Greetings,
I would humbly like to give you all a clearer understanding of the Book of Revelation as how it was revealed to me through God's most Holy Spirit. But before I begun to discuss each verse and it's meaning, I felt it that you become aware of the value of this book and it's place and impact on our lives.
I have asked His holy Spirit of God to give me guidance and wisdom as I begin to write on this book. I have decided not to add much graphics and animation to this particular page so that it can load quickly for you to receive without much distractions.
The English title "Revelation" comes from the first word of the book in Greek. That word is apokalypsis, which means, "the unveiling of something previously unrevealed." In Revelation, Christ and His eternal program are fully revealed, so that the book provides a fitting capstone to the New Testament revelation.
Revelation is indeed apocalyptic in form: that is, it is mainly prophetical. Written during a time of persecution, the book abounds with visions (similar to Daniel and Zechariah), and the style of it is generally figurative and symbolic.
The Author of Revelation identifies himself as John at least four times (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8; perhaps 21:2 also). He calls himself a servant of Christ (1:1), and a testimony of Jesus (1:9). Through the style and vocabulary of Revelation differ somewhat from the other writings of John; there are many similarities, particularly with John's gospel. A focus on the deity and the work of Christ are found in both books.
The theme of Revelation is the revelation of the person and prophetic timetable of Jesus the Christ. This book was written to encourage believers to endure persecution, and to persevere through suffering, knowing that the victory of Christ over the world and the Devil is guaranteed and certain.
Secondly, the book was written to show how all of prophecy focuses on Jesus the Christ-His person and His program for the world. Third, the book seeks to unite all various lines of biblical prophecy (both Old and New Testament), and to show exactly how they converge upon the second coming of Christ to rule the earth in His messianic Kingdom.
Fourth, the book seeks to correct some moral and doctrinal problems that existed (and still exist) in the churches, and to instruct the True Christians in such things as salvation, prophecy, the person of Christ, and true Christian living.
And finally, the book may be an attack on paganism and worship of the Old and New Revived Roman Empire.
A major concern of the Book of Revelation, is the judgement of God on the world (the beginning of the day of the Lord). The various judgements are symbolized in the book by a scroll with seven "seals," by blasts from seven "trumpets," and by the wrath of God poured out from seven "bowls" or vials." The chronological order of the Judgements seems to be as all seals are loosed in numerical order, than the seventh seal is divided into the seven trumpets, followed by the seventh trumpet been divided into the seven "bowls" or "vials" otherwise known as the seven last plagues.
The book of Revelation builds heavily upon the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Many symbols introduced in Daniel are repeated and further clarified in Revelation. A full understanding of Revelation is IMPOSSIBLE without and accurate understanding of the prophecy of Daniel.
Also to be noted, is that the number seven is very prominent in Revelation.
There are:
· Seven Churches (1:11)
· Seven Candlesticks (1:13)
· Seven Stars (1:16)
· Seven Letters (2:1-3:22)
· Seven Spirits (4:5)
· Seven Seals (5:1)
· Seven Trumpets (8:2)
· Seven Thunders (10:3)
· Seven Heads (12:3, 13:1)
· Seven Angels (15:6)
· Seven Bows or Vials (15:7)
· Seven Mountains (17:9)
· Seven Blessings (1:3, 14:13, 16:15; 19:9, 20:6; 22:7,14)
Many believe that the number seven when given symbolic meaning represents completeness and perfection. Also the number four (4:6; 6:1-8; 9:14) and twelve (7:4-8; 21:12,14; 22:2) also appear to have special significance in Revelation as well.
The book was anticipated by Jesus before His death when He declared that the Holy Spirit would show the apostles "things to come" (John 16:13). This was begun through the divinely inspired teachings of Paul and Peter, but most completely fulfilled through the apostle John on Patmos. The phrase "and I saw" occurs more than 40 times in Revelation, and the statement "I was in the Spirit" is common. Twelve times throughout the book, John reports that he was told to write down just what he saw.
I. Past: The things which you have seen 1:1-20
A. The Prologue 1:1-81. The preface 1:1-3B. The vision of Christ 1:9-20
1. The setting 1:9-11
II. Present: The things which are 2:1-3:22
Present: The things which are 2:1-3:22.
The seven letters of chapters 2 and 3 may be interpreted in various ways:
(1) Historical - the letters should be understood historically, with no prophetic significance;
(2) Historic-prophetic - the letters are addressed to seven historical churches, but each also represents a successive phase or period in the history of Gods children;
(3) Representative - each church contains characteristics that can be found to some degree in most churches throughout church history.
