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Understanding Revelation 
(Lesson 1)

Understanding Revelation requires more than curiosity—it demands context. This lesson introduces the symbolic language of apocalyptic writing and reveals why early Christians understood Revelation clearly. Discover how God used coded imagery to protect and encourage persecuted believers, delivering a timeless message of hope, perseverance, and ultimate victory in Christ.

David Hersey

Symbolic Objects in Revelation
(Lesson 2)

The book of Revelation speaks in signs, not sentences. To understand its message, we must recognize its symbolic language. This chapter explores how first-century Christians understood the objects and imagery in Revelation, unlocking the deeper spiritual truths behind beasts, colors, numbers, and other inspired symbols.

David Hersey

Understanding the Numerical Symbolism in Revelation
(Lesson 3)

Revelation uses numbers with deep symbolic meanings, conveying spiritual truths through imagery familiar to first-century Christians. This lesson explores how numbers like 3½, 7, 10, 12, and 144,000 were interpreted, helping us unlock Revelation’s message. Understanding these patterns aids us in grasping God’s true intent behind this prophetic book.

David Hersey

Identifying the Opposition Characters in Revelation
(Lesson 4)

To truly understand Revelation, we must identify its key characters—both good and evil. This lesson shows how scripture and history confirm that faithful Christians were the “saints,” while Satan and Imperial Rome were the true enemies. Their ancient conflict reveals timeless truths for Christians facing opposition and persecution today.

David Hersey

John's Introduction to Revelation
(Lesson 5)

John’s introduction to Revelation sets the tone for a divine message of hope and endurance during intense persecution. This lesson unpacks the book’s opening verses, highlighting its authorship, authority, audience, and symbolism. Understanding these foundations is key to interpreting Revelation through the eyes of its original, first-century readers.

David Hersey

John's Vision of Jesus Christ 
(Revelation 1:10-20) (Lesson 6)

This lesson explores John's awe-inspiring vision of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1:10–20. Rich in symbolism, it offers comfort to believers while concealing its meaning from enemies of the cross. Understanding this vision prepares readers for the deeper revelations that follow and strengthens their faith in the living Christ.

David Hersey

The Church who Left Her First Love, Ephesus
(Lesson 7)

This lesson explores the once-thriving church in Ephesus, praised for diligence but rebuked for abandoning its first love. Through Revelation 2, we examine their fall, Christ’s warning, and the urgent call to repent. The message remains clear today: faithfulness without love endangers our standing before the Lord.`

David Hersey

Smyrna, the Suffering Church
(Lesson 8)

Smyrna, a wealthy yet pagan city, was home to a faithful but persecuted church. Surrounded by idolatry and hostility, these Christians endured poverty and tribulation with unwavering faith. Jesus offered no rebuke—only encouragement, promising the crown of life to those who remained faithful unto death. Their example still inspires today.

David Hersey

Pergamum, the city in Hell's Headquarters
(Lesson 9)

Pergamum stood as a beacon of paganism, emperor worship, and satanic influence in Asia Minor. Amid fierce persecution, a church of Christ endured, but some compromised. Christ praised their faith yet warned against tolerating false doctrine. This message calls Christians today to resist compromise and remain steadfast in truth.

David Hersey

Thyatira (The church that condoned sin)
(Lesson 10)

The church at Thyatira was praised for its love, faith, service, and perseverance—but sharply rebuked for tolerating sin. This lesson examines Jesus’ message to Thyatira in Revelation 2, uncovering powerful warnings, commendations, and promises that still guide us today as we strive to remain faithful and pure in His sight.

David Hersey

Sardis (The Dead Church)
(Lesson 11)

Sardis was a wealthy city with a glorious past but a decaying present. Its church mirrored the city—alive in name but spiritually dead. This lesson explores Jesus' piercing rebuke to Sardis in Revelation 3:1–6, calling for watchfulness, repentance, and renewed life before the final opportunity for salvation is lost.

David Hersey

Philadelphia (The church with Opportunity)
(Lesson 12)

Philadelphia stands apart from the other churches in Revelation, not for its size or strength, but for its unwavering faith. Amid paganism and pressure, it remained loyal to Christ. This lesson explores Jesus’ commendation, the open door He sets before them, and the promise of eternal identity for overcomers.

David Hersey

Laodicea (The Lukewarm Church)
(Lesson 13)

Laodicea, the final church addressed by Jesus, was condemned for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. Though rich in worldly goods, they were spiritually poor. This lesson examines their history, Christ’s rebuke, and His call to repentance. It challenges us to avoid complacency and reignite our zeal for the Lord.

