Understanding the book of revelations

The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Understanding the book of revelation part 14 youtube. Without a thorough understanding of the rest of scripture most of revelation will neither make sense nor be appropriately appreciated.

Decipher the most mysterious and controversial of all biblical works the book of revelations in this spellbinding course by an acclaimed professor. Keys to understanding the book of revelation audiobook on cd. Revelation gives a birds eye view of the entire sweep of christian church history. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. Many major entities and symbols in the book of revelation are introduced. Easy to understand guide to the book of revelations with sound.

The book of revelation is placed last in the bible for good reason. The book is not a concealment, a puzzle, a riddle, as some people think. It should be the last book of the bible that anyone seeks to become an expert on. Like the books of prophecy in the old testament, revelation proclaims a message. Conventional understanding until recent times was that the book of revelation was written to comfort beleaguered christians as they underwent persecution at. Understanding the book of revelation berean research. This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. The book s second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. Don is an amazingly thorough writer with a hebraic scholars understanding of the culture and language used as well as a solid spiritual foundation that he writes from. Revelation speaks of things that are already history. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor.

Jan 02, 2020 the book of revelation is understandable. Have an overall knowledge of the plan of salvation and of the nature. Marvin payne perhaps no book in all scripture has generated more questions or stimulated more discussion than the book of revelation. Know that the book of revelation deals with things that are to occur after new testament times. It should be understood that this writer has spoken to those concerned, and has discussed their interpretations with them at some length. The way the book of revelation is actually written is as a series of kind of unfolding revelations, each one of which gets to something deeper in the story.

The lord has revealed many things about the second coming, which is the major theme in revelation. Understanding the book of revelation the book of revelation is an exciting yet often misunderstood book in the bible. 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. Yet most people believe that this final book of the bible cannot be understood at allthat its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Daniel, recorded over 600 years earlier, sets the stage for the larger and more detailed book of revelation, which describes events found nowhere else in the bible. A study of the book of revelation 1 understanding the parenthetical periods of the book of revelation read revelation 7 the seventh chapter of revelation is the first parenthetical passage of the book. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. Understanding the parenthetical periods of the book of. Jun 01, 2019 the book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols.

In appealing for a right understanding of the book of revelation, it has been necessary to refer to the work of those who offer alternative views. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a basic guide to bible prophecy. Keys to understanding the book of revelation its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. The new testament includes books that are biographies, histories, letters, sermons, and one book of apocalyptic prophecy. This book has perplexed readers for almost 2,000 years. Jul 31, 2015 many people have assumed that the book of revelation is just impossible to understand.

I wanted to share it with all of you, because this was significant in helping me to properly understand what the word of god has to say about this controversial subject and because students of bible prophecy absolutely love charts and timelines. The author was probably a christian from ephesus known as john the elder. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. The foundations and pillars ministry 1204 besstown rd beersheba springs tn 37305. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Wilton says it is critical that christians understand the book of revelation. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. Over the centuries it has been one of the worlds most misunderstood and misinterpreted books. The book of revelation is a revelation, the revelation of jesus christ 1. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, historical bible study can help us find our way.

Nov 20, 2008 understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and. It comes from my lutheran study bible and includes both a brief summary of the book of revelation and a handy charttimeline. Understanding the book of revelations the history of the. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and revelation.

Decipher the most mysterious and controversial of all biblical worksthe book of revelationsin this spellbinding course by an. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. This first parenthetical passage is inserted here, between the sixth and seventh seal, and. Bauckhams book will guide you into a richer understanding of the symbolism and their significance and literary art of johns prophetic imagination. Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Keys to understanding the book of revelation audiobook on. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. A fun and fascinating way to learn about the book of revelation. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2009, 27189. But recognizing this comes from understanding how to read this kind of apocalyptic.

Ben witherington iii, author of the following article, asking the right question, once hitched a ride from a couple who believed the earth was flat. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. Many people have assumed that the book of revelation is just impossible to understand. This revelation was given to him by god the father. When the books of daniel and revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. Understanding the book of revelation pdf download download. Understanding the book of revelation brother john reveals. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this. Sep 30, 2015 bauckhams book will guide you into a richer understanding of the symbolism and their significance and literary art of johns prophetic imagination. Oct 15, 2014 use scriptures and prophetic revelations that are more easily understood. Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and place. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended.

Use scriptures and prophetic revelations that are more easily understood. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction 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. One of our most fascinating exercises in scriptural. 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.

Temple second edition 2011 thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Paul spilsburys book is a close runnerup for my go to book for an introduction to revelation. Lines are being drawn between what gods word teaches us and the secular approach to understand this world based on mans ability. It comes packed with almost two hours of eyeopening material that paints an entirely different picture of the book of revelation and what it is all about, covering topics like. Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations.

It here signifies an opening up of hidden knowledge to understanding. Two literary forms useful for understanding johns metaphor are satire and the obituary. The fundamental message of the book of revelation is. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. 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. It is most important to understand that the book of revelation does not list the scenes and events in the same order in which they will actually occur. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally revelation 1. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.

Parker in their new book, the book of revelation made clear published by thomas nelson publishers brings us a downtoearth guide to understanding the most mysterious book of the bible. Decoding the bibles most mysterious book, jimmy akin unlocks the secrets of revelation so that anyone can understand them. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Use various latterday revelations which expand upon the same subjects in similar. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Understanding revelations in the bible biblical archaeology society. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. John is both satirizing romes decadence and sounding its death knell. Every statement is to be taken to mean for exactly what is written unless such interpretation is highly improbable to spiritual reason, or against scripture elsewhere.

Understanding daniel and the revelation plus supplementary material by p. Revelations an appeal for right understanding foreward. This interpretive method robs revelation of any meaning for those to whom it was written. Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by rose. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Revelation outlines a long series of events that relate. However, today we will explain the keys to unlocking the treasures of. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand.

Outline for this study of the book of revelationpages 1, 2, and top of page 3. Know that the book of revelation deals with things that are to occur after new testament times, particularly in the last days. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. In revelation the message is that god is coming to judge and. Revelation means an unveiling, a disclosure, a display of who god is and what he promises to do. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. Therefore, reading other scriptural materials will increase your understanding of subjects found in johns apocalypse.

The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. Revelation is a source of hope and encouragement for christians because the book tells about the triumphant return of our lord, jesus christ. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. Above all, my advice is that you only seek the answers to these questions through the holy spirit enjoy. Here are brief definitions of the four major interpretive approaches. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies.