revelation study notes

The Apocalypse of Johnnotes

Ground Rules for the Study:1. Mutual respect: We may not all agree but we must respect one

another.2. Open mind: Always be open to a new idea, look at the facts, and

evaluate its truth from those facts.3. Wanting to learn: Please read assigned passages prior to class.4. Ask Questions: There are no stupid questions, and if I do not know the

answer, I will do my best to find it for you by next week.Basic Outline of the Course:a. We will begin by looking at the interpretive framework for the book of

Revelation and deal with basic conceptual issues.b. Then we will go through the book and attempt to see the message of

Revelation through the eyes of the original audience.c. Finally, we will provide a conclusion summary and challenge based on

the over all message of Revelation.Guidelines for Interpretation:• When we look at Paul’s letters, we recognize that Paul did not write

them to us he wrote them to the churches he worked with. We also recognize that the content of the letter was influenced by problems and situations that the church was dealing with at that time.

• When we look at the gospels, we know that they were written with certain audiences and issues in mind.

• Yet for some reason, when we approach the book of Revelation, people simply make the assumption that it was written to us about our generation.

• I contend that we need to approach the Apocalypse of John like we would any other book in the bible.

• Understand the time and concerns surrounding when it was written.

• Look at the type of literature it is and determine how that impacts the meaning of what is said.

Introduction Part 1 of 2

Additional Reading:Lowery, Robert A. Revelation’s Rhapsody: Listening to the Lyrics of the Lamb. Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Company, 2006

Therefore, as with the other books of the bible, we will begin by gaining a basic understanding of important details surrounding the writing of the book of revelation in order to better understand the message, and ultimately the challenge of the book of Revelation.Significance of the Name:The name of the book itself (Revelation or Apocalypse) means revealing or unveiling. This title is taken from verse 1 of chapter 1 where John notes that this is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” Thus the contents of this book of the bible are things formerly hidden which are revealed or uncovered and shown to the church by Christ.• This name becomes significant because it helps the reader to identify the purpose of the book.• It is meant to reveal something, not to be a predictive guide to the end of the world.• The only reason it is called Apocalypse is because of a transliteration (making english sound like greek) and the greek is Apokalupsis. It is not

necessarily dealing with many of the crazy scenarios we typically imagine when we think of Armageddon. • We need to keep this helpful note in mind when we are approaching the book of Revelation in this study.Author:As we continue to build a framework for understanding the book of Revelation, it is important to consider the Author of the book. This is important because it establishes the credibility of the book, a basic timeframe for its writing, a cultural understanding of potential themes found within the book, and a way to decode the message of the book with greater accuracy than could be found without this information.• The Apostle John

• Traditionally, the book has been credited to the Apostle John. This young disciple lived to be the oldest and last remaining Apostle who had seen Christ and traveled with him while he taught. He would have been one of the only Apostles to have lived during the reign of Domitian, and therefore, if tradition is true, and John wrote this later in life, the events which surrounded Domitian’s reign become significant.

• Other Options• Others have suggested that this John could have been an evangelist named John who was not the Apostle. Some have even suggested that this

book was taken from the teachings of John the Baptist and recorded by his followers. There is no evidence to support any of these claims outside of pure speculation.

• Besides, certain literary qualities of the book lend it to being penned by the same person who wrote the Gospel of John, and the Epistles of John. Thus it seems clear that the writer would be John the Apostle.

• Important things to know about the Apostle John:• He is very black and white

• When you read John’s gospel, or letters, or revelation we begin to notice this right off the bat. He uses contrasts like: light and dark, life and death, wicked and righteous, disciples and the world, those who love God and those who hate God. There is no middle ground in his mind. If you do not love God, then you hate him. If you are not light then you are darkness. If you are not a disciple, then you are of the world. John’s way of thinking leaves no room for a grey area or middle ground. There are no moderates. You are either an active disciple of Christ, or you are associated with the devil.

• He is Jewish• He is very familiar with the OT and with Jewish imagery. Therefore, we’ll notice that many of the images and scenes that John paints are more

familiar to a student of the Old Testament than they are to the most avid modern reader.Audience:• This is one of the greatest keys to understanding the book of Revelation. Who was the letter originally written to? Many would suggest that John wrote

for the benefit of the “end times” people. I would have to disagree. Revelation is written specifically to the churches which are mentioned in the first three chapters of the letter. Revelation 1:4 and 11. All of these churches are under the control of the Roman Empire, and reside in a circular course in Asia Minor (Present day Turkey).

• Notice that this does not mean that the letter does not hold value for us, but it does mean that we are looking in on a conversation that was not directly intended for our consumption. I believe that Revelation’s message is still applicable to us, but not by holding a newspaper in one hand and a bible in another, but by understanding how these people were affected by the message.

Αποκαλυψις Ιησου ΧπιστουThe Apocalypse of John: Introduction


Historical and Cultural Setting:For this bible study, we will be operating under the assumption that John wrote this “letter” to the churches in Asia Minor during the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). This places the letter after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans.• Christians had been suffering persecution from two areas:

• Jewish People: Beginning with the stoning of Stephen, Jewish people have held a certain feeling of hostility and though prohibited by the Romans from killing, they did imprison Christians, take property from them, kick them out of the Synagogues, and run them out of town.

• Romans: Though Christianity suffered localized outbreaks of persecution under Nero, true Empire wide persecution did not break out until the reign of Domitian.

• Rome’s problems with Christianity:• Atheism: Christians were considered Atheists because they

worshiped only one God. In addition, Christians did not have any holy place, or idol. Therefore Christians were viewed as Atheists.

• The problem Rome had with this is that they saw Rome’s success as a gift from the gods, so they also saw Christianity as a threat to the stability of the empire.

• New Religion: Rome saw new religious movements as being subversive, and so they persecuted Christianity because of the threat they saw them to be.

• Cannibalism: Christians were seen as being cannibals because of a misunderstanding about the Lord’s Supper.

• Sexually Immoral: This stems from a misunderstanding of the closed love feasts, and identifying one another as brother and sister.

• Rome also responded to the fact that they treated Jesus as their Lord and King instead of honoring Caesar as their emperor.

(Continued on the next page)

Introduction Part 2 of 2


• Emperor Worship, the makings for a volatile situation:• Romans had begun around the time of Augustus Caesar to venerate the deceased Caesar as a god. Accordingly, some cities began to build

temples and shrines to Caesar and the religious movement called the Imperial Cult became mainstream.• Domitian is a special case, because he is the first emperor that insisted on being worshiped as a deity and called “Lord and God” before he died.• With his attitude and the growing trends in Roman culture, the Imperial cult which worshiped Caesar as God, and emphasized loyalty and support

for the Roman government, began to grow greatly.• In order to avoid punishment (persecution) you had to worship the Emperor by throwing incense on an alter to him, for many in the empire this is not

a big deal, but to Christians, this is a form of idolatry. • In addition, to belong to one of the many trade guilds, or civic societies it was a necessity to take part in the Imperial Cult worship.

• This would mean that in order to buy and and sell goods as part of the guild you would have to participate in worshiping the Emperor.• Some theorize that the popular “mark of the beast” is identified with participating in Emperor worship to be able to buy and sell goods.

• Jerusalem has been destroyed.• In AD 70 the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.• This results in a dispersion of the Jews.• This also means that Jerusalem is no longer one of the central focuses of the church.

