The Revelation Introduction  Welcome to the fall 2014 adult Bible study.  Today’s lesson is an introduction to the book of Revelation.  This class will be successful based upon participation and interaction.  The teacher will learn as much or more than the students during this Bible study.

The Revelation Class Syllabus  Course Goals  1. To familiarize students with the most commonly used methods of interpretation of the book of Revelation.  2. To teach a sound approach to interpreting Revelation.  3. To apply this approach to the symbols revealed within the book.

The Revelation Class Syllabus  Course Objectives  1. To overcome fear of the book of Revelation.  2. To gain a basic understanding of the following approaches to interpreting this book:  A. Futurist Approach  B. Chronologic Approach  C. Preterism Approach  D. Symbolic Approach

The Revelation Class Syllabus  3. To describe the intended approach to interpretation of apocalyptic literature and Revelation specifically.  4. To study the book of Revelation with the sincere desire to learn the intended message of the symbols.  5. To gain the blessings promised within this book.

The Revelation Class Syllabus  Format  1. Survey – We will hit the high points and discuss points of interest.  2. Readings – To get the full benefit of this class you will need to read the chapters ahead of class.

The Revelation Class Syllabus  Class Schedule  Oct 5, Introduction of the book of Revelation  Oct 12, chapters 1 – 2 The vision of Christ & 4 churches  Oct 19, Guest teacher Josh Hearne lesson on Honduras  Oct 26, chapters 3 – 4 3 churches & Visions in Heaven  Nov 2, chapters 5 – 6 The scroll is sealed & The seals are opened  Nov 9, chapters 7 – 8 Sealing the Lord’s people & Last seal opened  Nov 16, chapters 9 – 10 Warning of judgment & John eats a small book  Nov 23, chapters 11 – 12 Two resurrected prophets & Satan’s introduction  Nov 30, chapters 13 – 14 Satan and two beasts & A new song

The Revelation Class Syllabus  Class Schedule  Dec 7, chapters 15 – 16 7 bowls & Wrath poured out  Dec 14, chapters 17 – 18 A harlot on a beast & Babylon destroyed  Dec 21, chapters 19 – 20 King of Kings & The lake of fire  Dec 28, chapters 21 – 22 The new Heaven & Christ’s followers rewarded

The Revelation Introduction What comes to mind when you think of the book of Revelation? What comes to mind when you compare Revelation to other Bible books such as Genesis, Song of Solomon, and Proverbs? Is Revelation intimidating? yes..no..maybe

The Revelation Introduction Many are intimidated by this book. a. it is difficult to understand symbols in comparison to a straightforward epistle b. historically abused to support extreme viewpoints

The Revelation Introduction Why should we study Revelation? 1. we will be blessed for studying this book 2. we actually can make sense of this book 3. we learn that if we are with God we will be victorious

The Revelation Introduction Author, Date, Location Author – John Author presumed he would be known by first name The apostle John is the only one that well known Early church believed the apostle John to be the writer

The Revelation Introduction Author, Date, Location Author – John Similarities to John’s other writings Only John referred to Jesus as the word a. John 1:1 b. 1 John 1:1 c. Revelation 19: 13

The Revelation Introduction Author, Date, Location Date – AD written during fierce persecution of the church historically cited near the end of Domitian’s reign in Rome some believe it was during Nero’s reign (AD 54 – 68)

The Revelation Introduction Author, Date, Location Date – AD State of the churches seem to better fit AD 90’s In the 60’s the church at Ephesus was thriving Acts 19, 20 Ephesians 1- 6

The Revelation Introduction Author, Date, Location Location = Island of Patmos John was in exile on this island Approximately 32 square mile island 50 miles Southwest of Ephesus Off the coast of modern day Turkey

The Revelation Introduction

 Style of writing Part Epistle The entire book is in the form of a letter to the seven churches of Asia Chapters 1-3 address specific churches

The Revelation Introduction  Style of writing Part Apocalyptic Revelation – Greek apokalupsis – means unveiling  Revelation carries a connotation of doom  Apocalyptic literature abundunt during last two centuries BC and first century AD  Symbols used are not to enhance the message…they are the message

The Revelation Introduction  Style of writing  Part Apocalyptic  The original readers were use to apocalyptic language used in Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, Joel, Zechariah, and other Old Testament books  They were use to secular apocalyptic writings as well

The Revelation Introduction  Style of writing Why apocalyptic Writing? Its hard to understand Maybe it’s a way of covert communication only decipherable by the intended audience

The Revelation Introduction  Style of writing  Part Prophecy  The book of Revelation seems to prophecy regarding the Church’s victory over the Roman Empire and Christ’s victory over Satan

The Revelation Introduction Methods of Interpretation Futurist Approach Most of the book of Revelation describes events which were in the distant future at the time the book was written. Even today most of the contents are yet to occur. Most of the book deals with events that will occur shortly before the second coming of Christ.

The Revelation Introduction Methods of Interpretation Chronologic Approach The book of Revelation gives a detailed historical outline from the first century through the end of the world. Symbols within the book are interpreted to represent events and specific people.

The Revelation Introduction Methods of Interpretation Preterist (past) Approach Preterist – Latin origin meaning beyond or past. Belief that most if not all of the book tells what happened in the early centuries of the church… in our past. Also known as the contemporary – history view.

The Revelation Introduction Methods of Interpretation Symbolic Approach The book of Revelation speaks symbolically about the conflict between good and evil in every age… good will conquer evil. The overall message of John’s vision is more important than the details of these visions.

The Revelation Introduction When we consider our method of interpretation we need to consider two things… What message is God sending? How is John intending it to be received?

The Revelation Introduction Discussion questions: What is the time frame for the events John describes in Revelation? Revelation 1:1 things which must shortly take place Is it logical to assume that the writings were intended for the 1 st and 2 nd century Christians?

The Revelation Introduction Discussion questions: Who is John’s intended audience? Primary audience is persecuted early church Secondary audience is us today Given this knowledge we have to determine the best method of interpretation for us to use.

The Revelation Introduction Not Futurist Not Chronologic Not Strictly preterist Not Strictly symbolic Best fit = combination of preterist and symbolic

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Symbols we use them all the time

The Revelation Introduction

Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Reverse the rule of interpretation for apocalyptic writings we assume something is literal unless we have reason to believe it is symbolic with apocalyptic writing we reverse this rule and assume symbolic meaning unless we have reason to believe otherwise

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Sometimes the meaning is given to us. This is a freebie, don’t fight it.

The Revelation Introduction

Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Apocalyptic writing is not new, Revelation borrows symbols used in the Old Testament scriptures and early church culture. over 400 Old Testament references in Revelation

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Never base a major doctrine on an obscure passage.

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Never interpret a figurative passage in a way that contradicts plain teaching elsewhere in the Bible. this means that you’ve misinterperted

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Don’t take a symbol too far. Figures usually used to express a single idea…each detail does not necessarily have a separate meaning… it may be for description or emphasis.

The Revelation Introduction Keys to interpreting Revelation and apocalyptic writings… Types of symbols used in Revelation symbols from the Old Testament symbols based on historical or political situations Numbers

The Revelation Introduction Conclusions: Revelation is often thought of as an intimidating Book of the Bible. With proper interpretation Revelation can be understood. God promises us a blessing for studying this book.

The Revelation Introduction Homework Read chapters 1 and 2 and be prepared for spiritual growth and learning next week.