Just as Genesis
describes the beginning of all things, so Revelation is the
Book of endings. Genesis tells us why the world is as
it is, and Revelation is God's solution to the problems of
mankind. There are a lot of prophesies in the New
Testament, but the Book of Revelations is the only Book that mainly
consists of prophetic events.
"Revelation" means
"disclosure." We are shown the resurrected Christ
through visions and symbolism. The true church is also
disclosed through similar means.
In the Greek text, this
Book is "Apokalypsis Ioannou," the Revelation of John.
The Book is actually "Apokalypsis Iesou Christoue," the
Revelation of Jesus Christ.
The human author of the
Book of Revelations is John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). It was
widely accepted in the early church. From the
beginning, Revelations was considered to have been written
by the Apostle John. In the third century, Dionysius
questioned John's authorship, citing differences in style
and content between the Gospel of John, the letters of John
and this Book. Note that there are also remarkable
similarities between all the works attributed to his name.
In the other writings the grammar is better, but it is also
likely John used a secretary when writing them, which was a
common custom of the time. On the island of Patmos, he
did not have the luxury of a secretary.
John addressed this
letter to the seven churches, which were probably
representative of all churches, and it was likely read by
many local bodies within each region. It was written
while John was a prisoner, an exile on the island of Patmos
in the Aegean Sea (1:9). A date of writing before 96 is likely, as stated by Polycarp, who was a disciple
of Irenaeus, a disciple of John.
Prayerfully read this Book. Read other works that are
helpful in understanding what you have read.
You are encouraged to test yourself after the
completion of “The Revelation of Jesus Christ," using an essay (written) format.
What does this Book mean to YOU? A key section in this study is entitled “Questions” and it is
suggested that you may 1) answer one or more of the questions in
that section, and 2) send your answers to
Ron@FridayStudy.org. If you would like, your
answers will be “graded” and responses given.
There are excellent websites where you may
visit and copy or print the writings of some truly remarkable
theologians from past centuries. A good, simple to use “search
engine” for that purpose is “Google,” where you can enter words like
“Bible Commentaries” to search for some really great Bible
commentaries from the past, including the following suggested
locations:
There is much "freeware" on the Internet
available for your study of the the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Matthew Henry, who wrote about 250 years ago (“Matthew Henry’s
Commentary”), is strongly recommended, along with others of that
time, such as John Calvin, John Wesley, and John Gill. You
will find wonderful material in those writings. Also
recommended is Dr. J. Vernon McGee (but there may be a small charge
for his materials).
Questions
- Chapter 1 - The events in Revelation would "shortly"
(quickly) take place. What does "shortly" mean?
- How did John see and hear the events in Revelation?
Explain.
- How do we "hear" and "keep" the words of this prophesy?
- How are Christians able to be "kings and priests?"
- What are the "clouds" He will come in?
- Explain "alpha" and "omega."
- What do the "lampstands" and "stars" mean to you?
- Discuss the appearance of Jesus. Is He a physical
being? How?
- Chapters 2 & 3 - Are the churches in these Chapters literal or are
they also symbolic? Of what?
- Ephesus - Is it possible to fall from grace? Discuss.
- What are the Nicolaitans?
- How does the Spirit speak to the churches?
- What is the second death?
- Who is Balaam? What did he do to displease God?
- What is the white stone? What is the "new name" on it?
- What do you think about this "Jezebel?"
- Chapter 3 - Are there examples today of those who seem to be
"alive," but are "dead?" Discuss.
- How does Jesus come "as a thief?"
- Can we be blotted out from the Book of Life?
- Discuss the "cold," "hot" and "lukewarm" of Laodicea.
- What is "nakedness" from a Scriptural perspective?
- Chapter 4 - Discuss the "four living creatures."
- Who are the 24 elders"
- Chapter 5 - Who is the Lamb? Why is He worthy?
- Do the "redeemed... out of every tribe and tongue and people and
nation" include those who lived before Christ? How does this
work?
- Chapter 6 - What are the "seals?" (No references to ocean
creatures, please).
- Are the animals of the first four seals literal horses? Discuss.
- Are "death" and "hades" actual persons, in addition to being
places?
- Discuss the "souls" under the altar.
- Are the events of Chapter 6 concurrent or consecutive to other
events that are to follow? Why?
- Chapter 7 - Who are the 144,000 people? Are they all who will be
saved from that nation?
- What is and who are the great multitude?
- Chapter 8-9 - Are these literal trumpets? What do they signify?
- What is "wormwood" to you?
- Chapter 9 - What is the "seal" on the foreheads of God's people?
- Are the scorpion/locust creatures physical or demonic? Why?
- Chapter 10 - What does sealing up the "seven thunders" mean to
you?
- Did John literally "eat" a little book? How does this work?
- Chapter 11 - What is the holy city?
- Who are the two witnesses?
- What is the "great city" called "Sodom and Egypt?"
- Is the Ark of the Covenant in heaven? Discuss.
- Who is Michael? How did you reach that conclusion?
- Chapter 13 - Who or what is the beast? The dragon?
- What is blasphemy?
- For what reason were the saints allowed to be overcome?
- How does someone get into the Book of Life?
- What is the mark of the beast? What is 666?
- Chapter 14 - Will there be literal names on people's
foreheads? What people?
- What is Babylon in these verses?
- What are the commands of God? What is the faith of Jesus?
- Discuss
the "sickle" that is to be used on earth.
- Chapter 15
- What is the sea of glass? Is it real water?
- What is
the "smoke" of the temple? Is it literal smoke?
- Chapter 16
- Does the sea and other waters literally become blood?
- How does
16:15 fit into the events at the end of this age?
- Chapter 17
- Discuss the great harlot.
- What are
the 7 mountains? 7 kings? 10 horns?
- What are
the "waters" of 17:15? Does this meaning apply in other
parts of the Bible? Where?
- Chapter 19
- Who is the wife, the bride of the Lamb?
- Discuss
the lake of fire.
- Chapter 20
- Why will the dragon be released for awhile?
- Is the
thousand years a literal time?
- Discuss
God and Magog.
- Chapter 21
- What is this new heaven and new earth?
- What will
life be like when death and sorrow are gone?
- Is the
"bride" the same as the "city?" How?
- Why is the
city and the wall being measured?
- How can
there be light without a sun? Discuss that light.
- Chapter 22
- What is the river?
- What is
the tree of life? Do we eat literal food in eternity?
- How do we
"keep the prophesy of this Book?"
- What is
the water of life?
- What does
it mean that He is coming "quickly?"
- How does
one "take away" or "add to" the words of this Book?
Your assignment in the
Revelation of Jesus Christ is to
read it entirely with the above
Questions in mind.
Always remain in prayer when you read Scripture, trusting in the
following verse: “Until
now, you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will
receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). Go into the Internet at the places cited, and read
from the theologians
offered, especially
Matthew Henry (and you can find his
excellent writings as “freeware” on the Internet). Read
whatever other authors you find appropriate for this section.
The next New Believers
Study will be in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.
Write with any questions:
Ron@FridayStudy.org
