Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. The last book in the bible, the book of revelation, has the same message. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible society. Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john 1. Introduction to the niv study bible go to revelation. The historical background method the historical background method recognizes the dire circumstances of first century readers. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. The revelation of jesus christ webberville church of christ. As its name indicates, the book of revelation reveals things that otherwise would remain unknown. The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce you. Revelation 1 background information with maps and images.
Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. Without a thorough understanding of the rest of scripture most of revelation will. Background information on the book of revelation the book of revelation, often called the book of revelations, revelation to john, the. Aug 10, 2015 the word church is used 19 times in the first 3 chapters of the book of revelation. Jesus christ is the divine author of this revelation 1. The roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel 1. You and your family are a blessing beyond description to us and so many others. Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries.
These things were to take place from johns day to and including. What are some distinctive characteristics of apocalyptic literature. Futurists place the book primarily in the end times. Returning the book of revelation to its historical context st. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Christians throughout history have given almost unanimous affirmation to the identity of the books author as john the apostle, who had been exiled to the island of patmos by the authorities for preaching the gospel in asia. However, there is clearly a message for christians of every age. Revelation begins with john, the last surviving apostle and an old man, in exile on the small, barren island of patmos, located in the aegean sea southwest of ephesus. The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal or unveil that which has previously been hidden. This reading plan will introduce you to the background and primary message of the book of revelation. Explains how revelation s context and setting can help us understand its original meaning and apply its message to our own lives in the modern world.
Returning the book of revelation to its historical context. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. Revelation 22 background information with maps and images. This definition though is somewhat unsubstantiated. 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. The revelation originated in god and came from the risen christ to the writer john, who then passed it on to a group of churches in the. The author names himself as john in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate. Covenant book namely the book of deuteronomywas presented u, a newly enthroned israelite kmg cf. They have their understanding of the book of revelation obscured by their lack of understanding about history, biblical language, and even modern opinions. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible.
But god designed this book for a very different purpose. Introduction from the notes on the introductory matters, i concluded that the apostle john wrote revelation from the island of patmos at the end of domitians reign. The revelation unveiling of from jesus christ, which god gave to him to show unto his servants things events which must quickly come to pass 1. Background information revelation part two bibleview. The importance of understanding, interpreting, applying, and then communicating the contents of the book of revelation. Patmos is a rocky and barren place, virtually devoid of trees. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. 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. To jerry and sherry roberts thank you for your faithful friendship and love for our lord and my family. Similarly, the student of revelation will read that apocalyptic has to do with symbolic prophetic language regarding the end of the world. So here is the historical background to the book of the revelation, especially chapters and 17. 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.
The background to the book of revelation biblical thinking with. Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy with an epistolary introduction addressed to seven churches in the roman province of. 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 author identifies himself as john, your brother who share with you in jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called patmos because of the word of god and the testimony of jesus. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate3. The book of revelation was written sometime around. Returning the book of revelation to its historical context by joey cobble. The book of revelationhistory and prophecy united church of god. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church purpose.
Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Revelation to john, also called book of revelation or apocalypse of john, last book of the new testament. And the book of revelation contains many of the characteristics common to this genre. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. The book was written for people in johns day with principles applicable to the end of time. The apocalyptic language of the book has caused people to expect literal beasts, horses, etc. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. It should be the last book of the bible that anyone seeks to become an expert on. Aug 02, 2001 many people view revelation, sometimes called the apocalypse, as a mysterious book of strange symbols and images. It is a revelation that was received by the apostle john while he was in romanimposed exile on the island of patmos in the eastern mediterranean around 90 a. Background material into thy word ministries this article also serves as the introduction to our bible study in the book of revelation. 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. In raymond browns an introduction to new testament, he begins his section on revelation with the following comments. We conclude the series with a look at archaeological and historical evidence relating to the last book of the bible, revelation.
A brief overview of the book of revelation the rise and. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant. Oct 21, 2016 you will love this video it will help you understand better itt is very good and a little long i encourage all of you to watch this kick back and relax. An expository journey through the book of revelation. The book of revelation was likely written between a. The prophet joseph smith described this focus of the book of revelation. But winston churchill was certain of eventual victory. The book of revelation, or the apocalypse as it is also called, is the last book of the bible. John, the apostle who wrote three epistles and a gospel account. Many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor. The commentary section includes running commentary on the bible text with reference to several modern versions, espe.
The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage. Scholars use this fact to support the pretribulationist view that christians are indeed exempt from any tribulation because the word is not used. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. The book of revelation presents itself as a prophetic, pastoral message that the church has come to recognize as an inspired word of god. Yet it has a clear and definite historical background. This book is written as an aid for pastors who want to preach through the book of revelation it might make a good gift for your pastor or your church library. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate 3. Understanding the book of revelation 3 understanding the book of revelation he book of revelation is placed last in the bible for good reason. The introduction proper revelation title of the book our bibles carry the title of the book as the revelation of john, or the revelation to john which means it is a revelation given to the apostle john, but the proper name is found in the first words of 1. This book is filled with mysteries about things to come. Ben witherington iii the book of revelation is a piece of apocalyptic prophecy, not just any kind of prophecy, but apocalyptic prophecy, which is to say, visionary prophecy.
Revelation and the background of the book of revelation. Revelation greek apokalupsis means an uncovering, an unveiling, or a disclosure. This is part one of a two part study as a prelude into the book of revelation. The two periods most often mentioned are the latter part of neros reign a.
The author of revelation mentioned his name, john, four times throughout the book revelation 1. The book itself reveals that the author was a jew, well versed in scripture, a church leader who was well. The book of revelation this reading plan will introduce. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from patmos to the end of history.
Revelation intro to revelation biblica the international bible. Have basic information about the historical background for the book, and. White is professor of classics and christian origins at the university of texas at austin, and acted as historical consultant for apocalypse. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john1 b. The early church faced persecution from the powerful roman empire. Revelation was written when christians were entering a time of persecution. Many people view revelation, sometimes called the apocalypse, as a mysterious book of strange symbols and images. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. 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. The book of revelation begins with seven letters to seven churches in seven cities in the roman province of asia. It is essential we understand the events that are to come and not bow to false teachings or sensationalism, and the best way to do that is see what our lord jesus christ taught on the matter. Most modern interpreters believe that revelation was written sometime during the reign of the roman emperor domitian 8196 ce. The book ends with confirmations of authenticity by god, christ and john.
The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. The language of the book of revelation is regarded as apocalyptic. The revelation of jesus christ was given to john by god to show his servants what must soon take place. Like daniel and other apocalypses, it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis. Anyone who studies the book of revelation will soon come across the term apocalyptic. 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. It is the final warning that the world will surely end and judgment will be. In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. The rise and fall of the antichrist appendix four a brief overview of the book of revelation. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1.
The condition of each church and specific facts about each city are reflected in the content of each letter. The book of revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the new testament canon. Revelation is about a great titanic struggle between forces of satan and the people of god. And when john wrote the book of revelation, his readers needed this new perspective too. Picture study bible revelation bible history online. This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. 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.
What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. Have you ever wondered what the book of revelation is all about. However, johnsons book also serves as an excellent commentary and devotional book. Written on the island of patmos about ad96 revelation 1. Since domitian was assassinated in ad 96, we can date the book roughly at ad 95. In this work will try to investigate why is so important the book of revelation and the background, which was the motivation for st. The background to the book of revelation biblical thinking. This outline is based primarily on the historical background interpretation with the belief that revelation was written during the reign of the roman emperor domitian, a. Minus the nonsense and feeble theories we theologians not to mention the. This paper was originally published on and was the best scholarship on the subject. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka.
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