Bible Book: Revelation
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: John
Type of Book: Prophetic
OutlineIntroduction (1:1-8)
Prologue (1:1-3)
Greeting to the Churches and Praise to God (1:4-8)
The Glorious and Exalted Lord and His Churches (1:9-3:22)
Vision of Christ Among the Seven Lampstands (1:9-20)
Messages of Christ to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
Jesus Christ as the Worthy Lamb and His Role in the Outcome of History (4:1-11:19)
Vision of the Majestic Court of Heaven (4:1-5:14)
The Eternal Creator—God on His Throne in Awesome Holiness (4:1-11)
The Seven-Sealed Scroll and the Worthy Lamb (5:1-14)
Vision of the Lamb in Relation to the Seven Seals and Seven Trumpets (6:1-11:19)
Opening the First Six Seals (6:1-17)
Four Horsemen (6:1-8)
Martyrs Under the Altar (6:9-11)
Wrath of the Lamb (6:12-17)
First interlude: The Two Multitudes (7:1-17)
Opening the Seventh Seal (8:1-6)
Silence in Heaven (8:1)
Seven Angels With Seven Trumpets (8:2-6)
The First Six Trumpets: Partial Judgments (8:7-9:21)
Second interlude: The Angel and the Little Scroll (10:1-11)
The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)
The Seventh Trumpet: The Lord Reclaims the World Through Judgment (11:15-19)
The Lord God and His Christ in the Great Conflict with Satan (12:1-22:5)
Perspective of the Conflict (12:1-15:8)
From the Viewpoint of the Earth (12:1-13:18)
The Woman and the Dragon (12:1-17)
The Sea Beast (13:1-10)
The Earth Beast (13:11-18)
From the Viewpoint of Heaven (14:1-20)
The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
The Harvest of the Earth (14:6-20)
Third interlude: Seven Angels With Seven Plagues (15:1-8)
Final Progression of the Conflict (16:1-19:10)
The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath (16:1-21)
Judgment of the Great Prostitute (17:1-18)
The Fall of Babylon the Great; The End of the Corrupt World System (18:1-24)
Rejoicing in Heaven (19:1-10)
Climax of the Conflict (19:11-20:3)
The Return and Triumph of Christ: The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:11-18)
The Defeat of the Beast and His Allies (19:19-21)
The Binding, Release and Final Defeat of Satan (20:1-3)
Pause in the Conflict: Christ Reigns on Earth for a Thousand Years (20:4-6)
Conclusion and Aftermath of the Conflict (20:7-22:5)
Satan’s Release and Final Defeat (20:7-10)
Great White Throne Judgment (20:11-13)
The Doom of the Ungodly in the Lake of Fire (20:14-15; 21:8)
New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)
Conclusion (22:6-21)
Theme: The Ultimate Revelation and Victory of Jesus Christ/The Culmination of History
Date of Writing: c. A.D. 90-96
Background Revelation is the last NT book and the most unusual. It is the combination of an apocalypse (1:1-2, 20), a prophecy (1:3; 22:7, 10, 18-19) and a composite of seven letters to churches (1:4, 11; 2:1-3:22). “Apocalypse” comes from the Greek word apocalupsis (“to take from what is being covered or concealed” or “unveiling”) and is translated “revelation” (1:1). Apocalyptic literature typically uses symbolic language and images to describe and represent realities about future times and events, often relating to ultimate devastation and a final outcome. As a prophecy, Revelation foretells future events, but it also speaks to the present. It looks through the lens of the late first-century/early second-century Christians and gives a glimpse of future realities. The book is an apocalypse with regard to the nature of its content, a prophecy with respect to its message and a letter in relation to the churches to whom it is addressed.
Five important facts about the background of the book are revealed in ch. 1. (1) It is “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1). The word “of” can more specifically mean “by,” “from” or “about.” In this case, all three meanings apply to this Revelation of Christ. (2) This revelation was communicated supernaturally to the author through the exalted Christ, angels and visions (1:1, 10-18). (3) The communication was to God’s servant, John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). (4) John received the visions and apocalyptic message while exiled on (i.e., banished to) the island of Patmos (50 miles southwest of Ephesus; see map of The Seven Churches of Revelation). John had been confined to this island (likely a Roman colony set up for the punishment of prisoners) because of his ministry of God’s Word and his testimony about Jesus Christ (1:9). (5) The original recipients were seven churches in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey, 1:4, 11).
