1. AN INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION

 

The Book of Revelation has been a battleground of controversy for centuries, and as I put forward these studies for your consideration I acknowledge that I am entering a field upon which many greats have previously tread. Many have made useful contributions, and others a less useful contribution. I am among the lesser sort, and I recognize that I am far from those great ones who have gone before and sought to comment on Revelation.

My purpose in these studies is to help the average church going Christian to better understand this book from what I consider to be a Biblical perspective. I am still learning, and therefore do not claim any form of infallibility, though I am fully persuaded as to the orthodoxy of this interpretation.

These studies are dedicated to the Northlake's Reformed Baptist Church, which was formed during the exposition of this book on Sunday evenings. These studies have as their basis the studies given during those months of Bible study together. May you find these studies a helpful reminder of what we learnt together during those days, as well as a further building upon those studies for your profit.

So I put these studies forward for your consideration, trusting that you ‘prove all things, holding fast that which is good.’ I ask you to consider carefully the Biblical evidence that is put forward, searching the Scriptures to find out if these things be so.

 

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

‘Revelation,’ and its alternative title ‘Apocalypse,’ come from Latin and Greek words for ‘unveiling.’ In this regard the title refers to the supernatural unveiling of that which is about to take place.

The title of ‘Apocalypse’ has also been used to classify a whole class of writings, especially Jewish writings, which appeared between 200BC and 100AD. These writings are known as 'Apocalyptic Literature.' Examples of this type of literature can be found in the Biblical books of Isaiah, Daniel and Revelation.

An apocalypse claims to be a divine disclosure or unveiling of some kind, usually through a heavenly intermediary to some prominent person from the past (Rev 1:1). In such disclosures God promises to intervene in human history, thereby bringing times of trouble to an end, and destroying all evil and wickedness.

QUESTION: Why is this book called ‘Revelation?’

 

1.1 Author of Revelation

The Book of Revelation claims for itself two authors. The first and most obvious Author is God Himself (1:1; 2 Tim 3:16), and the other is John (1:1,4,9; 22:8).

Is this John the apostle John? The apostle usually never mentions his own name (John, 1-3 John), which has led some to believe that this is not the apostle. Yet by calling himself simply John, the author was obviously someone well known throughout the Asian region to whom this letter was addressed. So is this the apostle?

Some, like Dionysius of Alexandria (300 AD) and Eusebius, ascribe the Book of Revelation to another John, perhaps John Mark, or even a John who lived at Ephesus. Yet there is a strong tradition that tells of the apostle John being banished to Patmos (1:9), and that his closing years were spent in the Asian church of Ephesus.

It is important to note that the early church is almost at one in ascribing authorship to the apostle John. Early ascriptions to the apostle include Justin Martyr (140 AD), Irenaeus (180 AD - a disciple of Polycarp, who had been a disciple of John), the Muratorian Canon (200 AD), Clement of Alexandria (200 AD), Tertullian of Carthage (220 AD), and Hippolytus (240 AD).

Internal evidence also suggests that the apostle John was the human author of Revelation, with striking similarities in construction and expression to the Gospel of John (Jn 3:36; Rev 22:17; Jn 1:1; Rev 19:13; Jn 10:18; Rev 2:27; Jn 20:12; Rev3:4; Jn 1:29; Rev 5:6).

 

1.2 Date of Composition

As regards the date when Revelation was written, the following quotes from Irenaeus should be considered.


‘For that was seen not a very long time since, but almost in our day, toward the end of Domitian’s reign.’
 
‘... the church in Ephesus, founded by Paul, and lived in by John until the time of Trajan (98-117 AD), is a true witness of the traditions of the apostles.’

Irenaeus

It is thought that the epistle of Revelation to the seven churches of Asia was written toward the end of Domitian’s reign, a time when banishment was a common punishment for Christians.

QUESTION: Why should the witness of Irenaeus be taken seriously?

 

1.3 The Recipients

The Book of Revelation has been subject to many interpretations. For many it is a book for our day only, but if this is so, why was it addressed to the Christians of John’s day who were suffering and being persecuted in the Province of Asia Minor (1:4,11)?

Revelation was a book written to the Asian believers of John’s day, intended as a comfort for them, being God’s answer to the prayers of these persecuted saints. It was more than likely a circular letter, specifically to the seven churches of Asia (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea), and as such, lent itself to quick reception throughout the Asian region.

But it is also a book for us today, note especially the following reasons:

  1. It is typical of persecution throughout the ages (Mt 24:29,30; 2 Tim 3:12).
  2. Many of the principles and prophecies are very broad and span the centuries.
  3. The letters to the seven churches could suggest completeness, and therefore are for the church as a whole throughout the gospel age.
  4. All who read the book and hear are blessed, and the warnings are addressed to all (1:3; 22:18,19).

QUESTION: How will understanding who the book was written to, aid in the interpretation of the book?

 

Please Read Through the Entire Book of Revelation before moving on to the next study.

 

All Bible Studies by the webmaster may be freely copied, printed and distributed. We ask only that the site name and homepage URL be included in all copies distributed. This Bible Study is by Kevin Matthews. Thankyou.

To assist in the study of Revelation Aussie Outpost is developing The Outpost Study Bible and other Bible Study Aids. Links to these further resources are listed below:

 


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17/10/2006

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