Introduction to Revelation
Lesson 1
Introduction:
The Book of Revelation has often been neglected
because many think it is too difficult to understand. No doubt this
book has been abused and misused to promote several unscriptural
beliefs. Yet there is a blessing pronounced on all those who read,
hear, and keep the words of it. (Revelation
1:3)
So it is certainly worth all our efforts in studying its pages.
Body:
I. Background
A.
Title:
Revelation – to uncover,
reveal
The Greek word is “Apocalypse.”
B.
Author: John (Revelation
1:1)
Both the internal evidence and
external evidence point to the apostle John
who also wrote the
Gospel of John and I John, II John, and III
John.
C.
Recipients: Specifically to the churches located in the
provinces of
Asia (modern Turkey). These seven
congregations were located in
an area where Roman Emperor worship was very
strong.
D.
Time of Writing: Most of the evidence points to around 96
A.D.
II. Purpose of Writing
·
Christians were undergoing terrible persecution
because of their faith. (Revelation
2:10)
Some were being martyred. (Revelation
16:5-6)
·
This book was written to comfort them and give them
hope. (Revelation
17:14)
They were encouraged to be steadfast.
·
The purpose and meaning of this book can only be
ascertained if we “look through first-century glasses.” W. B. West
III. How to Study
·
Revelation is a book of symbols. (Revelation
1:1)
Therefore, it is filled with figurative language. It is imperative
to keep the context in mind when interpreting figurative language.
The Bible is its own best interpreter.
·
There are at least four different views or
interpretations of Revelation:
1.
The Futurist View
This
view believes that most of the book is unfulfilled and refers
primarily to the end of time. Futurists believe Christ will return
to earth for a thousand year reign from Jerusalem. They also
believe in the “rapture,” the “tribulation” and a literal battle of
Armageddon. This view disregards two very important points. First,
John wrote in
Revelation
1:1-3
that these “things would shortly begin to take place” and “the time
is at hand.” Second, this interpretation takes meaning away from
the original recipients. They would not be encouraged or comforted
by this view.
2.
The Preteritist View
This interpretation basically says most all of the book was
fulfilled by 70 A.D. Many of the symbols and signs, they believe,
are applied to the fall of Judaism and the destruction of
Jerusalem. For this view to be true, the book had to by written
before 70 A.D.; but the majority of the evidence dates the book near
the end of the first century.
3.
The Historical View
This view says the book is like a timeline of history that refers to
the rise and fall of nations and empires as well as different
religious movements. This view would also not be very comforting to
first-century Christians.
4.
The Contextual (Historical First Century) View This view asks the
question – “What did this book mean to those in the first century?”
Revelation deals with the trials and sufferings faced by these seven
churches. It also encourages them to “be faithful until death” and
victory will be theirs.
Bobby Stafford