Type of Literature• Apocalyptic Literature:

• The book of Revelation is considered to be part of this literary genre.• Though it is unique among the New Testament books, it is not unique to the Jewish cultural tradition. (Even in the bible, books like Daniel, Ezekiel,

and Zechariah share Apocalyptic traits, but none of them are as developed as Revelation.) The Jewish culture, especially surrounding the period of time of the intertestamental period and time of Christ was steeped in Apocalyptic literature. It was something that they would be very familiar with and would understand without much difficulty.

• Some of the characteristics of Apocalyptic literature include the following:• Otherworldly beings communicating a message (revelation) to humans.• Awareness of the supernatural and natural worlds.• View of the end of the universe.• God’s people completely delivered from evil.• Dealt with giving comfort to God’s people.• They also use deep symbolism and imagery as a type of hyper metaphor to describe people, places, and events.

• Prophetic Literature:• Revelation is also considered a Prophetic book.• Many people look at prophesies as being something that deals exclusively with future events.• There are however examples of prophesies in the old and new testament that break the typically viewed mold as to what they speak about.

• Some prophesies speak as God talking about past events looking at them from God’s perspective.• Some prophesies speak as God interpreting and revealing current events from the true point of view.• Others deal with prophesies for the near future. Events that will soon take place• Finally, sometimes God uses the prophetic word to reveal things in the distant future.

• When we look at how God typically delivers prophetic words, many of them deal with God forth-telling the present instead of foretelling the future. The difference is that God is revealing the true situation in the present instead of what is coming in the future.

• Typically we place Revelation in the category of future fulfillment in the distant future. What if (since John wrote it, and the recipients were 7 churches in the area of Asia minor during the reign of Domitian) it was written concerning events that were happening during that time period. What if people who were reading John’s Apocalypse read his words and saw what was going on around them and made the connection.

• We will pursue the study from this perspective. Not that everything in Revelation has already happened, but that those reading it would understand.



John’s Introduction to the revelation:As we begin to look at the contents of the Apocalypse of John, lets remember to keep our eyes open for aspects of his writing that deal with stark contrasts between light and darkness, and lets look for allusions to the Old Testament.• v1. Most of this first verse seems very self-explanatory, but lets notice

some things which we might quickly pass over by accident.• In verse 1 notice that this revelation is to show the things which

must soon take place.• This might hint toward a more immediate connection with the first

century than many suspect.• v2. Verse two seems to highlight the face that the author bore witness

to the WORD of God, and testified about Jesus to all whom he met. This would lead us to expect a Apostle to be the Author.

• v3. Along with the opening of the book we see a blessing pronounced on the ones who hear this message and keep it. Why do you expect this is true?

• v4. John introduces himself as the author and identifies his audience.• Afterword he continues with what would be a traditional salutation

in a greco-roman letter. This seems to mimic the greetings of Paul with the exception of the imagery he uses.

• v5-6. The traditional opening continues, now well-wishes are also coming from the Son, not only the father. And then spilling over into the next verse we see a blessing spoken over God for what he has already accomplished.

• What is significant about what Christ says God has made us into?• v7-8. This is reminiscent of Daniel 7 and is likely trying to evoke similar

feelings about this appearance of Jesus that those who read about the son of man in Daniel would have experienced.

• Also, in verse 8, the all powerful, incomprehensible power of God is demonstrated through how he is described.

• They draw upon Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 41:4;

Revelation Ch. 1


• If you put yourself in the position of the recipients of this letter (remember the first week) how would you feel already?The Vision Begins:• v9-11. Here we see the beginning of John’s vision. Notice the similarities between this, and the way that God appears to Ezekiel.

• Both are approached by God during a time of Exile.• Both are approached in similar ways.• Both carry messages of hope to a persecuted people group.• This would evoke strong imagery of a people temporary under exile who were expecting the deliverance of God.

• v12. Lamp-stands were used in Jewish worship before the Holiest of Holies. They were in the temple of God and acted as part of the worship of God.• v13-15. This image is the centerpiece of the vision that John has. This is the resurrected Christ appearing to deliver a message to John.

• Notice that there is a ton of symbolism here that is worth investigating.• Here, the way the Son of Man is described as being dressed is reminiscent of Isaiah 22:21-22 where one who is promised to deliver God’s people is

talked about.• Also notice the linkage to Ezekiel 1:1ff and 8:2. Here we see images that are very similar to the ones in Revelation. That means that John may be

purposefully trying to link our imaginations and feelings back to the way those people would have felt. God appearing during a time of persecution with the promise of deliverance.

• There is once again, a great deal of parallelism with Daniel 7 and 10 here. It is in the account of Daniel that we see many of the similarities with the Revelation account, more-so than with Ezekiel or Isaiah.

• Also, there seems to be similarities between this section of Revelation and Zechariah 4. I am not going to push as hard with that one.• v16. There are some parallels in the imagery here with Isaiah 11 and the coming of the righteous branch, the king of Israel.

• It is also a euphemistic way of speaking about the kind of authority which makes even the tongue of the speaker into a weapon.• v17-18. Jesus comforts John with the truth about his identity. Jesus is the one who has died and is now alive forever more. Beyond that, he is the one

who holds the keys to death and hades.• What would this evoke in a person who was undergoing persecution and possibly facing death?

• v19-20. John is commanded to write the things which he has just witnessed, and write the things which are about to happen in his vision.• This is an indication to John to write about things he has already seen, and about things that he will see, it is not meant to be an indicator of the

chronological scale of these events.• Jesus reveals some of the symbolism here. The seven stars are the angels to the seven churches (messengers to the seven churches, possibly

messages to the seven churches) and the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches.

What we have seen and heard thus far...So far, there is no indication that Jesus is talking about some kind of distant future event. He seems to be addressing John and those who are contemporary with John. Also, as we are beginning to see, much of what John writes about is allusion to the Old Testament, not the 21st century. This drives us to ask the question, “What would have been significant or stood out to someone of John’s time who was reading this introduction to John’s Apocalypse?”Thus far, most of the allusions go back to Daniel, and Ezekiel. Interestingly enough these two men both prophesied during Exile, were both given messages of condemnation and hope. And both looked forward to God’s ultimate victory over evil. God is described similarly, and vivid imagery is also greatly employed.If you were living through Domitian’s persecution along side of John and his contemporaries (i.e. the seven churches) what would this have meant to you? What would have been significant in your opinion? What feelings would have been evoked for you as you read through this section of text?Has John already started to tip his hat as to what the central point of the book of Revelation is?

Hope in the midst of persecution. Ultimately God wins, and with him, WE WIN.



Reoccurring Language in the Letters to the Churches• To the angel at the church of __________ write...

• It is in these sections we see John writing to the churches. This is merely a poetic way of saying: “Dear _______,”

• Also notice that at the beginning of every letter to a church, Christ describes himself differently. Does the way he describe himself fit the message to the church, or are they separate?

• Keep in mind the rewards promised to the churches. Do they somehow relate to the message to the church?

• What could all of these similarities mean?• Also notice the 2 ways Christ knowledge is taken. Comfort and Rebuke.To the Angel of the Church at Ephesus• v1. We begin with this description of Christ

• The first thing he says to describe Jesus is that which has already been said. This is in reference to Jesus authority over the churches.

• v2-3. The good aspects of the Ephesians mentioned.• Perseverance... Christians began to suffer persecution from Jews

and Greeks early on in Ephesus. See Acts 19ish.• It is a flourishing Church, troubled by false teachers, but it has

forgotten something.• v4. They have forsaken their first love. They have lost a sense of

passion. They have become mechanical instead of passionate like they were at first.

• v5. Call to repent, or the lampstand will be removed. What does this mean?