Internal and historical evidence points to John the apostle as the author. John was one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, chosen personally by Jesus to follow and learn from him. John also wrote one of the NT Gospels (the Bible’s four narrative accounts of Jesus’ life) and three other NT letters (see introductions to John’s Gospel and 1, 2 and 3 John). Other church leaders of the late first and early second centuries support the belief that John is the author. For example, Irenaeus verifies that Polycarp (Irenaeus knew Polycarp, and Polycarp knew the apostle John) spoke about John writing Revelation near the end of Domitian’s reign as Roman emperor (A.D. 81-96).
The content of the book reflects the historical circumstances of that time when Romans were beginning to enforce the cult of emperor worship. Domitian had demanded that all his subjects address him as “Lord and God.” The emperor’s decree undoubtedly created tension and confrontation between those willing to worship the emperor and those faithful Christians who maintained that only Jesus Christ, not Caesar, was “Lord and God.” This means that this book was written at a time when Christians were facing increasing hostility and persecution because of their faith. That situation obviously forms the background to Revelation itself (1:19; 2:10, 13; 6:9-11; 7:14-17; 11:7; 12:11, 17; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4).
PurposeThe book of Revelation has a three-part purpose. (1) The letters to the seven churches (chs. 2-3) reveal that many of the congregations throughout Asia had seriously strayed from the original NT standard of truth, faith and practice as taught by Jesus and by those he personally authorized to establish his church and put his Word in writing. It is likely that some in the churches were giving in to outside influences and were encouraging a policy of compromise with those who were pressuring and persecuting Christians (2:14-15, 20). This attitude had to be corrected before it undermined and weakened the determination of Christians to stand strong for the truth in the difficult times ahead. John writes as directed by Christ to rebuke and correct the compromise and sin within the churches and to call them to repent—to turn from their own selfish and God-defying ways—and return to their first love: Jesus.
(2) In view of opposition and persecution resulting from Emperor Domitian’s self-promotion as a “god,” Revelation was given to the churches to strengthen their faith, spiritual determination and loyalty to Jesus Christ. The book is also aimed at inspiring Christians to be overcomers and remain faithful to Christ, even to the point of death.
(3) Finally, it was written to provide Christians of all generations with God’s perspective on (a) their fierce conflict with the forces of Satan and (b) their intense opposition from the world by revealing the future outcome of history. It particularly highlights the events during what are apparently the last seven years preceding Christ’s second coming to earth. Through these events, God will vindicate his faithful people (i.e., defend and prove them right) by pouring out his wrath (i.e., justified anger, punishment) and unleashing his severe end-time judgments on Satan’s kingdom. This time of unparalleled devastation on earth will reach its highest point and end with the second coming of Christ—his literal return to earth to destroy the forces of evil and establish his own reign of peace (see chart of The Last Days of History).
Survey The prophetic message of this book is communicated through dramatic apocalyptic images and symbolism (i.e., revealing future, end-time events and devastation). The images are used to give a graphic picture of the final outcome of human history and the completion of the whole Biblical message of redemption (i.e., salvation, restoration to a relationship with God). It features Christ’s role as the worthy Lamb the only One worthy to bring all things to a proper conclusion because of his perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sin against God (ch. 5). Yet, Christ is also revealed as the wrathful Lamb who is coming to judge the world and cleanse and rid it of evil (chs. 6-19). The other major symbolic images in the book are the dragon (Satan), the sea beast (the antichrist), the earth beast (the false prophet) and Babylon the Great (representing the center of satanic deception, human rebellion and the corrupt world system).