David Hersey

The Letter to Your Church
(Lesson 14)

The seven letters to the churches in Revelation reveal exactly what Jesus expects of His people. Each commendation, rebuke, and command is for all churches—not just ancient ones. This lesson combines the strengths, failures, and exhortations from all seven, giving us a clear picture of what Christ desires in His church today.

David Hersey

John's Throne Vision (Chapter 4)
(Lesson 15)

Revelation 4 lifts the curtain on heaven, unveiling God’s throne in all its glory. Before unveiling future events, the Spirit first anchors us in the sovereignty of God. This vision reminds every Christian that no matter the trial, God reigns—worthy of worship, surrounded by purity, and exalted above all creation.

David Hersey

God the Redeemer Revealed (Revelation 5)
(Lesson 16)

Revelation 5 continues the awe-inspiring throne scene of chapter 4, revealing Jesus Christ as the Lamb who is worthy to open the sealed book. Under Roman persecution, Christians are comforted with a vivid reminder: God reigns supreme, and Christ alone holds the authority over history, redemption, and final judgment.

David Hersey

God, the Avenger of His Children (Revelation 6)
(Lesson 17)

Revelation 5 continues the awe-inspiring throne scene of chapter 4, revealing Jesus Christ as the Lamb who is worthy to open the sealed book. Under Roman persecution, Christians are comforted with a vivid reminder: God reigns supreme, and Christ alone holds the authority over history, redemption, and final judgment.

David Hersey

Who Will Be Able to Stand? (Revelation 7)
(Lesson 18)

God delays judgment until every soul that can be saved is saved. Revelation 7 offers a powerful picture of divine mercy, protection, and ultimate victory. In the face of persecution and wrath, the faithful are sealed, preserved, and gathered before God's throne—washed, victorious, and able to stand in the end.
 

David Hersey

The First Four Trumpets of Revelation (Revelation 8)
(Lesson 19)

The sounding of the first four trumpets in Revelation 8 signals the beginning of God’s retribution on Rome for persecuting His people. These trumpet judgments, filled with vivid imagery, call the empire to repentance. This chapter reminds us that God's justice is sure, purposeful, and ultimately seeks redemption over destruction.

David Hersey

The Fifth Trumpet  (Revelation 9:1-12)
(Lesson 20)

The fifth trumpet introduces a terrifying yet selective plague that targets only the unrighteous. Using symbolic locusts, this vision describes God's judgment upon the immoral Roman Empire. Faithful Christians are spared. This passage reveals how sin carries within it the seed of its own torment, and righteousness remains the safest refuge.

David Hersey

The Sixth Trumpet Announcement  (Revelation 9:13-21)
(Lesson 21)

The sixth trumpet unveils another wave of divine judgment—fierce military invasions symbolized by vast cavalry forces, especially from beyond the Euphrates. Rome’s enemies, including the Parthians, become tools in God's hand. Yet despite immense suffering, the unrepentant continue in idolatry and sin. The message: judgment intensifies when hearts harden against truth.

David Hersey

The Little Book and the Unutterable Thunders (Revelation 10)
(Lesson 22)

Between the sixth and seventh trumpets, John sees a mighty angel with a little open book and hears seven thunders. Though their message is sealed, John is told to eat the book—sweet yet bitter. This vision signals God's judgment is nearing completion and reminds believers that God's Word is both joyful and sobering.

David Hersey

The Seventh Trumpet Announcement (Revelation 11)
(Lesson 23)

Revelation 11 unveils the final trumpet in a vision of spiritual warfare between righteousness and evil. The faithful are measured, the church is persecuted, and God's witnesses testify through tribulation. Though the enemy appears to triumph, God's power prevails. The seventh trumpet sounds, declaring Christ’s eternal reign and judgment.

David Hersey

 The Conflict (Revelation 12)
(Lesson 24)

Revelation 12 introduces a powerful vision of a radiant woman, a great red dragon, and a male child caught up to God. This chapter unveils the spiritual war behind earthly trials, emphasizing Satan’s defeat, Christ’s triumph, and the church’s endurance through persecution by holding fast to the blood of the Lamb.

David Hersey

Revelation 13 (Identification of the First Beast)
(Lesson 25)

Understanding the first beast of Revelation 13 requires examining the context of first-century Christians and the symbolic language familiar to them. Rather than a future world power, this beast represents a present and persecuting empire—imperial Rome—personified in Emperor Domitian, empowered by Satan to wage war against the faithful.

