APOKA¬LUPSIS OF JESUS CHRIST

APOKA­LUPSIS OF JESUS CHRIST

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ" Rev. 1:1

Apoka­lupsis of Jesus Christ This is the very key-note of this book. The phrase refers, not only to the opening section, but to the entire treatise. The wonder of the book is proved by the variety of interpretations which it has received. No wise ex­positor will be over-confident that his is the one and only correct interpretation. The possibility is that there are elements of truth in all. Whereas there may be, and almost certainly will be, difficulties in every reading of it, we shall be greatly helped and, guided if we remember that its real value is that it is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ." Quite evidently the arresting word here is the word Revelation, which is a translation of the Greek word Apoka­lupsis, which literally means to take off the covering, that is, to uncover, to un­veil, to disclose. It is a word with which we have become very familiar. It is found only eighteen times in the New Testament.

-Thirteen of these oc­cur in the writings of Paul;
-three in Peter's first letter; one in the Gospel of Luke; and
-one in the writings of John. This is the only place in his writings where it is found.

Thus it stands in all its suggestiveness at the opening of this book, giving us at once the ultimate value of the whole. As we read, we see: The Church and the world; the hosts of witnesses to the living God, and the massed and mighty forces in opposition to His government, and these in conflict; but the utmost matter is that of the disclosure to its of Jesus Christ—

1st in His own glory,

2nd in the grace of His dealing with the Church, and
3^rd then in the wisdom and might of His government, whereby He establishes the Kingdom of God on earth.