WHO WROTE:  John.  See, “WHEN WRITTEN.”

 

 

WHAT TIME PERIOD IS COVERED:  B.C. 626 - Eternity.

 

 

WHEN WRITTEN:  As far as when the Book of Revelation was written, Eusebius, in summing up the tradition of the Church on this subject, assigns John’s exile to Patmos, and consequently the composition of the Apocalypse to the latter part of the reign of Domitian (81-96 A.D.).  Irenaeus (living and writing in 180 A.D.) says of the Book of Revelation: “For it was seen, not a long time ago, but almost in our own generation, at the end of the reign of Domitian,” “Adv. Haer.,” v. 30, 3.  This testimony is confirmed by Clement of Alexandria (who speaks of “the tyrant”), along with Origen and later writers.  Therefore, around 90 A.D. becomes our setting for the Book of Revelation.

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

The Book of Revelation is heavily dependent upon the Book of Daniel in order to understand this Book.  Also, of the 404 verses in the Book of Revelation, many are either quotations or allusions to other places in the Bible, with 278 of them coming directly from the Old Testament.  Some of these texts in Revelation are direct quotes of the Old Testament.  It is to be remembered that John is speaking to an audience that had full knowledge and command of theOld Testament Scriptures, and therefore his audience would understand his inferences.  Thus, to not have some command of the Old Testament is to not understand or come to false conclusions about statements in the Book of Revelation.  How can you hope to understand this Book when 69% of the Book is coming straight out of the Old Testament?  You will not be able to correctly relate to Its concepts or Its true meanings unless you stop, rediscover or discover which Old Testament concept or passage is being brought out.

 

 In an interesting twist, according to Revelation 1:3, this is the ONLY Book of the entire Bible that pronounces a “blessing” upon those who read it.  Plus, here is my Revelation 1:3 Note:  Here we are told that this entire Book is a “prophecy” and needs to be understood and read as such.  What is not generally understood is that many of these prophecies can be or are already explained in other parts of the Bible -- mostly the Old Testament (Read and understand the Book of Daniel before reading this Book).  That this Book is in prophetic form is again confirmed in Revelation, Chapter 22, Verses 18 & 19.

 

Another name given to the Book of Revelation is, “The Apocalypse.”  The generally accepted thought process when hearing this word “Apocalypse” conjures up views of calamities, wars, etcetera.  However, the Dictionary definition of “Apocalypse,” is, a “revelation, discloser, uncovering, revealing,” and lastly, “any universal or widespread destruction or disaster.”  

 

Here is my Revelation 1:1 Note:  “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” = This statement is generally understood as (1) “The Revelation from Jesus Christ;” or (2) “The Revelation about Jesus Christ.”  However, the Greek word for “Revelation” is, “Apokalupsis,” from which we have our word Apocalypse, and signifies literally, “A revelation,” or “a discovery of what was concealed or hidden.”  It is here said that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, was given by God to Jesus Christ; that Christ gave it to His angel (Rev. 22:16); that this angel showed it to John; and that John sent it to the Churches.  It is properly, therefore, the Revelation of God, sent by these various agents to His servants at large; and as such, this is therefore a more proper title of the Book.  Thus, “The Revelation From Jesus Christ” would be a more appropriate title.

 

If we look at Jesus’ Words at the end of this Book, we can discern from Revelation 22:18-19 (see also verses 7 & 10) that this is a Book of future “prophecies,” with Revelation 1:1 explaining that:  “The Revelation [comes from] of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto [Jesus, not John as some think] Him, to shew [or reveal, disclose, uncover] unto His [see how it is Jesus and not John] servants things which must shortly come to pass.”

 

Consider verses like Luke 16:31:  “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded,” and John 5:46:  “[46] For had ye believed Moses. . . [47] But if ye believe not his writings.”

 

 

WITH THAT SAID:  The fact that it is, that any “Revelation,” argues against those who believe the Book of Revelation to be too hard to understand or to decode (mostly because they do not have command of the Book of Daniel or other Old Testament writings).  For the most part, the language used to describe Revelation’s prophecies must not be interpreted literally.  As a rule, the reading of the Bible, in general, presupposes a literal understanding of the text (unless the text points to intended symbolism).  By contrast, when we read the Book of Revelation, unless the text points to a literal meaning, we need to interpret it through its symbolism.  Therefore, one must understand and have some command of the Old Testament if you are going to have any opportunity of grasping the concepts in the Book of Revelation, as expressed in Its symbolic language.

 

From Acts Of The Apostles, p. 584:  “In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God.  The very name given to its inspired pages, ‘the Revelation,’ contradicts the statement that this is a sealed Book.  A revelation is something revealed.  The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this Book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all.  Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earth’s history, as well as to those living in the days of John.  Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of Heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new.”

 

The Greek verb “proskuneo,” meaning, “to worship,” is a fundamental liturgical term and occurs 24 times in The Book of Revelation.  This represents almost half of the entire New Testament occurrences.  That the theme and theological study of this Book revolves around, “Who do you worship,” and as we shall see later, what and when (better, what day) do you “worship,” is dynamic to the outcome of your evaluation of this Book and your life.

 

The importance of “Who do you worship” cannot be overemphasized.  It is a key point to one of the main reasons for the writing of this Book.  As an example, when our Lord was tempted of Satan in the wilderness after a 40 day fast (Matthew & Luke, Chapters 4), our Lord allowed Satan’s attacks.  But when Satan asked Jesus to “worship” him, the trial was over and Satan was rebuked.

 

Another very important concept in the Book of Revelation is, “repenting” and “overcoming.”  This is ALWAYS our God’s solution to all our problems.  Without these very important models which Revelation aspires to stress to you (and the rest of God’s Word for that matter), you will come very short of other concepts and points that the Book of Revelation is making.  An example would be the discourses about each of the Churches in Chapters 2 and 3 (2:5 & 16 & 21 & 22; 3:3 & 19).  In those Chapters I will be bringing out their main point of character building.  In a side note, When Jesus began His ministry, the very first word out of His mouth was, “Repent,” Matthew 4:17.  When John the Baptist began his preaching, the very first word out of his mouth was, “Repent,” Matthew 3:2.

 

Here is my Note on Revelation 2:5 & 2:7 & 2:11 & 2:16 & 2:17 & 2:21 & 2:22 & 2:26 & 3:3 & 3:5 & 3:12 & 3:19 & 3:21 & 11:7 & 13:7 & 17:14 & 21:7 (Mat. 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 11:18; 17:30; Rom. 2:4; 12:21; 2Pe. 3:9; 1Jo. 2:13 & 14; 4:4; to site a few): “repent” and “overcometh” = In regard to this repentance, the true Biblical concept of the word is that one “repent” and then, STOP repenting.  In other words, first repent, and then “overcome repenting,” as expressed in Revelation 2:7: “To him that overcometh,” is given salvation. The form of the Greek verb “nikno,” implies that the person “continues to overcome,” or “continues to prevail and have the victory.”  This is very much like Sanctification being the work of a lifetime.

 

It also must be rigorously noticed that it is only those who are willing and able to “overcome” that are the only ones who are allowed to have the right “to eat of the tree of life.”  So how do you truly “overcome?”  Revelation answers Its own admonition: “by the blood of the Lamb,” Revelation 7:14 & 12:11.

 

There are three ways to interpret the Book of Revelation:

 

The First is that it is Historical.

The Second is that it is Futuristic.

And the Third is that it is both Historical, Futuristic, and Present truth.  All or any methods of discernment is of course, spiritual.  However, it should be easy to see and determine that the Book of Revelation stresses first of all, “character” (what yours should be and that of our Lord’s, which we should be modeling to the world and Heaven), and secondly, who/whom do you “worship.”

 

A fundamental aspect to keep in mind is that in the Western world’s conception of prophecy, is to interpret prophecy as a prediction, which comes to its fulfillment later in the future.  By contrast, the Hebrew way of discerning prophecy is in the “patterns” of them, explained below.  I hold to the view of a prophecy possibly having “multiple applications,” meaning, “Apocalyptic Prophecy.”  Notice that I use the word “applications,” not fulfillments, for there is a difference.

 

As an example of Hebrew interpretation of prophecy in “patterns,” with the fourth beast being a representation of Rome (see my commentary on the fourth beast of Revelation, Chapter 13), there are also “multiple applications” for this apocalyptic prophecy -- such as becoming the Papacy, instead of just already being the Papacy, etcetera.  The application remains true however.  The “Apocalyptic” interpretation of prophecy is successful in that it would still leave the historical identifications in place, along with allowing the principles illustrated by the prophecy to be applied to different times and places, as the writers of the Scriptures were so adept at doing.  In other words, Rome transforms from a purely political power, then to a political/religious power, then to a purely religious power.  What is known today as the Papacy.  All this is done in one prophecy.  Whereas, if you stay with the Western concept of interpreting prophecy, Rome would mean Rome and nothing else.

