1. Introduction: Context and Background
Revelation
Introduction: Context and Background

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.”

5. 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.”

6. 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.”

7. 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.”

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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.)

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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