Both testaments can be divided into history instruction prophecy revelation is the only book of prophecy in the new testament. Without a thorough understanding of the rest of scripture most of revelation will neither make sense nor be appropriately appreciated. So this book is a revelation of jesus christ, not in the sense that. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. So, having briefly examined the passages for which you requested that i clarify my position, i would suggest looking into the book of revelation now and carrying these understandings with us.
Guide for understanding the book of revelation this digital version pdf has all of the same pages as the print version, at onefourth of the retail price of the print edition. Reading it straight through in one, two, or three settings is very helpful because you will see connections. It fittingly has the last place ending the scriptures and gods revelation to man. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. The bible is approximately 750,000 words, with about 250,000 devoted to many, many prophecies. Some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. Download pdf understanding the book of revelation free. Apr 28, 2015 what can we do to understand the book of revelation. The book that was sealed is not the revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of daniel relating to the last days.
Much of the difficulty in understanding the book of revelation comes from disconnecting it from the rest of the bible. How to read revelation how then do you read the book of revelation. You can understand it, because god knows how to communicate to you. Regardless of your background, gods message in the bible is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. Studies in the book of revelation project gutenberg. Although prophecy is scattered all through the bible, two books focus almost entirely on symbolic representations. While there are keys to understanding revelation, the book itself is the single greatest key to understanding almost all other prophecies in the bible. Not to phds, to experts, to prophecy fans, to a narrow inner circle of specialists. The book of revelation is the only book in the new testament that begins by specifically stating its source, the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave to himand signified it by his angel to his servant john rev. The revelation is a very solemn book speaking much about divine judgments but it is also a wonderful book in which we find the completion of gods ways up to eternal glory. We find, however, a key verse which refutes this claim which states, the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave to him, to show to his servants the things that are ordained to come to pass shortly revelation 1. We can understand the book even though we might not understand every signsymbol. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended.
The bible is a history book, it tells the pastbut like no other history book it tells the present and future just as clearly. Some believe the bible s last prophetic book is closed, meaning no one as yet can understand it. 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. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. Bible prophecy was not written to frighten, or bewilder, but to aid the reader in understanding gods program for time and eternity. T intriguing, neverbeforeunderstood book of revelation. Revelations primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i. This page is an indepth bible study of the book of revelation based on the concordia commentary of revelation by dr.
Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. Understanding the book of revelation 15 understanding the seven churches of revelation 10 i was in the spirit on the lords day, and i heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, i am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, and, what you see, write in a book. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time.
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. Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a basic guide to bible prophecy. Dec 08, 2017 the book of revelation read by alexander scourby. The book is presented in the form of a great drama. Welcome to through the word, leading you on a journey through the entire bible, one chapter at a time. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. A downtoearth guide to understanding the most mysterious book of the bible lahaye, tim, parker, timothy on. The second woe, with its horses and horsemen, is found in revelation 9.
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 reveals jesus christ, the god of the bible, in his role during the tribulation and as king of kings subjective genitive and is the revelation from jesus about the events that will transpire during the tribulation and afterwards objective genitive. Yet it has a clear message for all who would devote themselves to its pages. Almost half the books of the old testament are included in. Others think they understand the prophe cies of the bibleand this is probably most true of the book of revelation. A study guide to the prophecies of daniel and the revelation. The book of revelation bible, bible study, scripture. Approximately one third of all the bible is devoted to. When the books of daniel and revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. Around the world, leading members of the religious community debate its content and offer theories about every aspect of its message.
The book ends with confirmations of authenticity by god, christ and john. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. The book of revelation unveiled united church of god. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. The real meaning of the bible s book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. The book of revelation bold type and underlining of scripture text have been added for emphasis your questions and comments are welcome note.
Onethird of the bible is prophecythe future written in advance. The revelation to john new international version the prologue. Introduction to the book of revelation its current significance. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. And sometime read it alongside one of the better commentaries. In other words, it is the way you interpret scripture. Jan 02, 2020 in these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like.
The prophet daniel was told to seal up the words of his prophecy until the time of the. Understanding the book of revelation t he book of revelation, or the apocalypse, has been the center of more speculation by scholars and casual readers than any other book of the bible. Its bible on your screen pastor in your headphones with clear, relatable teaching so you can understand. The revelation research foundation has completed work on a 3d version of ezekiels temple, utilizing the drawings of mr. We open the book of revelation today, and verse 1 begins, the revelation of jesus christ. The angel commanded, but thou, o daniel, shut up the words. 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. Book of revelation study guide what does the bible say. 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. Throughout history the book of revelation has been much understood and neglected. Yet it has a clear message for all who would devote themselves.
Plus many of the illustrations in this edition are in full color. You now understand the first key to unlock the book. The bible itself provides many of the keys to understanding it. Revelation is the most controversial book in the bible and, yet, it is the only book, which specifically promises a blessing to those who hear it, and who meditate upon it. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. The key to understanding woe number one is given in revelation 9. Perhaps the most important thing is for us to determine the original meaning the book would have had to the recipients. An apocalyptic letter, it relies on visions, symbols, and old testament references to reveal the ultimate fulfillment of gods promise given to abraham in genesis.