• v6. Who were the Nicolatians?• v7. The promise to the one that overcomes: To eat of the tree of life in

the paradise of God.• This is likely contrasting the sacred date-palm of Artemis of the

Ephesians.• It is a promise for the church that they will be in the new earth with

God. IF THEY OVERCOME...

Revelation Ch. 2-3 Part 1.


To the Angel of the Church at Smyrna• Notice how Jesus describes himself...

• The first and the last, who was dead and has come to life. This is interesting since it is being written to a city where Christianity is undergoing persecution. In this city, they underwent persecution (as with the rest of the Roman world) under Domitian, and also suffered from the Jews.

• They are told that they are going to undergo a time of trial and persecution. They are called to hold strong, even until the point of death.• What is the reward promised to them? The crown of life, and the one who overcomes (the victor, the one who holds strong) will not be hurt by the

second death.• What is the second death? Eternal death in hell.To the Angel of the Church at Pergamum• Jesus introduces himself as the one who has the sharp, two edged sword. Why do you think he does this? What kind of image/emotions would this

bring to the mind of the reader?• What does it mean that they live where Satan’s throne is?

• It is specifically referencing the fact that Pergamum is the site where Domitian made Emperor Worship and the Imperial Cult a necessary part of Roman citizenship. And it is likely that the man mentioned was killed for refusing to worship Domitian as a god.

• Holding to the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolatians.• Nicolatians taught that it was acceptable for Christians to take part in some of the social and religious activities of the Roman society. Thus it is a

compromise between Christianity and paganism. This would likely include ritual prostitution and the like... Why would this be advantageous in their time?

• Compare w/ Balaam Num. 22• He taught the Moabites that the way to conquer Israel was not force, but with women and the like to get them to forsake their God.

• Repent of these things, because Jesus is coming to make war against them (Rome? Nicolatians? The Church? or Those who are turning away?)• Those who overcome will receive hidden manna, and a stone with a new name written upon it. (Is. 62:2 God giving a new name) The basic idea is God’s

acceptance of that person, and rewarding him.To the Angel of the Church at Thyatira• The description of Christ is fitting for this city which was well known for its ability to work fine brass. • They are a church who continue to grow in the doing of deeds, yet Jesus has this something against them.• They follow Jezebel

• This is likely to be a euphemistic name for a woman who had come into their fellowship claiming to be a prophetess.• She seems to have led them into a similar compromise to that of the Nicolatians.• Sexual immorality (though only immorality is listed) and eating food sacrificed to idols are the two chief things listed. • This was likely as a mixing of pagan culture and Christianity either to make it more acceptable, or because of social pressures.

• God’s punishment will fall on this false prophetess, and all those who are following her.• She will be struck with sickness, and all those who have committed error with her (adultery: this could be in the true sense, or a figurative sense)• Her children (more likely talking about followers, not actual biological offspring) will also be destroyed.• This is a warning to all the churches that Jesus knows their deeds and will pay each church and individual accordingly.

• Notice the rewards here• Authority will be given to them, along with the morning star...• What this means... well, I am not sure yet...• But it is in some way significant.

Αποκαλυψις Ιησου ΧπιστουThe Apocalypse of John: Ch 2-3


Setting the Scene for John’s Vision• v1. This is the beginning of John’s section of visions.

• Typically, when the book is studied, people treat this section of text differently than that which has come before it.

• It is important for us to treat this section of text in much the same manner as we have the introduction and the letters to the churches.

• John is getting a glimpse of the things that will happen “after these things.” Some have interpreted this to mean that the first section had to do with the 7 churches, but the rest is about how the end of the world will unravel. I think that this is an unnecessary conclusion.

• Note that John is called “up” into heaven. Is heaven up, or is it something else? I firmly believe that this is just symbolic imagery and the true throne room of God, heaven, exists on some other level of existence, not simply up.

• John is being shown what must take place “after these things.” Notice that the passage starts with the same grammatical arrangement, leading us to believe this is not a prophesy of the future, but a transition.

• v2. John, “in the Spirit,” is then taken into heaven, he sees:• A throne: Note who is sitting on the throne. What does this mean to

you if you are experiencing persecution?• Who is God contrasting himself with? Caesar?

• v3. Notice how God is characterized.• Exodus 24:10ish• Ezekiel 1• Daniel 7:9• Rainbow there, what possible OT connection do we see here?

• v4. 24 Elders?• Isaiah 24:23•

Revelation Ch. 4


• I’ve heard different things, representative of the Jewish 12 and the Christian 12. Representative of the chosen people of God under both old and new covenants. This is not to imply that God still favors the Jews, or that they will be saved (as in the Left Behind Series mentality). Discuss some aspects of the relationships with the Jews (if you are reading this and i skip over it remind me.).

• v5-6. Look at all of this imagery that is straight out of Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1ff, and Daniel 7. Seriously, John is trying to link to these Old Testament images of God delivering his people in the midst of their persecution and captivity.

• What do you think this means to a person living under Domitian’s reign.• Also note the 4 living creatures. We see these guys popping up quite a few times in the OT imagery associated with God. They are seraphim and

cherubim type creatures that are almost always associated with the throne of God.• v6-8. Let’s notice some things about these creatures...

• They are full of eyes both in front and in back. Does this mean they are literally covered in eyes? Or does this simply talk about their ability to notice a good number of things, and let nothing escape their attention? We’ll discuss why this is significant later.

• Three creatures:• face like a lion• face like a calf• face like a man• face like a flying eagle

• Each one has six wings...• They do not cease to praise God.• Their entire purpose is to admire God and glorify him forever... That is why they are always in his presence, admiring their creator. I believe that many

of the aspects we see here defining them do not have a particular meaning other than to draw upon the imagery that is already in their minds about these creatures in the book of Ezekiel.

• Day and night these creatures declare this about God:• Holy Holy Holy

• In this culture, they lacked punctuation, so in order to emphasize something in particular, they would repeat it. So these creatures are crying out HOLY! is the Lord God.

• What do you think about this statement of God’s Holiness?• The Almighty. He is over all, there is no one other than him.

• He is the all powerful, ruler over all.• He is the ever present being. The one who was and is and is to come.

• This is a very important statement of God’s quality of eternality.• He has no beginning outside of himself• He has no end.• He simply IS.

• v9-11. Everyone worships the Lord. He alone is worthy of honor. He is set in contrast with Caesar and shown to be superior to him.• Notice verse 11.

• Why is God considered worthy?

Αποκαλυψις Ιησου ΧπιστουThe Apocalypse of John: Ch 4


Dealing with the imagery of the 7 seals:• We left off last week in the throne room of God. Admiring along with the

4 creatures surrounding his power and holiness. We see this image of God sitting on the throne, ruling over all of the world, overflowing with his incomprehensible power. He alone rules the world, and all in it, not Caesar.

• Revelation 5: Defining the scroll/book and its meaning• John sees a book written on the inside and even on the back in the

right hand of God sealed up with seven seals.• Our temptation is to ascribe meaning to this book right

away, but let’s wait a little bit.• John hears a mighty angel calling out: “Who is worthy to open the

scroll?”• No one in heaven, earth, or under the earth was worthy to

open it or even look into it.• John then began to weep because no one was able to open

the book. Why? Why is John weeping because no one was opening the book?

• Helpful OT references so we can understand how the scroll is being used in Revelation.

• Daniel 12:4ff• Ezekiel 2:9-10; 3• In these passages, there seems to be a great deal of

reference to the concept of punishment or judgment associated with the scroll/book.

• What if the scroll of God represents the idea of God’s judgment on the wicked who are persecuting and killing God’s people.

