Revelation greek apokalupsis means an uncovering, an unveiling, or a disclosure. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. It is the first book that many new to the bible want to study, while it is often neglected by mature. To start with we see god as creator and ruler, the lord jesus as the slain lamb and the believers gathered round the throne in heaven chapter 4 and 5. Mcconkie 191585 of the quorum of the twelve apostles, 1 and seeing the book of revelation as a book of revelation, by gerald n. Mcgeown, missionarypastor of limerick reformed fellowship introduction. Christs letters to churches in sardis, philadelphia and laodicea. Christs letters to churches in ephesus, smyrna, pergamum and thyatira. The seven letters draw upon imagery from seven subsequent eras of biblical history.
In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory. It is not that christ himself is overcome and killed or that a true member of his church can be harmed by antichrist unless the saint is. Chapter 15 adds another vision of heaven, and chapter 16 will return to a more chronological depiction of the last days. The futurist would say that nothing in the book of revelation past chapter 4 has yet been fulfilled. Metaphysical bible interpretation of revelation chapter 1 revelation 1. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Many see the four horsemen, the beast, the dragon, and conclude that the book of revelation is a symbolic book and must be interpreted differently than the rest of the bible. The various visions of revelation are not a linear progression, so that the events in chapter 12, for example, do not follow in time after the events in chapter 11. This will become more and more clear as we continue through the remainder of revelation. To read the word of god in this apocalyptic book without letting our imagination give us misguided interpretations, we need to understand the symbolism the same way the first readers did. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. This view maintains that the words in the entire book have. According to cayce, the bible is the symbolic account of the fall and restoration of the human soul to its divine origins. Jesus has john write seven letters to seven churches in asia near the island of patmos where john was.
This is the message that john brought in his gospel, that jesus was in fact god who took on the form of flesh and dwelt among us. Fortunately, revelation is quite helpful in the task. The interpretation of revelation has always been a subject of debate among bible interpreters. The book of revelation to john that symbolizes the meanings of his examination in the spiritual trials is for everyone that is commanded to repent from this world of lawlessnessdarkness into hisher spiritual life of his kingdom of light in the shortenedlast days for all these things his parables must take place be fulfilled in hisher temple heart till the end of hisher fleshly age. The phrase after this meta tauta in ancient greek in revelation 1. The next two chapters will continue to fill in the details. That makes about ten old testament references for every chapter. Historicism, a method of interpretation in christian eschatology which associates biblical prophecies with actual historical events and identifies symbolic beings with historical persons or societies, has been applied to the book of revelation by many writers. Also it will be symbolic of reality, and the reality will be more real than the symbol for the simple reason that john uses symbols to.
One cannot fully appreciate the message of the book, therefore, until one can see past the symbols to the vast realities for which they stand. This revelation timeline decoded bible study provides a table of symbols that were used by john in the book of revelation these revelation symbols are from the peoples new testament study notes by barton w. And believers interpret its symbols in a wide variety of ways. To follow the book chapter by chapter, consecutively.
Revelation symbols defined revelation timeline decoded. Hes just a mildmannered christian guy living in exile whenpow. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. Since the book of revelation offers a prophetic look into the future, its fulfillment is also prophetic. These approaches are by no means mutually exclusive, and are often used in combination with each other to form a more complete and coherent interpretation. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1. 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. Please pick out the symbol that interests you and discuss. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. Genesis is the symbolic testimony of humanitys fall from heaven and paradise lost. Chapter 8 described the last seal, which inaugurated the trumpets. Understanding the numerical symbolism in revelation 4.
Revelation chapter 6 explained book of revelation each. The present article offers an analysis of the use of symbolism in the books. The theme of each subsequent letter also alludes to a section of the revelation itself. An overview of revelation multimedia training kit covers the book of revelation verse by verse. After an introduction, and letters to the seven churches revelation 1 through 3, the properly prophetic part of the book commences with a vision of heaven revelation 4. King james version 1 and he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of god and of the lamb.
