THE ENTIRE BOOK SENT TO EACH OF THE CHURCHES

The Entire Book of Revelation was Sent to Each of the Churches

While it is true that seven letters addressed to these churches in respective order are recorded in chapters two and three, it should not be thought that these letters alone were sent to them. As a matter of fact, these letters concern them individually. But verses 4 and 11 and 22:16 make it clear that the entire book was to be sent to them. Things which must shortly come to pass ­1:1; the general designation in verse 4; "What thou seest" in verse 11; "These things" of 22:16. All of the above indicate that this entire book was to be sent to the churches.

The invocation in the salutation. 4b "Grace to you and peace." Here are the Siamese twins of the Bible and they are in their proper order.
First grace: favor unmerited, bestowed without regard to merit, favor bestowed without thought of pay in return. He launches into this grace in verse 5.
Second peace: peace with God, the peace of God, the peace from God, the peace with men throughout all eternity.

The source of these blessings. 4c-5a "from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;" "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,"

From the Father: Originating source (cf. 4:8-11). "Which is, and which was, and which is to come." The absolute eternity of the Father is affirmed. It is comparable with "I am that I am" of Ex. 3:14. It pictures the self-existent, eternally existent, and self-communicating God. This may not exclude Christ, for in the midst of the Throne he appears (cf. 5:6).
From the Spirit: Operating source. "The seven spirits which are before his throne." Seven­fold plentitude and power is here displayed. It is the Spirit that keeps the lamps burning (Zech. 4:1-6). This is true of the churches for they are the lamps. It is the spirit that gives ability to Christ for government (Isa. 11:2).
From the Christ: Mediating source.
As Prophet: "the faithful witness." As such Christ delivered all that he had seen and heard and was faithful in it (cf. John 3:32. cf. also 1-2).
As Priest: "the first begotten of the dead." That is, he was made higher in position than anyone else and placed in his position as a priest.
As King: "Prince of the kings of the earth," or ruler. As such he will be called the Lord of Lords and king of kings (cf. 11:14; 12:5; 19:16).

The adoration expressed by the apostle John. 5b-6 "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."
 Adoration of his grace. 5b "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,"
The adoration of the love of the Lord Jesus. Present tense of verb - "loveth" R.V.
The adoration for the results of Calvary. "loosed" - not washed.
The adoration for the death of Christ. "His own blood" meant death.
Adoration of His government. 6a "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father."

The Present Manifestation of Government

"and he made us to be a kingdom" R.V. not kings as A.V.
By the new birth we enter into the kingdom (John 3:5). "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."By the new birth we experience the kingdom (John 3:3). "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."We have thus been translated into the kingdom of his dear son (Col. 3:3). "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

The Present Mediation of His Government

"to be priests unto his God and Father" R.V. We are a royal priesthood standing in the same relationship to the Father as does Christ (1 Peter 2:9). We show forth the excellencies of Christ to the world. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Adoration of His glory. 6b "to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
Declaration of what he is for eternity. "Unto him be glory." This means a recognition and a declaration of what God is, what the Son is, what the Spirit is. This is being realized in small part today, but its great realization is for the future.
Dominion of himself for all eternity. This is being realized today in the church, but even there only in part, but this is the token and pledge that he will realize dominion in full in the future.

TRANSITION TO THE MAIN THEME OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Transition to the Main Theme of the Book. Vss. 4-11

"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.
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."

This passage contains a presentation of some of the main features of the book necessary to prepare the reader for the main theme of the book. In a rising crescendo of emotion the writer moves from salutation, to adoration, to anticipation, and finally to finishing with the situation of this revelation.

The Salutation of the book of Revelation. 4-5a "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;" "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."

The address is quite regular. 4a "John to the seven churches which are in Asia:"

It begins with the name of the writer. John is a name so well known among Christians of this day that it is unnec­essary for him to say anything further of himself for the sake of identification. All the other apostles are dead. John is now between 90 and 100 years old. He is the patriarch of the churches to whom he is writing. No need for any other designation.

It continues with the destination.
The Immediate destination: seven churches in proconsular Asia. Asia does not mean the whole continent as we know it. Nor does it mean Asia Minor as a whole, but the eastern province of Asia Minor of which Ephesus was the center and the capital. There were other churches in this district, but they are omitted.