• This could mean (in the immediate situation) punishment on Rome, especially Domitian for his glorification of himself and persecution of God’s people.

• In a greater degree, this could point to any persecution involving Christians, and point to God’s ultimate justice.

Revelation Ch. 5-8:1


• Verses 4-8 God’s people are sealed...• Is this meant to be in reference to actual Israel, or has John

used this as a way of referring to the Church, and people of the church...

• Did he purposefully disguise this letter to avoid it being confiscated as Christian when it was sent?

• verses 9-17• This is just a beautiful description of those ones who were

crying out from the alter for justice. They who were killed in the great persecution (under Domitian?)

• They are all together and praising God along with the rest of the creation, the 4 creatures, and the elders.

• They have gotten their reward and are in the presence of the Almighty God and the Lamb.

• Their reward is that they will never face the hardship that they faced in the persecution, or in life. They are now apart from all of that.

• Chapter 8... Foreboding silence...• v1. The seventh seal is broken. There is only silence.• The book is now able to be opened. The book filled with the

Judgments of God upon his enemies.• Everything reacts with a silent gasp...• The Lamb has opened the book....

• Let’s move on to v.5-6• In verse 5 we hear one of the “elders” which surround the throne of God tell John to stop with his weeping. The reason being that someone

has come forward who can open the book. It is the LION from the tribe of Judah. The Root of David has overcome and is able to open the seals, and ultimately the scroll/book.

• Genesis 49:8ff Check this section out... We’re more familiar with the root of David imagery... Check out Isaiah for more of that.• But when he turns, he sees something very different. A lamb that looks like it has been slain, standing there. Seven horns and seven eyes,

the seven spirits of God sent out to the earth.• Remember, 7 holds the idea of completion or perfection, this means that it probably represents the idea of perfected sight

(knowledge) and perfected strength (rule).• Verses 7-14

• The Lamb/Lion comes straight up and takes the scroll out of God’s right hand (He is symbolically empowered by God to perform judgments). Notice also that God willfully gives it to him.

• When the Lamb takes it (successfully) its as if the tension of the room, which was waiting in expectation was broken, and the whole place bursts out in a song of praise as they had earlier done for God.

• He is praised because he is worthy of praise (and only God is worthy of praise).• He is the ruler, the judge, the King, the anointed one, the Messiah.

• Revelation 6: The seals are broken...• Verses 1-8 the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse.

• Here we see immediate reference to the OT in the prophet Zechariah 1 and 6. Here, they are identified as those whom the Lord sends out to patrol the earth.

• They represent: war, killing, famine/disease, and Death.• White here could be a parody of the idea of purity, because this is obviously one geared toward conquering and war.• Red carries with it the idea of violence, doom, and bloodshed.• Black carries the idea of wickedness, death, disease, famine, hopelessness.• Green, Ashen, Pale etc (since they are sometimes differently represented) carries the idea of death.

• These are part of the first 4 seals that the Lamb opens, and they represent judgments against God’s enemies.• Verses 9-11, the fifth seal

• When Jesus breaks the fifth seal we see something quite different.• Here we see the saints crying out from beneath the alter who were slain because of the word of God crying out for vindication or vengeance.• They were given something that signifies purity and told to wait a little longer.

• Verses 12-17 the sixth seal is broken• Here we see a lot of language being used to describe a very bleak situation indeed. But should we literally expect this, or is this pointing to

something else.• Look at Joel 2 and Acts 2. The Apostles claim that this has happened at that very moment, what do we see, what don’t we see.• This kind of language carries with it the idea of judgment more-so than anything else. Again, big brush strokes are important, not some of the

littler things.• Revelation 7: Hope, beautifully demonstrated...

• Verses 1-3, the furry of heaven is held back...• Here we see Christ’s judgments being made fully ready. And it is as the calm before the storm. The wind is even held back. The 4 horsemen

are poised and ready to exercise their power. But everything is told to wait. • Look at this as a story more than worrying about the little details. Look at this. God’s vengeance is held back... why?• Everything is held back until all of God’s people have been sealed.

• This comes with the idea of God possessing the person, or having ownership over them. That person is joined to God.

Αποκαλυψις Ιησου ΧπιστουThe Apocalypse of John: Ch 5-8:1


Beginning the 7 Trumpets... An Introduction of sorts...• Basic question... What is a trumpet used for?

• A trumpet can be used for many things...• Sounding an alarm...• Giving directions to a large group of people• Used in battle to direct the army• Used as announcing the presence of God...

• Exodus 19:16ish• The trumpet might be being used in a similar way here. All we really

do know is it seems to be a symbol for the judgments of God being poured out now that the book has been opened...

• Throughout this, keep in mind that the Christians are sealed so that they are not suffering these things (think the separation of Israel from the plagues of Egypt in Exodus).

• This means that Christians would still be on the earth during this time, why seal them if Christ is just going to rapture them anyhow?

• Keep in mind also, we are reading this as if we were experiencing it in a first century context. We are enduring the first empire wide (thus world wide in our minds) persecution of the church. Our friends, family, and brothers/sisters in the Lord are suffering, and we may be suffering as well. It is in this context we read. Also remember that the 7th seal has been broken, and Christ is ready to begin Judging.

• As a way of helping us understand this section... The punishment of the oppressive kingdom which has been attacking God’s people... Is by comparing it to the Exodus from Egypt, and the plagues associated with it. Once again this may be a metaphorical way of understanding the hope that the persecuted Christians have of God overcoming their enemies.

Let’s Start with the Text... Revelation 8:2ff...• v2. 7 Trumpets given to 7 angels representing the judgment of God.

This goes to give us the idea of perfect judgment on the part of God against his enemies.

Revelation Ch. 8:2-?


•

• v3-5. The angel with the incense and the prayers of the Saints...• Incense is given to him for the purpose of worshiping God. The prayers of those enduring persecution, and saints in general is also considered

incense to God. This great cloud of incense then comes before God. This is not to say that God did not notice it before, but the time to act has now come...

• The angel then fills the censer which had carried incense (prayer of the saints) and hurls fire to earth. Could this be representative of God beginning to act on the prayers of the saints and judge the world... Its up to you... I think it is a neat picture to think of it that way.

• v6. The Seven Angels Prepare to Sound the Trumpets.• v7. Trumpet 1: Hail and fire mixed with blood... 1/3 of the earth and trees and the green grass was burned up.

• Compare this to Exodus 9:13ff... Plague of Hail• v8. Trumpet 2: Great mountain burning with fire thrown into the sea... 1/3 of the sea becomes blood 1/3 of the sea creatures die and 1/3 of the ships are

destroyed.• Compare this to Exodus 7:17ff Plague where the water in the kingdom turns to blood

• v10-11. Trumpet 3: Great star falls from heaven and fell on 1/3 of the fresh water supply... The star is called wormwood... it turned the water bitter (poison) and many men died because of the waters.

• Compare this to Exodus 7:17ff again Water turning to blood, bitter waters, etc...• This has happened before 2 Kings 2:19ff

• v12-13. Trumpet 4: 1/3 of the sun, moon, and stars were struck so it would be darkened by the day and would not shine (day or night)• Compare this with Exodus 10:21ff Plague of darkness...• Also note the angel calling out through the air that the rest of the earth should fear because the three remaining trumpets are about to sound...