David Hersey

Revelation 13 (Identification of the Second Beast)
(Lesson 26)

The second beast of Revelation 13 arises from the earth and supports the first, using deception and coercion to enforce emperor worship. Likely representing the Roman Concilia or Imperial Cult, it played a crucial role in persecuting Christians, revealing Satan’s multilayered strategy to destroy the faithful through political and religious powers.

David Hersey

Chapter 14 (The Victorious Lamb and the Redeemed ) Rev 14:1-6
(Lesson 27)

In the wake of fierce persecution and looming death, Revelation 14 opens with a vision of hope. Christ stands victorious on Mount Zion with the redeemed, sealed and faithful. This powerful imagery assured first-century Christians—and assures us today—that God's kingdom is unshakable and His faithful ones will overcome.

David Hersey

Revelation 14 (The Turning Point) Rev 14:6-13
(Lesson 28)

Revelation 14 marks a major shift—from warnings to promised judgment. God’s people are called to remain faithful amid persecution, as His wrath nears. Figurative language shields the message from Roman authorities but clearly reveals the fall of Rome and the eternal consequences of disobedience to Christ.

David Hersey

Revelation 14 (The Sickle and the Winepress) Rev 14:14-20
(Lesson 29)

This dramatic passage reveals God’s judgment using vivid harvest imagery. While some see dual judgments, the context suggests one decisive act of wrath against evil. Through symbolic language of sickles and the winepress, persecuted Christians are assured that God’s justice is certain, final, and terrifying for His enemies.

David Hersey

Chapter 15 (Comfort for the Saints)
(Lesson 30)

Revelation 15 provides a powerful image of comfort to persecuted Christians. God has heard the cries of the martyrs and is now ready to unleash His full wrath on their oppressors. This chapter reassures the faithful: God's justice is certain, His presence is active, and His victory is near.

David Hersey

In Revelation 16, God's final judgments are revealed through seven symbolic bowls of wrath. These dramatic visions assured persecuted Christians that divine justice would ultimately overthrow Imperial Rome. Behind the figurative language lies a powerful truth: God sees, God judges, and God will deliver His faithful ones in due time.

David Hersey

The Battle of Armageddon has long stirred speculation, but Revelation presents it as a spiritual conflict, not a literal war. Written to first-century Christians facing brutal persecution, John’s vision assured them—and us—that righteousness will prevail. By examining the original context, we uncover its true meaning and enduring application.

David Hersey

Revelation 17 reveals the identity and judgment of the great harlot who rides the beast—symbolic of Imperial Rome. Drunk with the blood of the saints and clothed in spiritual fornication, she represents the oppressive empire that enforced emperor worship. God promises her destruction, assuring victory to His faithful people.

David Hersey

Revelation 18 paints a vivid picture of Rome’s final downfall. Once the oppressive powerhouse of the ancient world, this “Babylon” falls under divine judgment for its immorality, idolatry, and persecution of Christians. The chapter assures believers that God sees, remembers, and will repay—completely and righteously—in His time.

David Hersey

Revelation 19 reveals heaven’s triumphant celebration over the fall of Rome and introduces the righteous warrior—Jesus Christ—who executes final judgment. The faithful rejoice as the true King, not Domitian or any emperor, is revealed. God’s justice is affirmed, His bride is prepared, and His enemies are eternally defeated.

David Hersey

Revelation 20 presents the ultimate defeat of Satan, the mastermind behind Rome’s brutal persecution of Christians. While the beast and false prophet are already judged, Satan’s judgment is final and eternal. This chapter has been misused to teach Premillennialism, but its true message is one of victory, justice, and eternal hope.

David Hersey

Revelation 21 reveals the Christian’s ultimate reward—heaven, the eternal home of the soul. After visions of persecution, judgment, and the fall of evil powers, we are shown a glorious city where God dwells with His people. No more death, sorrow, or pain—only everlasting peace, light, and joy for the faithful.

David Hersey

Revelation 22 concludes John's vision of Heaven—a place of life, healing, and unbroken fellowship with God. The curse is gone, the water of life flows freely, and the invitation to come is extended to all. It is a fitting end to the Revelation: a final call, a lasting promise, and eternal hope.

David Hersey

The date of the book of Revelation is a crucial key to properly understanding its meaning. Some believe it was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, while others place it later. This study presents compelling scriptural and historical evidence supporting a date during Emperor Vespasian’s reign, after AD 70.

David Hersey