Ultimate destination: seven church periods in the whole course of the church through history. The mention of seven rather than more carries the idea of completeness. Three marking the completeness of the divine elements—four marking the completeness of the human elements. The two together marking the com­pleteness of the human and the divine in the church.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Purpose of this Book of Revelation

 

"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."

The Responsibility: This is to minister blessing to those who read. In fact, that is true of any inspired book. The way the blessing is to be ministered differs with the book. This book defines its purpose by the first word of verse three. This blessing is not consequent upon reading, hearing, keeping. This word rather points to character, condition, consciousness, which is revealed by those who read, hear, and keep. Thus this book is for the purpose of enabling people to judge themselves. If they read, hear, and keep the message of this book, it is evident that they are "Blessed" characters and belong to the people of God (cf. 1 Tim. 1:11, 6:15). This is the first seven beatitudes of the book - 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.

You will notice that this touches character, creed, and con­duct.

 This book identifies the character of professing Christians. Those who read, hear, and keep the message are revealed to be the people of God. There are many others who profess to be Christians but reject this message. There must be a reason, and the reason lies in their nature.

 This book provides the creed for the people of God.

  The book exalts Christ throughout.

It points to the final triumph of Christ.

It encourages the believer, gives assurance.

This deals with creed, for it speaks of those who read, hear, and keep.

This book stimulates conduct of the people of God.

It keeps ever before the people that the coming of Christ is near. For the time is near. 1:3; 3:20; 2:10; 22:10, 20.
It keeps before them that his coming is imminent. "Shortly come to pass" 1:1. I will come unto thee quickly. 2:5; 2:16; 2:25; 3:3; 8:11; 22:6, 7, 12, 20.
It keeps ever before them that Christ will finally be vindicated.
1:5 - Prince of the Kings by Resurrection "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."
1:7-8 - His Coming Triumph. "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." "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."

5:5 - Prevailed to open the book. "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."

11:15 - Announcement of taking over Kingdom. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."

19:11 ff - Actual taking possession. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

20:11 ff - Final judgment and eternal glory. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Conclusion: The realization of blessing is dependent upon fulfillment of the conditions named, namely study of the content and obedience to the teaching.

THE CONTENT OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Content of the Book of Revelation

 

The function of communicating the content. "Who bare record" or who testified. John now takes what he has received by vision and voice and passes it on. This is his testimony.

 The substance of communication, which is the content.

 The message which was received from God. "The word of God." This is what is referred to above as what God gave, that is, the revelation. This may be either the written or spoken word. But it is what the Father authorized Christ to declare.
 

 The message which was communicated. "The testimony of Jesus." It has been asserted that Christ testified, that is, he conveyed the word of God to the angel and through the angel to John. Christ is the faithful and true witness (Rev. 1:5).

"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."
 The confirmation of the message so communicated. "And all things that he saw" A.V., "even of all things that he saw" or Greek, "whatsover he saw." This refers to what John saw. Thus John is qualified to testify, for he saw all these things. No better testimony can be found than that of an eyewitness.

 The Value of the book of Revelation.Value may be determined by its destination, timeliness, and purpose

(cf. Deut. 5:1) as Moses addressed the children of Israel. "And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them."

 The people to whom this book is addressed is made up of three classes. Destination.
1. The readers: the pastors who read the book before congre­gations. There were few books and therefore it made it necessary to read.
2. The hearers: the people who make up the congregations and hear the public reading of the book. This also includes heeding.
3. The keepers: both pastors and people who perform the things written therein. The word "keep" does not refer to mere mechanical performance, but to a principle pervading the personal life.

 The propriety or timeliness of this book of Revelation. "For the time is at hand," or "For the suitable season is at hand." Importance.

 Nearness is indicated by the words, "at hand." Greek - is near.
Imminency is indicated because the exact nearness is not specified. In fact, that time is not conveyed even to Christ (Acts 1:6-7, cf. Mark 13:32). Time of end is here (Dan. 12:4, 9).
6  "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" 7 "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." 32 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." 4 "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." 9 "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end."
 Opportunity: the word for time means season that is suitable, or time charged with opportunity, i.e., for judgment (Rev. 10:9). If there is delay it is salvation (2 Peter 3:9, 15).

9 "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." 9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 15 "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you."
 

DEMONSTRATION IN THE BOOK OF REVEALTION

Demonstration in the Book of Revelation: This refers to the Method that is used.