• Chapter 9:1-11 Trumpet 5: The Bottomless pit, the messed up locusts, and Apollyon.• Compare this with Exodus 10:1ff Plague of locusts...• A star from heaven which had fallen to earth? (Could this be a good angel, or could this be a bad angel... It seems like God has used/permitted

bad angels/demons/satan to accomplish what he needs to in the past...)• Darkness is once again emphasized... this darkness is likely caused by the sheer number of locusts that are released.• They were given power like scorpions have, to torment and hurt men. Notice here that these locusts aren’t allowed to go after plants, only

people. But they couldn’t kill, only torment people to the point that they wished for death.• They are described as a fierce, mini-army.• Their king is the angel of the abyss... the fallen star... Abaddon, Apollyon.

• v12. The first woe is past, two more are still coming...• v13-19. Trumpet 6: The Four Horsemen are finally released.

• They are released to kill 1/3 of mankind...• They travel in huge armies...• 1/3 of mankind is killed by the fire, smoke, and brimstone that comes from their mouths.

• v20-21. The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues did not repent.• They did not stop worshiping demons• They did not stop worshiping idols...• They did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.

Αποκαλυψις Ιησου ΧπιστουThe Apocalypse of John: Ch 8:2-?


Some Quick Notes Before Starting...• As we have been looking at the book of Revelation these last few

weeks, one of the major ways I have been investigating it is by looking at it as being very relevant to the people it was originally written to. This is not to say that there is not possibly a future fulfillment of this prophesy, cause God has had prophesies with dual fulfillments in the past. I do however believe that whatever position you take, it must be relevant and meaningful to the people John originally wrote to.

• Secondly, as we continue to progress, I want to remind you that it is best for this study if we keep in mind the bigger picture and imagery that is being conveyed. Is it possible that the specific details are going to literally be completed? It is possible, but I believe the most significant things in Revelation are the big pictures created by these images.

Beginning with Revelation 10• Remember, we left off after the 6th angel had sounded his trumpet. We

are operating under the assumption that the trumpet are signals of God’s judgment on those who have been oppressing his people.

• Also remember, that whatever terrible happens in the book of Revelation, we his people are sealed and kept from these troubles.

Revelation 10• v1. Another strong angel coming down out of heaven... clothed with a

cloud, a rainbow on his head, face like the sun, and feet like pillars of fire...

• Who is this?• Could be one of God’s Chief Angels...• Could be one way of picturing Christ...

• v2. In his hand he has a little open book...• What do books typically represent in prophetic and apocalyptic

literature?• If this angel is holding such a book, then who could it be?• Right foot on the sea and his left on the land (total authority?)

Revelation Ch. 10-11


• v14. Another prelude. The second woe is passed, the third woe is coming.

• v15. The final (7th) trumpet sounded• God conquers everything.• This seems to be one of those moments when all is said and done.

But we are not that far into Revelation yet.• One way people have explained this is the cyclical or layered

explination of Revelation.• It tells the same story over and over and over again to emphasize

the main point and not the little details.• At the same time, it could be a cliff-hanger ending that is waiting for

its completion, or for the ending to be told in a different way.• LONG STORY SHORT... GOD WINS, and delivers his people.

• v3-4. He cried out with a voice, as when a lion roars, and when he cried out 7 thunders responded...• Who else has a voice like a lion?• What are the seven thunders? I don’t know, but whatever it was they announced, it is imperitive that this not be revealed... It could be a number of

things, but all of them would be pure speculation on my part...• v5-6. The angel raised his right hand to heaven and swore by God that there would be no more delay in the judgment that was about to come...

• God’s judgments, the ones which the Saints had been awaiting, his punishment on the ones who were killing them (Rome?) were going to come.• v7. The sounding of the 7th angel.

• The mystery of God was finished, the one which he preached to his servants the prophets (Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel...?)• v8. He takes hte book and eats it... what in the world is going on here?

• Parallels in... Ezekiel 3• The idea is that he eats the scroll so he can go and prophesy about the judgments which were written on the scroll.

• v9-11. John eats the scroll, and it is bitter sweet. • He must prophesy now concerning peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.

Chapter 11• v1. He is given a measuring rod...

• Measuring of a city would often be done before and after battles. The idea that is present here is seeing how many buildings you could spot before a battle, and seeing how many were still left standing after the battle. Often, God would have people measure like this to tell of how he would preserve his people in the midst of difficulty, or how he would bring restoration to his people.

• Measure the temple of God, the alter, and those who worship there.• This is not refering to the actual temple at Jerusalem, the way we know this is because John wrote around AD 90, and the temple was destroyed

around AD 70. • v2. Part of the temple has been given to the gentiles/nations, and they will trample it underfoot for 42 months.

• Notice here that he is veiling his message using Jewish overtones.• Who is the temple?• Who are the “gentiles/nations”

• v3. Authority given to two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1260 days...• Old testament significance of 2 witnesses?

• It was the foundation for whether or not something was considered to be true or not.• Every testimony had to be established by 2-3 witnesses.• This could be a way of refering to a true witness, even to christianity as a whole.

• This could also be in reference to 2 actual witnesses which will come and be fairly obvious about their prophetic work.• v4. These are the two olive trees, and the two lamp stands...

• Zechariah 4• v5. Fire flows out of their mouth and consumes their enemies, this is how the enemies must die.

• This may not be in reference to literal fire, this could be referencing judgment spoken from their mouth... etc...• v6. The power to shut up the sky, and call down all these terrible things is linked with the idea of many of the OT Prophets, especially Elijah and Moses.• v7-10. When they have finished their testimony, the beast out of the abyss will make war with them and slay them.

• Earlier on, in Daniel, and in other parts of Revelation we see that the beast could very easliy be representative of Rome, or more specifically the Roman Emperor who raises himself up as if a god.

• Their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem...• The people will look on and celebrate.

• v11-13. After 3.5 days the breath of God will re-enter them, and they will be raised up. Then God will call them to be with him. And there will be once again the same kind of imagery that we associate with the Judgment of God.



Women, Dragons, Beasts, False Prophet, and Children of God...In this section of the book of Revelation, we are dealing with some crazy imagery. Though the rest of the book has had crazy imagery in it before, these next few chapters are going to be tops so far as that is concerned. Once again, we see John picking up afresh as if telling the same story again in a different light. As we progress, I encourage you not to try and immediately begin to draw parallels, but to first read the story with the imagery it suggests, and then draw meaning.Chapter 12: The great red Dragon shows up...• v1-2. The first sign that we come across in this story is that of a

woman. • Let’s consider how she is described...

• Clothed with the sun• The moon under her feet• A crown of 12 stars on her head

• Who then could this woman be?• Isaiah 61:10 could be significant• Isaiah 26:17-27:1 is very significant• Hosea 2:20ff

• This woman could be representative of Israel (OT linkage, and the 12 stars on her crown). Likely it is Israel. Especially since Sun, Moon, and Stars are often associated with Joseph’s dream, and thus the children of Israel as a whole (Gen. 37:9).

• She is with child, and is preparing to give birth... notice this in connection with the OT idea of God’s people restored through this language.

• Check out Isaiah 66:6ff• v3-4. The second sign is a dragon which appears...

• great red dragon (who do we already know this is?)• seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems

• This is to represent him as the head of all evil powers. The chief of all that is evil and wicked.



• they are worshiping saying saying “Who is like the beast, and who can make war with him?”

• v5-10. He is given a blasphemous mouth, against God, his people, and his tabernacle (those who dwell in heaven).

• He is also permitted to attack the saints.• He has authority over the entire world. (Rome controlled the entire

world in the mind of the people back then).• All who dwell on the earth will worship him (emperor worship

became widespread during Domitian’s reign and was mandatory).• Some are destined to these bad fates. Therefore, it calls for

endurance on the part of the saints.• v11-17 The false prophet of the beast....

