part 1: Are you puzzled about the Book of Revelation?
Puzzled About Revelation, February 4 2021
“The book of Daniel is foundational to understanding the Book of Revelation. In fact, many of the visions and prophesies contained in the book of Revelation are directly related to the visions of Daniel. Other Old Testament prophets, prophetic “types” and historical events were also foreshadowing the events in the book of Revelation.”
main text: Revelation 1:1-3
I. Introduction
The book of Daniel is foundational to understanding the Book of Revelation. In fact, many of the visions and prophesies contained in the book of Revelation are directly related to the visions of Daniel. Other Old Testament prophets, prophetic “types” and historical events were also foreshadowing the events in the book of Revelation.
The goal of this study is to be both theological and devotional. Many people find the book of Revelation to be confusing and I don’t believe that is the way that God intended it to be. I believe that it was written to be an encouragement to those who were suffering for the faith, and an exhortation to faith for those who were too comfortable to move them to repentance. One of the things that can make Revelation feel complicated is our own ideas and presuppositions. It is important not to try to import these into the text to make it say what we want it to say, but rather, to allow it to speak to us. My goal is that we would let the words of scripture speak to us and be our guide.
The title of this series flowed out of my love for jigsaw puzzles. I believe that prophesy and puzzles have some similarities: It is helpful to build an outer framework, and also to look at the big picture when possible. Extra pieces that don’t belong can be just as unhelpful as missing pieces. Part of what I hope to do with this series is bring some simplicity and clarity to the subject.
If you haven’t watched them yet, I would encourage you to go back and watch the first four messages on the Puzzled About the End of the Age (April 15, 22, 29, and May 6, 2021)
II. Outline of the Book of Revelation
Chapter 1: Prologue; Introductory Remarks & Greetings; John’s Vision of Jesus
Chapter 2-3: The Letters to the Seven Churches
Chapter 4: Worship Around Heaven’s Throne
Chapter 5: The Lion, The Lamb, and The Scroll
Chapter 6: The Six Seals Are Broken
Chapter 7: The 144,000 Sealed and The Saints
Chapter 8-9: The Seventh Seal & The Six Trumpets
Chapter 10: The Angel & The Little Scroll
Chapter 11: The Two Witnesses; The Seventh Trumpet
Chapter 12: The Woman & The Dragon
Chapter 13: The Beast out of the Sea; The Beast out of the Earth; The Mark
Chapter 14: The 144,000 Redeemed; The Three Angels; The Harvest
Chapter 15: Seven Angels with Seven Plagues; The Song of Moses
Chapter 16: The Seven Bowls
Chapter 17-18: Mystery Babylon
Chapter 19: The Harlot Judged; The Bride Made White; The Rider on the White Horse
Chapter 20: The Millennium; The Judgment Seat
Chapter 21-22: The New Jerusalem; Final Warnings & Blessings
Notes
Location: Exiled on Island of Patmos (Rev. 1:9)
Date: 90s AD, during reign of Emperor Domitian (Eusebius)
Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor; the saints in all the churches
Major Themes: The Book of Revelation contains a series of encouragements & warnings, blessings & curses (See Rev. 1:3; 22:18-19) surrounding several major themes: (1) the revealing of Jesus & the coming of the kingdom of God; (2) the things which must first take place, including great tribulation & persecution of God’s people (the saints) by satanic kingdoms and kings (e.g. Beast & Antichrist) (Rev. 1:19), (3) judgment of the nations, (4) the restoration of all things, and (5) the redemption of all Israel.
Jewish Apocalyptic Writing Style: Vivid imagery, Old Testament symbolism; eschatological judgment and blessing. Chronological & non-chronological: There is flow to the narrative towards an ultimate end, but it is clear that the book is not written with a western view of time or chronology. Revelation, like Daniel and the Old Testament prophets, jumps back and forth in a thematic, chiastic structure (ie. ascending & descending mountain peaks).
Interpretive Priority: (1) The Bible—Scripture interprets Scripture! Many symbols are interpreted within the passage or elsewhere in the text. The rest are generally drawing on Old Testament symbolism and typology. (2) Church history/Church fathers—How has it been interpreted historically? How did those closest to the Apostles understand the Revelation? (3) Majority opinion—What do most pastors, Bible teachers, and Christians believe? (4) Personal subjective experience/feelings—What do I think/how do I feel about it? How does my worldview affect how I interpret Scripture?
Dalton Thomas, FAI: Often we get these priorities backwards and begin with our own thoughts and feelings about a particular subject, then proceed to see what others say, finally going to the Bible and interpreting it according to what we want it to say instead of drawing out of the text what it actually does say. For example, “God wants you to be happy and live your best life now!” or “God would never allow His people to go through the tribulation!”
III. The Book of Revelation
Prologue
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave him - The message is from Jesus and about Jesus. It is His unveiling or revealing in glory!
servants, soon - The message is for “bondservants” (douloi), those who are committed disciples of Jesus. The purpose is to reveal to the saints the historical events which must quickly or suddenly occur prior to Jesus’ return (Matt. 24:33-34).
He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John - John, the human author of the book (Rev. 1:4), received it from the angel, who received it from Jesus, who received it from the Father (John 16:12-15) Isn’t it awesome that God chooses to use people to communicate His truth to others?! What amazing grace!
who testifies to everything he saw - This is what a witness does! This testimony is for the seven churches (Rev. 1:4) and for all the churches. Again, Revelation is all about Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:10)!
blessed - “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it…” Eschatological Blessings & Curses: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” Rev. 22:18-19. In Deut. 30:11-20, Moses repeats the covenant given at Sinai, and he was communicating God’s laws before they were entering the promised land. There is a beautiful pattern between this and what we read in Revelation with John, because John is writing to those who are longing for and looking ahead to the coming of our Lord Jesus so that we may enter our promised land.
because the time is near - This refers to the “appointed time of the end” that was spoken of repeatedly throughout the Old Testament prophets, especially Daniel. We are to have a sense of urgency that the time is drawing close at hand in order to stay alert and faithful in these last days.