 

The Meaning of Demonstration. "To show"

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."
The word (deiknumi) dike-noo'-o; a prol. form of an obs. prim. of the same mean.; to show (lit. or fig.):--shew. means to make a public display, or put on an exhibition. Used eight times in the book (1:1; 4:1, 17:1, 21:9, 10; 22:1, 6, 8). In each one of these cases, ,John is brought into the presence of a great public display. John is a spectator to a great picture show of the future.

The substance of demonstration. "Things which . . . come to pass."
 These things are future - "come to pass"

These things are imminent - "shortly"; cf. Luke 18:7-8. Relative term - cf. Rom. 16-20.
These things are certain - "must". It is necessary.
"And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

These things are sudden - word shortly means this (22:12). cf. 1 Thess. 5:3 - Then sudden destruction cometh. "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
The recipients of demonstration. "Unto his servants" This refers to all the saints. "lowliest slave" 10:11; 13:18; 14:13. Sent immediately to Church saints, 1:4, 11; 2-3; 22:16. Received by the apostle saint John. By demonstration the meaning could be more easily grasped by the saints. It is vivid, picturesque.

Signification: This denotes the meaning of the book.
The Meaning of signification. (semaino) say-mah'-ee-no; from  sema (a mark; of uncert. der.); to indicate:--signify.
This means to show by signs or sign-i-fy. These signs, however, point definitely to the meaning that is intended. This is the word that John particularly likes. He uses it in his gospel and it has been rendered "miracles" (cf. John 2:11 and John 20:30-31). "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:" "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
The Agent of signification. "by his angel"
This particular angel is the revealing angel, the one who presents the signs that makes this indeed a revelation of the things that are to come to pass. Many other angels appear throughout the book: cf. 1:11; 7:11; 7:1, 2,; 8:2, 3; 10:1; Chapters 14, 15, 16; 18:1-3, 21; 19:17; 20:1-3; 21:9.

The substance of significance. "signified it . . ."
The signs are stars for angels (1:20); candlesticks for churches (1:20); symbolism of the temple, etc. In fact, Old Testament imagery is everywhere in the book (cf. chapter 10, also 11). This deals mostly with matters covering the tribulation period. The messages of chapters 2-3 are direct from Christ, also portions of chapter one and chapter 22. "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."
 

THE SOURCE OF REVELATION

The Source of Revelation

+ The Ultimate source is God the Father.

"God gave" (O Theos)

John 5:19, 20 "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." "For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."
 John 7:16 "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me."
 John 8:28 (Best) "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things."
 John 12:48 "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."

+ The Mediating source is the Lord Jesus Christ.

"unto him" and he shows to the world.

Christ is the Great Revealer - Rev. 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."
 As Mediator, God always speaks through His Son (Heb. 1:2). The Subjective Genitive comes to bear here. "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"
 God gave unto Him so that it became His revelation. The Immediate source is the angel. "By his angel" (cf. Acts 7:53, Gal. 3:19, Heb. 2:2, Deut. 33:2). "Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;" "And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them."

Since important messages were often conveyed by the agency of angels, this one also. This is Christ's angel (Rev. 22:16). "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

THE SUBSTANCE OF REVELATION

The Substance of Revelation

"of Jesus Christ"

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"

Does the Greek genitive phrase take the nature of:

1.     Possessive

2.     Subjective

3.     Objective

4.     Appositive

Probably the third, although all are true. Right here we shall note the objective side, however. Christ is the central theme of all Scripture, and especially true is that of this book (Cf. Rev. 19:10). The vision in chapter one is the glorified Christ. As the Lord of the churches in chapters 2-3; As the Lion over the Nations in chapters 4-20; As the Lamb among the Redeemed in chapters 21-22.

 

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:10

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Introduction Proper to the Book of Revelation 
Chapter One

Outline of Chapter

                   1.   The preface to the book. 1:1-3 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:" "Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw." "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."

                   2.   The transition to the theme of the book. 1:4-11 "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;" "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," "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." "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." "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." "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." "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet," "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."                3.   The presentation of the Person of the book. 1:12-16 "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;" "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." "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;" "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters." "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."               4.   The explanation of the content of the book. 1:17-20 "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:" "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." "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;" "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."

The Preface of the Book. 1:1-3

These opening verses very clearly and concisely point to the nature, content, and value of the book. The nature is described in verse 1, the content in verse 2, and the value in verse 3. 1"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show 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."

- The Nature of the Book of Revelation. 1

- Revelation: this is the purpose of the book.