 

In another example, the Book of Revelation speaks of Babylon, not the real physical Babylon, but the one representing the final persecuting power.  One is a type, the other is the anti-type.  In the same way, the classical Protestant interpretation of the fourth beast, i.e., “Rome,” illustrates ways of thinking and acting that find parallels elsewhere in our world.  The primary identification of “Rome” remains in place, but other applications are possible.  In fact, in 1896 Ellen White herself wrote:  “We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the Papacy,”TM:112.  She was not denying the application to “Rome,” but was suggesting a shift of emphasis, and or a dual prophecy.  In other words, more applications are to be applied to this prophecy.  Thus, don’t lock yourself into one theme unless there are too many applications to have it apply to anything or anyone else.  If the plane text makes sense, don’t make it say non-sense.

 

The title of “Lamb” is used interchangeably with “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” Revelation 5:5.  This Lamb-like figure of the “Lamb” is used 29 times in the Book of Revelation.  From AA:589 we read:  “The Saviour is presented before John under the symbols of ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah’ and of ‘a Lamb as it had been slain.’ Revelation 5:5, 6.  These symbols represent the union of Omnipotent power and self-sacrificing Love.  The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejecters of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful.  The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of God’s Law is a token of light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His Commandments.  The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal.  Everyone who is faithful will be saved.”

 

We can also find very many references to articles belonging to both the earthly, and, as is here, the Heavenly Sanctuary.  For obvious references to (mostly Heavenly) Sanctuary Articles in the Book of Revelation, see:  Revelation 4:5; 6:9; 8:3 & 5; 9:13; 11:1 & 19; 14:18; 15:5; 16:1 & 7.

 

Another interesting aspect of the Book of Revelation, is to notice the parallels in design between the Book of Joshua, in the Old Testament, and the Book of Revelation, in the New Testament.  Joshua’s name is in Hebrew, but in the Greek, it could be rendered, “Jesus.”  Joshua’s mission is to dispossess the usurpers from the Promised Land on behalf of God’s people.  While in the Book of Revelation, Jesus’ mission is to dispossess Planet Earth of the usurpers.

 

Continuing, Joshua initially sends ahead two witnesses (with the Bible calling them spies).  While the “two witnesses” of Revelation, Chapter 11, are a prominent element always directing the follower in the correct direction.  In addition, we observe that in the initial attack on the Amorite capital of Jericho in the Book of Joshua, every rule of the Torah was violated.  How is that?  The Levites were exempt from military duties, yet they lead the procession.  The Israelites were to do no work on the Sabbath Day; yet here they march around Jericho once a day for six days, and then seven times on the seventh day!  They also were to keep silent until the final trumpet blast.  What is interesting about this correlation is that the Seven Trumpets in Revelation are introduced after a strange silence.  It seems that in the Book of Revelation we have the final “Joshua,” dispossessing the Planet Earth of its usurpers on behalf of God’s people in a manner that is remarkably parallel.

 

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is referred to as “the Lamb” 29 times, not so much because of the meekness of His character, but rather because He was slain as a Sacrificial Victim for you and for me.  Thus, a correct understanding of the workings of the earthly Sanctuary must be studied in order to give a proper understanding and any insights into the workings of the now occupied by Jesus -- Heavenly Sanctuary; as brought out in the Book of Revelation.

 

From 4SP:261; SR:377 we read:  “. . .the Ark containing the Law of God, the Altar of Incense, and other instruments of service found in the Sanctuary below, have also their counterpart in the Sanctuary above.  In holy vision the apostle John was permitted to enter Heaven, and he there beheld the Candlestick and the Altar of Incense, and as ‘the temple of God was opened,’ he beheld also ‘the Ark of His Testament.’ ”  Notice that the Table of Shewbread is not brought out.  To understand why It is not mentioned in the Book of Revelation, see my Bible Study:  “THE SANCTUARY,” under SDA.

 

From 8T:302 we read:  “The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people.  Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention.”  In most of her writings she tells us to focus upon the cross daily.  However, you can see how important she also felt about the Book of Revelation.  Also notice that she states, “given in their order,” the prophecies order, not “in order” as in sequence of time.

