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Revelation Study

By Rev Richard Puckett

Chapter 1

I want to start by saying there is no perfect interpretations of the Book of Revelation. I am only a country boy with only and Associates degree from a Junior Tech. College through I has been preaching for 28 years and I have grown up on the Bible. I have learned that the smarter I think I am, the dumber I get. So I will not try to out do anyone I will only point to the things that come to my attention as I pray and study. There are three sets of reference materiel used with each scripture beside the notes I write. These are Matthew Henry's concise commentary on the whole Bible, The Believers Study Bible, The disciples Study Bible, and on some occasion the new Scofield Study Bible and Strongs Concordance with Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. All these can be found and are copied from QuickVerse 4.0 Bible reference Collection. Some things may not agree with the popular beliefs, but they will have a reason and I'll try to express that all the way through. You too should read and pray for understanding, try to get out of the Bible and this book what God wants you to have. This study like all I've done is not to try to prove or disprove anyone doctrine it is only looking at the Word from my point of view. There have been many great men of God which have left us excellent tests to learn by, none so great as the word itself. I can not say enough that this is to take a look at the word from an everyday view just as you may read any other book. The difference is I will not approach anything with out prayer. There are many ways of looking at this book some see it all as spiritual, some see it as all physical things, some see it as things to come, some say it is things that have been. I see it just as the rest of the Bible it is made up past, present and future, it has a lot of physical things and every thing physical has a spiritual implication. It is not a history book nor was it meant to be so, it is a book to help us see Christ and to be prepared when he comes. I hope you find this as enjoyable as I have.

BASIC FACTS

HISTORICAL SETTING

The original readers were seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:4) identified as the churches in Ephesus (2:1), Smyrna (2:8), Pergamum (1:12), Thyatira (2:18), Sardis (3:1), Philadelphia (3:7), and Laodicea (3:14). These were the leading cities of the province of Asia and were connected by a road on which one could make a complete circuit from Ephesus to Laodicea, passing through all seven cities.

John received Revelation while he was in exile. Patmos was a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor, about thirty-five miles southwest of Miletus. The island served as a place of banishment during the time of Roman rule. The small mountainous island measures only six by ten miles. John had been exiled to the island as part of Domitian's persecution against the Christians.

During the period of Roman rulers from Nero to Domitian, emperor worship became the official policy of Rome. Not all the emperors took their divine honors seriously, but Domitian did and took steps to enforce them. He took the title of "Lord and God" and proclaimed his infant son a god and his mother, Domitia, a goddess. The Christians refused to worship Domitian and as a result were severely persecuted under his reign. It was probably the refusal of John to submit to the imperial decree of emperor worship that led to his exile on Patmos. The persecution of the believers during the reign of Domitian is reflected in the message of Revelation (1:9; 2:10, 13; 6:9). Eusebius recorded that the apostle John returned to Ephesus upon being released from exile after the accession of Nerva in A.D. 96.

AUTHOR

Tradition ascribes the authorship of Revelation to John the apostle. The author calls himself John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). The author received his revelation while on the island of Patmos where the apostle John remained until after the death of Domitian in A.D. 96. There are also many resemblances between Revelation and John's Gospel. Only in Revelation 19:13, John 1:1, 14, and 1 John 1:1 is "Word" used for the person of Christ. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb in John 1:29, 36 and twenty-eight times in Revelation (and implied as the Passover lamb by the constant mention of the Passover in John 11:55; 12:1, 20; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 31, 42). The expression "springs of living water" or its equivalent is found only in Revelation 7:17; 21:6; and John 4:14; 7:38.

DATE

The weight of historical evidence points to a date toward the end of the reign of Domitian in A.D. 95 or 96. This later date allows for the growth and decline of the churches in Asia. The book reflects considerable persecution (Rev. 1:9; 2:10, 13; 6:9), and this certainly would have been the case during Domitian's rule. He initiated persecution against Christians who refused to worship him. Revelation is best dated toward the end of the reign of Domitian, around A.D. 96.

