Introduction: Context and Background Revelation Introduction: Context and Background

Why Study Revelation? Revelation is important Written to the first century church Part of our New Testament, a prophecy Revelation is interesting! Rich imagery and symbolism Challenging themes and message Revelation is relevant (Partly) an epistle, like Paul’s letters Timeless message of hope and victory

Challenges Interpretation This makes Revelation intimidating! Respecting context (who/what/when/where/why) Meaning behind symbols, numbers, etc. Multiple methods of interpretation This makes Revelation intimidating! One of least studied books in Bible Often left to “experts,” commentators Victim of pop culture treatment

The Context of Revelation Who is Writing? “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

The Context of Revelation Who is Writing? “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

The Context of Revelation Who is Writing? “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

The Context of Revelation Who is Writing? “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

The Context of Revelation Who is Writing? “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.” These were given to John by God through Jesus They were intended to be shared! (1:11)

Context of Revelation What is it? When was it written? Revelation = a “revealing” of things that will soon take place (1:1), a prophecy (1:3) When was it written? Probably either 60s AD or 90s AD Early Date Theory & Late Date Theory Where was it written? Island of Patmos (1:3) in the Roman Empire

The Language of Revelation Revelation uses may literary tools to convey its message Apocalyptic literature Figures of speech Symbols, numbers This is often where people get confused! Always remember context Refer to other parts of the Bible for clues Influence of OT apocalyptic writings (Daniel, etc.)

Apocalyptic Literature “Apocalypse” from greek ἀποκάλυψις Unveiling, revealing, uncovering, disclosing Generally written during times of trial or distress Often concerns God’s coming judgment Uses imagery like fire, smoke, mountains, the moon, the sun, monsters and animals Examples Daniel 7-12 Ezekiel 38-39 Zechariah 12-14

Numerology Divine meaning behind numbers Examples Ex. 7 days of creation, 3 members of Godhead Numbers had a deep meaning to an audience familiar with the OT Numbers may also be multiplied or added together to add meaning Examples 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 666, 1260 12 (3x4), 1000 (10x10), 144,000 (12x1000)

Numerology Number Meaning Example 2 Strength Two witnesses (11:3) 3 Holiness The Trinity 4 Creation, the world Living creatures (4:6), Angels (7:1) 6 Man, imperfection 6th day of creation 7 Perfection 7 days in a week, 7 churches 8 New beginning Circumcision, 8 horns (Daniel 7:8) 10 Completeness 10 commandments, 10 plagues 12 God’s people 12 tribes, 12 sons, 12 apostles 666 Triple imperfection Mark of the beast (13:8) 1000 Triple completeness 1000 year reign (20:1-7) 1260 Instability, persecution Daniel 7:25; Rev. 11:3,12; 12:14-16 144,000 Whole of God’s people Rev. 7:4; 14:1

Symbolism Figurative Language Words used to describe something else Ex. “raining cats and dogs” Not to be taken literally Symbols, signs, pictures convey the message Ex. No Smoking sign Ex. Lion, Lamb, Dragon Greek word “semaino” “Made it known” or “signified” (1:1) Similar to Jesus explaining parables

Methods of Interpretation Futurist Interpretation Premillennialism Chapters 4-22 describe the far future “End times” prophecy Continuous History Prophetic history of the church throughout time References to popes, historical figures, events Preterist Intended for first century church (immediate future) Also combinations of the above

The Purpose of Revelation John tells us! Address to seven churches in Asia (1:4) Hope, endurance, faithfulness until death “Must soon take place” (1:1, 1:3, 22:6, 22:10) Ref. Daniel 8:26 Relevance to the modern church Hope in the face of persecution (2 Tim 3:12, Luke 6:22) Faithfulness until the end God is in control and He will judge the wicked

Summary Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy Symbols, numbers used by John to “signify” the message delivered by Jesus Several OT references (278/404 verses) Written for the early church Things must “soon” take place Persecution by Rome is on the horizon Relevant message for the modern church as well