That the apocalypse of john is a revelation of jesus christ is a fact too often overlooked by interpreters of this last book of the bible. In this tyndale commentary, ian paul takes a disciplined approach to the text, paying careful attention to the ways that john draws from the old testament. The apostle of jesus and the author of the gospel of john and the three letters of nt. For paul, revelation is an important book because it tests an exegetes ability to read scripture well. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. It does belong to a tradition of apocalyptic writing, which began in judaism in the.
Certainly the book of revelation does not mention paul, but that does not mean the author was not aware of him or his writings. Perhaps the proof of this is the wide range of bad interpretations of revelation over the long history of the church. Deaths and judgements of the righteous and the wicked. But revelation also has significant implications for how the gospel interacts with culture. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. As the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us, we cry, come, lord jesus. The book of revelation, the final book of the canon, has confused readers of the bible for centuries. Some writers, however, have advanced the preterist from a latin word meaning that which is past view, contending that the apocalypse was penned around a. The bibles book of revelation is basically a fever dream of epic proportions. One of the reasons for this predictable yet disappointing procession is that we dont really know how to read the book of revelation properlythe source of many of these failed forecasts. The apostle paul did not write the book of the revelation. 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. But its also confusing because its imagery is so foreign to modern readers.
Revelation 1 niv bible the revelation from jesus christ. He points out revelations many connections to the old testament, the theology of john, and biblical theology. As evil rulers grow in power, we look for the antichrist. The book of revelation can be both exciting and confusing. Lo, unto thee is given this mystery and revelation. Sep 08, 2016 the book of revelation, the final book of the canon, has confused readers of the bible for centuries. As part of scripture, the book of revelation was given by inspiration of god 2 timothy 3. There dwelt a certain nobleman in the city of tarsus, in the house of st. The apocalypse of paul apocalypsis pauli, more commonly known in the latin tradition as the visio pauli or visio sancti pauli is a thirdcentury noncanonical apocalypse considered part of the new testament apocrypha. An introduction and commentary tyndale new testament commentary by ian paul isbn. The book of revelation is a fascinating piece of scripture as well as an extraordinary piece of literature. A comprehensive approach 9780802490797 by paul benware. God was the author of the plagues of egypt in exodus 712 and is equally the author of the plagues described in the book of revelation. The apostle paul, in romans, advocated obedience to rome.
Contemplating the faces of jesus in the book of revelation proposes, beyond predictions of earthquakes and falling stars, st. In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. In contrast, paul s epistles state that all of those blessings as presenttense realities of believers who are already in christ. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. 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. Where did paul write the book of revelation answers. The revelation of john is the one book in the new testament that claims john as its author. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. Vallee removes the distorted view of the book of revelation, and giving a biblical, balanced view in a simple language.
In this article we want to deal with some of those questions continue reading commonly asked questions from the book of revelation. Commonly asked questions from the book of revelation. The apostle john, one of the original 12 disciples, wrote this. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. From that experience came numerous questions, raised by students, about events and people found in the book of revelation. The book the quantum revelation by paul levy is indeed, as the subtitle states, a radical synthesis of science and spirituality. Its exciting because it records dramatic visions about the role of jesus and the church in the history of the world. Apr 20, 2014 warnings of the last days from god christian short film the days of noah have come duration. While there are things that may be hard to understand, revelation is an applicable book.
Important background to revelation provisional outline of the book interpreting the imagery of revelation structure of the oracles to the seven churches persecution in the early church overview of revelation 23 the throne room. I have always been afraid to study it because i have always thought it was too complicated with its massive amounts of allusions and imagery. Yet this new commentary by ian paul is just that extremely readable and very succinct. With jason bracht, drew bradley, robet bruber, rhonda cusumano. The last book of the new testament is also called the prophecy book and the revelation of jesus christ. A theological and exegetical commentary hoskins, dr. The revelation of peter, and the revelation of paul, and the revelation of zostrianos and almost anyone you can mention. These are words that are not usually spoken of in regard to commentaries on revelation. The word apocalypse means unveiling and thats exactly what the book of revelation isit is a prophetic book that discusses the unveiling of what is going to happen in the nearing end times and what will come with the final revelation of jesus christ. Without hesitation, i recommend this book and the author.
Yet another prophecy about the end of the world comes and goesbut we know, like the proverbial bus, another one will be along soon. It is the book of revelation that explains largely why orthodox doctrines at ephesus reverted back to the jerusalem churchs views. As a teenager, i remember being a bit frightened of the book of revelation. And know thou, o paul, that every man who believes through thee hath a great blessing, and a blessing is reserved for him. Apr 01, 2020 god is sovereign over all things human, biological and physical and especially the rise and fall of nations daniel 2. The book of revelation, what god revealed to the apostle john, is a great prophecy mystery. Some interpretive tips for understanding revelation part 1 revelation is a much loved but much misunderstood book. It has drawn the attention of numerous scholars throughout the ages, all trying to interpret the meaning of it. This first study looks at the four basic approaches that are taken to the book of revelation which. Changes since the writing of the epistles commentary a. It has been my very real privilege and challenge to teach a course in daniel and revelation in the college classroom over many years. God is sovereign over all things human, biological and physical and especially the rise and fall of nations daniel 2. A fascinating piece of scripture as well as an extraordinary piece of literature, its interpretation has affected our theology, art and worship, and even international politics. Yet it is widely neglected in the church and almost entirely avoided from the pulpit.
