worthy
b)
John's tears may be based on his knowledge of Jere 32
Jeremiah purchased a plot of ground
near Jerusalem, knowing that it would soon be taken over by Nebuchadnezzer.
He had the title sealed and preserved for his rightful heirs, waiting for
the day (70 years later) that God would return the Jews to their homeland.
Based on his relationship to Jeremiah, the heir proved himself worthy to
open the seal to the title deed.
2.
Christ is worthy! (5:5-14)
B.
Understanding the Chronology
1.
The Six Seal Judgments occur first, over a period of 21 months
2.
The Seventh Seal Judgment (chapter 7) introduces the Seven Trumpet
Judgments and the next 21 months of tribulation (chapters 8 & 9)
3.
The seventh Trumpet Judgment marks the beginning of the Seven Bowl
Judgments which carry on for the last 42 months of the tribulation
C.
The Six Seal Judgments
1.
First Seal -- Peaceful Conqueror (6:1-2)
a)
The Antichrist comes onto the scene, marking the beginning of the
tribulation (Daniel 9:23-25)
b)
Carries a bow, but no arrows. He
conquers through diplomacy.
2.
Second Seal -- World War (6:3-4)
a)
Revolt against the Antichrist?
3.
Third Seal -- Economic Collapse and Famine (6:5-6)
a)
The rich will be largely unaffected -- "oil and wine"
4.
Fourth Seal -- Widespread pestilence and death (6:7-8)
a)
One-fourth of the world's population will die
b)
"Death and Hades" -- the unsaved dead
5.
Fifth Seal -- Martyred Saints (6:9-11)
a)
Those who become Christians after the Rapture
b)
Tremendous world-wide persecution of believers
6.
Sixth Seal -- Wrath of the Lamb (6:12-17)
a)
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves, meteorites
Tribulation:
the Second 21 Months
Background from the NT: Revelation 7 - 8
A.
Sealing the 144,000 Israelites (7:1-8)
"After these things",
i.e., following the events of the Sixth Seal, dead calm comes to planet earth.
Think of it as the calm before the storm.
No wind blows anywhere on earth. Imagine
how stale and oppressive the weather and environment becomes.
Then comes the cry to hurt nothing until the representatives of the 12
tribes of Israel are set apart. (v
3)
1.
The "servants" are servants of the message of God
2.
They will be set aside to witness to unbelievers during the remaining
years of the Tribulation.
B.
The Multitude of Believers (7:9-17)
"After this", i.e.,
following the sealing of the 144,000 John sees a great multitude, dressed in
white, standing before the throne of God, praising Him.
I can see two possible interpretations here.
One is that these are the raptured church, taken out of tribulation.
Another is that these are converted believers who accept the gospel
message of the 144,000 before and following the first six seals.
It may be more consistent with the chronology of events to view them as
the church, but that doesn't square with John's failure to recognize them. (v 13
& 14) The important thing to note is how they respond at the foot
of the throne, and how God responds to them.
C.
The Seventh Seal
Opening this seal ushers in a series
of Trumpet Judgments, seven in all. The
Seventh marks the midpoint of the Tribulation. Compare to Luke 21:25-26.
1.
The first trumpet is preceded by brief interlude describing the prayers
of the saints going up before God (8:3-5)
2.
A golden censor filled with fire from the altar is cast to earth,
bringing voices, thunder, lightning and earthquakes. (8:5)
D.
The Seven Trumpet Judgments
Are these events symbolic or
literal? It's safest to assume
literal. Compare to the plagues of
Egypt in Exodus 7 - 11.
1.
First Trumpet -- Hail and Fire (8:7)
a)
A third of the earth burned up, a third of the trees burned up
b)
ALL green grass burned up
c)
Compare to Exodus 9:22-26
2.
Second Trumpet -- Blazing Mountain (8:8-9)
a)
A fiery meteorite producing a huge tidal wave in the Med?
b)
Destroys a third of sea life
c)
Destroys a third of the ships at sea
d)
Compare to Exodus 7:19-21
3.
Third Trumpet -- Wormwood (8:10-11)
a)
Another meteorite? "Chernobyl" translates to Wormwood,
possibly a radioactive satellite strews poison during a fiery re-entry?