Revelation must be interpreted the same way any other portion of scripture is interpreted. Physically attend at least 80% of all classes unless given special permission by the teacher for an absence 4. So, one applying literal interpretation methods will necessarily misinterpret the entire book. In a few instances it actually interprets the symbol for the reader. Before we can learn and understand its meaning, we first need to know what the book contains. Learn revelation study religion chapter 3 with free interactive flashcards. Choose from 500 different sets of revelation study religion chapter 3 flashcards on quizlet. Revelation chapter 6 begins with the seals that represent the beginning of christs judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the tribulation period see article judgment. It is only when we start to overallegorize it or to force its interpretation according to our preconceived ideas or doctrines about the end. The basis and key to the meaning of the symbols used is found in old testament scripturenow let us turn to study the book of revelation. Learn scripture chapter 2 revelation with free interactive flashcards. Christ tells john to write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things. The revelation of jesus christ is a book of prophecy on the end times and comprises the final book of the new testament and of the bible. The book deals with spiritual principles, not historic events 2.
Edgar cayce on the book of revelation through cayces otherworldly journeys, he learned the true interpretation of the bible. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. To those who claim that it is all symbolic and beyond our understanding, i say that the book of revelation is to be taken literally. Keeping in mind the3basic principles of interpretation. It must always be kept in mind, however, that this book is a book of prophecy, intended to shew the things which must shortly come to pass. Revelation explained verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this. Reagans video program, revelation revealed, presents a sweeping overview of the entire book of revelation.
Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation wikipedia. The visions in this book run parallel to one another. The books vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4 main. Latterday saints are fortunate that the restoration has provided many keys to interpret this book. While the list above is not by any means exhaustive, every chapter of the book of revelation contains symbolism. The book of revelation introduction the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servantsthings which must shortly take place. John tells us in the opening chapter that what he has written is a prophecy from jesus. Since we have seen that revelation is a book of prophetic visions, the elements of which are symbols of spiritual realities, it makes sense that the numbers present in the book would be symbols of something else, not just random quantities.
Then seven blows of trumpets start two series of terrible plagues and judgments. It also makes the transition from johns description of things which areor were, at the time he wroteto those things which are yet to happenagain, at least at the time he wrote. The symbolism is taken from the old testament, and the general rules of symbolism mean that a symbol has one main idea or point of comparison. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. This passage typifies the grand symbolism found in much of the book of revelation. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title.
To those who may object that christ cannot be overcome and killed revelation 11. The book of revelation is a series of symbolic visions designed to reveal jesus christ 1. Revelation always implies the unveiling of something previously hidden, in. Summary of the book of revelation by david buck october 18, 2009 this paper is a summary chapter by chapter of the book of revelation. The lamb, having been proclaimed worthy, proceeds to break the seals. Idealist or symbolic, which holds that revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. 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 symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. John the divinean alternative name for the book of revelation was written by a prophet, it makes perfect sense that its interpretation is best given by another prophetespecially by the prophet who fulfills the prophecies in the book of revelation. So we dont look to specific events to happen a specific time in history. She is being pursued by a great red dragon, whose tail has swept a third of the stars from heaven and cast them to earth. Jul 31, 2006 a simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1.
And the angel stood, saying, rise and measure the temple of god, the altar, and those who worship there. The entire chapter is quite symbolic, but an angel explains to john the meaning of what he is seeing. The transition to the fourth chapter of the book of revelation. Identifying the opposition characters in revelation 5. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Write a running verse by verse commentary of a chapter of your choice of the book of revelation should be at least 3 pages 3. It can perhaps be best understood in distinction from the other major interpretations of revelation. God hits him with a doozy of a revelation hey, thats not a bad idea for a title. The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce you. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and lion. And then revelation warns us in chapter 17 and 18 about the dangers of unbridled materialism and throwing your lot in with the world, loving the things of the world rather than the things of god. Chapter 11 in the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell.