I personally interpret them as representative, so as to see how the church age progressed throughout history up to the present church system. And seeing how Christ recognizes their blessings and faults in each of them.
Most of the letters follow a fivefold outline:
(1) address,
(2) commendation,
(3) condemnation,
(4) counsel or warning,
(5) promise
Each address makes some reference to the vision of chapter 1.
The LettersA. The letter to the church of Ephesus 2:1-7
B. The letter to the church of Symrna 2:8-11
C. The letter to the church of Pergamos 2:12-17
D. The letter to the church of Thyatira 2:18-29
E. The letter to the church of Sardis 3:1-6
F. The letter to the church of Philadelphia 3:7-13
G. The letter to the church of Laodicea 3:14-22
III. Future: The things which shall be hereafter 4:1-22:21
A. Introduction: the judge 4:1-5:151. The throne of God 4:1-112. The scroll and the Lamb 5:1-14
B. The seven seals 6:1-8:11. The first seal: conquest 6:1,22. The second seal: war 6:3,4
3. The third seal: inflation and
famine 6:5,64. The fourth seal: death 6:7,8
5. The fifth seal: martyrdom 6:9-11
6. The sixth seal: natural disasters 6:12-17
7. Parenthesis (break) the redeemed
of the Tribulation 7:1-17
a. The 144,000 of Israel 7:1-8b. The multitude of the Gentiles 7:9-17
8. The seventh seal:
The seven trumpets 8:1
C. The seven trumpets 8:2-11:191. Introduction 8:2-62. The first trumpet: on vegetation 8:7
3. The second trumpet: on the sea 8:8,9
4. The third trumpet: on the
fresh water 8:10,11
5. The fourth trumpet: on the light 8:12,13
6. The fifth trumpet:
demons and pain 9:1-12
7. The sixth trumpet:
demons and death 9:13-21
8. Parenthesis (break):
the witnesses of God 10:1-11:13
a. The little book 10:1-11b. The measuring of the temple 11:1,2
c. The two witnesses 11:3-13
9. The seventh trumpet:
the end of the age 11:14-19
D. The movements of the Tribulation 12:1-14:201. The program of Satan 12:1-13:18a. The woman, the son,and the dragon 12:1-6b. The war in heaven 12:7-12
c. The persecution on the earth 12:13-17
d. The beast from the sea:
the Antichrist 13:1-10e. The beast from the earth:
the False Prophet 13:11-182. The program of God 14:1-20
a. The Lamb and the 144,000 14:1-5b. The three angels 14:6-13
c. The harvest of the earth 14:14-20
E. The seven bowls 15:1-18:241. The prelude 15:1-16:12. The first bowl: sores 16:2
3. The second bowl: on the sea 16:3
4. The third bowl: on the fresh water 16:4-7
5. The fourth bowl: scorching 16:8,9
6. The fifth bowl: darkness 16:10,11
7. The sixth bowl:
the Battle of Armageddon 16:12-16
8. The seventh bowl:
the fall of Babylon 16:17-21
9. The judgement of
Babylon the great 17:1-18:24
a. The great harlot 17:1-18b. The great city 18:1-24
F. The return of Christ 19:1-21
G. The millennial kingdom of Christ 20:1-15
H. The eternal state 21:1-22:51. The new heaven and new earth 21:12. The descent of the New Jerusalem 21:2-8
3. The description of
the New Jerusalem 21:9-22:5
I. Conclusion 22:6-21
Re 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Reasonings:
1:1 The Revelation of Jesus the Christ is the title of the book. The revelation is both from Christ and about Christ. Since Christ is the revelation of God Himself (John 1:18), God gave the revelation to Christ to be shown to John by means of an angel (messenger). The word "signified" (esemanen <Gr>) refers to the conveyance of truth by means of signs and symbols, and refers to visions described throughout the book.
1:2,3. Bare record: John was a witness of what he wrote. He saw the revelation and wrote what he saw. The blessing of verse 3 has a three-fold condition. (1) Read the book, (2) hear (understand) it, and (3) keep (obey) it. The essential nature of all prophecy was the communication of new truth (divine revelation). God has given it to be obeyed, not simply to be discussed and debated. The time is at hand in the sense that nothing else now has to occur before the Rapture (taken away of his children) and the beginning of the Tribulation Period.
Re 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Reasonings:
1:4-6 The blessing of verse 4 comes from the triune Godhead: God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. The description of the Father shows eternal existence in the past (was), present (is), and the future (is to come).