(speculative only)
b)
Poisons a third of the world's fresh water supply
4.
Fourth Trumpet -- 1/3rd Darkness (8:12)
a)
Light emitted by the sun, moon and stars is reduced to 1/3rd
b)
Compare to Exodus 10:21-22
The Three Woes
Following the Fourth Trumpet
Judgment of 8:12, John records this frightening spectacle in verse 13,
"…an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice,
Woe, woe, woe, to the inhibitors of the earth by reason of the other voices of
the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound."
Three more trumpet judgments remain before the end of the first half of
the 7-year period of tribulation.
A.
The last three Trumpets sound
1.
Fifth Trumpet -- First Woe -- Opening the Pit (9:1-12)
a)
A plague of spiritual/demonic locusts covers the earth
b)
The torment lasts five months, but no one dies
c)
Note the contrast to Exodus 10:12-15; in that plague, they were the
natural kind
d)
Note the sealing of God's people against harm, as in the night of the
Passover
2.
Sixth Trumpet -- Second Woe -- Demonic Horsemen (9:13-21)
a)
Four very bad demons are released and lead an army of 200,000,000
b)
They kill 1/3rd of mankind (25% are already gone,
remember)
c)
And still mankind refuses to repent
3.
Interlude: Angel with the Scroll (10:1-11)
The scene shifts to earth, where
John sees another mighty angel standing on the shore. He holds a little book and says something that God doesn't us
to know about (v 4). The angel
declares the "mystery of God should be finished" (v 7) -- the mystery
of Christ's Atonement -- then he instructs John to eat the book.
It goes down sweet as honey, but turns his stomach sour.
Compare to Ezekiel 2:8 - 3:3.
4.
Interlude: The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)
The scene is still on earth, John
is told to measure the temple, which means it has been rebuilt.
God sends two supernatural "witnesses" (v 3) to preach from the
temple and to perform miracles. After
1,260 of preaching the antichrist is allowed to murder them.
Their bodies lay in view of the whole world (v 9) for three and a half
days, then they are resurrected. They
ascend directly to heaven (v 12), and within the hour a great earthquake strikes
Jerusalem, seven thousand are killed. But
look at the last part of verse 13: the survivors gave glory to God!
5.
Seventh Trumpet -- Third Woe (11:15-19)
a)
Similar to the breaking of the Seventh seal in chapter 8
b)
It heralds the end of the first half of the tribulation, and the
beginning of the coming Bowl Judgments
c)
It concludes with a vision in Heaven of the temple of God
B.
Intermission: Satan Against Israel (chapter 12)
1.
The Sun-Clothed Woman is a picture of Israel of the Old Testament
(v 1-2)
2.
The Red Dragon is a picture of Satan, he brings a third of the angels
with him as he's cast out of Heaven (v 3-4)
3.
The Man Child is Christ (v 5)
4.
Michael and the coming war in Heaven (v 8 - 11)
5.
The remnant of Israel is preserved during the latter half of the
tribulation (v 12-17)
Tribulation Mid-point
Chapters 13, 14 & 15 can be
compared to a (phrase wrapped in parentheses) within a longer sentence.
They zoom in on events appearing chronologically in the intervening
period between the Seventh Trumpet Judgment and the First Bowl Judgment which is
to occur shortly. The Antichrist,
the Beast, has been on the scene since the beginning of the Tribulation, but it
is only now that he begins to reveal who he truly is.
A.
The Rise of the Beast (13:1-10)
1.
Description and Characteristics (v 1-2)
a)
His country of origin is most likely in the area of the Mediterranean
b)
Seven heads / ten horns probably refers to a system of Satanic world
government that lifts him to power, aka, "the dragon" of chapter
12. His authority comes from
"the dragon", the revived Roman empire of Daniel
2.
Counterfeit Death and Resurrection (v 3-4)
a)
Someone attempts an assassination, perhaps.
They succeed, sorta.
3.
Worship and Blasphemy (v 5-9)
a)
Power to continue for the next 42 months
b)
Power to make war with, and overcome, the saints
c)
Everyone but believers eventually worships him
B.
The Rise of the False Prophet (13:11-18)
1.