• Is this the roman imperial cult?• They make people worship the Roman Emperor under threat of

death and persecution.• They could deny participation in the trade guilds and such if you

did not engage in emperor worship.• This fire coming down, and all these other signs are parodies of

what God’s prophets do.• Mark on the right hand and on the forehead.

• This is a parody of God’s people who are also marked.• The Jews were commanded to bind the law on their hands and

on their foreheads. This parodies the Law of God and the people of God.

• Isaiah 44:5; Exodus 13:9• v18. 666 The mark of the beast

• This is meant to be representative of a name of a person, or some sort of helpful designation.

• This is not a bar code, or something that should make us wary of technology/credit cards/chips, etc...

• Some see it as the unholy trinity. 6, 6, 6 three incomplete/demonic persons. Dragon, Beast, False Prophet

• Some see it as a word/number puzzle....

In the end, it is not something which will sneak up on us. It was something that involved outright denial of God and worship of something else. It involved giving in to the culture and conceding for the sake of ease of life, and to avoid persecution.

• He swept away 1/3 of the stars in heaven and threw them to the earth.• This is similar to a different prophesy in Daniel 8 about the first desecration of the temple in Jerusalem by Antiochus Epiphanes who desecrated

the temple in Jerusalem and it as a temple to Zeus.• Here we see the dragon and the beast being associated with the same idea as that of Antiochus. Disallow worship of God, and demand that

God’s people worship something else.• He waits before the woman to consume the son, but God does not allow this to happen.

• Seems like a parallel with the actions of Herod in trying to kill Jesus... hmmmm....• v5. She (Israel) gave birth to male child (Jesus) who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. He was caught up to God and to His throne.

• This is a clear passage about the coming of the Christ. Jesus. And a very short summary of his death burial and resurrection. After this point in the story, we are dealing with the time after Christ’s ascension.

• v6. The woman flees to the wilderness where she is nourished for 1,260 days. or about 3 and a half years. (a short period, similar to that in Daniel)• v7-9. The defeat of the dragon

• Michael (leader of God’s army) and Satan with his army of angels does battle.• They were cast out, and there was no longer a place for them in heaven (spiritual realm where God’s constant theophany is)• The idea being that they were cast out of heaven to the earth.• They are still invisible, spiritual beings (unless they make themselves known) and they are now on the earth.

• v10-12. God wins the battle• 10 is a declaration of God’s victory...

• What happens?• Why does it happen?

• 11 Here is how we overcome• Blood of the Lamb• Word of the testimony• By holding strong even in the face of death.

• 12 Rejoicing and Woe.• v13-16. The dragon persecuted the woman who gave birth to the child. This is the Jewish nation. But God provided a temporary means of deliverence

for the woman from the devil. For 3.5 years. or a time, times, and half a time. There is likely significance to this time span which lies beyond a literalist approach to the number of days/years.

• Notice the link between v14 and v6. • The serpent tried to destroy her with a flood, but the earth swallowed up the water and preserved the woman alive.

• v17. The dragon, enraged with the woman, the true Israel or Zion for giving birth to these people. He goes off to make war with her children. Those who keep the commandments of God (Love God and Love one another) and who hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 13: The beast makes his appearance... How the dragon plans on dealing with the children.• v1-2. Notice here all the parallels with Daniel’s vision of 4 beasts. Daniel 7:1ff

• This beast has parts of all of these other beasts (kingdoms) and is the 4th beast. This beast in Daniel has 10 horns. This beast comes out of the sea. one of the horns of the beast makes war with the saints and overpowers them until God steps in and does something about it.

• This forth beast will be done away with, and power will be given over to the Saints of God and they will rule the kingdom.• It is in this time (during the 4th beast) that the son of man comes to the Father and recieves power from on high.• It seems like the 4th beast is Rome, and it seems like it transfers very well into the book of Revelation.• The dragon is the source of his power and authority (this beast)

• v3. It looks as though one of the heads of the beast suffers a fatal wound. This fatal wound may be intended as a parody of Christ. But it causes people to follow the beast.

• v4. These people are then seen worshiping Satan because he gave power to this beast.



The story of the woman, beast, dragon, and child continues...As we look at today’s section of the book of Revelation, we are continuing with the story involving the beast, the dragon, the false prophets, and the children of God we see a dramatic change in events. Though it may have looked like the beast and the dragon were winning, we are about to see something different happen.Chapter 14, The Son of Man shows up...• v1. The lamb and 144,000 are standing on Mt. Zion and they have the

name of the Son and the Father written on their foreheads.• Why is it significant that there are 144,000?• Why do you think it is significant that they have God’s name written

on their foreheads?• Why is Mt. Zion significant?

• v2. A voice which John hears is described. Like thunder, and like harps...

• What picture does this develop?• v3. These 144,000 sing a new song before the Lord, and everything that

was surrounding his throne.• Here we see the “saints” joining in the song of heaven, with the

elders and the four living creatures in worshiping God through song.

• v4-5. Only the 144,000 can learn and sing this song. These are:• Those who have not been defiled with women

• Typically taken to mean that these are virgins, but it is unlikely that they would have been.

• It does not need to mean that at all. In fact, it can mean: “a man who has abstained from all uncleanness and whoredom attendant on idolatry, and so has kept his chastity”

• With the great amount of temple prostitution associated with the worship of other gods (other than YHWH) it would be the same as saying that the 144,000 would be those who follow God.



•

• They are also typified as following the Lamb wherever he goes, being purchased by God as first-fruits, having no lie in their mouths, being blameless.

• As a whole, these are the Christians who are in the midst of this persecution, were sealed (in ch. 7), and have either been martyred or are still living.

• v6. Another angel flying mid-heaven having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth• The gospel was declared by street criers, who would run around and proclaim the new victory or good thing that the Caesar had done. Here we see

the same thing.• This could be in reference to the Gospel of Jesus (that we have in the gospels)• This could also be in reference to the good news associated with what God is about to do. The deliverance of his people. This makes sense since he

doesn’t call it “the gospel” but rather “a gospel”• v7. The contents of the gospel message are: “Fear God and give him glory because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him...”

• This is another indicator that this is likely a different gospel than the Gospel Proper.• v8. Another angel cries out: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!”

• Who is this Babylon?• Is it Rome? (Revelation 17 would make us believe that it probably is)

• v9-11. A third angel came along and cried out against the beast, and those who bear his mark. • Those who get the mark of the beast have to share his fate• Torment with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Holy Angels and the presence of the Lord.• They will not rest day and night...eternal punishment.

• v12-13. Perseverance is called for. The saints must stay strong.• Blessing is proclaimed to those who die from then on...

• v14-16. Who is this person sitting on the white cloud?• This is Jesus... and an angel cries out to him that it is time to harvest the earth.

• v17-20. Another angel came out of the temple of God with a sharp sickle.• This is the time of the harvest. God is punishing those wicked people with the mark of the beast.• Notice the judgment language here...• Jesus is portrayed as fulfilling the wrath of God against these wicked and rebellious people.

Chapter 15, A scene in heaven...• v1. This is where they introduce the angels with the bowls of God’s wrath.

• They are the ones carrying 7 plagues from God.• Once again, this could be symbolic of the plagues which brought God’s people out of Egypt and punished the Egyptians for the way they treated

them, and their neglect of God.• Here could be the same Idea. God bringing his people out of an oppressive environment by the use of plagues.

