Revelation - Introduction

Introduction

Author

THE TRADITIONAL VIEW IS THAT the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, wrote the book of Revelation. This position has been challenged by critical scholars; nevertheless, it is still the most defensible view. The writer identifies himself as “John” (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8)—presumably a well-known John among first-century Christians. The many allusions to the Old Testament found in the book, as well as the style of writing, suggest the author was a Jewish Christian from Palestine. According to early church tradition, the apostle John ministered from about AD 70–100 in Asia Minor—the location of the “seven churches in Asia” (1:4, 11; 2:1–3:22). Thus, these believers would have been well acquainted with him. Furthermore, all of the earliest Christian writers attributed the book to John the apostle.

Historical Background

John addressed Revelation to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey): the church in Ephesus, in Smyrna, in Pergamum, in Thyatira, in Sardis, in Philadelphia, and the one in Laodicea (1:4, 11). Conservative evangelical scholars have suggested various dates for the time of this writing. Some believe that the persecution experienced by these churches reflects the reign of Nero in the late-60s. But the majority favor a date in the mid-90s, during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian who ruled from AD 81–96. Early church tradition attests that local persecution of Christians took place under Domitian and that John was exiled to the island of Patmos (1:9) during his reign. These early Christian writers support a mid-90s date for the writing of Revelation. Thus, the aged apostle wrote what Jesus Christ revealed to him while he endured exile for his faithful preaching ministry.

Message and Purpose

The book of Revelation is specifically designed to explain what happens before, during, and after the return of Jesus Christ. It can be summarized in one phrase: “Things to come.” It explains what God’s prophetic kingdom program is and how it works and offers the most comprehensive detail in all of Scripture.

This book has two goals: to encourage Christians to live righteous and holy lives in light of the prophetic timetable that is to come and to challenge unbelievers about the judgment ahead if they reject Christ.

The apostle John begins by telling the church how it ought to live. He tells each church the special reward believers will receive for living holy lives that are pleasing to the Lord. Then he enters into an extensive description of the tribulation that fulfills many Old Testament prophecies, as well as Jesus’s Olivet discourse. This section also describes God’s dealings with Israel after the church has been raptured and the times of the Gentiles have ended. This leads to Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth, followed by the judgment of unbelievers and the transition into the new heaven and new earth—the eternal state in which believers will be with the Lord forever.

VIDEO INTRO

Outline

1. Prologue and John’s Vision of Jesus (1:1-20)
2. Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1–3:22)
   1. Letter to the Church in Ephesus (2:1-7)
   2. Letter to the Church in Smyrna (2:8-11)
   3. Letter to the Church in Pergamum (2:12-17)
   4. Letter to the Church in Thyatira (2:18-29)
   5. Letter to the Church in Sardis (3:1-6)
   6. Letter to the Church in Philadelphia (3:7-13)
   7. Letter to the Church in Laodicea (3:14-22)
3. The Throne Room of Heaven (4:1–5:14)
4. The Seven Seals (6:1–8:1)
5. The Seven Trumpets (8:2–11:19)
6. The Woman, the Dragon, the Beast, and the Lamb (12:1–15:8)
7. The Seven Bowls (16:1-21)
8. The Fall of Babylon (17:1–19:21)
9. The Millennium and the Final Judgment (20:1-15)
10. The New Creation and the New Jerusalem (21:1-27)
11. The Source of Life and Conclusion (22:1-21)