+ The meaning of revelation. "Revelation" (apokalupsis)

It is the first word of the book and sounds both purpose and meaning of the book.
It is without the article and therefore lays particular emphasis upon the nature of the book. It is something revealed, that is, uncovered or unveiled; not something concealed, that is, covered or hidden. Daniel 12:4, 9; cf. Rev. 10:4 - both things sealed. But Revelation is something that is unsealed (Rev. 22:10). Olmstead's remark in teaching Revelation.

This book is the drawing aside the veil from:

                    The Person              (Chapter 1)

His Position            (Chapters 2-3)

His Power         (Chapters 4-18)

His Presence            (Chapters 19-20)

His Preeminence         (Chapters 21-22)

THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Arrangement of the book

That is, the outline

 

 

Key to content - 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."

Key to analysis - 1:19 "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."

Introduction - Chapter 1

-  Preface vss. 1-3

-  Transition   vss. 4-11

-  Person  vss. 12-16

-  Explanation vss. 17-20

The Revelation of Christ as the Lord of the Churches.

Chapters 2-3 (Vision of Grace - Key words: Holds, walks, midst. 2:1)

             The period of the apostles.     2:1-7
             The period of persecution.      2:8-11
             The period of pollution.        2:12-17
             The period of Catholicism.      2:18-29
             The period of reformation.      3:1-6
             The period of evangelization.   3:7-13
             The period of apostasy.         3:14-22

The Revelation of Christ as the Lion over the Nations.

Chs.4-20 (Vision of Government - Key word: Lion. 4:7; 5:5; 10:3; 13:2)

            The first half of the tribulation period. Ch. 4-11
            The final half of the tribulation period. Ch. 12-19
            The fulfillments of the Millennial period. Ch. 20

The Revelation of Christ as the Lamb among the Redeemed.

21-22:5 (Vision of glory - Key word: Lamb. 21:9, 14, 22, 23, 25; 22:1, 3.

          The establishment of eternal blessedness. 21:1-8
          The exhibition of eternal blessedness. 21:9-27
          The experience of eternal blessedness. 22:1-5

Conclusion.

22:6-21

                             The importance of these things recorded in the book. vss. 6-11
                             The invitation to these things recorded in the book. vss. 12-17
        The inviolability of the things recorded in the book. vss. 18-21

THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Chronology of the Book of Revelation

 

+ The Period of the Church. Chapters 1-3

+ The Period of Tribulation. Chapters 4-19

(Daniel's seventieth week)

        + The Period of Millennium. Chapter 20

         + The Period of Eternity. Chapters 21-22

THE CHARACTER OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Character of the Book of Revelation

+ It is revelation, the Substance and the First word of the book

             1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ"
             1:1 "Which God gave"
             1:9-10 - "For the word of God, and for the testimony"
                   "And heard . . . a great voice."
             22:10 - "Seal not the sayings of this book."

+ It is prediction. Viewpoint.

             1:1 - "Things which must shortly come to pass."
             1:19 - "Things which shall be hereafter."
        Cf. also 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter."
             10:11 - "Thou must prophesy"
            cf. also 19:10; 22:6, 7, 10, 18, 19.

+ It is demonstration. Manner

             1:1 - "To show unto his servants";
           i.e. to display or make a public demonstration.
           Eight times the word is used: 4:1; 17:1; 21:9, 10;
                     22:1, 6, 8.

+ It is signification. The Means. Signs point.

             1:1 - "Signified it by his angel," by means of signs such
                 as stars, candlesticks, furniture of the temple.
             12:1 - "Great wonder" - the woman
             12:3 - "Wonder" - dragon
             15:1 - "Saw another sign"

+ It gives application. The Purpose.

             1:3 - "Blessed are they that read, hear, and keep."
             22:16-21. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

THE CONTENT OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Content of the Book of Revelation

 "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;" Rev. 1:19

- Facts of the Past - "Things which thou hast seen." cf. "What thou seest" Rev. 1:11 "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."

         - Facts of the Present - "The things which are"
              cf. "Seven Churches which are" - Rev. 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."
              cf. "Seven Churches which are" - Rev. 1:11 "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."

- Facts of the Future - "Things which shall be hereafter." cf. "After this" - Gr. - "After these things" - Rev. 4:1 cf. "Things which must be hereafter" - Gr. - "After these things." "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter."