Messages of the book of revelation for latterday saints. An introductory analysis of the symbolism of daniel and revelation. Revelation chapter 12 contains a description of a woman, who is clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars atop her head. Chapters viii and ix describe symbolically in detail the destruc. Symbols in the book of revelation christian forums. Chapter 4 is brief, but it sets the stage for much of the rest of revelation.
Summary of the book this is not a comprehensive outline of the book. In the new testament, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth rom. In the following paragraph chapters 6 to 11 the seven seals of the book are opened by the lamb. Mar 18, 2019 thus the interpretation of chapter 20 of the book of revelation may be undertaken primarily by applying authoritative bahai interpretations of similar prophetic texts, especially of other passages of the book of revelation itself. The spiritual decline of the 7 churches chapters 2 and 3, also argues for the later date. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. In the same chapter of revelation, chapter, we are told that every person on earth during the tribulation period will be required to have a mark of the beast either his name or number on their forehead or on their right hand in order to buy and sell. Then revelation reminds us there is a final judgment. Revelation 1 metaphysical bible interpretation truth unity. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka.
That book allowed the proponents of each of four different views to present an overall summary of their approach to the book of revelation. The woman, who is referred to as the great prostitute, is the great city who rules over the kings of the earth revelation 17. The first four resulted in catastrophic destruction to trees and grasses, the seas, fresh waters, and even natural light. Revelation overview norris commentary on the book of. Johns revelation from jesus has shown gods judgment on the earth, first symbolized as the opening of seven seals, and now as the blowing of seven trumpets.
This explains why we need to understand the symbols used in the book of revelation, for they are shadows of the reality. Understanding revelation waitara seventhday adventist church. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. 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. Choose from 500 different sets of scripture chapter 2 revelation flashcards on quizlet. This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary. If this is a description of god, it can only refer to jesus christ who was manifest in the flesh, etc. Ive put together a chart of symbols from revelation chapter 12 to17. The idealist interpretation could also be called the symbolic or spiritual interpretation. Bible revelation chapter 1 explained in detail discover revelation.
Mar 01, 2017 the book of revelation is full of symbolic numbers. Reagans book, wrath and glory, covers the book of revelation chapter by chapter. Strongs exhaustive concordance of the bible, numbered to the hebrew, chaldee, and greek, and english, coded to. In fact, in the entire book of revelation, it would be hard to find a more debated passage than this one. Only revelation and the gospel of john describe jesus as the lamb 5. Dec 24, 2019 no other interpretation fits so perfectly in this chapter or throughout this book. The throne is in the very center of this impressive, moving vision that dominates the sky. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john.
Kindly explain in detail about revelation chapter 4 and 5. A summary of each chapter in the book of revelation. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 11. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it. Refers to jesus crucifixion it had seven horns this is a symbol for power and seven this number indicates final or in this case,total eyes this can indicate the ability to see or in this case,understand which are the seven spirits of the holy spirit of god, sent out to all the earth.
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. Church of christ lessons on the revelation of jesus christ. Spiritual things are more readily grasped when illustrations are provided from the seen realm. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of revelation. Apr 16, 2011 idealist or symbolic, which holds that revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. The book of revelation is the only book in the bible, that i know of, that has a blessing associated with it for those who will read itnot once but twice. Another mode of literalist interpretation is what is referred to as the futurist school. Read through the book of the revelatuion twice by the end of the semester 2.
The first blessing is in the first chapter of revelation in verse 3. The book of revelation is prophetical in nature and contains much symbolism which is most likely the reason that it is many times thought to be the most misunderstood book in the entire bible. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which this book is an. For example, the seven stars in chapter 1 represent the leaders of the various. Most interpreters recognize that, like the rest of johns apocalyptic prophecy, revelation 20 is highly symbolic. The symbolism of the two witnesses home of the word of. The interpreters of revelation are divided into three main schools. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 4. There is a close similarity between these judgments and the event predicted by christ in matthew 24. John is told to write down everything god shows him, and boy is god going to show him some strange things. The purpose of this section is to show the content of the book, not its meaning.
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