The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. Revelation 6 new international version niv the seals. Revelation 1 bible commentary matthew henry concise. Unfortunately for the skeptics, the bible is a supremely solid book, and its words are trustworthy and true. The second coming of christ, for example, obviously did not take place in the first century. If you want to better understand the book of revelation. Easyenglish is a system of simple english designed by wycliffe associates uk. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. Ttws audio guides walk you through each passage in just 5 minutes. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Revelation the last book in the bible was written to tell us about the futureespecially the final conflict between god and satan, and the triumph of jesus christover all the powers of evil and death and hell.
Before beginning to go through the content of revelation, we recommend that you read through the introduction, overview, and hermeneutical sections to familiarize yourself with the framework concerning this incredible book of god. Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation. The book of revelation can be confusing to the modern reader because much of it was written using a symbolic style of language that is not used today. They do this primarily to try to discredit the word of god. It is impossible to see all the events in revelation as already fulfilled. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. Its principal subject is to discover the purposes of god concerning the affairs of the church, and of the nations as connected therewith, to the end of the world. It is only when we start to overallegorize it or to force its interpretation according to our preconceived ideas or doctrines about the end.
The bible is a history book, it tells the pastbut like no other history book it tells the present and future just as clearly. The introduction and prologue to the book of revelation. But that should not keep us from reading it and understanding its main message. Write a running verse by verse commentary of a chapter of your choice of the book of revelation should be at least 3 pages 3. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Read through the book of the revelatuion twice by the end of the semester 2. We hope this dynamic commentary is a beneficial study tool in your devotion to the word of god. The apocalyptic book of revelation uses symbols and old testament references to reveal a pattern of human rebellion and gods plan to overcome evil forever and create a new world. As its first verse declares, it is the revelation from jesus christ to show his servants what must soon take place.
John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. The book of revelation, also sometimes referred to as the apocalypse, contains both literal and figurative prophecies, and both literal and figurative events. Thats why skeptics pay so much attention to the gospels apparent contradictions. Christianitys critics cast doubt on the new testaments reliability by pointing out disparities in the gospels. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servantsthings which must shortly take place. This booklet contains vital understanding that will forever change your outlook on the future. Revelation is a book that has been called everything from a hodgepodge of. Great prophecies in the book of revelation show how and when these catastrophic events will occur. Revelation 3 bible commentary matthew henry concise. The real meaning of the bible s book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, producing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. G if ts, oce and t hepera on of t new testamen church how to study ident ifying the beasts of revelat on jud e, t h ac t s of t po a, volume 1 sunday school quarterly jud e, t h ac t s of t po a, volume 2.
Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. The apocalyptic book of revelation is a symbolic glimpse. There is no shortage of skeptic websites out there claiming lists of bible contradictions. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written.
Sincere bible scholars, in fact, disagree about the meaning of some of the symbolic passages. Dragons and beasts, wrath and grace what does it mean. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. In the study of any book of the bible or any topic of scripture, a certain amount of ground work is needed for understanding, orientation, and motivation. Book of revelation apocalypse in the bible king james. Unfortunately for the skeptics, the bible is a supremely solid book. It fittingly has the last place ending the scriptures and gods revelation to man.
The book of revelation explained takes you on a easy to understand and eyeopening journey through the book of revelation. And christ sent his angel to show it to his servant john, 2 who has told everything he saw. It is the final revelation of god to mankind, and within its message, it completes the messages and prophecies of the past, and links it all into the events to unfold in the near future. Then i heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, come. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 1. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. Pack staggering events foretold in your bible will shock the whole world. The book of revelation explained volume 4 other publications by the author dan iel and rev at on texts exam ned depressi on did j esu d c nd i to h ll. This is particularly so with the book of revelation or prophecy in general. It cannot be understood without knowing the ot prophets ezekiel and daniel especially, nor without knowing the words of the lord jesus in matthew 24. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, a stark account of the apocalypse and a prophecy. The book of revelation contains expressions that are not to be understood literally.
Its bible on your screen pastor in your headphones with clear, relatable teaching so you can understand. The book of revelation is the fulfilment of every biblical prophecy. Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. Identifying babylon the great book of revelation symbol. Although prophecy is scattered all through the bible, two books focus almost entirely on symbolic representations. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka.
Stay connected amidst social distancing receive weekly bible studies to share with family and friends. A bible study in easyenglish 2800 word vocabulary on the book of revelation. The way the book of revelation is actually written is as a series of kind of unfolding revelations, each one of which gets to something deeper in the story. This woman is said to be sitting on crowds and nations. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. This view conflicts with the books own often repeated claim to be prophecy 1. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre.
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