The seven Spirits is apparently a symbolic reference to the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:2; Zech. 3:9,4:10). Jesus Christ is the faithful witness in that He has finished His work of revealing the Father (John 17), the first begotten of the dead in that He is the firstfruits of the first resurrection (Rev. 20:6), and the prince of Kings of the earth as the future worldwide Ruler of the millennial kingdom (Rev 19:16). Three works of Christ for believers are then listed. Loved us: Christ showed His supreme love for mankind in dying for them (Rom. 5:8, 1Jn 3:16). Washed us: Believers have been redeemed from their sins through the blood and death of Christ. Made us kings and priests: In the true church, no one is called "priest" except Christ. Believers are part of a "royal priesthood" in Christ (1Pet. 2:9; Rev 5:10). The glory and dominion (authority) of Christ are emphasized throughout this book.
1:7,8. Four aspects of Christ's return are mentioned, each of which alludes to another passage of scripture. He will come in the clouds (Dan 7:13) in the sky. Every person will see him (Matt. 24:30). Those who pierced him (Zech. 12:10), that is, those who rejected Him and wanted Him to die will repent and mourn (wail) over Him (Zech 12:10,11). This refers to Christ's return to the earth to establish His kingdom, and not the Rapture (taken away). Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, refers to God's eternality and sovereignty, and possibly to the fullness of God's self-revelation.
Re 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Reasonings:
1:9-11, John was exiled to Patmos for preaching the word of God and testifying as a witness of Jesus Christ. Tribulation refers to present afflictions, not to the future Tribulation period. Believers of Jesus Christ live in a present form of God's Kingdom (the church) through not yet in the promised messianic kingdom. Patience is the perseverance or endurance (Gr. Hupomone). True believers in Christ will persevere through all their present afflictions, with John as their example.
In the Spirit: John was in a state of receiving prophetic revelation from God. The Lord's day refers to Sunday, the first day of the week, as the new day of worship for Gods children. The word Kuriakos occurs elsewhere in the New Testament only in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Alpha and Omega: The description that was applied to God the "Almighty" in verse 8 is here applied to Christ, showing that Christ is God, the first and the last (Rev 1:17, Rev 22:13).
The seven churches introduced here are further in chapters 2 and 3. In symbolic form, these churches will apply to the entire history of the church movement from the beginning right up to the present churches. Even though all these churches existed around the same era, each different church refers to a different period in the history of the true Christian movement.
Re 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Reasonings:
1:12-16. This is a description of Jesus Christ as Judge (John 5:22,27). Christ has authority over both the church and the world. The seven candlesticks (lampstands) are identified in verse 20 as the seven churches mentioned in verse 11. The son of man is a messianic title from Daniel 7:13, and was Jesus' favourite designation for Himself. The garment described in verse 13 is a judge's robe. His white hair symbolizes justice, purity, and glory.
Fire is also a symbol of judgement. The brass and the sound of the voice show Christ's authority and power. The seven stars are identified in verse 20 as the angels of the seven churches. The sword also represents Christ's judgement (rev. 19:15) of the church and the world through His Word. His countenance or face was like the sun as the glory of God shone forth.
1:17-18. John's initial reaction to this vision was fear. He was overwhelmed by the glory of God as seen in Christ (Dan. 8:17,18; 10:8,9; Zech.4: 1). As Jesus did many times with the apostles (Matt. 14:27; Mark 4:40; Luke 5:10), so now He tells John to fear not. The first and the last (rev. 11; 22:13) is equivalent to the language of verse 8, and is a title of the almighty and eternal God.
As God in the Old Testament is called the "living God," so Christ is he that liveth. He became dead when He humbled Himself to die on the cross (Phil. 2:6-8), but then rose to live for evermore.
Three tenses of Christ's existence are emphasized:
(1) His ever-abiding life;
(2) His death as God-man;
(3) His resurrection to everlasting and authoritative life.
He has authority over death and judgement, and therefore has the keys of hell (Hades) and of death (Rev. 20:14).
Re 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
Reasonings:
1:19. This is the key verse of the book. Revelation has three major sections:
(1) the things which thou hast seen - chapter 1, especially the vision of Christ (Rev. 11-"what thou seest");
(2) the things which are - chapter 2 and 3, the conditions in the churches;
(3) the things which shall be hereafter - chapters 4-22, beginning with the judgements of the Tribulation period (Rev 7:1 -"after these things").