THE ARROACH OF PEOPLE TO REVELATION

The Approach to the Book of Revelation 

Interpretations

+ There are three general approaches to the book, with many variations of each. This has to do with the content of the book.

  
        -The Fictitious interpretation. (Content is imaginary.)
                Allegorical in form, with spiritual intent.
                Parabolical in form with spiritual intent.
                Metaphorical in form with spiritual intent.
By spiritual intent, it is meant that principles are enunci­ated, illustrated, and applied, mostly for encouragement.

- The Factual interpretation. (Content is real.) Also Preterist (already happened), and Historical.

        - Completely fulfilled at time of writing, except Chs. 21-22.
         -Progressively fulfilled through the church age, except Chs. 21-22.

- The Futuristic interpretation. (Content is unfulfilled.)

             -Partially fulfilled - Chs. 1-3.
             -Completely unfulfilled - Chs. 4-22.
Reasons for the Futuristic position are based on the book itself.

THE ALTITUDE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Altitude (Depth) of this Book of Revelation

This book is the capstone in the great pyramid of divine revelation. Just as Genesis is necessary to explain the origination of all things, so Revelation is necessary to explain the consummation of all things. Without this book, the future is relatively dark.

The concluding book of the Scriptures, unfolds the great events bringing history to consummation, including the revelation of Jesus Christ at His Second Advent. The word "revelation," used as the title of the book, is from the late Latin <revelatio,> which means (as does the Gk. <apokalupsis,> from which the English word "apocalypse" is derived) "disclosure of that which was previously hidden or unknown."

THE AUTHORSHIP OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Authorship of the Book of Revelation

One of the most disputed questions among the scholars. Covers period, place, people, and purpose.

+The period during which the book was written. Three dates:

- The early date - 68-70. Most scholars take this position. Such as Westcott, Lightfoot, Hort, Salmon, Sanday.
- The external evidence is weak. Late fathers, etc.
         The internal evidence is strong (so regarded by these men).
            Content fits in with the early period. Nero and Roman Empire.
            Chronology also fits in with the period.
            Character fits in with early period: style, ideas, vocabulary.

- The late date - 100 A.D. or later. Endorsed by men such as Volter, Vischer, Weczacher, Weyland, Pfleiderer, Spitta, Harnack. This is based upon the idea that the book is not a unity, many hands having a part with editors, etc. But this falls of its own dead weight. Too many varieties, etc.

- The traditional date - 95-96. Good scholars hold this view. Held by Alford, Swete, W. Milligan, Orr, Moffatt, Zahn.
External evidence is very strong. Irenaeus says specif­ically when the book was written. And he had direct contact with John through Polycarp.
Internal evidence can be measured and supported.
         Chronology fits in with the times of Dimitian. (81-96). Tribulation not general, not the great, but special in times of persecution.
         Content of ideas also fits when a proper approach is made. John's Name; 1:1, 4, 9; 21:2; 22:8.
         Character of the book is likewise explainable.
            -  Subject matter differs from Gospel.
            -  State also differs from that when he wrote the Gospel (1:10). "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet."
                                           -  Style is a reversion to native tongue - Hebrew. But the Greek is good Greek.
            -  Source material is the Old Testament (Rev. 10:7). "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
             - Symbolism is from the Old Testament (Rev. 4:2 ff). "And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne...."

         + The place of the writing of the book.

- The Isle of Patmos (1:9) was the place the message was received and therefore could easily have been written in full there. "Was" may mean that John is not now on the Island as he writes. "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."
- The City of Ephesus may have been the place where the message was finally put into book form for distribution among the churches. He was released under Emperor Nerva and he returned to Ephesus.

         + The people to whom the book was written.

- The ultimate destination is marked at the very outset. 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."
"Servants" refers to Christians in general. This statement does not in any way limit the destination and therefore it is correct to assume that all believers everywhere are in mind. The practical applications are always made with a view to that.
- The immediate destination is seven local churches in Asia Minor. 1:4, 11 cf. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14; 22:9-10, 16.

         + The purpose for which this book was written.

- Predictive: To show things which must shortly come to pass.
Rev. 1:1, 3, 19; 10:11; 19:10; 22:10, 18-19. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." "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." "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
- Practical: To condition present living with the truth of future. 1:3; 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:18; 18:4; 19:9; 21:5; 22:6-7, 14, 17. "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." "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." "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." "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." "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." "And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done." "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."