• v2-4. Here, it would seem that the 144,000 are re-introduced. Holding harps and singing again (it is as if they are the back up choir for God as he is bringing down punishment and judgment on those wicked people).

• Here it notes that they are singing the song of Moses (Exodus 15:1ff) this is the song of deliverance.• v5-8. Seven angels come out and are given seven bowls of wrath, this is an introduction to the seven bowls of wrath that are coming.



Things to keep in mind for today...This section of text in Revelation seems to be set within the context of the “Song of Moses” and the idea of God’s deliverance of his people from Egypt. John (God the one sending John the message) are trying to connect what is about to happen with the idea of the Exodus. The Idea is that, if God delivered Israel in such a way back then from her enemies, how much more will he now deliver his people (Christians) from the enemies of God today. When reading, look for possible parallels with the Exodus story, and see how these “plagues” have been exaggerated from the appearance they took in Egypt. This once again points to the idea... If God delivered his people back then, get ready for an even greater deliverance. Also, in chapter 17, pay attention to the description of the woman. The description fits very well with our idea that Rome is the Woman, and the beast (esp. Domitian). The description of her here helps us to identify what the symbol represents.

Chapter 16: The 7 bowls of God’s wrath...• v1. Here we see God sending out his angels to accomplish his wrath...

• This is in keeping with OT ideas that God would punish his enemies from his temple.

• Is. 66:6; Ezek. 22:31; Zeph. 3:8.• v2. The first angel pours out his bowl of wrath, and it is a sore covering

the people who have made themselves enemies of God• Exodus 9:8-11; this is Exodus imagery again...

• v3. The second angel pours out his bowl, and the sea turn to blood...• Exodus 7:17-24; here is where God turns the water in Egypt to

blood.• v4. The third angel pours out his bowl of wrath, and the fresh water

turns to blood.• v5-6. The angel who is over the waters, recognizes God justice in

bringing these plagues onto the earth. • v14-18. The War against the Lamb



• The make war with the Lamb• The waters are many peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues.• The ten horns will despise the woman...• God has put it in their hearts to do this.• Here is who the woman is...

• One of the reasons that this was just is because these people poured out the blood of the saints, so it is only right that they have blood to drink.• v7. The saints who had been slain (Revelation 6) cry out to God from under the alter (their lives being pictured as a sacrifice) and lend their support for

God’s actions crying out that God is true and righteous in the way he judges.• v8-9. The fourth angel poured out his bowl, and the sun was given the ability to scorch and torment men.

• Look at how this compares with Exodus 10:21.• Here instead of darkness (which can be felt) it is intensity of the sun which can be felt.• In response, these men (God’s enemies) do not honor God, instead, they curse him.

• v10-11. The fifth angel pours out the bowl and the kingdom of the beast was covered with darkness.• Look at this, Pharaoh and his kingdom of Egypt was covered with darkness during the Exodus.• Exodus 10:21-23• But, in response to this plague, they do not repent, nor do they change. Instead they curse God...• Look at how this parallels the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart.

• v12-16. The sixth bowl poured out...• The river Euphrates was dried up... this is similar to the Red Sea drying up to let the Israelites pass (Exodus 14:21-22)

• Euphrates being a river near “Babylon” and Babylon is representing Rome.• This was to prepare the way for the kings of the East...

• Three unclean spirits come out of the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet.• Exodus 8:2-7 deals with the plague of frogs, this is likely where the imagery comes from.

• These are spirits/demons which go out to try and deceive and gather the kings of the earth for battle• John makes an aside (like Jesus talking) With the thief in the night kind of imagery. Jesus is like the thief, always be ready.• They gather together on Har Magedon (Armageddon).

• This is the Mount. of Magedon.• v17-21. The seventh angel pours out his bowl.

• IT IS DONE!!!• Once again, this seems like an ending to the book of Revelation.

• All of the stuff in 18 sounds like judgment language.• v19. Deals with the destruction of the city. God remembered Babylon and sent destruction down on her.• v20. More judgment language.• v21. Hailstones... giant ones falling from the sky.

• Remember Exodus...Revelation 17: The great harlot Babylon...• v1. He is going to show him the harlot who sits on many waters.

• Many waters = many rivers?• v2. It is with this harlot that the kings of the world have committed adultery (notice here that it is the kings of the world... Kings of the known world at

least :-) )• v3. Here we see an image of this adulterous woman riding on a scarlet beast.

• Scarlet and purple are often associated with the splendor of Evil in all its debauchery.• The beast she is riding is the beast mentioned earlier.• Notice she is riding the beast, this means that whoever the woman is, and whoever the beast is should be linked in some way.

• v4. Her the woman is viewed, clothed in scarlet and purple (remember what we just said)• She has in her hands a golden cup full of her wickedness.• She is dressed to the nines as well, so we see her covered in this splendor.

• v5-13. This is all a description of the woman... and it leads us to believe very strongly that this is Rome.



A word or two before we begin today...As we approach the end of our tour through the book of Revelation, I hope that this study has helped you to come to terms with some of the symbolism used in the book, and has helped you to understand the history that plays largely into the book. Today, it is really the beginning of the end for everything. The beast is put in his place, the great city is being destroyed (Babylon the harlot) and everything seems to be wrapping up. As it does, I encourage you to take time, and reflect on how this victorious turn of events would have affected the mind, and attitude of a first century reader who was experiencing the persecution under Domitian as John was. I also want you to begin thinking about ways that this book can help us live a better Christian life, and what it has changed in you.How does it alter the way we live if we truly start acting like God wins?How does it change our outlook on life if we consider the fact that even in our darkest hour, we are participating in the victory with God?What application does this cause?Now, sit back, and enjoy the ride as we work through the next few chapters of Revelation. Remember, things are only bleak and scary if you are on the other team. For a Christian, there is only victory in the book of Revelation.Fallen, Fallen is Babylon the Great...• v1. We see a very interesting description of an angel. This angel has

great authority, and the entire earth is illuminated because of him• This could just be an angel. But the whole shining concept

(especially when it fills the whole earth) it seems to portray God.• Note, whenever God is pictured, it is with this insane

brightness. Like when he fills the temple• v2. Fallen, fallen is Babylon. Ref. Isaiah 21:9

• Remember who Babylon is?• How does it feel to know that Babylon is destroyed (as John)?• What is the significance of the description... (desolation)



• v14-16. God’s got an army... even though he doesn’t need them...• Army clothed in linen, white and clean = purity, cleansed.• Jesus has a sharp 2 edged sword coming out of his mouth (all

he has to do is speak... the same mouth that created the world is more than capable of judging it)

• He treads the winepress of God’s wrath along (Remember the reference to earlier on).

• His name... is King of Kings and Lord of Lords...• v17-18. The “great feast of God”

• This is not so much a feast for humans, but a way of talking about God’s victory.

• Birds, come and eat the flesh of men. This is OT imagery associated with death and destruction, and the judgment of God.

• v19-21. God’s victory.• The beast, and the kings of the earth (those who oppose God)

are struck down.• Beast, and the False Prophet are captured and thrown into lake

of fire.• Everyone else is killed with the sword.• The birds are now full.

• v3. What is the significance of the language used here? • The kingdoms of the world, and the merchants have participated with her in the wicked actions that she has done.• The kings have participated, and the merchants have gotten rich.• They will likely be punished with her.