PURPOSE

The book of Revelation was designed to encourage believers under the shadow of Roman persecution by showing them the ultimate victory of Christ over his enemies and to warn churches of the dangers of spiritual disobedience. The book achieves this by bringing the Old Testament prophecy and promises to completion, showing how God will deal with the nations, judge sin on the earth, establish his kingdom, and bring in everlasting righteousness. Christ's glory in directing the churches, judging the world, and ruling his kingdom is the central feature of this book.

INTERPRETING THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Figurative imagery is only meaningful to the one who knows the future and the reality behind the figures used. Throughout history believers have matched God's prophetic promises with current events seeking to identify specific fulfillment's of prophecy. But only God can identify the meaning behind the images used in Revelation. But modern readers can, at least, appreciate the effect of specific symbols even if they cannot be certain of the reality behind the figures used. A number of different approaches to interpreting Revelation have been used throughout the church's history.

Contemporary-Historical

This approach takes the view that everything symbolized in the book of Revelation found its fulfillment in the downfall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70) or of Rome (A.D. 476). These position views the events symbolized in the book as having been fulfilled by events contemporary to its original readers in the first century A.D. The events were symbolic of the destruction of either Jerusalem or Rome and have all long been fulfilled.

Historicist

According to this approach, the events symbolized in Revelation began at the time John wrote the book, but they continue into the present. This was the view of people like Wycliffe and Luther. This approach interprets the book recognizing that the events recorded in Revelation reflect events throughout the ongoing history of the church as believers await the coming kingdom.

Futurist

The futurist view generally sees the majority of events in Revelation as happening in the future. Those who hold this view may find foreshadowing of the future judgments in present events, but they believe that Revelation 4-19 represents future events only.

There are three variations of this view. The first variation sees Revelation 1-3 as relating to the first century church. The seven seals of Revelation 4-19 refer to a future period of tribulation climaxed by the return of Christ.

The second variation also sees Revelation 4-19 as referring to future tribulation and judgment but views the seven churches in 1-3 as symbols of churches throughout the ages and as possible stages in church history.

The third variation views the churches in the first three chapters as real historical churches but with lessons from which churches of all ages can profit. This view's main distinction concerns when the seven seals are opened. It holds that the opening of the seven seals began in the first century A.D., continues into the present, and will end at the future return of Christ. It does not see the seven churches of Revelation 1-3 as symbolic, and it places the severe tribulations and judgments of Revelation 4-19 in the future.

Timeless and Symbolic

In this view the churches and seals refer to the ageless conflict between God and Satan. The book is not to be interpreted with reference to any one set of historical events. The book presents the ageless struggle of the kingdom of God with the kingdom of Satan, concluding with God's final and complete triumph.

The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two principal divisions. 1. Relates to "the things which are," that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of John to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the Lord Jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, Revelation 1:9-20. Also the addresses or epistles to seven churches of Asia. These, doubtless, had reference to the state of the respective churches, as they then existed, but contain excellent precepts and exhortations, commendations and reproofs, promises and threatening, suitable to instruct the Christian church at all times. [There is no difference between this book and any other book written in the Bible in the since that Paul wrote letters to the church yet every writing is put into days worship as if it was written to us. So should we apply the letters on this book RP] 2. Contains a prophecy of "the things which shall be hereafter," and describes the future state of the church, from the time when the apostle beheld the visions here recorded. It is intended for our spiritual improvement; to warn the careless sinner, point out the way of salvation to the awakened inquirer, build up the weak believer, comfort the afflicted and tempted Christian, and, we may especially add, to strengthen the martyr of Christ, under the cruel persecutions and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his followers. Bible Believers Study Bible

The Divine origin, the design, and the importance of this book

(Rev 1:1 KJV) 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:

Revelation = 602. apokalupsis, ap-ok-al'-oop-sis; from G601; disclosure:--appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.

revelation (rve-lshen) noun 1. a. The act of revealing or disclosing. b. Something

revealed especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized. 2.

