 Historical Context  The date for the writing of Revelation is within the reign of Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus (81- 96AD). He is known as Domitian  Tradition states that John was beaten, scourged and then placed in a cauldron of boiling oil. When he didn’t die Domitian exiled him to the island of Patmos.

 4 Major characteristics of Apocalyptic writing  Cosmic Context  A universe context that addresses the conflict between Christ on one side and Satan on the other  Visions and Dreams  Primary mode of delivery is “in the Spirit” (ch1:10), which uses visions and dreams, that often defy description by human language.  Allegory  The use of symbols for lessons.  Literary Form  Prose not poetry.

 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it: for the time is near. (1:3)  Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.(14:13)  Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments. (16:15)  Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lord. (19:9)  Blessed and holy is he who is part of the first resurrection. (20:6)  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. (22:7)  Blessed are those who do His commandments (22:14)

 Vs 1 Revelation of Jesus – Greek work apokalypsis = an unveiling or an uncovering  Signified –Gr semaino = to show by a sign or symbol  Shortly come to pass: repeated 7 times. 1:1, 1:3, 3:11,22:6, 22:7, 22:12, 22:20.  Vs 2 Saw – visual method used 73 times audio method used 38 times

 “The One who is and who was and who is coming”  The Seven Spirits who are before His Throne  Jesus Christ  Faithful Witness  Firstborn of the Dead  Ruler of the Kings of the Earth

 Matthew 26:64  Zechariah 12:10  Psalms 22:16

 Three times in this chapter, vs 8, 11, 17  Isaiah 41:4

 Romans 8:17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  Philipians' 1:29  For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake

 Vision  2 Cor 12:1-2  1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  Trumpet  1 Thess 4:16

 7 Candlesticks  Exodus 25:37  Zechariah 4:2  So the question is where is this place?

 One like the Son of Man  Parallels the description given in Dan 7:13-14, and Ezekiel 1:26-27  Used in reference to Christ in the following verses: Matt 24:30, 37, 39, 44; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 19:10

 What is the two edged sword?  Isaiah 49:2  Ephesians 6:17  Hebrews 4:12

 Death and Hades  Greek words thanatos and hades  Thanatos means the act of death or ceasing life  Hades means the place where the dead go.

“You are my witness,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are my witnesses,” says the Lord, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and ho will reverse it?” Isaiah 43:10-13