After the introductory greeting to the churches and praise to God (1:1-8), there are three main sections in the book. In the first section (1:9-3:22), John has a majestic vision of Jesus Christ in all of his exalted glory, standing among seven gold lampstands (representing the churches). In this vision, Christ commissions John to write letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (1:11, 19; see map of The Seven Churches of Revelation). Each letter (2:1-3:22) includes a symbolic description of the exalted Lord from the opening vision, an evaluation of the church and words of commendation (praise and encouragement) or rebuke (scolding or reprimand) or both. Five of the churches receive serious words of warning, urging them to repent—to turn from the ways in which they have fallen or failed spiritually and return to complete devotion to God. All of the letters conclude with a challenge to hear (i.e., to listen and respond to) the message and a promise of hope to all spiritual overcomers. The focus on the number “seven” in this section suggests that the letters, when taken all together, represent a complete message from Christ to all of his churches in every city and generation. That is to say, these words of instruction, warning and encouragement are relevant to all churches of all time periods, including the present time in which we live.
The second main section of the book (4:1-11:19) contains visions of things in heaven and on earth concerning the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and his ultimate (final and highest) role in the outcome of history. This section begins with a vision of the majestic heavenly court where God is enthroned in perfect holiness (i.e., perfection, purity and separation from all evil) and unapproachable light (ch. 4). Ch. 5 focuses on a sealed scroll (a rolled-up book) of destiny that God holds in his right hand. This scroll contains the revelation of what God has determined for the future of the world and humanity. The main emphasis of the chapter is on the fact that the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is the only one worthy to break the seals and reveal the contents of the scroll. The opening of the first six seals (ch. 6) continues the vision that began in chs. 4-5, except now the scene shifts to events on earth. The first four seals unveil a broad overview of God’s judgments on the world in the last days that lead up to the end. The fifth seal contains God’s promise of justice to all who have given their lives for him. The sixth seal announces God’s direct judgments and punishments yet to come.
The “First Interlude” occurs in ch. 7, which describes the sealing (i.e., marking, setting apart) of the 144,000 servants of God at the outset of the great tribulation (7:1-8) and the reward of those in heaven after the great tribulation (7:9-17; see article on The Great Tribulation). Chs. 8-9 reveal the opening of the seventh seal, unveiling another series of judgments the seven trumpets (see 6:1, 12, notes on how the three series of judgments relate and overlap). A “Second Interlude” occurs between the sixth and seventh trumpets, involving John and a little scroll (10:1-11) and two powerful prophetic end-time witnesses (11:1-14). Finally, the seventh trumpet (11:15-19) serves as a preview of the completion of God’s kingdom and judgments (v. 15) and a prelude to the final scenes of God’s unfolding mystery (chs. 12-22).
The third main section (12:1-22:5) provides a detailed picture of the great end-time conflict between God and his adversary, Satan. Chs. 12-13 reveal that God’s people on earth at the time must face a terrible conspiracy and a triad of evil, consisting of (1) the dragon (i.e., Satan, ch. 12), (2) the sea beast (i.e., the antichrist, 13:1-10) and (3) the earth beast (i.e., the false prophet, 13:11-18). Chs. 14-15 contain visions to reassure those who accept and follow Christ during the intensely difficult tribulation period, reminding them that justice will prevail as God is about to pour out his final judgment on the civilization of the antichrist (see article on The Age of the Antichrist). A full revelation of God’s wrath his justified anger, judgment and punishment—then occurs in a series of seven bowl judgments (ch. 16), the judgment of the great prostitute (i.e., false religion and rebellious Christianity, ch. 17) and the fall of Babylon the Great (i.e., the collapse of the evil and corrupt world system, ch. 18). At this point, great rejoicing breaks out in heaven, as the marriage supper of the Lamb and his bride (i.e., Christ and his church) is announced (19:1-10).
