Understanding Revelation (Rev 1:1-3) Intro: "Jesus wins" "Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." 1:3, "Blessed is he who reads & those who hear..."
Purpose of the Book Rev 1:1, cf 1:3, 22:10,16.
Basic principles of apocalyptic interpretation Standard apocalyptic literature & should be read like Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, etc.
4 basic schools of approaching Revelation Preterist: 1st century fulfillment in judgment upon Jerusalem Historicist: Judgment upon (Jerusalem &) Rome Futurist: Right before final judgment Idealist: No specific judgment in view
Evaluation: Purpose statements (above) plus 2:10, 3:10, & many other references to immanent judgment eliminate all but Historicist. The cities are interpreted with startling clarity (11:8, cf Is 1:10, Ez 16:53, etc; & 17:7-10, 18, see 1Pe 5:13).
Basic outline 1. Intro(1) 2. Seven churches: "The things which are" (2-3) 3. Seven seals: "The beginning of sorrows" (4-7) Cf Lk 21 & Lk 23:27-31. 4. Seven trumpets: "The judgment of Jerusalem" (8-11) 5. Seven bowls: "The judgment of Rome" (12-19) 6. The Millennial Reign (20:1-10) 7. New Heavens & New Earth (20:11-22:5) 8. Conclusion (22:6-21).
Philip Schaff: "Undoubtedly he had in view primarily the overthrow of Jerusalem & heathen Rome, the two great foes of Christianity at that time."
Application 1. God has given his people an encouragement that he is still reigning through all this destruction & persecution.
2. This balances triumph & suffering, see Rev 12:11. |