Re 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Reasonings:
1:20. The seven candlesticks in the midst of which Christ stood in the vision are identified as the seven churches listed in verse 11. The seven stars in His hand represent the angels of the seven churches. The angels may be actual angles, each of which has a special guardian ministry toward one specific church (He. 1:14), or the human leaders or pastors of these churches. Angel literally means, "messenger."
The letter to the church of Ephesus 2:1-7
Re 2:1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Reasoning:
The City of Ephesus was one of the most important commercial and religious cities in Asia Minor. The most famous temple of goddes Artemis (Diana) was located there. It was also John's headquarters before his exile. Ephesus served as the "mother" church to the others, all of which where connected by the same Roman road.
The Church is commended because of its soundness of faith and its perseverance through persecution. However, its people have come under Christ's discipline for having left (not lost) their first love or former devotion to Christ.
The solution to this condition is threefold: (1) remember your former devotion to Christ; (2) repent of the present lack of love and devotion; and (3) return-that is, do the things thatwere characteristic of the devotion of the church in its earlier years. Christ threatens to discipline the church by removing its light (candlestick). Today, Ephesus is in ruins, and its church is gone.
The Nicolaitans were probably a libertine, antinomian sect who attempted to use Christian liverty as an excuse for self-indulgence and immorality. The promise to him that overcometh probably applies to all Christians with genuine faith, and will be fulfilled as believers enjoy the blessings of the New Jerusalem, the paradise of God.
The letter to the church of Symrna 2:8-11
Re 2:8 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Reasoning:
Smyrna was located about 40 miles north of Ephesus. Its name meant "myrrh," which was often uses as a fragrant spice for the anointing of dead bodies (cf. John 19:39). This church represents the church under persecution.
The believers of Smyrna were undergoing persecution and had been reduced to poverty. They were been reviled by unbelieving Jews. They received no condemnation from Christ, but were encouraged to endure suffering faithfully. Their persecution would be of short duration (ten days). Some relate this to 10 edicts of anti-Christian persecution form the time of Nero (A.D. 64) until Diocletian (A.D. 312). Faithful perseverance through trials will bring a crown of life (cf. James 1:12). The second death is eternal destruction in the lake of fire (20:14,15), reserved for all unbelievers.
The letter to the church of Pergamos 2:12-17
Re 2:12 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Reasoning:
Pergamos, or Pergamum, was located about 50 miles north of Smyrna. The name may mean "Thoroughly Married," and may represent the state church which is "married" to a political system. The reference to the sharp sword shows that Christ will judge the false teachers at Pergamos.
Satan's seat or throne may be a reference to the religious paganism centered in Pergamos. The city had a throne-like alter to the god Zeus, a temple to Askelpios (symbolized by a serpent). And various temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor. Christ here commends the church at Pergamos for remaining faithful in the midst of such satanic influence.
The doctrine of Balaam was a compromise of Christianity with paganism, resulting in idolatry and immorality. Balaam had once succeeded in leading many Israelites into these sins (cf. Num. 31:16; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11). The entire church is urged to repent of the toleration and sins of these false teachers, before Christ has to judge them Himself. The church should discipline itself and not tolerate false teaching and immorality within.
Manna in the Old Testament represents sustenance and life (cf. John 6:48-51). Christ is sufficient for all the believer's needs. The white stone with its new name symbolizes acceptance and approval by God.
The letter to the church of Thyatira 2:18-29
Re 2:18 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Reasoning:
Thyatira was located about 20 miles southeast of Pergamos, and was the hometown of Lydia, Paul's first convert in Macedonia (Acts 16:14). The name may mean "Continual Sacrifice." The fire and brass in the description of Christ emphasize Christ's promise to judge the false teachers of this church. Since the city was controlled by a female-dominated dye and cloth industry, it is possible that the church here suffered form female false teachers.
There was a self-proclaimed prophetess at Thyatira whom Christ calls Jezebel. She is leading the church into false doctrine, idolatry, and immorality just as the Old Testament Jezebel had done to Israel (cf. 1 King 16; 2 Kings 9). She refused to repent, and therefore would be judged along with her followers and her children (or disciples).
There was a godly remnant of believers at Thyatira who had not accepted these "deep teachings" or depths of Satan. The exhortation is to hold fast what is good, and to reject evil.
The obedient believer will be given a reward of power or authority in the millennial kingdom as he reigns with Christ (12:5; 19:15; 20:4). The morning star is probably is reference to the eternal presence of Christ Himself.
The letter to the church of Sardis 3:1-6
Re 3:1 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Reasoning:
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This Revelation page was last updated on:
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