It is essential we understand the events that are to come and not bow to false teachings or sensationalism, and the best way to do that is see what our lord jesus christ taught on the matter. The book was written for people in johns day with principles applicable to the end of time. The rise and fall of the antichrist appendix four a brief overview of the book of revelation. This book is filled with mysteries about things to come. Like daniel and other apocalypses, it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis.
This definition though is somewhat unsubstantiated. The book of revelation was likely written between a. This paper was originally published on and was the best scholarship on the subject. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.
Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john. We conclude the series with a look at archaeological and historical evidence relating to the last book of the bible, revelation. Minus the nonsense and feeble theories we theologians not to mention the. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor. Revelation is about a great titanic struggle between forces of satan and the people of god. The book of revelation begins with seven letters to seven churches in seven cities in the roman province of asia.
The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church leader who was well. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. Background material into thy word ministries this article also serves as the introduction to our bible study in the book of revelation. The revelation of jesus christ was given to john by god to show his servants what must soon take place. 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. John, the apostle who wrote three epistles and a gospel account. And the book of revelation contains many of the characteristics common to this genre. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. Yet it has a clear and definite historical background. But winston churchill was certain of eventual victory. Revelation and the background of the book of revelation.
Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy with an epistolary introduction addressed to seven churches in the roman province of. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage. Many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. So here is the historical background to the book of the revelation, especially chapters and 17. White is professor of classics and christian origins at the university of texas at austin, and acted as historical consultant for apocalypse. 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. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible society. Oct 21, 2016 you will love this video it will help you understand better itt is very good and a little long i encourage all of you to watch this kick back and relax. The book of revelation presents itself as a prophetic, pastoral message that the church has come to recognize as an inspired word of god. Returning the book of revelation to its historical context by joey cobble. 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. The author of revelation mentioned his name, john, four times throughout the book revelation 1. Thus, it occupies a central place in christian eschatology. The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce.
What are some distinctive characteristics of apocalyptic literature. Revelation to john, also called book of revelation or apocalypse of john, last book of the new testament. It is a revelation that was received by the apostle john while he was in romanimposed exile on the island of patmos in the eastern mediterranean around 90 a. This reading plan will introduce you to the background and primary message of the book of revelation. Have basic information about the historical background for the book, and. Therefore, an immediate meaning in the first two centuries a. A brief overview of the book of revelation the rise and. The magnificence of this book has often been overshadowed by the many false views put forth concerning this book. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate3. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Revelation intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The book of revelation is the only book in the new testament that begins by specifically stating its source, the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave to himand signified it by his angel to his servant john rev. In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. And when john wrote the book of revelation, his readers needed this new perspective too.
The book ends with confirmations of authenticity by god, christ and john. The book of revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the new testament canon. The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. Most modern interpreters believe that revelation was written sometime during the reign of the roman emperor domitian 8196 ce.
In raymond browns an introduction to new testament, he begins his section on revelation with the following comments. The prophet joseph smith described this focus of the book of revelation. Futurists place the book primarily in the end times. The language of the book of revelation is regarded as apocalyptic. Revelation greek apokalupsis means an uncovering, an unveiling, or a disclosure.
It also explores the structure, content, original meaning and modern application of the book of revelation. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Background information on the book of revelation the book of revelation, often called the book of revelations, revelation to john, the. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. The importance of understanding, interpreting, applying, and then communicating the contents of the book of revelation. Picture study bible revelation bible history online. You and your family are a blessing beyond description to us and so many others.
The two periods most often mentioned are the latter part of neros reign a. 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. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church purpose. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john1 b. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1.
Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel 1. The background to the book of revelation biblical thinking with. However, johnsons book also serves as an excellent commentary and devotional book. Introduction from the notes on the introductory matters, i concluded that the apostle john wrote revelation from the island of patmos at the end of domitians reign. John apostle to understand more profoundly the context of the book of revelation, we have to search the background of the author. Patmos is a rocky and barren place, virtually devoid of trees. This is part one of a two part study as a prelude into the book of revelation. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Scholars use this fact to support the pretribulationist view that christians are indeed exempt from any tribulation because the word is not used.
