The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. An introduction to the book of revelation christs kingdom. Revelation bears similar features to the book of daniel d. Revelation intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The bereans were more fairminded or nobleminded as one translation says. An introduction to revelation for regular people by vern s.
The book of revelation is the most controversial book in the bible. The introduction proper revelation title of the book our bibles carry the title of the book as the revelation of john, or the revelation to john which means it is a revelation given to the apostle john, but the proper name is found in the first words of 1. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words. Yet, if we go up in a plane we can often see an entire rainbow as one big circle. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Some fellow named dickens seems to have borrowed that theme several centuries later. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1. Session 1 introduction and overview of the book of revelation page 3 international house of prayer of kansas city free teaching library before we embark on this study, i always like to say this verse, acts 17. Discover the basics of the book of revelation with the esv study bible from crossway. In addition to daniel and revelation, scholars have found 14 jewish and 23 christian documents of this type. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john nlt.
The book of revelation is the last book of the bible for good reason. While the book of genesis tells how paradise was lost, revelation tells how paradise will be regained. Interpreting the book of revelation provides a concise introduction to the careful interpretive study of revelation. Ghostbusters actually quotes the book of revelation. It addresses seven different churches with seven different problems or challenges.
In bruce metzgers book, breaking the code, he unraveled the symbolism and messages of hope found in the book of revelation for the nontheological reader. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. Biblical revelation, christian tradition, contemporary significance mckim, donald k. This reading plan will introduce you to the background and primary message of the book of revelation. Introducing babylon as discussed at length heretofore, it is impossible to grasp the message of futurity provided in revelation 722 without closure to the past and a revelation of the present. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church leader who was well. Revelation has caused major divisions between denominations, churches and families. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. This book is an unveiling of the lord jesus christ and a revelation of his authority, power, and preeminent role in the fathers plan of. Revelation 1 king james version kjv 1 the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. The three major divisions of revelation must be clearly held if the interpretation is to be sane and coherent.
The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Oklahoma city, ok an introduction to the book of revelation part i. Is it really something that we can agree to disagree on, as is commonly believed. The book of revelation gravel hill church of christ. Jesus christ is the divine author of this revelation 1. Introducing revelation perhaps no book of the bible is as controversial as the book of revelation. But god designed this book for a very different purpose. Revelation introduction scofield reference bible commentary. As the new testament opens with the four gospels relating to the first coming of christ, so the book of revelation closes the new testament with the general theme of the second coming of christ. The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal.
Revelation 67 is a thematic transition point of the book of revelation, a pivot from the past to the future that is an essential for understanding all. John wrote these words 2000 years ago, and there is good reason to believe that some of his prophecies were fulfilled already in the first century a. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Introducing the book of revelation part 2 of 3 provenance and destination john writes from the mediterranean island of patmos 1. Disciple lessons from the book of revelation is an 8lesson, interative internet bible study series.
Look forward to this blessing as you study revelation. A brief introduction to the book of revelation youtube. The book of revelation is a picture for us to see not a puzzle for us to put together. Together, lets study the book of revelation so we can be informed and equipped to thrive in the last days. John, son of zebedee, was the beloved disciple who. These lessons showfrom the scriptureswhat the book of revelation is all about. In chapter 5, john directs readers attention back to the throne. The greek word for revelations is apokalupsis which literally means unveiling or taking off the cover a we are meant to understand the book of revelation. Very important we note this and realize we cannot study revelation in the same way we study the book of romans. Without understanding the overall context of the bible, it is impossible to understand the book of revelation. Historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from patmos to the end of history. The chief example in the old testament is daniel 712.
In a sense, the apostle john is merely a witness or observer of the visions and sayings that we find. Online course on the book of the revelation of jesus christ. Poythress, 2002 the purpose of revelation many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. But i want to mention again it is a revelation about jesus christ. Introducing babylon the revelation of jesus christ. Introduction united states conference of catholic bishops. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. In a climatic form, these bring before the reader, over and over again, the struggle of the church and its victory over its enemies in gods providence. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the church age, and chapters 4 to 19 deal with the tribulation period, followed by a literal one thousandyear period, the millennium revelation 20. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. Jan 25th 2014 background information as to the setting, conditions, and purpose for the writing of the book of revelation by john the apostle. This is the book s real title, not what the greeks titled it, apokalypsis ioannouthe revelation of john. In addition to providing an overview of each book, topics such as authorship, audience, theology, major themes, presenting problems and pastoral strategies are discussed in depth.
It made sense to the people who first read it, and if we look to the scriptures for our understanding instead of to wild speculation, it can make sense to us as well. Sep, 2015 join pastor steve robinson and the church of the king family for this sevenmessage study and find assurance for your future. Introduction to revelation commentary on the bible book. John says, blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it 1.
A reading from the book of genesis or exodus, joshua, proverbs, job, etc. From as early as justin martyr in the second century a. Perhaps, no other book in the bible gives more information about future events than the book of the revelation of jesus christ. This is the books real title, not what the greeks titled it, apokalypsis ioannouthe revelation of john. To say that the book of revelation is a jumble and impossible to make heads or tails out of and cannot be understood is to contradict this.
The old testament the torah book lectors introduction genesis a reading from the ook of genesis. The author tells us that his visions concern the events that will happen soon 1. The value of studying revelation to many, the book of revelation is a closed book. Introduction to the book of revelation by mike mazzalongo posted. Take a look at the basic structure of the book of revelation. I like to think of the book of revelation like a rainbow. Although there is some debate, the author is probably the apostle john. Liturgical introductions and conclusions for scripture readings liturgical introductions. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. Its meticulous, scholarly approach to studying linguistic structure, vocabulary, and variant readings provides and exegetical model even for those who disagree with some of the authors conclusions. The book is also written to all believers everywhere.