The original greek version of the apocalypse is lost, although nonextant copies still exist. In contrast, pauls epistles state that all of those blessings as presenttense realities of believers who are already in christ. There you will see seven actual letters from jesus one to each church. He shows how useful these connections can be for interpreting revelation and appreciating its richness. In this commentary, paul hoskins provides an accessible guide for those who want to understand the book of revelation. 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. Most of the other revelations, and this fascinated me, many of them were found with the gnostic gospels in upper egypt, and they had been censored by church leaders for over a thousand and a half years. The reason most commentaries fail to enlighten the book s contents is because they violate one or more of the three basic principles of sound biblical interpretation. Commonly asked questions from the book of revelation paul. It will be dramatized in a way that everyone can understand what this book speaks to about the revelation of jesus christ. Traditionally, the book of revelation has been dated near the end of the first century, around a. John paul heil presents an original analysis of the theme of worship in the book of revelation guided by a new illustration of its comprehensive chiastic structure. Many people wonder how intelligent interpreters of the is book can so widely differ from one another in their interpretations.
The gospel paul preached and taught was neither a human invention nor a human tradition, but was given to him directly by god through a. What evidence is there the writer of revelation was aware of the. It provides insights in plain, yet profound language that the general reader will appreciate and understand. Pauls visions and revelations i have to boast, even though it doesnt do any good.
He points out revelation s many connections to the old testament, the theology of john, and biblical theology. On plagues, judgement, and the book of revelation psephizo. Competing systems of interpretation have muddied the wa. The apocalypse of paul is a 4thcentury text of the new testament apocrypha. Sep 02, 2015 only the futurist interpretation takes the bible literally when it comes to prophecy and the book of revelation. Paul in the 1870s mentioned that chapters two and three in revelation imply that paul was rejected in asia minor by the time john. The difference couldnt be more dramatic, and yet its very often completely overlooked. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the.
Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Therefore, this book contains information god intends to disclose or reveal to humans, rather than conceal from us. It is the only book of the new testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in connection with future events. Apr 24, 2018 it is after all, a prophetic vision and if youve experienced the prophetic you might have heard equally hard to understand prophecies. Paul says only that the believers in asia abandoned himself. Sifting through one of the most popular genres of literature and entertainment, superhero comic fiction, xmen and the book of revelation unveils the truth about superpowered beings in the universe, endoftheworld events, and mankinds destiny as described in the book of revelation. Finally, that is the power whereby the lamb opened the book, and loosed the seven seals thereof when none could be found amongst all creatures by whom the book might be opened revelation 5. It has captured the imagination of readers throughout the centuries. Paul in the 1870s mentioned that chapters two and three in revelation imply that paul was rejected in asia minor by the time john wrote revelation.
What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. As nations arm themselves for war, we think of armageddon. For some reason, the ephesians ceased to regard paul as a genuine christian leader. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Revelation to john, last book of the new testament. Revelation was written in the early 90s during the reign of domatian. Revelation is the most remarkable text you will ever read. Apostle john was critical of paul jesus words only.
Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. May 31, 2017 for the 7 churches of revelation, all of the promises are stated in the future tense. He demonstrates how johns first book of revelation explains why john eclipsed paul. W hen you study the book of revelation, one of the first things that you will look at are the seven churches listed in revelation chapters 2 and 3. It describes the fiery end of the world, and the book of revelation can be interpreted a lot of different ways. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. This first study looks at the four basic approaches that are taken to the book of revelation which continue reading the book of revelation. I have never studied the book of revelation and i am very excited to dive into this book in class. The book of revelation may be one of the most fascinating, and intimidating, books of the bible. This book is a reference for seminary and college students, and those curious about the various views of end times prophetic events and biblical proof behind them. But i will now talk about visions and revelations given. Persecution and the book of revelation reading acts. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation.
Apocalypse now and then is a part of an evolving but theres something mysterious and controversial about this book of the bible that calls me to it and makes me want to uncover all its many secrets. The seven churches described in the book of revelation. Oct 12, 2018 for paul, revelation is an important book because it tests an exegetes ability to read scripture well. The book of revelation was written sometime around. Introduction revelation is a confusing book to most people despite the many commentaries written. An introduction and commentary tyndale new testament commentaries paul, ian, schnabel, eckhard j. It is not that this commentary is short in any way 370 pages but it. White is professor of classics and christian origins at the university of texas at austin, and acted as historical consultant for apocalypse. Paul the apostle, in the government of theodosius the worshipful king, and of the most illustrious gratianus. If the book of revelation was written at approximately the same time as the. Paul s epistles, of course, illustrate that the gospel had indeed spread to the edges of romes reach before paul s death. Irenaeus and early church fathers dated revelation in the 90s.
The smell of acne face cleanser filled the room as i dove into mysterious depictions of fourfaced angels, beasts from the sea and land, of massive angels. A careful examination of the book of revelation explains its purpose and what it is about. The fourth and final major interpretation of the book of revelation. In every age people have felt certain that the book of revelation described events in their time.
Paul vallees extensive study and research work leaps off the page to give us a wealth of information and inspiration. With guidance, reading the book of revelation reveals something more than just earthquakes and falling stars. 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. By the time the writings that are now included in the new testament were assembled in their present form, three letters and one gospel were also attributed to john.
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