We read the astounding and exhilarating climactic vision of Rev 21:9-27 in the light of Exodus 28:15-21, Daniel 2:34-35, Ezekiel 40-43, Isaiah 2:2-3, Isaiah 54:11-14 and Psalm 47/8:13-15. Rather than simply being spectators of this vision, we find ourselves inscribed in it, sharing the very glory of God.

This week we read Revelation 21:1-8, understanding it in the light of Isaiah 65-66, Colossians 1:19-20, Eph 3:10, 2 Pet 3:12-13, and Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:22: 13:14. With the angels, we are astonished that God promises to renew heaven and well as earth, and has already begun this transformation in the Holy Spirit.

We read Revelation 20:1-15 in the light of the gospels, Psalm 85:10-11 and Isaiah 66:24. This chapter leads us not only into the vivid climax of the Apocalypse, but into two heated debates among those who name Christ; millennialism, and universalism. It reminds us that God’s justice and love are in harmony, and that even now, He reigns.

We read Revelation 20:1-15 in the light of the gospels, Psalm 85:10-11 and Isaiah 66:24. This chapter leads us not only into the vivid climax of the Apocalypse, but into two heated debates among those who name Christ; millennialism, and universalism. It reminds us that God’s justice and love are in harmony, and that even now, He reigns.

In Revelation 19:11-21, the heavens are opened, revealing the mounted Word of God, and His final conquest over evil. We are helped with this exhilarating and disturbing passage by seeing echoes in Psalm 72/71:2, Psalm 44/5:3-5, Isaiah 63:1-3, and listening to the wisdom of ancient commentators.

This week we read Revelation 19:1-10 in the light of Isaiah 61:10, Genesis 3:21, Matthew 16:27, and 1 Peter 5:5, noting that the praises of God are undergirded by substantial reasons, that we are called to cooperate in our salvation, and that we have been blessed in a way that confers unimaginable dignity upon human beings.

This week we behold the dramatic laments and final symbolic action concerning Babylon. The colorful vision of Rev 18:9-24, amplified by Amos 3:15-4:2, reveals the network of evil and oppression surrounding “Babylon,” and leads us forward towards joy in the victory of the God’s light and truth.

This week we consider Revelation 18:1-8, considering the inevitable judgment of Babylon in the light of the prophet Isaiah (13:21-22; 47:7-9) and Malachi.

This week we consider Revelation 17 in the light of Jeremiah’s words concerning historical Babylon. The dark mystery of the visionary Babylon instructs us on the unreal nature of human and demonic power when it is sought in defiance of the living God.

This week we consider Revelation 16 as an intensification of Exodus 7-12, looking to Haggai 2:6-7, and various other NT passages, as well as some Church fathers, in our reading of this sobering passage.