However, the grand finale (the event that all previous activities have been moving toward) is yet to occur. John then sees heaven opened and Christ riding out on the white horse as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords to defeat the beast (i.e., antichrist) and all his allies (19:11-21). Satan’s final defeat is preceded by his being bound for a thousand years (20:1-6), during which time Christ will reign on earth with his people (20:4) and after which time Satan is released for a short time (20:7-9). Finally, Satan is thrown into “the lake of fire” forever (20:10). The apocalyptic prophecy concludes with the great white throne judgment scene (20:11-15), the ultimate doom of the wicked (20:14-15; 21:8) and the new heaven and new earth as the destiny and reward of God’s faithful people (21:1-22:5). The book ends with warnings about paying attention to its message and entering into eternal life (22:6-21). For an overview of these events, see chart of The Last Days of History.
Special FeaturesEight major features characterize this book. (1) Revelation is the only NT book classified as prophetic and apocalyptic (see Background section). (2) As an apocalyptic book, its message is presented in symbols that represent realities about future times and events while preserving a certain enigma, or mystery. (3) Numbers are used extensively, including 2; 3; 3 and 1/2; 4; 5; 6; 7; 10; 12; 24; 42; 144; 666; 1,000; 1,260; 7,000; 12,000; 144,000; 100,000,000; and 200,000,000. The most common or recurring number used is seven, which occurs 54 times (e.g., 1:3, 4, 11-12, 16; 5:1, 6; 8:2; 10:3; 12:1, 3; 13:13-14; 15:1, 6-7; 16:14; 17:9-10; 19:20, etc.). This number symbolizes completeness, fullness and perfection. (4) Visions are a major feature, with scenes often shifting in location from earth to heaven and back to earth. (5) Angels are most often associated with the visions and the heavenly decrees and announcements. (6) It is a polemical book, which means that it expresses passionate and strongly worded arguments for and against specific people or things. This approach serves to (a) expose the demonic character of any earthly ruler’s claim to be a “god” and (b) reveal Jesus Christ as the exalted Lord and the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (1:5)—the “king of kings and lord of lords” (19:16). (7) It is a dramatic book that makes the truth of its message as clear and forceful as possible. (8) It is the breath and reflection of the spirit of OT prophecy.
InterpretationThis is the most difficult NT book to interpret. Its original readers probably understood its message with little confusion because the symbolism applied to situations and entities with which they were familiar. Yet, scholars and interpreters throughout the centuries have held various opinions about the book and its prophetic application. These have resulted in five different schools (i.e., methods or types) of interpretation.
(1) The preterist interpretation views the book and most of its prophecies as having already been fulfilled in the original historical setting of the Roman Empire, except for chs. 19-22, which await future fulfillment. Therefore, this view sees most of Revelation as already being fulfilled and its present-day application as purely historical reference.
(2) The historicist interpretation views Revelation as a prophetic forecast, describing the long chain of events in church history from John’s day to the end of history. From this view, the events of Revelation have been unfolding throughout church history and will culminate, or reach their climax, in the end times. In this view, the church of each generation adapts the general principles of the prophecy to its own time.
(3) The idealist interpretation considers the symbolism of the book as conveying certain timeless spiritual principles about good and evil that are effective throughout history in general, without reference to actual historical events. Therefore, this view sees Revelation as an allegory in which everything is purely symbolic of spiritual principles and there is no literal historical fulfillment of events.
(4) The propheticist interpretation follows the same principle used to interpret much of OT prophecy in which the message often has both (a) a short-term, partial fulfillment for the prophet’s own generation and (b) a long-range, future fulfillment at the time of the Messiah’s (Christ’s) coming. In this view, the book of Revelation also is understood as having (a) a prophetic meaning and partial fulfillment for John’s generation in the Roman Empire and (b) a complete future fulfillment in the final period of history and the end of time as we know it.
(5) The futurist interpretation views everything, or nearly everything, from chs. 4-22 as prophecy about events that will occur primarily during a brief period of time (usually thought to be seven years) in the end times. This period is seen as a time of severe tribulation and ultimate judgment on the earth (see article on The Great Tribulation), culminating with Christ’s return to destroy the forces of the antichrist and to establish a thousand-year reign of peace. Following this time will be the final defeat of Satan, the final judgment of the ungodly and the establishment of the new heaven and new earth in which God will live with his people forever.
This study Bible interprets Revelation primarily from the futurist perspective.
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