Description and Characteristics (v 11-12)
a)
Lesser in authority to the Antichrist (only two little horns)
b)
His purpose is to "point the way" to the Antichrist, and to
represent him as his spiritual right hand man
2.
Supernatural Abilities (v
13-15)
a)
Note the comparison to the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:37-38)
in verse 13
b)
He deceives by means of the miracles, and causes them to worship the
beast AND his image
3.
The Mark of the Beast ( v 16-17)
a)
He institutes a world system of control by requiring everyone to
apply the mark in either the right hand or the forehead
b)
No mark, no buying or selling
c)
"666" somehow identifies the Antichrist
C.
But there's a Lamb on Mount Zion (ch 14)
1.
The 144,000 Redeemed (v 1-5)
a)
Debatable who this is exactly--the Servants of Chapter Seven, or
another group of 144,000?
2.
The Six Warning Angels (v 6-18)
a)
#1 preaches the Gospel (v6)
b)
#2 proclaims the fall of Babylon (v8)
c)
#3 warns not to worship the beast or receive his mark (v9)
d)
#4, #5 and #6 proclaim the harvest of the grapes of wrath (v14-20)
Tribulation: The Second
42 Months
Background from the NT: Revelation 15 - 16
Chapter 15 has a sense of finality
about it, as we transition into the seven terrible "bowl" judgments,
or plagues. These are truly days of
wrath.
A.
Tribulation saints sing praise to the Lamb (15:2-4)
1.
The song of Moses (compare to Exodus 15:1-19)
a)
Acknowledges the mighty works of God
b)
This is victory over the enemies of God
2.
The song of the Lamb
a)
These are attributes of God (great, just, holy)
b)
God and The Son are one
B.
Seven Angels emerge from the tabernacle of God (15:6-7)
1.
Each having one of the seven plagues
2.
Each dressed in pure white linen and golden breastplates
3.
Each having access to God
C.
Smoke fills the Temple (15:8)
1.
This is the point of no return
2.
God's wrath is kindled
3.
Beginning now, no man can approach God until His wrath is fulfilled
D.
The Seven Vials, or Bowls of Judgment (16:1-21)
1.
First Vial -- Sores (v 2)
2.
Second Vial -- The Oceans die (v 3)
3.
Third Vial -- Fresh water turns to blood (v 4-7)
a)
Answering blood for blood
4.
Fourth Vial -- The Sun gets hotter (v 8-9)
a)
See also Malachi 4:1-2
5.
Fifth Vial -- Darkness in the Beast's kingdom (v 10-11)
a)
See also Amos 5:18-20, Nahum 1:6-8, Zephaniah 1:15
6.
Sixth Vial -- Euphrates dries up (v 12-16)
a)
Setting the stage for the Battle of Armageddon
b)
With the river dried up, a combined-arms attack from Asia into the
Middle East is practical
7.
Seventh Vial -- Unprecedented earthquake and deadly hail (v 17-21)
a)
Jerusalem split into three parts
b)
Babylon ceases to exist
c)
Islands submerge, mountains flattened
d)
Hailstones weighing about 130 pounds
e)
And still mankind refuses to repent
Tribulation: Fall of
Babylon
Background from the NT: Revelation 17 - 18
The following two chapters are among
the most mysterious of Revelation. Much
has been written concerning the identify of the figures represented here, but
perhaps the simplest, most clear-cut understanding is this: here we witness the
final destruction of the official religion of the New World Order (Antichrist's
kingdom).
E.
John Describes the Mother of Harlots (17:1-6)
1.
what he sees:
a)
Great Prostitute who sits on many waters
b)
adultery with kings
c)
people intoxicated by her sins
d)
sitting on a scarlet beast, dressed in purple & scarlet,
glittering with gold and precious stones
e)
golden cup of filth in her hand, forehead labeled with her name,
she's drunk with the blood of the saints
2.
what we can assume:
a)
Interpretive rule of thumb: "When plain sense makes common
sense, seek no other sense."
b)
this is not a mere mortal person.
3.
he also describe the beast
a)
as having blasphemous names, seven heads and ten horns
b)
the prostitute sits on top of it, and it will go to destruction
F.
The explanation of the Vision (17:7-18)
1.