 

And from AA:585 we read:  “In the Revelation all the Books of the Bible meet and end.  Here is the complement of the Book of Daniel.  One is a prophecy; the other a revelation.  The Book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but the last days.”  Therefore, we can now understand “the last days.”

 

And finally:  “All who are preparing to meet their Lord should make this Book the subject of earnest study and prayer.  It is just what its name signifies, -- a revelation of the important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history.”  Pacific Union Recorder, January 14, 1904.

 

In a startling statement we have this quote:  “The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols [see my Bible Study:  “REVELATION SYMBOLS,”] the things that were to come to pass until the Coming of Christ [see my Bible comment on Rev. 1:19].  He was bidden to write the instruction in a Book for the benefit of the seven Churches.  This writing we now have preserved in the Book of Revelation, but this Book is understood by only a very few.  It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.”  RH, February 14, 1907; 13MR:304; PC:140.

 

From RH, March 1, 1881:  “The bitterest hatred was kindled against John for his unwavering fidelity to the cause of Christ.  He was the last survivor of the disciples who were intimately connected with Jesus; and his enemies decided that his testimony must be silenced.  If this could be accomplished, they thought the doctrine of Christ would not spread; and if treated with severity, it might soon die out of the world.  John was accordingly summoned to Rome to be tried for his faith.  His doctrines were misstated.  False witnesses accused him as a seditious person, publicly teaching theories which would subvert the nation.

 

“The apostle presented his faith in a clear and convincing manner, with such simplicity and candor that his words had a powerful effect.  His hearers were astonished at his wisdom and eloquence.  But the more convincing his testimony, the deeper the hatred of those who opposed the truth.  The emperor was filled with rage, and blasphemed the name of God and of Christ.  He could not controvert the apostle’s reasoning, or match the power which attended the utterance of truth, and he determined to silence its faithful advocate.

 

“Here we see how hard the heart may become when obstinately set against the purposes of God.  The foes of the Church were determined to maintain their pride and power before the people.  By the emperor’s decree, John was banished to the Isle of Patmos, condemned, as he tells us, ‘for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ [Rev. 1:9] But the enemies of Christ utterly fail in their purpose to silence His faithful witness.  From the Isle of Patmos, comes the apostle’s voice, reaching even to the end of time, and revealing the most thrilling truths ever presented to mortals.”

 

One last thing before we enter into the Book of Revelation.  Satan knows and understands something that most Christians fail to totally grasp -- although they should.  He realized that all beings, including himself, were designed (created) in order to “worship.”  Therefore, when he decided to worship self, he brought into the equation of three possibilities for mankind once he helped them to fall.  And those three are, Worship God, Worship Self, or Worship Satan.  Thus, the Book of Revelation asks, Who do you Worship?

 

Here is my Joshua 24:15 Note:  “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve. . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” = Joshua asks those whom are undecided to “choose” who or what they will “serve [worship],”  But he then tells them that there will no longer be any “choosing” in his household -- for they will worship the LORD.  The message for us is to stop “choosing,” stop “repenting,” and “overcome” repenting.

 

To “overcome” is a MAIN THEME of this Book.  Therefore, what do the “overcomers” receive?

They Enjoy The Tree Of Life = Revelation 2:7.

They Are Not Subject To Spiritual Death = Revelation 2:11.

They Will Be Fed Manna = Revelation 2:17.

They Will Have A Whit Stone With Their Name On It = Revelation 2:17.

They Will Be Granted Power Over The Nations In Heaven = Revelation 2:26.

They Will Be Clothed In White = Revelation 3:5.

They Will Have Christ Acknowledge Their Name = Revelation 3:5.

They Will Be Pillars In The Lord’s Temple = Revelation 3:12.

They Will Have Christ Write His Name And The City’s Name On Them = Revelation 3:12.

They Will Sit With Christ On His Throne = Revelation 3:21.

 

Therefore, how do you become an “overcomer?”

You Remain Loyal To God = Revelation 2:1-3.

You Remain Faithful During The Tribulation = Revelation 2:8-11.

You Remain Spiritually Zealous = Revelation 2:19.

You Do Not Defile Your Garments = Revelation 3:4.

You Do Not Deny Christ = Revelation 3:8 & 10.

You Keep The Word Of His Patience = Revelation 3:10.