Ttws audio guides walk you through each passage in just 5 minutes. It is not intended to be a full prophecy study but is only intended to be a quick guide through some of the major prophecies. For a better understanding of revelation, the student is urged to compare various. Understanding the book of revelation ebook is a basic guide to bible prophecy. To understand the book of revelation, we need the same things that help us to understand the rest of the bible, including wisdom from god and assistance from those who. Book 1 1 biblical prophecy explained this book will explore the prophecies of the bible in short summaries. And many religious people believe that the book of revelation offers no help anyway, because it cannot be understood.
The real gap is one of distance between god and man, not a lapse between us and father time. The charts provide handy thumbnail sketches and collections of data on the contents of the. We hope this commentary is a beneficial study tool in your devotion to the word of god. Understanding the book of revelation christian bible studies. Charts on the book of revelation kregel publications. 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. More than one person has abandoned trying to make sense. Events are building to a final culminationa tremendous climax. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. It starts out simply enough, it is a revelation in greek, apocalypse from jesus christ, it is a prophecy, and it comes as a letter to seven churches. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation.
A commentary of the book of revelation bible truth. Bible is inspired by god and trust what it says will be able to understand the significance of what is revealed in the book. Thoughtful bible students agree almost universally that we are living near the end of the age, and that. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. The bible is an enormous book covering much information and many subjects. 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. 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. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. The book of revelation introduction the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servantsthings which must shortly take place. But god is working out a supreme master plan, involving every human being. The signs of christs coming parallel the seven seals.
The revelation of saint john the apostle geneva bible 1599. The book of revelation is placed last in the bible for good reason. Daniel and revelation by uriah smith 3 foreword this volume is devoted largely to tracing the story of gods marvelous dealing with nations and with notable individuals in fulfillment of the great prophecies of the bible in the past, but more. John was the youngest disciple of the twelve disciples of jesus who became an apostle of the church. Very important we note this and realize we cannot study revelation in the same way we study the book of romans. Christians down through the ages have known that christs return is presented in scripture as imminent, but. Dec 20, 2017 the word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. No one can understand the book of revelation who does not understand the book of daniel. In the revelation all the books of the bible meet and end.
Revelation than in any other book in the bible, but they are either explained there or in some other part of the scriptures. I encourage you to bring your insights to class to share with others. The power that brings destruction to man is told to us in revelation 17. This article examines the book of revelation and is the concluding part of a letter we wrote, the first part being posted in a previous article on this website 2. He alone can give you spiritual eyes and hearts to understand it. The revelation of john the divine the argument it is manifest, that the holy ghost would as it were gather into this most excellent book a sum of those prophecies, which were written before, but should be fulfilled after the coming of christ, adding also such things as should be expedient, as well to forewarn us of the dangers to come, as to. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. During my studies at bible college, i was introduced to an excellent text book by david desilva an introduction to the nt who, when exegeting the book of revelation poured scorn on the approach that many believe is a pattern laid out in the 7 letters and reflected in your study in chart form. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. The book of revelation was written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge.
Pray to the lord that he would interpret this book to your heart. Louis brighton and the online commentary the book of revelation. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. In few other books of the bible is the ministry of angels so prominent. If you are a follower of christ, this book is for you. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. It is the first book that many new to the bible want to study, while it is often neglected by mature. The revelation of jesus christ webberville church of christ. 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. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery.
There is perhaps no more misunderstood book of the bible than 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. Instead of relegating bible prophecy to oblivion, the honest student of gods word will give himself to diligent study of this book of the hour, and discover for himself what god has revealed by this revelation. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.
One of the basic rules of bible study is to always let the bible interpret itself. How to understand the king james bible t he transition from the authorized king james bible to a recent version is usually based on the contention that the kjv is old and difficult to understand. Book of revelation study guide what does the bible. It seems likely this power will be a type of resurgence of the old roman empire. Dragons and beasts, wrath and grace what does it mean. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. It should be the last book of the bible that anyone seeks to become an expert on. Today kris langham guides us through the new testament book of revelation. The revelation of jesus christ a study of the book of revelation notes from the south michigan teacher training school and michigan bible school charles coats, instructor july dec. Apart from the book of revelation, john has written other bible books which are. From genesis to revelation, all you need to understand the old and new testaments trigilio, john on. Before beginning to go through the content of revelation, we recommend that you read through the, and sections to familiarize yourself with the framework concerning this incredible book of god.
Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. The book of revelation bible, bible study, scripture, and. These indepth versebyverse studies harmonize the holy bible from genesis to revelation. They are divided into two sections labeled old testament and new testament. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. As with all prophecies the revelation also is not easily understood. The bible consists of 66 separate books penned by over 40 authors over a period of several thousand years. The key to bible interpretation, especially for the book of revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. If we did not realize already that it takes a lifetime to understand the bible and thats a good thing, the point is driven home when we get to the last book in the bible revelation. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. This is being aired by permission of the holder litchfield associates, all rights. The book of revelation is a revelation, the revelation of jesus christ 1.
1355 15 1257 318 393 1536 1646 986 227 219 950 1166 896 1475 404 1519 1251 814 1158 1251 540 937 1424 1360 1661 280 1053 124 733 371 642 964 1441 1239 736 286