Interpretation of the beast
a)
Seven heads are seven hills, most likely referring to the caesars of
the Roman empire of John's day, culminating with the last, the Antichrist.
This is in agreement with the concept of the revived Roman Empire.
b)
Ten horns are ten kings, the end-time confederacy.
They'll try to defeat the Lamb, but will fail
2.
Interpretation of the prostitute
a)
The waters are the people of the earth
b)
The woman is a great city. Best
understood in the biblical symbol of woman=city=system of worship. (Babylon
~vs~ Jerusalem)
c)
That system has a dominating effect over the world political system.
It's an official worldwide religion
of Idolatry.
G.
Babylon is Fallen! (18)
There are a lot of different
theories on how to interpret this chapter, and I struggle with it myself.
In keeping with the context of the previous chapter, it would make sense
that Babylon represented here is the seat of the center of religious power,
wherever that may be. Another idea is that Babylon represents a major
commercial/financial center on the coast, like New York.
The literal interpretation (and probably the safest) is that it will be a
rebuilt version of the ancient city of Babylon, but that idea conflicts with
today's current events somewhat.
Here is what I believe is the
important thing for the reader to understand:
God will destroy it. Whether
it's a city, or a country, or a system, God will, in the end times, bring it to
naught. It will be no more.
Climax: The End of
Tribulation
Background from the NT: Revelation 19 - 20
A.
The Alleluia Chorus (19:1-6)
1.
The multitudes of Heaven sing out
2.
The 24 Elders and 4 Beasts (Rev 4) fall before Him and worship
3.
Our omnipotent God reigns!
B.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (19:7-10)
1.
If Christ is the groom, and the Church is His bride, then who are the
guests? (v 9)
2.
note verse 10. Who does
John mistake the voice for?
C.
The Second Coming, aka Glorious Appearing (19:11-16)
1.
The vision of Christ
a)
Sits on a white horse
b)
Eyes like fire
c)
Garment dipped in blood
d)
His name is The Word of God
2.
The armies of heaven
a)
Accompany Christ on white horses
b)
Dressed in white
c)
The Church
3.
The sword, rod of iron, fierceness & wrath
4.
compare to Matthew 24:27-31
D.
Armageddon (19:17-21)
1.
An angel calls for another supper, but this one is for buzzards and
crows
2.
The kings of the earth rise up to do battle against Christ
3.
The antichrist and his false prophet are bound and cast into a lake of
fire
4.
All the armies are destroyed
5.
The buzzards eat their fill
E.
The 1000 Years of Peace (20:1-6)
1.
Satan incarcerated (v 1-3)
2.
The First Resurrection (v 4-6)
F.
Satan's Last Hoorah (20:7-10)
1.
released from captivity at the end of 1000 years
2.
Satan gathers another Army, which is immediately destroyed
3.
Satan's career ends at Rev 20:10 Remind him of that when he tempts you.
G.
Great White Throne Judgment (20:11-15)
The beginning of All New
Things
Background from the NT: Revelation 21 - 22
A.
New Heaven and New Earth (21:1)
1.
Perhaps something dramatically different from what we know now?
2.
Purged of all evil, Satan's dwelling (atmosphere) burned off &
replaced?
3.
Earth's surface wiped clean by fire?
4.
No more sea. ??
B.
New Holy City of Jerusalem (21:2-5, 10-27)
1.
compared to a bride, coming down from heaven
2.
a center of dwelling on earth, inhabited by God and His people
3.
the shape is probably a cube, each side measuring about 1500 miles.
4.
no need for a temple
C.
the old things are passed away (21:6)
1.
"It is Done"
2.
The "overcomers" inherit all things
3.
Evildoers forever cast away
D.
Heaven on Earth (22)
1.
eternity not "up there" but "down here"
2.
the tree of life, with new fruit every month (v2)
3.
no light bulbs or candles needed (v 5)
E.
Conclusion of all things (6-18)
1.
there's nothing left to be said
2.
everything will be as it has been prophesied
3.
Jesus speaks of reward for righteousness
4.
"I am"
5.
Whosoever will, let him come
F.
A curse against tampering with the Word of
God (v 19)
Copyright 2004 Leon V. Smith. All rights
reserved.
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