An expository journey through the book of revelation. The historical background method the historical background method recognizes the dire circumstances of first century readers. To jerry and sherry roberts thank you for your faithful friendship and love for our lord and my family. Christians throughout history have given almost unanimous affirmation to the identity of the books author as john the apostle, who had been exiled to the island of patmos by the authorities for preaching the gospel in asia. Without a thorough understanding of the rest of scripture most of revelation will. The author identifies himself as john, your brother who share with you in jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called patmos because of the word of god and the testimony of jesus.
Background information revelation part two bibleview. The revelation originated in god and came from the risen christ to the writer john, who then passed it on to a group of churches in the. Returning the book of revelation to its historical context. Introduction to the niv study bible go to revelation. The last book in the bible, the book of revelation, has the same message. Revelation 22 background information with maps and images. This book is written as an aid for pastors who want to preach through the book of revelation it might make a good gift for your pastor or your church library. Interpreters of revelation normally fall into four groups. The background to the book of revelation biblical thinking. The revelation unveiling of from jesus christ, which god gave to him to show unto his servants things events which must quickly come to pass 1. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. And this is one of the biggest problems with how people approach the book of revelation. The book of revelation, or the apocalypse as it is also called, is the last book of the bible.
Returning the book of revelation to its historical context st. The book of revelation was written sometime around. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. The apocalyptic language of the book has caused people to expect literal beasts, horses, etc. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1. Aug 10, 2015 the word church is used 19 times in the first 3 chapters of the book of revelation. This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate 3.
Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place. Revelation was written when christians were entering a time of persecution. These things were to take place from johns day to and including. Written on the island of patmos about ad96 revelation 1. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it.
The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce you. Have you ever wondered what the book of revelation is all about. Covenant book namely the book of deuteronomywas presented u, a newly enthroned israelite kmg cf. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. The condition of each church and specific facts about each city are reflected in the content of each letter. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. The revelation of jesus christ webberville church of christ. But god designed this book for a very different purpose.
Since domitian was assassinated in ad 96, we can date the book roughly at ad 95. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. As its name indicates, the book of revelation reveals things that otherwise would remain unknown. The book of revelation cannot be adequately understood except against the historical background that occasioned its writing. The author names himself as john in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate.
Revelation 1 background information with maps and images. In this work will try to investigate why is so important the book of revelation and the background, which was the motivation for st. Aug 02, 2001 many people view revelation, sometimes called the apocalypse, as a mysterious book of strange symbols and images. Many people view revelation, sometimes called the apocalypse, as a mysterious book of strange symbols and images. The book of revelationhistory and prophecy united church of god.
Explains how revelation s context and setting can help us understand its original meaning and apply its message to our own lives in the modern world. It is the final warning that the world will surely end and judgment will be. The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal or unveil that which has previously been hidden. Revelation chapter 2 explained book of revelation each. It should be the last book of the bible that anyone seeks to become an expert on. The early church faced persecution from the powerful roman empire. Historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from patmos to the end of history. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Revelation begins with john, the last surviving apostle and an old man, in exile on the small, barren island of patmos, located in the aegean sea southwest of ephesus. They have their understanding of the book of revelation obscured by their lack of understanding about history, biblical language, and even modern opinions.
While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Mar 06, 2011 so here is the historical background to the book of the revelation, especially chapters and 17. Similarly, the student of revelation will read that apocalyptic has to do with symbolic prophetic language regarding the end of the world. However, there is clearly a message for christians of every age. Ben witherington iii the book of revelation is a piece of apocalyptic prophecy, not just any kind of prophecy, but apocalyptic prophecy, which is to say, visionary prophecy. It is the only book of the new testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in.
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