• v4-5. The call to Christians (notice they are still there) is to come up out of her. To be separated and distant from her deeds and wickedness.• This is similar to Christ’s idea of being in the world but not of the world.• What does it mean to be separate today?• This is likely also a warning for them to literally flee the city (like they did Jerusalem) because of the actual disaster which is coming (the plagues)

• v6-8. She will be paid back double for all the wicked things she has done. • Notice that her problem is not only sensuality, immorality, but also the thought that she is untouchable.• Because she thinks she is untouchable, God will bring her to a swift end.

• v9-10. The kinds that committed these wicked things with her...• They will stand at a distance because of their fear of being tormented along with her, and they will weep because of her demise.

• v11-19. The merchants who participated with her will see her torment from a distance and will weep.• They will lament that the great city is done away with, but they will not approach for fear of torment.

• v20. The heavens and the saints are called to rejoice, because their enemy, this great city has been destroyed.• v21. The example of the millstone.• v22-23. There will be no more joy in the city, it is devastated, and its rule is over.

• The nations were deceived by her sorceries, and so she is punished.The Fourfold Hallelujah, and the rider on the white horse.Hallelujah means: Praise the Lord, or Worship the Lord.• v1-2. The first Hallelujah

• Salvation, Glory, and Power belong to the Lord. (this is why he is worthy of praise)• He is also worthy of praise because his judgments are righteous and true.• He has judged the harlot and avenged the blood of his bondservants on them.

• v3-4. The second Hallelujah.• Because the smoke of Babylon rises up forever and ever. In other words, Praise God because this wicked city was destroyed.• Here the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures fall down and worship.

• v5-6. The third Hallelujah• All of God’s servants are called on to praise him• There is a large voice of many multitudes praising God in heaven.

• v6. The forth Hallelujah• Because God reigns.

• v7-9. The end compared to a great wedding feast.• The marriage of the Lamb has come, and it is time for the bride to make herself ready.• She was given fine clothes (the righteous works of the saints)• Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding... why?

• v10. John messes up...• Note to self... do not worship angels, no matter how amazingly cool their message...• Why would John fall down and worship at the sound of this message?

• v11-13. Look at the description: white horse, the one on it is called FAITHFUL AND TRUE, he judges and makes war in righteousness, eyes are flames of fire, many crowns on his head, has a private name which no one knows, clothed with a robe dipped in blood, called the WORD OF GOD.

• So, who do you think this is?



Bringing the book of Revelation to a closeThis is our final installment for the series which covers the book of Revelation. I hope it has been helpful and informative, and I hope it has at least eased some of the confusion over the book of Revelation that many have.Chapter 20: Satan Bound, released, and defeated / Judgment• v1-5. Satan is bound for 1000 years.

• John reports this as if he is seeing it happen right there and then. • Satan is restrained for 1000 years (why do we always take this one

number in the book of revelation literally. Why not take it as a figurative expression for a long length of time?

• Those who have killed by the beast because of their testimony about Jesus came to life, and reigned with Christ during that time.

• The rest did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.

• Note this idea of the first resurrection.• Typically, becoming a Christian is the first resurrection.

• v6. Blessed is the one who takes part in the first resurrection (that is those who have become Christians) because the second death will no longer hurt them. Rather, they will reign with Christ.

• I believe that Satan has been bound since the time of Rome, and is still bound today, but is waiting to be released once again.

• v7. Notice the shift from present to future. Everything before this point, John sees as being more contemporary with his life. Everything that is to follow is happening in the future.

• Thus, the great final battle, the white throne Judgments, the new Jerusalem, all of it is future for John (and for us).

• v7-10. Satan is released, he gathers an army against God and his people. But God protects his holy city (reference to Christianity) with fire from heaven.



• v18-19. There is a steep penalty associated with changing any of the words here. This deals more with how important the message is than anything else.

• Also, notice that this scripture doesn’t apply to all of the bible directly, only Revelation.

• v20-21. I am coming quickly, hold on.What we should walk away with.First of all, I hope that you are all a little less confused about the book of Revelation as a whole. I have not tried to give you a concrete, comprehensive understanding of every symbol and word, but we have enough to see the bigger picture God is painting. Basically, we see the church suffering under a severe persecution, and in the midst of what seems like defeat, John sends a message of encouragement to them. His message is essentially, “Stay strong, hold on tightly to the faith as you understand it, don’t compromise, because even if you die, you win.” The overarching theme of Revelation is the ultimate victory of God over everything that would lift itself up as God, or harm his people. God will one day defeat them, and reign the world totally. And because we are his people, when God wins, we win.I do believe that much of Revelation happened in the past, not all of it mind you, but much of it. I also think that there is still some of it we have to look forward to seeing fulfilled.Revelation is not a book which should cause us to fear or to panic. It is a book that should make us rejoice knowing that no matter what happens to us in our lives, God wins, and that means that we win.

•

• Thus Satan is defeated for the last time, he is thrown into the lake of fire/hell with the beast and false prophet where they will be tortured.• v11. Introducing God!

• Here we see God sitting on a white throne. Symbolizing purity, strength, authority, and rule. • He is so amazing, awe-inspiring, and dreadful (in a good way) that heaven and earth try to flee from his presence.

• v12-15. The great White throne Judgment• God judges everyone. Everyone who has ever lived and died, and everyone who is still alive when he comes. They are judged according to their

deeds, but more importantly the deciding factor is whether or not their name is written in the book of life.• The first death is physical death. The second death is being cast into the lake of fire.• Everyone who is not written in the book is thrown into the fire.

Chapter 21-22: New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem. Everything is New!• v1. New heaven and a new earth.

• Most people think that when it is all said and done, God will remake heaven and earth into the way he wanted them to be originally. Perfect.• Thus we see that God takes what is already here, and restores it at the end.• No more sea? What did the sea symbolize for John. Separation and division. It was what kept him from the people he loved and cared about.

• Jews were also not great at navigating the sea, and it often took connotations of being fearful, dreadful, or dangerous. • It is not saying that there will be no more bodies of water, only that these negative things associated with it are gone.

• v2. The holy city of Jerusalem is descending.• v3-8. God speaks.

• He will live with us. He will care for us and protect us. He is making all things new. Anyone can come and drink of the water if life without cost.• Those who do not overcome (list is verse 8 and it is not meant to be exhaustive) will be condemned.

• v9-22:5. This long section of text deals with describing the new Jerusalem.• God lives there• It is strong, and able to protect and defend God’s people• It is beautiful, and precious, and glorious. It far surpasses anything else in the entire world.• The river of the water of life comes flowing out of the throne of God (the holy spirit)• Only those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life may enter.• Compare this with Ezekiel 40-47 and his description of the new Jerusalem

• Similar imagery, sometimes• Both emphasize that it will be a place of safety and security where God lives.• Both talk about a river flowing from the throne which gives life (many have taken this to be the Holy Spirit).• There is no more death, only everlasting life with God, serving and worshiping him.

• v6-7. The words of this prophesy (speaking of the whole of Revelation) will happen shortly• Behold, I am coming quickly, blessed is the one who heeds the words of this book.

• v8-9. John messes up again, and because he is overwhelmed with emotion because of the message. • v10. John is commanded not to seal up the words of this book, because the time is near.

• What God is going to do about the beast and the dragon will soon happen• These churches need encouragement.

• v11. Don’t be trying to change everyone. Proclaim the message to them, and then move on. The one who is holy, let him remain holy, and the one who is wicked will remain wicked.

• v12-13. Behold I am coming quickly. My reward is with me. I am God.• v14-15. Blessed are those who wash their robes (coming to Jesus for cleansing) because they will be rewarded, the others will be cursed.• v16. Jesus explains a few things.• v17. Invitation to respond to Jesus message, wash your robe, and become one of the overcomers.


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