Theology. A manifestation of divine will or truth. 3. Revelation Abbr. Rev., Rv. Bible.

[Middle English revelacion, from Old French revelation, from Latin revltio, revltion-,

from revltus, past participle of revlre, to reveal. See reveal1.] reveal (r-vl) verb,

transitive revealed, revealing, reveals 1. a. To make known (something concealed or

secret): revealed a confidence. b. To bring to view; show. 2. To make known by

supernatural or divine means: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans

1:18). [Middle English revelen, from Old French reveler, from Latin revlre : re-, re- + vlre, to cover

(from vlum, veil).] Christ = [Middle English Crist, from Old English Crst, from Latin Chrstus, from Greek

Khristos, from khristos, anointed, from khriein, to anoint.]

1:1 GOD, Sovereignty--The whole Book of Revelation is a message about the sovereignty of God who holds the future in His hands. The whole book also has a strongly trinitarian tone.

1:1 JESUS CHRIST, Ascension--The ascended Christ cares for His people by revealing to them helpful information about events "soon to take place.''

1:1-3 HOLY SCRIPTURE, Writing--John wrote what Jesus gave him through an angel. Angelic revelation is one of many features marking Revelation as an apocalyptic work like Daniel. The words had immediate meaning to the original readers dealing with things near at hand. At the same time the apocalyptic language pointed to the second coming. The writing is not simply an angel's testimony. It is a direct revelation of Jesus. John understood what he wrote as prophecy, both a proclamation of God's word for the present and a prediction of God's work in the future. His audience was to take to heart the message and change their lives, as the following letters to the churches indicate. John's emphasis was not on secret knowledge and schemes but on moral living in preparation of Christ's coming. Compare v 19.

(Rev 1:2 KJV) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

The first of seven beatitudes recorded in Revelation is in this verse. These beatitudes, which provide an index to the issues of life, are accorded the most serious importance. For example: (1) the blessedness of those reading, hearing, and keeping this prophecy, which emphasizes the importance of the Word; (2) the happiness of the dead who die in the Lord, which stresses the blessings of eternal life (14:13); (3) the enviable status of those watching, and keeping their garments, which portrays the anticipation of the Lord's return (16:15); (4) the delight of those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, which suggests the joy of Christ's presence (19:9); (5) the blessedness of the participants in the first resurrection, which emphasizes deliverance from death (20:6); (6) the joy of keeping the words of this prophecy, which stresses obedience to the Word (22:7); and (7) the happy result of washing one's robe and gaining access to the Tree of Life, which guarantees eternal sustenance (22:14).

(Rev 1:4 KJV) 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;

A lucid triunitarian formula (cf. 1 Pet. 1:2, note) identifies the actual author of the Apocalypse (vv. 4, 5). The enigma is found in the designation of the Holy Spirit as "the seven Spirits." This is probably a reference to the fullness of the Spirit, as indicated in Zech. 4:1-6, in which a seven-branched lamp stand illustrates that God accomplishes His work through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Further significance may lie in the fullness of the Spirit imparted to each of the seven churches addressed in the letters (cf. Isa. 11:2).

1:4,8 GOD, Eternal--God has no beginning and no ending. Thus He has authority and knowledge to warn the churches and describe the future hope. See note on Ge 1:1.

1:4-6 ELECTION, God's Purpose--God loves His elect. He has freed us from sin and forgiven us so we will fulfill His election purpose of serving as a kingdom of servants and priests. Compare Ex 19:3-6.

1:4-6 PRAYER, Blessing--Christian letters normally included an opening blessing and a closing doxology. Compare Jude 2, 24-25.

(Rev 1:5 KJV) 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,

(Rev 1:6 KJV) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1:4-6 PRAYER, Blessing--Christian letters normally included an opening blessing and a closing doxology. Compare Jude 2, 24-25. See notes on Ro 1:7; 16:25-27.