Revelation is the only book with a promise of blessing to readers 1. Furthermore, he said it would come as a destruction upon the whole earth isaiah 28. An introduction to the book of revelation christopher l. Verse 1 opens the book with the words, the revelation of jesus christ. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. The book of revelation is an example of apocalyptic literature, a type of jewishchristian writing that flourished especially between 250 bc and 150 ad.
On the throne, god sits with a scroll, having seven seals, no one in heaven or on. Futurists place the book primarily in the end times. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. Overview of the book of revelation introduction revelation 119. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. From earth we can look into the sky and see a rainbow, but only half of it. Interpreters of revelation normally fall into four groups. The book of revelation is a series of parallel, everprogressing sections. This course explores the books of romans through revelation with particular attention to their historical setting and culture. John was commanded to write concerning three classes of things revelation 1. He clearly made it known by sending his angel to his loving servant john 2 i, john, bore witness to the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ3 a joyous blessing rests upon the one who. A brief introduction to the book of revelation in this video i give you an overview of who wrote the book of revelation, who he was writing to.
Messages from jesus to the seven congregations revelation 1. Revelation 89 speaks of gods judgment on earth, taking us to the end of daniels 70 th week. Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place. This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ.
It also explores the structure, content, original meaning and modern application of the book of revelation. It requires some knowledge of the rest of the bible in order to appreciate it. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. Revelation was written by the apostle john in about 96 c. Therefore it is most refreshing to find a book which appears to have the potential of introducing real creative thinking in the religious field. This book is truly the revelation of jesus christ 1. We touch on themes of the apocalypse and apolyptic literature. The book of revelation is a picture not a puzzle and heres an illustration for you. Introduction to the niv study bible go to revelation. Revelation on frontline heres all kinds of informative coverage from pbs on the last and creepiest book of the bible. John, the writer of the book of revelation, sets out to tell his readers something vital about the paradox of the days and years ahead. Introducing the book of revelation ron courter church of. Both testaments can be divided into history instruction prophecy revelation is the only book of prophecy in the new testament.
The book of revelation is one of the most difficult books to interpret. Those churches were in ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira, sardis, philadephia, and laodicea. Nov 08, 2015 revelation 1 king james version kjv 1 the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. The book of revelation check out the full text of revelation, so you can relive all the freaky visions firsthand.
Beeke was converted at the age of 14, and has pastored for more than forty years in three churches. The latest video in the st johns timeline project is my hour and 20minute introduction to the book of revelation. The book of revelation is addressed to believers, his servants, of the churches in seven cities of the roman province of asia. Introducing the book of revelation ron courter church.
Bible commentary produced by tow project the book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. Desilva, this new version of breaking the code, updated edition includes updates based on current biblical research, while keeping the essential insights of the original book. For the past two thousand years believers have been amazed, astounded, and often rather confused by all the pictures and images presented in revelation. These lessons serve as an introduction to the book. Best commentaries and books on revelation logos bible software. Jan 20, 20 john introduces the reader to the throne of god, the four living creatures, the 24 elders, and the sea of glass before the throne. If youre befuddled by the book of revelation in the bible, dont fret. Gods work with the jews has, for the most part, been separate from his work with the church, but now in the book of revelation, it all comes together, and will be most clearly seen during the millennial kingdom. The book of revelation reveals the details of end time events from chapter 4 until the end of the book. This is seen in revelation 7, revelation 1011, revelation 12, revelation 20 and revelation 21.
He explains that, for those students willing to examine the historical background to the new testament, the book of revelation. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage, hope, and praise. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of its intrinsic difficulty but because of the myriad interpretations that have grown up around the book. Introduction to revelation bible exposition commentary. Daniel was told to seal the book until the time of the end see dan.
The book of revelation is primarilary a book of prophecy. Revelation 1 the passion translation tpt johns introduction. Introduction to the book of revelation the apostle john received this extraordinary revelation from the lord jesus christ while living on the island of patmos during the latter part of the 1st century a. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. It was published by the urantia foundation, 533 diversey parkway, chicago, illinois 60614, in 1955 and contains 2097 pages. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation. Currently, he is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at puritan reformed theological seminary since 1994, a pastor of the heritage reformed. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. More than one bible teacher has taken a class from matthew through the book of jude, only to return to the book of matthew rather than face the unusual teachings of the book of revelation. A commentary on the book of revelation introduction. Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all. Revelation is important because it is the last divinely inspired bible book that was written.
Introduction to the book of revelation sermon by tim byrd. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john1 b. Dale ellenburg, midamerica theological journal introducing christian doctrine is a worthy book on christian theology to be made a standard textbook for a bible school or college course on theology. A series of visions, each one leading into the next. A promise of blessing is made in the very first chapter of the book to those who read and hear the words of this prophecy. Hahn demonstrates why this littlestudied book contains many of the keys to understanding the gospels. An introduction to the book of revelation, date of writing, who the author is, different views, glossary of end times terms. In it, i explore different chapters of the book, and look at issues arising in our reading, starting with questions of genre what kind of writing is this. A guide for introducing each book of the bible please refer to this guide as you rehearse your reading for the week. The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce. A vision of god on his throne in heaven revelation 4. The book of revelation is called t he revelation of jesus christ, and yet it is treated by so many as a side issue or a secondary matter.