Revelation

Background Last Book of the Bible Likely written in the late 90’s AD Irenaeus tells us that John lived during the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan (98-117 AD) John was exiled to the island of Patmos It is a book of visions meant to proclaim the comfort of the Gospel and the final victory that Christians have over this world and death.

Author Written by John the Apostle Says who? Chapter 1:1 Irenaeus (Born ? 115 or 135 or 145; died 202?) was a student of Polycarp (69 AD to 155 AD) was a student of John (died about 100 AD) Some claim that author could not have been John because the writing style is very different than the Gospel of John or 1,2,3 John Written to the 7 churches in southwest Turkey

Author John witnessed Christ’s death Would have been alive during widespread persecution of the Church He would have known of martyrs He would have seen the fruit of the Apostolic Ministry He would have been an eyewitness of all the events in the New Testament He would have been alive to vouch for the truthfulness of those writings

Theme – A Distant Triumph Song It shows the terrifying suffering and horror on earth that is due to man’s sin To show the reign and rule of Christ and the glory of heaven It teaches God’s people to keep their eyes focused on the final victory in heaven especially when life gets difficult Introduction – 1:1-3:22 Prophetic Visions 4:1- 22:5 Epilogue 22:6-22:21 Apocalypse = revealing

Interpretation We believe that all of the Bible is God’s Word 2 Peter 1:21 - Since the Bible is God’s Word we will let Scripture interpret Scripture. Why? “We are going to attack the enemy’s weakness and look for an opportunity to throw a bomb.” We will take it literally unless it indicates otherwise We will consider its place as the last book of the Bible Figurative language used in other parts of the Bible will help us understand the new pictures we find in Revelation It relies on imagery from Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah and other OT books The different visions show the same time frame from a different point of view.

Numbers 3 – The number of the Triune God 4 – the number of the world (4:8, 6:1-8; 7:9; 11:9; 7:1; 21:13) 6 – the number of evil/deception – not quite 7 7 – God’s number + man’s number – (7 lampstands; 7 stars; 7 seals; 7 visions; 7 trumpets etc.) 10 – the number of completion 12 – the number of the Church (12 tribes; 12 Apostles; 12 measurements of the Holy City)

Revelation 1:1-8 1. Work through the first four verses. Who revealed the content of Revelation? – Jesus Who was the source of Revelation? – The Lord Who was sent to reveal Revelation to John? – a messenger Who was to read Revelation? – God’s servants/slaves Who was to write down Revelation? - John Why was Revelation given? – To be a blessing to all who read it & to provide comfort in times of turmoil and trouble To whom was Revelation first written? – the 7 churches in Asia Minor

2. Break verses 4b through 5a into three groups 2. Break verses 4b through 5a into three groups. What does this tell us about our God?  He’s eternal, Holy Spirit is with him before his throne, He’s faithful, rose from the dead and rules all things. God is Triune 3. Break down verses 5b and 6. What do these words tell us about Jesus?  He loves us, set us free from sin, made us a kingdom and priests 4. On the basis of verse 7, give a short description of why Revelation was written. Christ will come again. Great day for believers, and unbelievers will mourn

5. Some claim the book of Revelation is so mysterious that no one can truly understand it. React to that idea on the basis of verse 3.  Those who read it will are blessed 6. Some claim that the events of Revelation will happen after the New Testament period has come to an end. React to this idea on the basis of verse 3. The time of Christ’s second coming is near If these things were going to happen after Jesus comes again, there would be not reason to write to us about them

Revelation 1:9-20 1. Read Daniel 10:4-6. Here Jesus appeared to Daniel. Compare the vision Daniel saw with the one John saw.  They are similar 2. How did Daniel and John react to the visions? What did Jesus do on both occasions?  both were deathly afraid Note Daniel 10:12 and Revelation 1:17 What does Jesus say? “Do not be afraid”

The Son of Man Term used 88 times in the Bible 84 times in the Gospels Why is Jesus called the Son of Man? Emphasizes his humanity Emphasizes the vicarious (substitute) nature of his work Hints at His ability to judge the human race Psalm 8:3-9 compare to Hebrews 2:5-11

What does this mean? Long flowing robe = refers to the robe of the high priest = Christ our great High Priest White = righteousness Golden sash = - royalty = Christ our King Head white like wool and snow – grey hair commands respect Proverbs 16:31; 20:29 Eyes like a flame of fire – fire in OT symbolizes holy purifying presence of God – eyes that can see into your heart Feet like fiery burnished brass = strength that conquers enemies Voice like a roar of mighty waters = Ezekiel 43:1-2

7 Stars = the 7 messengers of the churches Two-edged sword = the Word Hebrews 4:12 = the Word of God Like the sun in its most powerful brightness = Malachi 4:2 = Sun of righteousness Who is this? Jesus both God and man

3. In verses 17 and 18, Jesus comforts John with some statements about himself. What does each statement mean? “the First” – He has always existed “the Last” – He will always exist “the Living One” – not a dead God, nor will he die again “was dead” – he died on the cross “am alive” - He rose from the dead “keys of death” – Jesus has power over death “keys of . . . Hades” – Jesus also has power over eternal death  4. Look again at question 3. Why do Jesus’ words give us strength to stand against everything that threatens us?  Each of these assure us of His power and love

5. Pick out the three key words in verse 9 5. Pick out the three key words in verse 9. Explain why each word is central in the life of a Christian. Suffering = We are called to suffer yet we are safe Kingdom = We have God’s kingdom all day every day Patience = Because of our place in heaven we can suffer patiently