1:6 THE CHURCH, People of God--From the very beginning, God intended to make for Himself a people. In Christ, God has made for Himself a people who serve Him and obey His will. This obedient people is the believing church, God's kingdom on earth waiting for the day of fulfillment. See note on 1 Pe 2:4-10.

(Rev 1:8 KJV) 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.

(Rev 1:9 KJV) 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.

(Rev 1:10 KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

(Rev 1:11 KJV) 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.

(Rev 1:12 KJV) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Rev 1:12: Verses 12-20. The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the golden candlesticks. He is with his churches always, to the end of the world, filling them with light, and life, and love. He was clothed with a robe down to the feet, perhaps representing his righteousness and priesthood, as Mediator. This vest was girt with a golden girdle, which may denote how precious are his love and affection for his people. His head and hairs white like wool and as snow, may signify his majesty, purity, and eternity. His eyes as a flame of fire, may represent his knowledge of the secrets of all hearts, and of the most distant events. His feet like fine brass burning in a furnace, may denote the firmness of his appointments, and the excellence of his proceedings. His voice as the sound of many waters, may represent the power of his word, to remove or to destroy. The seven stars were emblems of the ministers of the seven churches to which the apostle was ordered to write, and whom Christ upheld and directed. The sword represented his justice, and his word, piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, Hebrews 4:12. His countenance was like the sun, when it shines clearly and powerfully; its strength too bright and dazzling for mortal eyes to behold. The apostle was overpowered with the greatness of the luster and glory in which Christ appeared. We may well be contented to walk by faith, while here upon earth. The Lord Jesus spake words of comfort; Fear not. Words of instruction; telling who thus appeared. And his Divine nature; the First and the Last. His former sufferings; I was dead: the very same whom his disciples saw upon the cross. His resurrection and life; I have conquered death, and am partaker of endless life. His office and authority; sovereign dominion in and over the invisible world, as the Judge of all, from whose sentence there is no appeal. Let us listen to the voice of Christ, and receive the tokens of his love, for what can he withhold from those for whose sins he has died? May we then obey his word, and give up ourselves wholly to him who directs all things aright.

(Rev 1:13 KJV) 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.

Notice as the earlier discussion Jesus is unique in that he not only over came death he now has full power over death and hell. Do you realize that if we serve Christ with all our heart and he lives in us, we too have the keys over death and hell? They can not defeat us or even hurt us, we have no fear over what we control, do we?

Christ still holds the keys to death and opens the way for believers into paradise. For believers, it is comforting to know Christ has the final word. Some see Hades here refer to the intermediate state for unbelievers, corresponding in this view to paradise for believers. Hades will yield to the authority of Christ and deliver up the dead therein to the judgment of the great white throne (Rev 20:13). According to this view, the Great White Throne is a judgment only for unbelievers (Rev 20:11). Mt 25:31-33; 2 Co 5:10; and Rev 20:4 are thought to describe separate and different judgments.

The translation "Hades" is informative. Hell is the proper translation of gehenna (Gk.), as in Matt. 10:28, in which the reference is to the place of eternal confinement for lost men. The word in this text is "Hades," which in most cases refers simply to the realm of the dead .

(Rev 1:19 KJV) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Much of the difficulty in interpreting the Apocalypse is solved by the identification of the characters and symbols which comprise the pageantry of the book. One term and two symbols must be explained in this verse: (1) Mystery -- a truth which may not be discerned as a result of intellectual deduction or inquiry, but which may be ascertained only by direct, special revelation from God (cf. Eph. 3:3, note). (2) Seven stars -- identified as the angels of the seven churches. The Greek word translated "angels" (angli) carries a primary meaning of "messenger." A possible interpretation of these angels in the right hand of the Lord is that they are the pastors or shepherds of the seven historic congregations addressed herein. They are the "messengers" to the church. (3) Lampstands -- the oil lamp as a symbol for the church is logical and rewarding when it is remembered that oil is one of the symbols for the Holy Spirit. The lamps represent the churches, whose function of providing light to a darkened world is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.